DESTINATION:
South Wales
Bordered by England to the east and mid Wales to the North, the region of South Wales includes the vibrant capital city of Cardiff and boasts some spectacular scenery from its sleepy valleys to its mountain peaks and Heritage coastline. From our base in Cardiff, we will explore its art and culture where modern is juxtaposed with old, and the story of its history is revealed through its castles, cathedrals, museums, and galleries.
Recommended duration - depending on your geographical location, either 3 or 4 nights
KEY VISITS (Recommended)
- CARDIFF CASTLE – the castle originated as a Roman Fort strategically built where the River Taff nears the Bristol Channel. The site was subsequently re-occupied by the Normans and developed and presided over by a series of differing Lordships. The flamboyant Gothic structure we enjoy today is largely due to the 3rd Marquess of Bute who collaborated with the architect, William Burgess, to transform the existing building into a Gothic fantasy. Particularly notable features include the richly decorated banqueting hall, the library, the Octagon Tower with its scenes from the Canterbury Tales and the gilded ceiling of the Arab room. The Castle was gifted to the people of Cardiff in 1947 by the 5th Marquess of Bute.
- CASTELL COCH – another structure commissioned by the immensely wealthy 3rd Marquess of Bute and again built to a design by the eccentric genius William Burges. Burges was given free rein by his paymaster to create a rural retreat to complement the opulence of his main residence, Cardiff Castle. The castle is constructed of rough rubble sandstone, which gives the building its name Castell Coch, or ‘Red Castle’, and stands upon a platform overlooking the gorge of the River Taff, surrounded by a moat, with imposing views of the adjoining valley.
- NORWEGIAN CHURCH – an unusual wooden structure which now houses an Arts Centre and an interesting collection of model ships. The church was shipped from Norway in the 1860s to be used by Scandinavian seamen and has links with children’s author, Roald Dahl, who was baptised in the church.
- PIERHEAD BUILDING – built in 1896 by William Frome, it is a symbol of Cardiff’s maritime history. It once belonged to the Bute Dock Company and is now a Grade I listed building.
- CARDIFF BAY BARRAGE – sweeping around the bay to Penarth and covering a distance of 1.1 kilometres. This major engineering project was the catalyst for the regeneration of the old docklands and has created a 200-hectare freshwater lake and 13-kilometre waterfront.
- SENEDD (Senate) – the striking new National Assembly for Wales Building is constructed from slate, steel, concrete, timber, and glass, and designed by Lord Richard Rogers to be energy efficient.
- MILLENNIUM CENTRE – whose striking exterior is crafted from Welsh slate and wood. It was designed by Percy Thomas architects as a venue for various cultural performances, including ballet and theatre, and is also home to the Welsh National Opera.
- LLANDAFF CATHEDRAL – seat of the Bishop of Llandaff it was originally built on an ancient Christian site in the 12th century. It has since been reconstructed and modified numerous times over the centuries and was restored most recently in the Sixties following structural damage caused during the Second World War air raids. The focal point is the spectacular (and somewhat controversial) modern Epstein suspended sculpture entitled ‘Christ in Majesty’, which provides a wonderful contrast to the many different architectural styles of the cathedral, whose interior is predominantly Gothic. Within the cathedral is the CHAPEL OF ST ILLYTD, which houses Rossetti’s triptych of the Seed of David. Rossetti was commissioned to do a painting for the reredos of the High Altar in 1855, and the work was completed in 1864. It was relocated to the Illytd Chapel in 1989.
- NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WALES – with galleries devoted to its supreme collection of works of art. The most notable collection is that of sisters Gwendoline and Margaret Davies of Gregynog, bequeathed to the museum in 1952 and 1963. Their collection includes Old Masters, works by the Barbizon School, British paintings and drawings, and French art of the late 19th century.
- FONMON CASTLE – built by the St John Family at the turn of the 13th century, it is today the home of the Boothby Family. Set amidst spectacular gardens it boasts a beautiful Rococo library, whose impressive collection of books dates from the 15th century.
- ST FAGANS NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM – an outdoor museum comprising a fine range of buildings from all parts of Wales and spanning Welsh history from Celtic times to the early 20th century. Formerly the Museum of Welsh Life.
- ROYAL MINT (Llantrisant) – only opened to the public as recently as 2016. The history of the Royal Mint spans some 1,000 years, from their first home in the Tower of London to their current home in Llantrisant, just outside of Cardiff. All the coins for the United Kingdom and over 60 other countries from around the world are designed and struck here, as well as many military, sporting and commemorative medals.
- TREDEGAR HOUSE and PARK – a superb example of a Restoration stately home, with staterooms ornately decorated with fine paintings, carvings, and detailed ceilings, surrounded by 90 acres of parkland.
ALTERNATIVE VISITS
- CAERPHILLY CASTLE – one of the largest fortresses in Europe. It was built between 1268 and 1271 by Gilbert de Clare, the Anglo-Norman Lord of Glamorgan, to protect himself from Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, the last native prince of Wales. The castle is a fine example of regular concentric fortification, and its tower is said to lean more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa!
- GLYNN VIVIAN ART GALLERY – founded in 1911, this handsome Edwardian gallery offers a broad range of visual arts from the original bequest of Richard Glynn Vivian (1835-1910). In 1854, Richard Glynn Vivian inherited his share in the family’s famous Swansea copper works. He travelled the world collecting art, and in his old age bequeathed his collection to the people of Swansea, ensuring that this delightful art gallery was built to house his artworks.
FURTHER AFIELD
- TYNTESFIELD (near Bristol) – a magnificent Victorian house, set amidst a vast estate including landscaped gardens and a private chapel. Architecturally flamboyant, with many towers and turrets, and home to a fine collection of decorative arts. Since its acquisition by the National Trust in 2002, the house has undergone a very ambitious project of restoration.