CASTLE HOUSE & GARDEN TOUR
7
nights/7 days
Interesting, Unhurried & Friendly
Country
Lanes Tours is proud of our long history with The National Trust and this tour
features some of their best gardens, castles and other properties, large and
small, which are found in north and central Wales. The National Trust also owns
over 100,000 acres of countryside, including mount Snowdon – the highest
mountain in all of Wales.
For this
tour we will travel in a comfortable ‘mini-coach’ with a maximum number of 12
occupants.
A great deal
of our travels will take place within the Snowdonia National Park. Snowdonia is
a precious place; it is unique, with its miles of ancient hedgerows and dry
stone walls, traditional stone cottages, vernacular buildings, and diverse
wildlife living in its 55,000 acres.
Our home
base is in the mountain village of Betws y Coed, Welsh for “Chapel in the
Woods”. The village was built almost entirely of stone and slate quarried from
the mountains of Snowdonia and became a holiday destination with the arrival of
the railway in 868. Small hotels sprang up to accommodate travelers in Victorian
times and the village is still a favorite haunt all year round for those who
love the outdoor life. Naturalists, ramblers, anglers, artists and photographers
can be seen any day gathered at the village’s heart, the famous Pont-y-Pair
(Bridge of the Cauldron).
Our hotel
for 7 nights means no packing and unpacking.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Friday:
5.00pm
Welcome reception, meeting in the residence lounge.
6.00pm Your
guide will take you on a short familiarization stroll around the village.
7.30pm
Dinner.
Day 2 – Saturday:
Plas Newydd & Cemaes Heritage Coast
Departing Betws traveling through the Ogden Valley, crossing
Thomas Teford’s famous suspension bridge (b.182) to the Isle of Anglesey
to visit Plas Newydd. This is a handsome 18th century house built by
James Wyatt (1746 – 1813) on the banks of the Menai Straits. The hose is well
known for its association with Rex Whistler, whose largest wall-painting is
here. There is also a small military museum containing campaign relics of the 1st
Marquess of Anglesey and the battle of waterloo.
The property
has a fine spring garden, mature woodland with access to a marine walk.
After lunch
we travel to a stretch of coast at Cemeas, on the north of Anglesey,
which is designated a Heritage Coast because of its’ unspoiled beauty. The
lagoon at Cemlyn, with its winter wildfowl, is perfect for bird watchers.
Day 3 – Sunday
Bodnant
Garden & Male Voice Choir Concert
Morning at leisure in the village.
After lunch
a visit to Bodnant, one of Britain’s most spectacular gardens, Created in
the early years of the 20th century by the 2n Lord Aberconwy. The
site covers an area of 80 acres and holds the national Collections of
Rhododendrons, Magnolias and Eucryphias.
Another of
its’ attractions is the world famous laburnum Arch, an overwhelming mass of
golden blooms forming a tunnel 36 meters long.
After dinner
an opportunity to attend a Male Voice Choir in concert at St. Mary’s church in
the village.
Day 4 – Monday:
Penrhyn Castle & Cwm Idwal
Departing Betws, we travel through the dramatic Llanberis Pass to
visit Penrhyn Castle. This massive neo-Norman castle was built by Thomas
Hopper (1776 – 1856) between 1820 – 1836 for the Pennant family, who made their
fortune from the slate industry.
The castle
is surrounded by parkland, formal gardens and semi-wooded walks, with many
exotic species in the Victorian walled garden.
After lunch
we journey up the Ffrancon valet to Cwm Idwal, which is one of the best
places, and most southerly British places, to see plants which were very common
during the cold glacial periods. Arctic-alpine plants such as moss campion and
saxifrages can be seen in the cracks and crevices of the north facing slopes.
Day 5 – Tuesday:
Taking the Steam Train to the Summit of Snowdon
The National Trust launched an appeal in 2000 to raise £3.5 million to purchase
Wales’ highest mountain. The ‘Save Snowdon’ appeal captured the hearts of
hundreds of thousands of people worldwide, including the appeal’s president,
actor Sir Anthony Hopkins, who dipped into his own pocket for the tune of £1
million.
Today, we
follow the ‘tracks’ of holiday makers and steam train enthusiasts who, for more
than 110 years, have appreciated the truly spectacular views as the train climbs
through the atmospheric landscape of Snowdon, and be absorbed in the rich myth,
legend and history Snowdonia has to offer.
Day 6 – Wednesday:
Ty Mawr Wymbrnat & Aberconwy House
Not all National Trust properties are so big; today we visit Ty Mawr in the
secluded Wybrnant Valley, the birthplace of Bishop William Morgan,
translator of the entire bible into Welsh. The house has been restored to its 16th
-17th century appearance and houses a display of bibles in several
languages. The house is surrounded by open fields and woodlands. Dating from the
14th century, Aberconwy house is the only merchant house in the
medieval Walled Town of Conwy to have survived its turbulent past.
Day 7 – Thursday:
Powis Castle and Garden &
Chirk Castle
Powis Castle: Built in the 12th
century by Welsh princes and perched dramatically on a rock above the
magnificent gardens, this imposing castle has been adapted and embellished by
successive generations of Herberts and Clives. The celebrated 17th
century garden was laid out under the influence of the Italian and French styles
and is overhung by enormous clipped yews.
Chirk Castle: a magnificent Marcher fortress
completed in 1310, the castle’s austere exterior contrasts with the elegant
rooms within and the dramatic dungeon is a reminder of its’ turbulent past.
Information
The Gwydyr Hotel
The Gwydyr
Hotel in Betws y Coed in the heart of Snowdonia is surrounded is surrounded by
some of the most picturesque scenery in North Wales. The hotel, full of
character and atmosphere, is owned and run by brothers David and Owen
Wainwright. The Gwydyr Hotel is a picturesque building, situated in the center
of the village amidst charming scenery and overlooking the delightful village
green and is known for its friendly atmosphere, wonderful food, fine wine and
excellent service. Tastefully appointed bedrooms are fully equipped with
telephones, televisions, radio, beverage facilities, centrally heated and are
all en-suite.
The National Trust Castle, House and
Garden Tour Inclusions:
-
Seven nights
at the 3 star Gwydyr Hotel, Betws y Coed.
-
Traditional
or buffet style breakfast daily.
-
Six three
course dinners at the hotel.
-
Private
welcome reception at the hotel.
-
End of tour
dinner at a local Pub.
-
Free car
parking at hotel.
Inclusive Tours, Excursions, Activities
and Special Features:
-
Visit 10
National Trust properties and locations.
-
Steam train
to the summit of mount Snowdon.
-
Visit male
voice choir concert.
-
The services
of native (bi-lingual) Welsh speaking driver/guide.
-
One stop
only, no repacking.
-
No long
journey on coach – frequent stops.
Not included:
-
Meals not
specified in the itinerary.
-
Items of
personal nature.
-
Travel
Insurance.
-
Gratuities
to driver/guide.
2008 Tour Departure Dates:
-
25th
April
-
23rd
May
-
20th
June
Prices:
-
£945 per
person sharing twin/double.
-
Single
Supplement £140.
-
Deposit
required £250 per person, balance payable 70 days prior to departure.
How to Get to Betws y Coed:
AIR: Manchester International Airport has the
most incoming flights followed by John Lennon Airport, Liverpool; transfer time
by car to hotel is around one and a half hours.
RAIL: Virgin railways have direct trains from
London Euston to Llandudno Junction a journey of 4 hours, onwards to Betws y
Coed by car is a half hour journey.
ROAD: Follow signs to the A 55 expressway
travel west leave at Junction 19 and follow the A 470 signpost to Betws y Coed.
Private Car/Taxi: Transfer can be
pre-arranged.
