Residential visit to the historic houses and heritage of North Wales
5 days; 1 – 5 October 2026, from £879
A splendid mixture of important castles, grand houses, a river cruise and railway outing, and splendid gardens. See the Snowdonia range and venture ‘overseas’ to the Isle of Anglesey. Welsh speaking optional!
A full brochure is available, but the key points are given below.
Day 1 Leaving Dorking on Thursday 1 October by executive coach, we visit en route the National Trust’s Attingham Park in Shropshire, an elegant 18th Century mansion. Then on to Caernarfon, a royal town and port on the Menai Strait, where we settle in to our base for a four night stay, in the 3* Celtic Royal Hotel.
On the following day, our Blue Badge Guide will take us to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Caernarfon Castle, built as a royal palace and military fortress – later to be the site of the investiture of King Charles III as Prince of Wales. A cruise on the Menai Strait offers spectacular views, before we move on to Penrhyn Castle, another National Trust property.
On Day 3 we relax with a scenic ride on the Welsh Highland Narrow Gauge Railway down to Porthmadog, via the stunning Aberglaslyn Pass, to the quaint miniature village of Portmeirion.
Day 4: Crossing the water to Anglesey, we find the great unfinished Beaumaris Castle, before visiting Plas Newydd Country House and gardens. This splendid 18th century country house was the home of Henry Paget, who lost a leg whilst leading the cavalry at the Battle of Waterloo, for which he was awarded the title ‘Marquess of Anglesey’ for his bravery.
En route for home we visit the National Trust‘s 80 acre Bodnant Gardens, located above the River Conwy, still giving splendid views across Snowdonia.
To book your place, request the brochure, or for more information, Email: Ianthecox72@gmail.com or telephone 07779 146852.