Explore the rich heritage of
Wales BRITISH HISTORY BREAKS E S T . 2 0 1 3
Contents Introduction Castles of Edward I Marc Morris A Taste of Wales Wales in 7 Days South West Wales Cardiff and Beyond Adventure Wales St David's Pilgrimage Contact us
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Introducing
British history breaks
British History Breaks delivers special interest tours for leisure groups, staying at 3*, 4* and 5* castle retreats, historic hotels, country house hotels and coaching inns. Our tours are designed to tell the story of the places they visit through their heritage, engaging visitors with the legends, landscapes and historical sites. Staying in the finest heritage accommodation, our tours are intimate and friendly, full board and cater for up to 20 people. All our tours are delivered by a mix of expert guides and professional historians, following themes uniquely put together using our local knowledge and insight to create an experience which will take visitors to the heart of a region. Founder and coDirector Lewis Stallard says: “Tours in the 21st Century need to be more than just ticking off attractions. They should engage the traveller, allowing them to discover and selfdiscover in equal measure. As our world becomes more homogenised it is increasingly important to showcase authenticity; this is where true escapism lies.” 4
Castles of Edward I 18th-20th sept. Led by historian marc morris
An extra special British History Breaks tour, led by historian and broadcaster Marc Morris. Accommodation for the weekend is provided by Plas Dinas Country House for an aristocratic Welsh country living experience Friday 18th September Following dinner, Marc will give an introduction to Edward I’s campaign against the native Welsh Prince Llywelyn ap Gruffudd. Saturday 19th September Travel along the North Wales coast to Rhuddlan castle to see the remarkable and littleknown gem which once played a key role in Edward's military success. Travel to Conwy Castle where Marc will take us on a journey within the famous Castle.
Lunch is served at a restaurant within the historic walled town. The first day rounds off with a visit to the World famous Caernarfon Castle. With its renowned hexagonal towers modelled on those at Constantinople, the Castle has overseen the investiture of the heir to the British throne for over 800 years. Sunday 20th September We visit the nearby Llyn peninsula where the town of Criccieth is overlooked by its namesake castle on the promontory hill.
From here we head to Harlech Castle, the site of many famous battles between the native Welsh and the powerful English armies. We take lunch enroute north through the beautiful scenery of Snowdonia to cross into the mysterious Island of Anglesey, spiritual home of the Druids in ancient times but more recently the setting for the nearperfect fortress of Beaumaris; a castle so intricate that its costly erection nearly bankrupted England.
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Capacity 20 Friday 18th Sunday 20th September 2015
£590.00 per person, full board. Price based on two people sharing a double or twin room.
Price includes 2 night stay at Plas Dinas Country House Travel by executive coach Entrance to all attractions Fully catered Tour leader Marc Morris Tour manager
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A Taste Of Wales 4th-6th Sept. 18th-20th sept.
Delight your taste buds
Cuisine is an important part of any vacation, providing a stimulating experience for the senses, which makes for great memories and a deeper appreciation of an area’s sense of place. Our heritage food and drink tour calls into some of the UK’s best natural and manmade heritage sites while sampling Wales’ contemporary take on traditional cuisine. Day 1: Cardiff is a modern Capital with all the influences one would expect of a major European city including its finest craft beers and Michelin starred restaurants. Following a stroll around food and drink hotspots of Britain’s youngest capital we move on to sample Welsh wine at an award winning vineyard. Relax for the evening at the Glen Yr Afon House Hotel, a Victorian villa overlooking the banks of the River Usk; enjoy a three course dinner in the grand library.
Day 2: Forgotten Heritage – The Welsh have long been the custodians of the ancient traditions of the Britons. From 2,000 years of wine making through to knowledge of medicinal herbs we explore some of those traditions that our ancestors would have taken for granted. Following a cooked breakfast, we take the opportunity to explore Welsh food in a little more detail. Travel down towards the coast for a glimpse of the wonderful Gower peninsula on the way to the stunning Parc Le Breos House.
The 19th Century Hunting Lodge is situated on the outskirts of the Gower village of Parkmill in the once deer park of William de Breos. Day 3: Surf & Turf – Wales’ links to the outer world has always come via the sea and in the case of the Gower it also points the way to the past. Shellfish, seaweed and lamb grazed on salt marshes are amongst the local specialties here. In the afternoon we head to Carmarthenshire to sample the finest local dishes from Wales’ larder at Fairyhill Hotel. We'll 8
walk off the delicious food around 3 Cliffs Bay before sampling a traditional bowl of Cawl. Guests can then choose to return to Cardiff or continue on for a further two nights in Laugharne, exploring Welsh liquer and literature, staying at the newly refurbished Browns Hotel, made famous by Dylan Thomas.
Capacity 20
Friday 4th Sunday 6th September 2015 Friday 18th Sunday 20th September 2015
£495.00 per person, full board. Price based on two people sharing a double or twin room.
Price includes 2 night stay at BHB recommended historic hotels Travel by executive coach Entrance to all attractions Fully catered Local guide
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Wales in 7 Days 7 Day tour CULTURE AND ADVENTURE
Taking in the finest manmade and natural heritage sites in Wales, this seven day tour visits no less than 6 UNESCO listed attractions as well as some of the UK’s wildest and most spectacular places. Day One: Learn how tiny Wales changed the Arrive in Cardiff. The Parc Hotel world. Venture below the surface is a great citycentre option with and experience the life of a Welsh easy access to the mustsee sight of coal miner at the UNESCO Cardiff Castle and its 2,000 years World Heritage Site in of history. Make sure you visit the Blaenavon. bedroom of the 3rd Marquess of Bute. His 16year collaboration Stay the night at Llangoed Hall with architect William Burgess which reputedly stands on the 6th transformed the castle into a Neo century site of the first Welsh Gothic palace, with a different Parliament. theme in every room taking years to complete. Day Three: Day Two: Caerphilly Castle is easily one of Europe’s greatest medieval fortresses and a genuine hidden gem.
Travel to Dolgellau to experience the stunning natural beauty of the Mawddach estuary. A cycle trip or horse ride around the estuary is highly recommended. We'll take a tour of the famous Harlech Castle with its grand vistas of Snowdonia.
For an aristocratic Welsh country living experience, stay at Plas Dinas Country House. Day Four: Kings in waiting have been invested at Caernarfon Castle for over 800 years. We will explore the medieval town and take lunch in one of the taverns. The Llanberis Slate Museum tells a story of how Wales roofed the world and offers an incredible underground experience the atmospheric slate mines. For an exhilarating guided adventure of the mines upgrade to ‘Go Below’ with abseiling, ziplining,
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scrambling, boating and climbing a waterfall – all beneath the surface (£49 upgrade – adventurers will need to leave Caernarfon by 11am) Stay at the awardwinning ‘Ye Olde Bulls Head Inn’ in Beaumaris. You'll have your own time to wander the beautiful town & castle too, a perfectly symmetrical fortress that nearly bankrupted the allconquering English King Edward I. Day Five: In the heart of the Snowdonia Mountains, the Snowdon heritage railway takes visitors to the summit of the highest peak in Wales and England. For the more adventurous, there are a great variety of walking trails. Just make sure you wear sturdy boots and pack for all weathers!
For even more of a challenge Tryfan in the Ogwen valley is a great, exposed scramble. The final World Heritage castle is sited on the stunning Conwy estuary. The castle and medieval town both take the name of the estuary and there are a host of historic buildings to explore. We'll stay overnight at Bodysgallen Hall, one of only three National Trust hotels, and relax in the spa. Day Six: The most recent inductee to the UNESCO club, a canal boat ride on the Llangollen canal and across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a once in a lifetime experience, combining the finest in man made and natural heritage of the British Isles.
Travel back to the The ParcHotel in Cardiff for your last two nights to enjoy everything this European Capital has to offer. Day Seven: Visit some of Cardiff's wonderful museums. Within easy walking distance is the National Museum of Wales, while ST Fagan's Museum of Welsh Life takes you through 6,000 years of Welsh buildings that have been de constructed from their original places and reconstructed in their prime within the museum's landscaped grounds. In the evening you'll be spoilt for choice with theatre shows and live music across the city.
Capacity 20
£1400.00 per person, full board. Price based on two people sharing a double or twin room.
Price includes 7 night stay at BHB recommended historic hotels Travel by executive coach Entrance to all attractions Fully catered Local guide Tour manager 11
South West Wales 5 Day tour HISTORY AT ITS FINEST
Explore the wonders of South West Wales, from tasting locally produced Penderyn whiskey to dolphin watching from Skomer Island. Day One: Llangoed Hall is a great starting point for this trip. Arrive at your leisure to enjoy the beautiful interiors and surrounding gardens. Day Two: Travel to Kidwelly Castle, the site of many a key battle in Welsh history before heading to the stunning setting of Llansteffan Castle overlooking the Tywi estuary.
who drew inspiration for his work from the stories he would hear here. With a close relationship with the award winning Penderyn Distillery situated at the foot of the Beacon Beacons, this hotel an ideal place to stay during this tour.
excursions to Pembrokeshire’s wild islands or if you’re feeling adventurous try sea kayaking or coasteering! Keep an eye out for the abundant marine wildlife, from orcas to dolphins to seals. Skomer Island has some of the best preserved Iron Age remains in the world.
Day Three: Drop into the medieval town of Pembroke and the mighty Pembroke Castle, birthplace of Henry Tudor. Nearby Carew Castle After a busy day at sea, relax at the has an atmosphere all of its own. Druidstone Hotel. Travel on to Laugharne Castle for Stay overnight in The Grove. a dose of the inspiration that Day Five: Dylan Thomas regularly enjoyed. Day Four: Visit the Bishop’s Palace and Stay in the iconic Browns Hotel; Some of Britain’s finest natural Cathedral at St David’s, home to the favourite watering hole of the heritage lies off the Pembrokeshire the 6th century patron Saint of 12 poet and writer Dylan Thomas coastline. There are many daily Wales.
Take the time to explore the stunning section of coastal path at St Non’s Bay and around St David’s Head. You’ve reached a place which has been a pilgrimage site for thousands of years… congratulations and take some time to contemplate. Enjoy the moment! Travel back to Llangoed Hall by coach.
Capacity 20
£1046.00 per person, full board. Price based on two people sharing a double or twin room.
Price includes 4 night stay at BHB recommended historic hotels Travel by executive coach Entrance to all attractions Fully catered Local guide Tour manager
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Cardiff And Beyond 5 Day tour Explore Britain's Youngest Capital
Exquisite castles, Roman ruins and Victorian arcades are just a few of the sites you will visit during a five day stay in South Wales. Day One: Arrive at Thornbury Castle at your leisure to stay at the beautiful grade I listed hotel built by The Duke of Buckingham, rival to Henry VIII. Day Two: Travel through the beautiful Gwent countryside to visit White Castle, a borderlands fortification. In the afternoon visit the picturesque town of Monmouth before traveling on to visit Raglan Castle. Return to Thornbury Castle for an overnight stay.
Day Three: Visit the incredible 2,000 year old remains at Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths. In the afternoon drop into the Gothic masterpiece of Castell Coch.
eye out for the oldest set of doors in Europe! Visit the village and famous Abbey at Tintern, an inspiration for artists for hundreds of years. Head back to Cardiff and stay overnight at The Parc Hotel.
For a great central Cardiff location stay at The Parc Hotel. From here Cardiff Castle, The National Museum, the Victorian shopping arcades and all the city nightlife is easy to reach within walking distance.
Day Five: Hidden gems don’t come much bigger than Caerphilly Castle. A medieval masterpiece. Head up to the UNESCO world heritage site at Blaenavon for a story of how tiny Wales once powered the world.
Day Four: Begin your day by visiting Chepstow Castle; keep an
Stay overnight at Llangoed Hall Hotel. 14
Capacity 20
£1105.00 per person, full board. Price based on two people sharing a double or twin room.
Price includes 5 night stay at BHB recommended historic hotels Travel by executive coach Entrance to all attractions Fully catered Local guide Tour manager
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Adventure Wales 10 Day tour From the extreme to the serene
2016 is the year of adventure in Wales and with rugged mountains, breathtaking coastline and old mining valleys, it is a perfect playground. Our 10 day adventure tour combines natural history, Welsh heritage and action packed activities into one unforgettable trip. Day 1: Arrival Arrive in Britain’s youngest capital and explore the beautiful architecture of Cardiff’s Victorian shopping arcades. Unwind at The Parc Hotel, situated between two Welsh icons; Cardiff Castle and the Millennium Stadium. Day 2: Around the City Step back in time at St Fagans National History Museum with a variety of homes preserved impeccably from 1805 to 1985. Try traditional baked goods from the onsite bakery while you learn about everyone from the Celts to the Victorians. Prepare for a fright at the Cardiff
Castle Ghost Tour. The castle itself has a wealth of history, a number of significant historic figures were imprisoned here, including; Robert Curthose, William the Conquers eldest son and local Welsh Prince Gruffydd ap Rhys. Stroll back to The Parc Hotel for the night. Day 3: Geology – Mines & Waterfalls Learn how tiny Wales changed the world. Venture below the surface and experience the life of a Welsh coal miner at the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Blaenavon. We then travel to The Waterfalls
Centre in Pontneddfechan. From here we take a tour of the falls including the intriguing remains of the silica mines and disused gunpowder works. Try not to get wet as you take a breathtaking walk behind Sgwd yr Eira. If getting wet does appeal however, we also have the option of taking an audacious gorge walk through the deep canyon! We stay overnight at Nantddu Lodge in the Brecon Beacons which features a spa to relax ready for the week’s coming adrenaline activities. Day 4: Countryside Carmarthenshire’s Brechfa Forest 16
offers some fantastic mountain biking throughout its 18,000 acres of ancient woodland which will test all levels and abilities. A slower paced cultural alternative option is to pan for gold at Dolaucothi. It is the only known Roman gold mine in the UK, with over 2,000 years of history and plenty to discover. Journey down to Wales’ oldest town, Carmarthen. Learn more about the Roman influence in the town or relax with a little retail therapy at the modern St Catherine’s Walk shopping complex. The old jailhouse located in the outer walls now stands as a museum. Retire for the evening to The Grove in Narbeth, one of the country’s most unique privately owned luxury residences.
Day 6: Nature & Wildlife Camera at the ready! Enjoy a 2 hour boat ride around Cardigan Bay where you will meet the resident dolphins, porpoises and Atlantic grey seals. Grey seals are the most common relative to bears, but you won’t see any of those in Cardigan Bay. We then travel to Bwlch Nant Yr Arian, which means Silver River. Here you will witness the majestic Red Kites being fed, it is an incredible sight and not to be missed. Enjoy the evening at Nanteos Mansion, a Grade One listed Georgian Mansion, which boasts a connection to the ‘Holy Grail’.
Day 7: Rivers & Estuaries The Dyfi biosphere provides perfect access to the beautiful Aran Day 5: Serene & Extreme Mountains and their hiking trails. Take in the beautiful views of St For those who prefer a more David’s Cathedral as you enter the gentle activity you can hire bikes grounds of a place of religious and take in the glorious views from pilgrimage for many. We stopoff the riverside. The Dyfi estuary is to scramble up to the Cathedral also the perfect place to indulge in from the inlet where Pilgrims watersports. would have disembarked for From here we travel to millennia, continuing a long Portmeirion on the Dwyrun tradition. From the serene to the Estuary. Ellis acquired the extreme. Coasteering on the ‘abandoned wilderness’ in 1925 and Pembrokeshire coastline. Dive into created the beautiful town that nature as you closely explore the welcomes thousands of visitors rolling Welsh waves and the first every year. Rest for the night at coastal path to circumnavigate a the Portmeirion Hotel. country. Return to The Grove, the history Day 8: Mountains of the Grove can be traced back to The Snowdon Heritage Mountain the 15th century when a longhouse Railway has been in operation (Ty Hir in Welsh) stood on the since 1896 and it has carried over land. 12 million visitors to the summit.
For the more active, there is also the option to walk to the top. Either way, the views are worth the efforts! We then travel down to the National Slate Museum where some of the original workmen show you how to split slate and how Welsh slate is internationally recognised. Stay the night at Plas Dinas Country House, a grade II listed 17th century property bought by Captain Robert Jones from bounty looted from a French Vessel during the Napoleonic wars! Day 9: Snowdonian Adventure Start the day with a bang, experience Europe’s largest zip zone at Zip World Titan, where you can exceed speeds of over 70mph over moor, mountain and mine! If the zipline is not for you then you can choose to Bounce Below; imagine giant trampolines, walkways, slides and tunnels all made from netting. Now picture this suspended in a slate cavern hidden underground and you’ll have the right idea! Or, you could opt for Bear Grylls’ exhilarating Rib Ride Boat Tour around the Menai Straits. It is just a shame there is not enough time to do all three! After an exhilarating day of adventure take time to explore the UNESCO castle of Caernarfon and its medieval town. Built to replicate the walls of Constantinople, Caernarfon has been the site of investiture to Princes of Wales for more than 800 years. Back to Plas Dinas to 17 relax for the evening.
Day 10: Waterways Visiting our third UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct carries the Llangollen Canal through the Dee Valley. Standing at over 126ft the canal runs through an iron trough 1007ft long and was recently included in Trip Advisors 10 heart pumping places to visit. We stop at the world famous Powis Castle enroute back to Cardiff. Featuring renowned gardens, nearly 1,000 years of history and a superb collection of Indian Treasures the celebrated medieval masterpiece is well worth a stopoff. Travelling back along the EnglandWales border, we make our way back to The Parc Hotel for your last night’s stay in the Welsh capital.
Capacity 20
£2289.00 per person, full board. Price based on two people sharing a double or twin room.
Price includes 10 night stay at BHB recommended historic hotels Travel by Executive Coach Entrance to all attractions Fully catered Local guide Tour manager *Additional time in London and/or Bath can be organised for an additional cost
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St David's Pilgrimage bespoke tour A Journey Of Discovery
In an increasingly frantic world, there are still places where all are welcome, where people can be mindful and relax or simply just be. The ecclesiastical capital of Wales, the diocese of Saint David's took on a new significance in the middle ages when Pope Calixtus II decreed it a place of Christian Pilgrimage. In truth, the Holy Way to Saint David's Cathedral, known locally as Meidr Sant, has been a place of pilgrimage for millennia. Wales is crossed with a large number of pilgrim’s tracks, sacred wells and ancient shrines to deities whose names are long forgotten. It has long been known that Stonehenge's oldest stones were quarried nearby while the cromlech of Pentre Ifan bares a striking resemblance to the famous
stone circle yet is more than 1,000 years older. In medieval times the monks of Saint David’s grew so wealthy from the number of pilgrims who paid tribute to the shrine of Saint David that they were able to build their own Palace alongside the Cathedral, the ruins of which still stand today. Amongst the visitors included esteemed pilgrims; William the Conqueror, Henry II who travelled in disguise as a peasant while hammer of the Welsh, Edward I bucked the patriarchal zeitgeist of the times by travelling with his wife Eleanor as his equal. Today, St David's is one of the least well known of Europe's major
pilgrimage sites and as a result remains perhaps one of the most authentic. While the romantic tendencies of Welsh culture and Christianity are wellmatched, the pilgrimage is and always has been a nondenominational rite of passage for people going through a time of transition, seeking penance or who are simply looking to be closer to nature or to God. .
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Call 02920 100558 or email info@britishhistorybreaks.com to discuss your bespoke tour. How many days you would like to travel for Number of people in your group Any special interests? e.g.: Tudors, Celtic history, Patron Saints etc. Any attractions you would like to experience enroute Guided tours if required
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British History Breaks
Contact Us Telephone: +44 (0)2920 100 558 Email: info@britishhistorybreaks.com Address: Cardiff Coal Exchange Mount Stuart Square Cardiff CF10 5EB
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