Wales

Wales is a wonderful country, jam-packed with exciting, fun and educational things to see and do.

In North Wales you could visit the lovely Isle of Anglesey, with its beautiful bridges taking you across the Menai Strait. Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch is the little village with the big name, from where you can carry on to Holyhead or visit charming Beaumaris, with its castle and ancient gaol. The home of Hedd Wyn, “Yr Ysgwrn”, can be visited in Trawsfynydd, and students of politics may enjoy a visit to the birthplace of David Lloyd George in Llanstumdwy. Take a tram to the top of the Great Orme in lovely Llandudno, or visit the castles of Conwy, Criccieth, Harlech and Caernarfon, site of the Royal Investiture. Technology buffs will love the Power of Wales at Dinorwic Power Station.

The village of Llanberis is the gateway to spectacular Snowdon: take a ride on the Mountain Railway, alternatively try taking the Ffestiniog Railway to the Llechwedd Slate Caverns, where you can travel deep underground. All sorts of outdoor fun with slides and tree-climbing can be had at the “Hwylfan” in Caernarfon or the Greenwood Centre in its beautiful woodland setting, or how about gokarting at Glasfryn Park?

The South and West of Wales can offer just as much excitement. Explore our industrial heritage at Big Pit or the National Waterfront Museum, learn about Roman life in Caerleon, discover the Civil War at Llancaiach Fawr or visit the fantastic Norman Castle of Caerphilly. Discover our Welsh heritage at the National Museum of Wales or St. Fagans National History Museum or learn about our modern nation with a visit to the National Assembly or the Millennium Stadium. Lovers of the outdoors can enjoy the beaches of the Gower and Pembrokeshire. The spectacular Dan-yr-Ogof caves are a must-see, and thrill-seekers will love a day at Oakwood Park.

These are just a few suggestions – there is just so much to do! We look forward to helping you plan your Welsh tour very soon.

Hedd Wyn’s House

Hedd Wyn, the famous Welsh poet who won the chair at the Birkenhead Eisteddfod in 1917 for his poem Yr Arwr (The Hero), had been sent to fight in Belgium in the First World War. When it was announced to the shocked audience that he had been killed in action after only five months there, the Bardic Chair was covered with a black veil. This tour includes visits to Hedd Wyn’s birthplace, Trawsfynydd, commemorated with a plaque on the wall, to the farm where he grew up which houses today the six Bardic chairs he won and which is kept as it was in 1917 by the present curator who was brought up by Hedd Wyn’s mother, and, if you choose, to the Llys Ednowain Heritage Centre where there are exhibitions about Hedd Wyn and also Saint John Roberts.

Caernarfon Castle

Built in the thirteenth century as part of the Edwardian conquest of Wales, Caernarfon Castle is the historic heart of the Principality and was most recently the location of Prince Charles’ investiture as Prince of Wales in 1969. Built on the site of a former Norman Motte-and-Bailey, the castle walls were extended to surround the neighbouring town and can still be seen today. In the castle you will find exhibitions in the towers, as well as the Regimental Museum of the Royal Welch Fusiliers. Please click here to visit their website.

Dinorwig Hydro-Electric Power Station

This visit allows your science students to witness a working hydro-electric power station. A bus will transport your group into the mountain, where they can view the pump and turbines that produce the electricity. While underground, your school group can also view a film show explaining how the power station was built and commissioned. Please click here to visit their website.

Snowdon Mountain Railway

Travel from Llanberis to the summit of Snowdon (May – October) and witness the breathtaking views from the highest point in Wales. Alternatively, your party could take a train ride from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu at the foot of Snowdon and enjoy the views of the mountainous landscape. Please click here to visit their website.

Nant Gwrtheyrn

This centre offers Welsh Language and heritage courses. There is also a Heritage centre, shop, beach and beautiful countryside that visitors are welcome to come and visit at no charge. Please click here to visit their website.

Millennium Stadium

Visit Wales’ world-famous Millennium Stadium. A guided tour will take you behind the scenes: imagine the pre-match tension in the changing rooms and how it feels to run onto the pitch in front of a roaring crowd as you walk through the players’ tunnel. You will also see the VIP areas, the Royal Box and learn how the roof opens and how the stadium is transformed for a concert. Please click here to visit their website.

Big Pit: National Coal Museum

A visit to Wales’ most famous coal mine makes for a fun day out! Big Pit was a working coalmine until it closed in 1980. The highlight of the visit is without doubt the hour-long underground tour. Led by ex-miners, you will be taken down in the pit cage to walk through underground roadways built by generations of mineworkers. On the surface you can explore the colliery and learn more about the history of coal mining. Remember to wear warm clothing and sensible shoes. Please click here to visit their website

Oakwood Theme Park

Visit Wales’ largest theme park! Located in Pembrokeshire, the home of such rides as Speed, Megaphobia and Bounce, guarantees hours of fun for every one. There is even a Techniquest onsite, perfectly combining science, fun and learning. Please click here to visit their website.

Caerphilly Castle

Wales’ largest medieval castle was built by Gilbert de Clare, lord of Glamorgan in the late twelfth century. Its purpose was to secure the area and prevent South Wales from falling into the hands of the Welsh leader Llywelyn the Last, who controlled most of Mid and North Wales. Caerphilly Castle is a prime example of ‘military architecture’ and is now most recognised by its leaning tower, moat and Great Hall. Please click here to visit their website.

Of course, the above excursions are only a sample. We will tailor-make your tour to engage with your exact learning requirements, and our information packs contain details of our extensive excursion package. Why not contact us now to request more information?

We work with a range of accommodation across Wales to suit all of your requirements.

In North Wales, we work with a number of hotels and youth centres, including the Marine Hotel, which is set in the beautiful, unspoilt seaside resort of Criccieth with its two southfacing beaches and 13th century castle. Children are accommodated in multibedded rooms with a maximum of six to a room. All rooms have private facilities with toilet, bath and/or shower. Adults will be accommodated in twin rooms, and there is a bar for their use. One coachload will have exclusive use of the hotel. Dolphins and porpoises can sometimes be spotted through the bay window of the lounge and the hotel is perfectly located to explore the north of the Principality.

We also work with YHA youth centres, including YHA Conwy, which has a total of 80 beds and children are accommodated in multi-bedded rooms with  private facilities. For smaller groups, we can recommend the youth centre at Ffynnon Wen, situated on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, which is a traditional farmhouse with 8 acres of land and has a classroom and common room.

In South Wales, we work with a number of hotel chains, ideally situated close to the attractions to get the most out of your visit. All rooms have private facilities and children are accommodated in 2 to 4 bedded rooms. We also work with several YHA youth centres along the South and West Wales coast, and also in the Brecon Beacons. These have multibedded rooms, but capacity and facilities vary from centre to centre. All centres have a common room or lounge and some offer classrooms, gardens and games rooms.

Otherwise, in Cardiff, the Urdd City Sleepover offers an opportunity to experience the attractions of the Welsh capital whilst staying in the unique Wales Millennium Centre, one of the world’s premier arts venues. The City Sleepover can accommodate 153 people overnight in en-suite rooms. There is also a hall/theatre in the Centre, lounges, a dining hall and classrooms. Please click here to visit their website.

Whether you want your group to stay close to a city centre or in a more tranquil rural setting, we can find accommodation to suit your needs. Why not contact us today to discuss your requirements in greater detail?