Excursion One – Brecon Mountain Railway & Craig Y Nos Castle
We take the Heads of the Valley road to Pant, a small village near the Welsh border, where we board our vintage train and take a trip on the Brecon Mountain Railway, which follows part of the original route of the 1859-built Brecon & Merthyr Railway. Sit back and relax as we meander through beautiful Brecon scenery and along the full length of the sparkling Taf Fechan Reservoir before climbing to Torpantau, the summit of the original line.
We continue to Craig Y Nos Castle on the southeastern edge of the Black Mountain, the former home of the famous Italian 19th-century opera singer, Adelina Patti. We are treated to lunch and a guided tour, learning all about the history of the property, Patti’s time here and the Grade I listed opera house, built to be her private auditorium, as well as the castle’s transformation into a tuberculosis hospital. Outside, the beautiful, landscaped grounds are managed by the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Excursion Two – Newton House at Dinefwr & National Botanic Garden of Wales
Today begins with a visit to Newton House, the heart of the Dinefwr estate and a beautiful Grade II listed mansion with a fairytale castellated structure. Built in 1660, it was home to the Rhys family for over 300 years, descendants of Lord Rhys, the Prince of the Welsh Kingdom of Deheubarth. Although a Gothic facade was added in 1850, many original 17th-century features remain inside, from the elegant ceilings to the grand staircase. There are many objects to discover too, including a charred book page dating 1689, an 18th-century silver thimble and intriguing items uncovered during the restoration from 1999-2000, believed to ward off evil spirits. We can find out more on the first-floor exhibition rooms, a fascinating glimpse into life at Newton over the centuries, before exploring the grounds. A beautiful landscape of flowery meadows, reflective lakes and ancient woodland, Dinefwr is also hoping to restore the Fountain Garden.
We continue on to the National Botanic Garden of Wales, home to a spectacular collection of over 8,000 different plant varieties from around the globe, spread across over 400 acres of beautiful countryside, wildflower meadows and atmospheric woodlands. Set in historic parkland dating back some 400 years, the garden boasts a range of themed gardens as well as a nature reserve. Highlights include the Great Glasshouse, the largest structure of its kind in the world, and the Double Walled Garden, home to a modern interpretation of a kitchen garden and much more.
Excursion Three – The Royal Mint Experience & Rhondda Heritage Park
We visit The Royal Mint Experience on the outskirts of Cardiff, an interactive exhibition about how coin production works. During our guided tour, we watch as workers mint coins and discover fascinating facts about British coins, giving us a wonderful insight into one of the UK’s oldest institutions. We also enjoy lunch here.
A memorable experience awaits at the Rhondda Heritage Park, where we follow in the footsteps of the coal miners who once worked in the valley and learn about the area’s mining heritage. After our guided tour, we are treated to a traditional male Welsh choir performance, complete with refreshments.
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