South Wales Valleys
Not typical tourist country but one of the mosrt interesting and distinctive corners of Wales with a rich social history and much natural wonder that will enchant and entral.
Not typical tourist country but one of the mosrt interesting and distinctive corners of Wales with a rich social history and much natural wonder that will enchant and entral.
No other part of Wales is as instantly recognizable as the Valleys - the strings of settlements packed into the narrow gashes in the mountainous terrain to the north of Newport and Cardiff. Each of the Valleys depended almost solely on coal mining which has left its mark on the staunchly working-class towns: row upon row of brightly painted terraced housing, tipped along the slopes at incredible angles. This may not be traditional tourist country, but it’s one of the most interesting and distinctive corners of Wales, with a rich social history and natural wonder that will enchant and enthral.
ITINERARY
Monday - Morning departure from Dorset crossing the Severn Bridge to Chepstow "The Gateway to Wales" for lunch. Here are cobbled streets and buildings that date back over 1000 years - including the magnificent castle. Later continue to Pontypridd and check in to our hotel.
Tuesday - Visit The Welsh Coal Mining Experience. Take a tour underground with a retired miner, see the lamp room, engine room, lift and pit head wheel. Then join a virtual ride back to the surface, with some surprises along the way! This afternoon we shall call at Caerphilly Castle - the biggest in Wales and second only to Windsor in the UK. Massive walls, towers and gatehouses combined with sprawling water defences cover over 30 acres. Its leaning tower, a casualty of civil war gunpowder, is even wonkier than Pisa's!
Wednesday - To Dan-Yr-Ogof, the National Showcaves Centre for Wales - the country's best kept secret for 315 million years. Discover twisting passageways and great caverns in 3 caves featuring spectacular stalactites, underground waterfalls and ancient remains. Atmospheric lighting effects enhance this unique experience. The afternoon is at leisure in Pontypridd - "Ponty" as the locals know it. It is a must visit town to get to know the welcoming character of the Welsh. Don't miss the two bridges over the River Taff - they are quite iconic.
Thursday - Drive along the scenic Heads of The Valley Road via Hengoed - Ebbw Vale - to Cyfartha Park near Merthyr. The castle is home to a fabulous museum and art gallery and the surrounding grounds include glasshouses, ponds and formal gardens. Later we make the short drive to Pant Station where we join the Brecon Mountain Railway - a 9.5 mile steam train journey high into the Brecon Beacons - a stunning landscape.
Friday - This morning we explore the Cwm Carn Forest Drive - a place of legends and panoramic views. The 7 mile long narrow private road meanders around twisting bends through the enchanting forest to immerse you in tranquility. Lunch is sourced at Newport Market, before we head homewards, arriving in Dorset early that evening.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
Heritage Park Hotel, Pontypridd
Situated at the heart of the Rhondda Valley, the Heritage Park Hotel sits beautifully within its historical surroundings. Recently refurbished it is a modern venue that boasts comfort and style throughout. Bedrooms offer private bathroom with free toiletries, hairdryer, television, phone, air-conditioning, tea tray and free wifi. The restaurant is adorned with recycled timbers from Cardiff Docks and provides a varied menu of freshly prepared meals. There is spacious bar in which to socialise or enjoy a drink in the garden. A fitness room serves the energetic. No lift but only 2 floors and ground floor bedrooms available on request.
TOUR PRICE: £579.00 Per Person
Single Room Supplement : £70.00
Price Includes: All coach travel, 4 nights hotel accommodation, Half board meals, Entry to Coal Mining Experience, Entry to Caerphilly Castle, Entry to Dan-yr-Ogof caves, Entry to Cyfartha Park, Brecon mountain rail fare.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Beaminster Area | Convenient local point in Beaminster to be advised |
| Blandford Area | Convenient local point in Blandford to be advised |
| Bournemouth Area | Convenient point in Bournemouth to be advised |
| Branksome Area | Convenient point in Branksome to be advised |
| Bridport Area | Convenient local point in Bridport to be advised |
| Britannia Inn | Britannia Inn, Fortuneswell, Portland |
| Charlestown | The Alexandra Inn, Chickerell Road, Charlestown |
| Chickerell | Bluebird Garage, Chickerell Road |
| Corfe Castle | Convenient point in Corfe Castle to be advised |
| Courtlands | Portland, Courtlands bus stop |
| Dorchester South Station | Dorchester South Station bus stop |
| Dorchester TOT | Top O'Town Car Park (by cafe), Dorchester |
| Easton | Easton Square, Portland |
| Ferndown Area | Convenient local point in Ferndown to be advised |
| Foords Corner | Foords Corner bus stop, Wyke Regis |
| Jestys Avenue | Bus stop end of Jestys Avenue on Littlemoor Road |
| Littlemead | Broadwey, Littlemead bus stop (Swan Inn) |
| Lodmoor Hill | Lodmoor Hill Bus Stop (near Post Office) |
| Lyme Regis | Convenient local point in Lyme Regis to be advised |
| Lyndale bus stop | Wyke Regis, Lyndale Bus Stop |
| Nottington | Broadwey, Nottington Corner bus stop |
| Poole Area | Convenient local point in Poole to be advised |
| Poundbury QMSE | Poundbury Queen Mother Square bus stop (Coach heading into Dorchester) |
| Radipole | Spa Hotel bus stop, Radipole |
| Redlands | Redlands, Opposite Garage |
| Ringwood Area | Convenient local point in Ringwood to be advised |
| Rodwell | Rodwell Traffic Lights, Rodwell Rd/Rodwell Ave |
| Sgt Bunn | St Bunn Bakery, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| Sherborne Area | Convenient local point in Sherborne to be advised |
| Southwell | Portland, Southwell, Opposite Eight Kings Inn |
| St Edmunds Church | St Edmunds Church, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| St Johns Church | Weymouth, St Johns Church, outside Dentist |
| St Nicholas Church | Southlands Road bus stop on Buxton Road, Weymouth (former St Nicholas Church) |
| Sturminster Newton Area | Convenient point in Stur. Newton to be advised |
| Swanage Area | Convenient local point in Swanage to be advised |
| To be advised | To be advised - Approx. 2 weeks before travel |
| Upton Area | Convenient local point in Upton to be advised |
| Value House | Value House Car Park |
| Victoria Square | Victoria Square bus stop, Portland |
| Wareham Area | Convenient local point in Wareham to be advised |
| Westwey Road | Westwey Rd, Magistrates Court, Weymouth |
| Weymouth Bluebird | Weymouth, Outside Bluebird Office, K1 bus stop |
| Wimborne Area | Convenient local point in Wimborne to be advised |
| Wool Area | Convenient local point in Wool to be advised |
| Wyke Smuggler | Smugglers Inn, Wyke Regis |
| Yeovil Area | Convenient local point in Yeovil to be advised |
| From Price | Book Now | Call Back | Telephone | Favourites |
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