Mighty Castles of England and Wales

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 the 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 town and visiting the Shakespeare related sights.

Overnight Shakespeare Hotel , Stratford-upon-Avon.

Day 2 - Shrewsbury, Llandudno and Conwy Castle

From Stratford travel west stopping to visit the quaint border town of Shrewsbury to see its Motte and Bailey style Castle parts of which date back to the reign of William the conqueror . Crossing the border in to Wales, time-permitting you may wish to visit Powis Castle and Gardens before continuing north to the tiny but spectacular walled town of Conwy and its stunning 13th century fortrees at Conwy Castle. In the evening why not expore the nearby Victorian resort town of Llandudno.

Overnight Castle Hotel or the Groes Inn , Conwy.

Day 3 - Anglesey, Beaumaris Castle and Caernarfon Castle

Today you will continue your journey through North Wales to discover more of the ring of stunning 13th century fortresses built by King Edward to secure the newly conquered principality of Wales. Cross the Menai bridge to Anglesey to enjoy the spectacular views and wildlife before visiting the palatial manor house at Plas Newydd and the stunning Beaumaris Castle with its unique symmetrical design and water defences. In the afternoon cross back to the mainland to visit Caernarfon and Caernarfon Castle which dominates the little town. Time permitting you can explore deeper in to the north west of Wales and the stunning Llyn Peninsula.

Overnight Castle Hotel or the Groes Inn , Conwy.

Day 4 - Harlech Castle, Portmeirion and the Brecon Beacons

An early start today for your journey from North to South Wales. Begin with a stop at the magical Port Meirion which you may recognize as the setting of cult sixties TV show "The Prisoner". A short journey south finds possibly Britain's most beautifully set fortress, Harlech Castle stands high on a rocky crag overlooking the Irish Sea. From here pass south through the Snowdonia National Park and the peaks and valleys of mid-Wales in to the Brecon Beacons National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Overnight at the Felin Fach Griffin , Brecon.

Day 5 - The Wye Valley and Chepstow Castle

Day 5 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 at the Holland House Hotel or the Angel Hotel , Cardiff.

Day 6 -Cardiff, Caerphilly 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 drive away 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 with Roman, Norman and Victorian influences. Spend the evening strolling the waterfront of the chic modern Cardiff Bay area.

Overnight at the Holland House or the Angel Hotel , Cardiff.

Day 7 - 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 home to hundreds of years of history of the British Monarchy and still a royal residence to this day.

Overnight at the Castle Hotel , Windsor or the Thames Lodge Hotel , Staines.

Day 8 - 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

• Purchase a Great British Heritage Pass offering entry and queue-skip to almost all of the castleson your itinerary.

Customize your Tour

• Add a night in Thornbury Castle near bath to experience staying in a real Tudor Castle.
• Enjoy one or more nights in London at the beginning or end of your tour.

Images

Map