South Wales

South Wales contains the industrial and cultural heritage of the nation and provides a compact itinerary for our guests. We'll explore everything from the coal mining valleys to the inspiration for Dylan Thomas poetry amongst the Gower, South West Wales and that ugly, lovely town otherwise known as Swansea.

Castle Coch - a gothic fantasy creation funded by John Crichton-Stuart, the 3rd Marquees of Bute, one of the richest men of the latter 19th century who controlled the export of coal from the major ports such as Cardiff. William Burges was commissioned to create an occasional country retreat in an arts and crafts revival of the medieval style which was also recreated at Bute's main residence at Cardiff Castle.

Cardiff - as the capital of Wales offers a wide range of activities from international rugby matches at the Millennium Stadium, shopping in the Edwardian arcades and Cardiff Castle. The Castle pictured above contains many different fortifications constructed over 2,000 years. The earth work banks were created by the Romans as part of their attempted conquest of Wales. The Normans were the next set of invaders to leave their mark with a motet-and-bailey design stone castle on the site circa 1080-1090. The third Marquess of Bute is largely responsible for the final structure on the site by commissioning William Burges in the latter part of the 19th century to create the magnificent gothic revival interior we see today.

Welsh Valleys - The Valleys offer a great insight into the Welsh culture and spectacular scenery. Big Pit National Coal Museum at Blaenafon allows our guests to experience a tour underground and understand the dangers, physical endurance and camaraderie amongst the men. Tredegar was the home of Nye Bevan who as a Labour Member of Parliament and Secretary of Health (1945-1951) created the National Health Service in 1948 and to which we still benefit to this day. There are also a number of interesting modernist architectural estates and buildings. Ebbw Vale Garden City is often overlooked compared with Welwyn and Letchworth but well worth exploring and understanding this reaction to creating a better world after the First World War. Outside of Tonypandy is a great example of a Brutalist building created by the Miners Social Club which brought together the community, known as The Rez. The opportunity should not to be missed to hear the Morriston Orpheus Choir that represent the best of a Welsh Male Voice Choir and watching a Welsh International Rugby match at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.