SUTTON COLDFIELD VESEY PROBUS CLUB

 

HOLIDAY IN SOUTH WALES (Swansea)

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 19th TO FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 23rd 2016

Monday

Travel to the hotel, with a visit en route to  Tredegar House  (National Trust).

Tredegar House is one of the architectural wonders of Wales and one of the most significant 17th -century houses in the whole of the British Isles.

The house is situated within 90 acres of beautiful gardens and parklands. For more than 500 years the house was home to the Morgan family, later Lords Tredegar. The Morgan family owned more than 40 000 acres in Monmouthshire, Breconshire and Glamorgan at the end of the 18th century.

The Morgan’s enthusiasm for racing and hunting is reflected by the impressive Grade 1 stables that flank the courtyard.

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Tuesday

Today we went on the Brecon Beacon Railway.  Running from Pant ,near Merthyr Tydfil, along the full length of the Pontsticill Reservoir high in the Brecon Beacons. Where we saw stunning views of the peaks of the Beacons across the Taf  Fechan reservoir.

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The rest of the day was spent at Cyfarthfa Castle the former home of the Crawshay family, historical ironmasters of Cyfarthfa Ironworks in Merthyr Tydfil.  Although it appears to be a fortified building it is a large mansion with a large kitchen , bake house, dairy, billiard room ,library and a range of stunningly decorated rooms. The building stands in 158 acres of parkland with many pleasant walks.

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Wednesday

 

A full day excursion to Cardiff , the capital city of Wales.

We started with a guided coach tour of Cardiff , which included a tour of the Millennium Stadium. The stadium is one of the most impressive icons of modern Wales. The playing area is fully palletized (the only one in Britain) which allows the entire playing surface to be removed to create one of the largest indoor arenas. It also has a fully retractable roof.

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                                               The remainder of the day was spent independently. You may                                                    wish to go to Cardiff Bay , Cardiff Castle , Llandaff Cathedral , St.                                                David’s Cathedral , The National Assembly of Wales  or spend                                                    time looking around the shops.

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Thursday

 

We spent the first part of the day in Swansea.

There were many things to see and do in Swansea –  

 

not missing a visit Dylan Thomas’s Birth Place.

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In the afternoon we took a a coach tour of the Gower Peninsular, making a stop at the Mumbles 

 

Friday

 

On our way home we will visit Dyffryn House and Gardens (National Trust)

Dyffryn Gardens are an exceptional example of Edwardian garden design. Covering more than 55 acres they feature a stunning collection of garden rooms including a rose garden , Pompeian garden and several ponds.

Within the gardens , Dyffryn House , a grand Victorian Mansion overlooks the gardens. Parts of the ground and first floors have been restored and are unfurnished.

            

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