The Award Winning Leader in Escorted Worldwide Rail Holidays
The ultimate symbol of medieval military might, Caernarfon Castle was built between 1283 and 1330, replacing an earlier structure from the 11th century. First and foremost it was designed to be a military stronghold for Edward I during his Welsh campaign, but also as a royal palace and a seat of government. The castle was built with spectacular polygonal towers, linked by a honeycomb of wall walks and tunnels, that were meant to resemble the famous 5th century walls of Constantinople. This design is believed to have helped later defensive campaigns; in 1404, an army of just 28 men were able to successfully fend off Owain Glyndwr's forces.
Prince of Wales
When tensions eased between the English and the Welsh,
Caernarfon Castle lost some of its military importance. Yet the
impressive castle is a celebrated triumph of medieval architecture,
and today forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shortly after
building work on the castle began, the future Edward II was born
here. To strengthen his position in the country, Edward I made his
son 'Prince of Wales' in 1301 - a title that has been used
continuously ever since for the monarch's eldest son. The current
Prince of Wales was also invested in the castle in 1969.
Enjoy a fantastic tour of North Wales, based in charming Llandudno. From here we explore the historic steam railways and impressive castles found along the coastline of this beautiful and mountainous region of Wales.
… see more6 days from £695 pp
View tour details >
Imbued with centuries of history and culture, the UK is one of the most rewarding nations to travel around. Explore the length and breadth of Britain on this outstanding tour of the island. Discover ancient attractions, modern cities and wild landscapes from the rugged Rannoch Moor to the inspiring Stonehenge.
… see more14 days from £2,695 pp
View tour details >
A great holiday, great hotel, great trips out and a fantastic tour manager.
By Lorna Heatley
17 January 2019
We live in a time of carbon dating, of ancient languages being rediscovered regularly, of genealogy, and miracles of science that can nearly figure out the exact age of the earth itself.
Read more
By Jack Stacey
30 October 2018
It’s Halloween once more and across the world various traditions are observed for the spookiest day of the year.
Read more
By Lorna Heatley
19 September 2018
It is four in the morning, on a blustery dawn at Leeds Bradford airport (where there is no such thing as non-blustery days) and I, a small 10 year old girl, am about to go on my first airplane.
Read more
By Jack Stacey
1 March 2018
Dydd Gŵyl Dewis hapus pawb! And, a Happy St David’s Day to all of our non-Welsh speaking readers!
Read more
The tour was a nice sample of all that there is to see. I knew I didn't have the time to really explore everything that could take months to do it the way I would want to. The tour was fun we had a great group of people and our tour manager Peter Scott was terrific. Taking care of every need and really bringing to life the history of each stop.