A 7 day tour to see some of England and Wales ' finest 13th century fortresses many now recognized as World Heritage Sites. From the moats of Warwick Castle to teh turrets of Conwy, from Harlech Castle set against the
Snowdonian Mountains to Chepstow Castle keeping watch over the Wye
valley to Windsor Castle still home to some very special residents. See them all on the Mighty Castles Tour.
The Tour
Day 1 - Stratford-Upon Avon and Warwick Castle
Land in London and journey out into the Cotswolds countryside, after a stop at the stunning Blenheim Palace continue north to Warwick. A classic Motte and Bailey design and dating back to William the Conquerer, Warwick Castle is widely considered England's finest medieval castle. A short drive away is Stratford-upon-Avon home of the world's most famous poet and playwright, William Shakespeare. End the day soaking up the atmosphere in this charming city and visiting the Shakespeare related sights.
Overnight Stratford-upon-Avon.
Day 2 - Conwy Castle, Anglesey and Beaumaris Castle
Today you wil journey to North Wales and Conwy the first of ring of stunning 13th century fortresses built by King Edward to secure the newly conquered principality of Wales. Conwy Castle is architecturally stunning and the medieval town wall is still largely in tact surrounding almost the entire town. After exploring the Victorian resort of Llandudno cross the Menai bridge to Anglesey enjoy the spectacular views and wildlife before a visit to Beaumaris Castle with its unique symmetrical
design and water defences.
Overnight Beaumaris or Conwy.
Day 3 - Caernarfon, Harlech Castle and the Brecon Beacons
Begin this morning at Caernarfon Castle which boasts impressive
turrets and towers and dominates the littel town, before Crossing the Llyn Peninsula to visit a fascinating estuary village with intricate italinate architecture, you may recognize the magical Port Meirion from cult sixties TV show "The Prisoner". A short journey south finds possible Britain most beautifully set fortress, Harlech Castle stands high on a rocky crag overlooking the
Irish Sea. Continue through the peaks and valleys of mid-Wales in to the Brecon Beacons National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Overnight Brecon or Hay on Wye.
Day 4 - Raglan Castle, the Wye Valley and Chepstow Castle
Day 4 takes you through the quaint market towns of Crickowell and Abergavenny
to the tiny village of Raglan in the shadow of the unique 15th century Raglan Castle . Cross to the border town of Monmouth before tracing the route of the picturesque Wye Valley with a stop at the 13th century monastic ruins of Tintern Abbey. From here make the short journey to Chepstow Castle
the oldest stone built castle in Britain dating back to 1068. Continue
south to Cardiff , Wales’ capital city and relax in style in this young
and vibrant city.
Overnight Cardiff.
Day 5 - Caerphilly Castle, Cardiff Castle and Castell Coch
This morning visit Caerphilly Caslte , an enormous medieval fortress with a spectacular concentric
design, intimidating defences and famous leaning tower. A short distance is the contrasting Castle Coch a 19th century fairy-tale castle
of turrets and spires nestled in the Taff Valley forest. Returning to central Cardiff, explore on foot, beginning with the stunning Cardiff Castle which has evolved throughout history; originally a Roman settlement the Castle later became a Norman stronghold before a Victorian manor with unparalelled gothic fantasy architecture was added in the 1800s. Spend the evening strolling the waterfront of the chic modern Cardiff Bay area.
Overnight Cardiff.
Day 6 - Roman Bath and Windsor Castle
Cross the Severn Bridge returning to England today and make a stop at the
ancient Spa town of Bath famed for its Roman Baths , fine regency architecture and exclusive shops. Then it is back on the main road and freeway all
the way as you head towards Windsor for the grand finale of your tour and one of Britain's mightiest castles. The largest inhabited stronghold in the world, Windsor Castle is
still a royal residence today but harbours hundreds of years of history
of the British Monarchy. Relax this evening with strolls by the river
Thames.
Overnight Windsor or Staines, near to Heathrow Airport.
Day 7 - Return Home
Make
the short journey to the airport with memories of standing on the
towers of some of Britain’s most impressive medieval castles.
Optional Extras
Customize your Tour
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