Discover the castles of Wales and the Welsh Marches on this luxury private, expert-led journey through time, staying in authentic castle hotels. Your tour begins when you board the train at London’s Paddington Station and follows a circular route that visits eight of the most impressive Medieval military fortifications in the region.
Our expert led castles of Wales and the Welsh Marches tour follows in the footsteps of the Medieval English Kings and Welsh Princes and includes visiting eight of the most impressive Medieval military fortifications in the region.
Our first day focuses on the strategic heart of South Wales, combining two significant military sites before heading into West Wales.
Our tour begins when your historian collects you at 09:00 from an agreed pick-up location in the area, for example Cardiff Central Station or your hotel.
Our first stop is Cardiff Castle; one of Wales’ leading heritage attractions and a site of international significance located in the heart of Wales’ capital. Here, you will discover its layered history, spanning 2 millennia, beginning with the foundations of a 1st-century Roman fort, transitioning through the construction of a Norman motte-and-bailey structure, and concluding with 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 in Great Britain. 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 (subject to availabilty).
Our second day focuses on the south-western tip of Wales, Pembrokeshire.
We depart from the Reception at Roch Castle Hotel at 09:30 and drive 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.
Following our visit to the castle, you will have some free time to explore the nearby shops and amenities of this West Wales town before returning to your 5* accommodation, Rcoh Castle Hotel, for a second night.
Our third day begins with a morning scenic drive along the west coast of Wales. In the afternoon, we return to the core historical theme of the tour and explore Harlech Castle, the first castle of King Edward I’s "Ring of Iron" that we visit during our tour.
We check out of the 5* 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 tour this masterpiece of Edwardian Military engineering, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Harlech Castle symbolizes Edward I's strategic coastal control of North Wales, and its history includes withstanding the siege of Madog ap Llywelyn and later serving as the residence of Owain Glyndŵr.
Following our visit to Harlech, we head east to the 4* Ruthin Castle Hotel & Spa (subject to availability).
Our fourth day focuses on two more locations in Edward I’s Ring of Iron, Caernarfon and Conwy.
We depart from the Reception at Ruthin Castle Hotel & Spa at 09:00.
In the morning, we explore Caernarfon Castle, which serves as the site for the investiture of the Prince of Wales 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 4* Ruthin Castle Hotel & Spa for our second of two nights.
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 of Ludlow Castle completes our tour of the castles of Wales and the Welsh Marches, and you are taken to your agreed drop-off point. This could be for example Ludlow Station or a hotel in the area.
Please note: Itineraries are subject to change due to operational reasons. Any changes will be advised closer to the time of departure.
The cost of your five-day, four-night private luxury tour of the Castles of Wales and the Marches is:
If your group size is greater than six, please request a tour specific quotation.
Your five-day, four-night private luxury tour of the Castles of Wales and the Marches includes:
Your five-day, four-night private luxury tour of the Castles of Wales and the Marches does NOT includes:
The selected accommodation for your five-day, four-night private luxury tour of the Castles of Wales and the Marches is:
5* 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 of a rocky outcrop overlooking St Brides Bay. The guest rooms all have ensuite bathrooms; some come with a shower while others come with a separate bath and shower. There are a TV, iPod dock, hairdryer, and tea and coffee facilities in each room, and toiletries, bathrobes and slippers are provided.
4* Ruthin Castle Hotel & Spa
The 4* Ruthin Castle Hotel & Spa is a former royal residence situated amidst immaculate gardens and sprawling woodland and will be our overnight location for two nights.
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. The hotel’s Standard guest rooms have an ensuite modern bathroom, many of which have a slate character fitted with bath/shower facilities. These rooms come with comfortable beds, toiletries, and a flat-screen TV, and many offer views of the gardens, Castle grounds, open fields or woodlands. Room upgrades are available on request.
Guests can enjoy food and drink at the Dragon Tavern, situated in the historic banqueting hall, or Bertie's Restaurant, which often feature local and seasonal produce.
The BAZAAR Spa, nestled in the former moat area, offers a full range of treatments, a thermal suite (sauna and steam room), and woodland hot tubs. Access to the spa facilities must be pre-booked and an additional charge, not included, applies. Its use is restricted to guests aged 16 years and over (if accompanied by an adult), while access to the fully equipped gym is complimentary for residents aged 18+.
The vehicle for your five-day, four-night private luxury tour of the Castles of Wales and the Marches is specifically for your tour and are selected according to group size:
You must contact us in advance if you wish to bring any mobility aids (wheelchairs or walkers). We require detail of the dimensions (open and folded) and weight. These items must be able to be folded and stored in the luggage compartment of the tour vehicle.
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In The Footsteps Tours Limited have 20 years’ experience in designing and providing top quality tours to destinations across the United Kingdom and Europe. Our award-winning service is second to none and our team of historians and guides are recognised for their excellence. On an In The Footsteps® tour you can be sure that your enjoyment and satisfaction are guaranteed.
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