Group Travel Itineraries
Have a look at these sample itineraries we’ve put together to give you some ideas.
- Cardigan Bay and Cambrian Mountains
- Southern Snowdonia
- The ‘Welsh Lake District’
- Brecon Beacons, Battles & Books
- The Mid Wales Marches
Cardigan Bay and Cambrian Mountains
Remote and sparsely populated, the Cambrian Mountains are a true green wilderness. The area is swarming with protected species, including the magnificent Red Kite, while bottlenose dolphins frolic in nearby Cardigan Bay.
A good way to start your journey is with morning coffee and cake at the Hive on the Quay, Aberaeron, which is famous for its honey ice cream. You can then travel along the scenic coastal route to Aberystwyth, described as the cultural capital of Wales and home to the National Library of Wales and the ever popular Arts Centre.
Nearby, the Vale of Rheidol steam railway winds its way from the coast to Devil’s Bridge, renowned for its three bridges, built one above the other, where the River Mynach plunges over 300 feet of waterfalls. Also, check if the local Farmer’s Market is being held so you can buy some local produce to take home.
Visitors can then travel through unspoilt countryside to Strata Florida Abbey, one of the great religious centres of medieval Wales and where you are sure to be captivated by the atmospheric ruins. End your trip in Tregaron and take time to look for that special souvenir at the Welsh Gold Centre.
Southern Snowdonia
Mountains, impressive coastal routes and bustling market towns combine in Southern Snowdonia. One starting point is the shores of Wales’ largest natural lake, Llyn Tegid in Bala, where you can also enjoy the views with a trip on the Bala Lake Railway. Then, travel across the Snowdonia National Park to Blaenau Ffestiniog, where from the end of the 18th century until the beginning of the 20th century, the town was renowned for its Welsh Slate industry. You can find out more on a tramway tour at Llechwedd Slate Caverns or you can stretch the legs and witness the changes the industry brought to the landscape via one of the way marked walks.
There’s also the chance to step back in time and enjoy another era at Portmeirion, an extraordinary Italianate village designed by architect Sir Clough Williams Ellis. Perhaps even more famously, it was the setting for the sixties cult television classic ‘The Prisoner’. One idea is to sample lunch in the hotel restaurant overlooking the estuary.
Meanwhile, the imposing Harlech Castle, a world heritage site set beneath the peaks of Snowdonia, is truly awe inspiring. Further south, you can explore the unique range of independent shops and art galleries in the ancient capital of Wales, Machynlleth. You can even visit the Owain Glyndŵr Centre where the first Welsh parliament was held in 1404.
The ‘Welsh Lake District’
Mid Wales hosts a landscape of rolling countryside and inland waterways. In Victorian days holiday makers flocked to Llandrindod Wells to take the famous spa waters. Today’s visitors still enjoy the Victorian architecture and the renowned Victorian festival which takes place each August. Step back in time at the nearby Thomas Shop and Museum set in a Victorian village store.
Travelling through the Elan Valley, enjoy the beauty of the four local reservoirs, an area often known as the ‘Welsh Lake District’. The surrounding area provides a variety of trails to suit all walkers with access for wheelchair and pushchairs.
Nevertheless, one of the highlights is Gigrin Farm, just outside Rhayader, a perfect spot to see the once rare Red Kite. Daily feeding time at the farm attracts up to 300 birds in Winter! Nearer the town, experienced craftsmen create fine lead crystal tableware at Welsh Royal Crystal.
Brecon Beacons, Battles & Books
The Brecon Beacons National Park is a landscape of immense natural beauty. The narrow streets lined with Georgian and Jacobean shop fronts give the town of Brecon a timeless quality. Stop here to visit Brecon Cathedral & Heritage Centre, Brecknock Museum & Art Gallery, The South Wales Borderers Museum or simply while away a few hours on the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal.
Sample local cheeses and other produce at the award winning tearoom and restaurant at the Brecon Mountain Centre before heading off to Llanwrtyd Wells, the smallest town in Great Britain. This is the home of many world famous events including the World Bog Snorkelling Championships.
Pass Cilmeri with its memorial to Llewellyn ap Gruffydd, the last native Prince of Wales, before stopping at Builth Wells. Set on the banks of the River Wye, this market town is famous for the Royal Welsh Show, the principal agricultural fair of Wales and one of the largest in Europe. Check out the events at the Wyeside Arts Centre.
Travel on to Hay-on-Wye, the ‘Book Capital of the World’ and renowned for its Festival of Literature. The town also has a craft centre and many restaurants and tea rooms.
The Mid Wales Marches
A landscape of rich farmland, rounded hills, hidden valleys and sleepy villages – the Marches are one of Britain’s best kept secrets.
Start with a journey on the narrow gauge Welshpool and Llanfair railway and enjoy the scenery as you relax before taking morning coffee in the restaurant at the imposing Powis Castle, just outside the town. It contains one of the finest collections of paintings and furniture in Wales, while its gardens and landscape bear the unmistakeable stamp of Capability Brown.
Explore the unusual at the Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture in the black and white village of Berriew. Nearby Silver Scenes is the perfect place to shop for locally inspired gifts.
You can take in the history of the area at the medieval castle of Montgomery before enjoying lunch at one of the town’s restaurants. Keep a foot in Wales and one in England at Knighton, officially the halfway point of Offa’s Dyke, the ancient boundary. There’s also the chance to discover another world at the Spaceguard Centre.
Finally, explore the ‘upstairs downstairs’ life of Victorian judges, their servants and their felonious guests at the Judge’s Lodgings in Presteigne.
