Aughton & Ormskirk U3A IN CONJUNTION WITH Discovery Travel Ltd

46 Martin Lane, Burscough, Lancashire ,L400RT Tel 01704 509343 Email [email protected] www.DiscoveryEuropean.com Captivating Cardiff 2020 A 4 day art tour to Cardiff staying at the Holiday Inn Cardiff Thursday 6th – 9th of February

Thursday 6th Feb 2020 After departing from Ormskirk Bus station at 09.00 and Aughton Village Hall at 09.15 we drive south. The initial stop on this tour will be Ludlow, described by Betjeman as ‘probably the loveliest town in England’. It has over 500 listed buildings but the jewel in the crown is the 12th century Church of St Laurence. Aside from its outstanding architectural features the Church has fine carvings, medieval glass and an outstanding set of 13th century misericords. Time for lunch before we proceed to the comforts of the Holiday Inn, located by the Castle in the centre of Cardiff. This will be our base for 3 nights on a BB&D basis.

Friday 7th February 2020 Llandaff Cathedral has had many incarnations in its long history from Early Celtic Church to Norman Cathedral and most recently, major restoration after the Cardiff Blitz. It holds work by Rossetti, Burne Jones, William Morris and a ‘Christ in Majesty’ by Sir Jacob Epstein. From here we will make the short journey to the 13th century Castell Coch. Once a ruin, the castle was purchased by the fabulously wealthy Marquis of Bute who commissioned the visionary architect William Burges to transform its interior, with astonishing results. Finally we travel the short distance to this year’s Art Fund ‘Museum of the

Year’ – St Fagan’s. This open air museum has collected a wide range of buildings, grand and humble, to present a fascinating tapestry of Welsh history. Pack sensible shoes and a weatherproof coat.

Saturday 8th February 2020 Our first visit is to the extravagantly eccentric Cardiff Castle, another collaboration between Burges and The Marquis of Bute. With a

seemingly limitless budget, Burges worked with the cream of craftsmen to produce the most sumptuous interiors yet seen in the Gothic Revival style. We then visit the National Museum Cardiff which houses a wide range of art and artefacts. Our focus is on the enduring legacy of the Davies sisters, who as wealthy young women joined the French Red Cross in WW1. Their experiences and a deep love of the visual arts inspired them to collect and donate what would become one of the most significant collections of Impressionist art in the UK. You will then have time to explore the city which offers Victorian shopping arcades and the spectacular Cardiff Bay. If you are fast you could book tickets for a Verdi opera at the Millennium Centre. If interested check out their website.029 2063 6464 Sunday 9th February 2020 On departure from the hotel we will make a brief visit to Cardiff Bay which is the scenically spectacular setting for the Millennium Centre, the National Assembly and the venerable Norwegian Chapel (where Roald Dahl was baptised) and which is now home to a thriving arts centre. The final venue will be the Potteries Museum in Hanley home to the Staffordshire Hoard and Antique Roadshow’s Ozzi the Owl. We aim to be back in Ormskirk at 6pm.

The cost will be £355 for 3 nights per person sharing a room. Single room supplement £80. Insurance is available at £15. Deposit £80pp plus any supplements. Balance due on the 15th December 2019 The cost includes: All entrance fees, coach travel, hotel accommodation, breakfast and evening meals. Please ensure any members of the Art Fund and NT bring their membership cards along