A Guide to Our Corner of Wales
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A guide to our corner of Wales From mountains to market stalls, adventure sports to castle haunts, hotels to coffee shops: this is your complete guide to everything that is Wales. Explore our home. THE GUIDE / CONTENTS 02 Contents Welcome 04 Location, location, location 05-06 Tour and explore 07-08 Accommodation 09-10 Celtic Manor Collection 11-12 Things to do 13-16 Eating and drinking 17-22 Explore Wales 23-26 Venues 27-28 Connectivity 29-30 At a glance 31-32 What the locals say 33-34 THE GUIDE / WELCOME 04 Hello you A truly warm welcome, or croeso (said croy-saw) as we say in Wales. Visit us and that’s exactly what you will get. We are told that our warmth of hospitality and breathtaking landscapes make our home somewhere really special. And we can’t wait to share it with you. Be prepared to experience everything from magnificent national parks and legendary historical sites to relaxed cities by the sea for sightseeing (and shopping). You’ll see castles and coffee shops, museums and mountains, and yes, even the odd sheep. It’s no wonder we’re referred to as ‘a small clever country’. We look forward to giving you a glimpse of what we’re about in this guide and we really do look forward to extending our warm welcome to you. See you soon. THE GUIDE / LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION 06 Newport Caerphilly Rhondda Cynon Taff Start your journey It may be a compact city but Like its famous cheese, Caerphilly A famous distillery in the rural Newport packs an almighty castle has long been synonymous village of the Rhondda Valley is Begin your discovery to find your own prime spot punch. Venue for the 2010 Ryder with this town. It is the largest the first Welsh whisky producer Cup and 2014 NATO summit, castle in Wales and one of the since the 19th century and with this handy map of our simply spectacular region. Newport is also famous for greatest surviving castles in the has won innumerable awards its Grade 1 listed transporter medieval Western world. This for its less-is-more approach Explore each area to uncover its famous sights, bridge (of which you can climb formidable fortress, surrounded to producing quality single best places to eat and sleep and many to the top). There are 90 acres by two huge lakes has over 30 malts. The visitors centre has of gorgeous Tredegar House to acres to explore, including the tours, tasting sessions and photo opportunities. explore, 100km of Wetlands RSPB famed leaning South Eastern masterclasses, as well as an Reserve (a must for twitchers Tower, dubbed ‘the Welsh Tower exhibition of whisky-making and wildlife fans), and the very of Pisa’. in Wales. impressive National Roman Legion Museum at Caerleon, Blaenau Gwent Bridgend the furthest outpost of the The local landscape of this region Beaches are big business in mighty Roman Empire. has long been known for its varied Bridgend. Go surfing or take a natural beauty, from rolling hills, siesta in the sun, picnic or paddle. Cardiff woodlands and lakes, all set in There’s an army of massive sand Cardiff, Wales’ capital city, an immense area of outside dunes at Merthyr Mawr – the is a thriving metropolis of space. Parc Bryn Bach is the ideal second highest in Europe, no less, fantastic shopping, dining and location to be at one with nature which provided the setting for entertainment. Easy to explore and throw yourself into some parts of the classic film ‘Lawrence on foot, any sightseeing itinerary new activities from gorge walking, of Arabia’. Step away from the should include a visit to the caving and learning basic bush coast and discover nature National Museum, spectacular craft skills. reserves, vast country parks, Cardiff Castle and the impressive picturesque villages and cosy Principality Stadium, home Merthyr Tydfil little pubs for a local ale. of Welsh rugby. Top class Delve into the heart and soul Torfaen entertainment is on offer at of the South Wales Valleys Wales Millennium Centre in the and journey through the great This small Welsh borough heart of Cardiff Bay, with its many outdoors on a traditional steam has a unique history, being at restaurants and bars boasting train. Don’t forget to pack your the forefront of the Industrial stunning waterside views. camera to capture the breath Revolution. Its industrial heritage taking panoramas as you travel has left a profound legacy on Monmouthshire high up into the awe-inspiring the landscape, which can be Aside from the Wye Valley, an area Brecon Beacons. seen at Blaenavon Ironworks, of outstanding natural beauty, the one of Europe’s best preserved two main centres are Chepstow, Vale of Glamorgan 18th century ironworks. Or step with its massive castle, and the Sitting on Cardiff’s doorstep are back in time and travel 300 feet old-fashioned town of Monmouth, a host of ancient castle vestiges, underground at Big Pit National upstream of the meandering beautiful bays and sweeping Coal Museum while accompanied River Wye. Follow in the footsteps beaches, dramatic coastal cliffs, by a real miner to understand what of poets and painters such as stunning gardens, country life was like for the thousands of Wordsworth and Turner who parks and quaint market towns men who worked at the coal face. came to enjoy the picturesque all waiting to be discovered in Impressive, right? beauty of Tintern Abbey over two Glamorgan’s renowned heritage hundred years ago, now a site of coastline and countryside. exceptional atmospheric ruins. THE GUIDE / TOUR AND EXPLORE 08 Rain or Shine From rain macs to Ray-Bans, wellies to teeny weeny polka dot bikinis, whatever the weather holds you’ll find something fun to do. It really doesn’t rain that much (honest), but if it does, don’t let the weather sodden your spirit, we have activities and attractions to keep you story telling for some time. 03 Wales has it all for an action- However, if your idea of If you’re looking for a hangout packed family holiday, laid-back something preserved is more with some heritage thrown in, long weekend or romantic along the lines of a cracking St Fagans open air museum will retreat and is perfect to explore piccalilli, travel inland to the take you on a walk around Wales at any time of year, just come charming market town of from Celtic times to the present and see for yourself. Cowbridge, where you’ll find a day. The surrounding area has splendid high street packed with plenty more ancient attractions, Away from the cool metropolitan glorious eateries and delis (and monuments and castles dotted vibes of the cities, our seaside is lots of lovely boutique shops). around, each with an interesting a shore bet. Wales has countless story to tell. Tor Bay View towards Oxwich Beach 01 04 beautiful beaches fit for surfers Not far from here, explore and sun worshippers, to golden Llanerch vineyard where you Finally for the sport lovers. sands perfect for bucket filling or can join a fun and informal tour, Golf enthusiasts should barbecue grilling. There’s family followed by a demonstration not miss a chance to play “ Just like fun to be had in the resorts of on how to sample the home- The Twenty Ten course at Barry Island and Porthcawl or for grown produce. The charming The Celtic Manor Resort, host Gavin did something more energetic, blow restaurant also serves venue of the first ever Ryder Cup with Stacey, the cobwebs away with a stroll scrumptious afternoon teas to be held in Wales. Or you could start your 01. Beach rules along the rugged coastal cliffs of overlooking this working throw yourself into something Soak up the sun. Make a splash. the Glamorgan Heritage coast. Welsh vineyard. more extreme from white water own Welsh Ride the waves. Build sandcastles. rafting, go karting or mountain love affair” Relax and take a nap. Head to Llantwit Major beach in If sampling sweet treats is on biking to exploring the natural 02. Family fun the Vale of Glamorgan, known to your agenda, Hendrewennol fruit beauty of the Brecon Beacons Enjoy fish and chips, ice-cream, be one of the best spots to hunt farm is a must. They grow the on horseback. fairground rides and slot machines at Barry Island Pleasure Park. for 90 million year old Jurassic sweetest strawberries and ripest fossils. Comb the boulders and raspberries, which can also be Wherever your adventure takes 03. Get into the swing of things Experience 18 holes of slabs and you might just find enjoyed in their yummy home- you, come and discover your championship golf on the famous some well-preserved corals, made ice-cream. Kids can own little piece of ‘Welsh rarebit’. Twenty Ten course at Celtic Manor. giant shells or even a dinosaur explore willow domes and jump 04. Outdoor life at St Fagans bone. So if you thought fossiling around on Hay Bale Hill while the Take in decades of history with was just for palaeontologists, grown-ups enjoy some time out buildings and artefacts from think again. in the beautiful countryside. 02 across Wales. THE GUIDE / ACCOMMODATION 10 Got the key, got the secret South East Wales Well it’s not much of a secret really. Here’s a snap shot of fabulous places to rest your weary head and refuel during your time with us. The Vale Resort St Pierre Marriott Hotel Park Plaza St David’s Hotel & Spa Radisson Blu Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan & Country Club Cardiff Cardiff Bay Cardiff For a four star hotel and leisure Chepstow, Monmouthshire Situated in the heart of Cardiff The global award winning St.