5-Day Castles of Wales Private Tour from London
Discover the castles of Wales on this luxury private, expert-guided tour, staying in authentic castle hotels. The tour follows a circular route that visits eight of the most impressive Medieval military fortifications in Wales.
Day One: Cardiff and Caerphilly Castles
Our first day focuses on the strategic heart of South Wales, combining two significant military sites before heading into West Wales.
You travel First Class from London Paddington to Cardiff Central Station where you will be met by your historian/guide.
We begin with a visit to Cardiff Castle, one of Wales’ leading heritage attractions and a site of international significance located in the heart of the Welsh capital. Here, you will discover its layered history spanning 2 millennia, beginning with the foundations of a 1st-century Roman fort, transitioning to the construction of a Norman motte-and-bailey structure, and culminating in its transformation into a dazzling Victorian Gothic fantasy manor.
In the afternoon, we travel to Caerphilly and visit its magnificent castle, the largest fortress in Wales and second only to Windsor Castle. Architecturally, Caerphilly Castle marked a turning point in British castle design and introduced the concept of concentric defence on a grand scale. This groundbreaking design served as the prototype of high-medieval military architecture for the later, imperial fortresses built by Edward I in North Wales.
Following our visit to Caerphilly Castle, we travel west into Pembrokeshire and for the first of our two nights at the 5* Roch Castle Hotel.
Day 2: Pembroke Castle
Our second day focuses on the south-western tip of Wales, Pembrokeshire.
Pembroke Castle and Pembroke river, Wales
We depart from Roch Castle Hotel at 09:30 to Pembroke Castle, one of Wales’ most impressive and formidable castles, which was the birthplace of England’s first Tudor King, Henry VII. Its unique Great Keep offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and was built by William Marshal, perhaps Europe’s greatest knight. The castle’s walls enclose a large courtyard, and visitors can explore various towers, gatehouses, and the impressive Great Hall. The subterranean Wogan Cavern, accessible from within the castle, adds an element of mystery and intrigue. There is an extensive exhibition of Medieval arms and armour.
Following our visit to the castle, you will have time to explore the ancient town running from the castle gates with its Tudor and Georgian buildings, independent shops, pubs, and cafes, before returning to theRoch Castle Hotel.
Day 3: West Coast Drive & Harlech Castle
Harlech Castle, with Ceredigion Bay in background
We check out of the Roch Castle Hotel at 09:00 and head north along the dramatic coastal and inland scenery of the west coast’s Coastal Way to reach Harlech and its cliff-top castle around midday.
In the afternoon, we explore Harlech Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , which symbolizes Edward I’s strategic coastal control of North Wales, and its history which includes withstanding the siege of Madog ap Llywelyn and later serving as the residence of Owain Glyndŵr. This is the first castle of King Edward I’s ‘Ring of Iron’ that we visit during our tour.
Following our visit to Harlech, we head east to the 4* Ruthin Castle Hotel & Spa.
Day 4: Caernarfon Castle & Conwy Castle
Our fourth day focuses on two more locations in Edward I’s Ring of Iron, Caernarfon and Conwy.
Caernarfon Castle
In the morning, we explore Caernarfon Castle, which serves as the site for the investiture of the then Prince of Wales, the current King Charles III ,and is widely considered the most imposing of Edward I’s quartet. It was intended to be the English administrative centre of Wales, and its unique design pays homage to Roman and Byzantium power. The castle’s defences, featuring massive polygonal towers and distinctive polychromatic banding (using different coloured stones), were consciously reminiscent of the Walls of Constantinople, projecting an image of ultimate imperial power.
In the afternoon, we head eastward from Caernarfon to Conwy, which is architecturally characterized by its eight massive towers and the unparalleled preservation of its integrated defences. The castle is linked seamlessly to the magnificent medieval town walls, which still fully encircle the town. This concentration of defensive and residential architecture offers a complete insight into Edward I’s strategy for conquest.
Following our visit to Conwy, we return to the Ruthin Castle Hotel.
Day 5: Wigmore Castle & Ludlow Castle
Our final day focuses on the Mortimers, the most powerful of the Marcher Lords, who were granted immense, quasi-regal, powers by the English Crown to subdue and control the turbulent Welsh borderlands. This independent authority fostered extraordinary ambition and frequently placed the Mortimer lords in conflict with the English monarchy.
Following our drive from Ruthin, we visit Wigmore Castle, which represents the original, deep-rooted source of Mortimer power in the Marches.
We then head into Ludlow, where we visit the Mortimer stronghold that stands dramatically on a promontory overlooking the River Teme. The enduring fame of Ludlow Castle is tied to two Earls of March: Roger Mortimer, the 1st Earl who briefly ruled England as regent alongside his lover Queen Isabella; and Edward Plantagenet, the 7th Earl of March, a Mortimer descendant and heir to the House of York, who was proclaimed Edward IV, King of England in March 1461.
Our visit to Ludlow Castle completes your tour of the castles of Wales.
This completes your 5-day Castles of Wales tour. Having said goodbye to your guide, enjoy a direct train journey back to London Paddington Station.
Accommodation
5* Roch Castle Hotel
Roch Castle Hotel
The 5* Roch Castle is an authentic Castle Hotel dating back to the 12th century. This restored Norman stronghold provides luxury accommodation, set atop a rocky outcrop overlooking St Brides Bay.
4* Ruthin Castle Hotel & Spa
The 4* Ruthin Castle Hotel & Spa is a former royal residence situated amidst immaculate gardens and sprawling woodland.
The castle dates from the 13th century and its rooms and suites are individually styled to blend the castle’s original features whilst providing modern and luxurious amenities.
Price
The cost of your five-day, four-night private luxury tour of the Castles of Wale is:
£1,365.00 GBP per person based on 6 people travelling together
Tour Includes
• The services of our expert Historian/Guide throughout your tour
• First Class train travel to and from London Paddington
• Private transport in a dedicated vehicle
• Standard accommodation in historic castle hotels
• Entry to all listed attractions
Tour Excludes
• Lunch and Dinner
• Personal travel Insurance
• Gratuities
Optional Extras
You can add to your tour package by letting us know what you want to do. For example, you can add:
• Chauffeur driven transfer from your hotel to London Paddington (return)
• Room upgrades
• Lunches and/or dinners
Please feel free to let us know if you want something extra and we’ll arrange it for you.
Tour Vehicle
- 1 to 3 people travel in a luxury mid-sized SUV.
- 4 to 6 people travel in a luxury 8 or 9 seat people carrier
- We can also cater for larger group sizes
Mobility
Unfortunately, due to the nature of the tour, it is unsuitable for those with mobility difficulties.
Contact Us
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