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Cruise Wales Brochure

Cruise Wales Brochure

Cruise Wales – what will you discover?

Amlwch Welsh Llandudno Mountain Prestatyn Zoo Rhyl A55 A55 Bay St Asaph Flint Sea Zoo Bangor Connah’s Quay Adventure Mold Parc A470 Zip World Zip World Fforest Penrhyn A5 Quarry Betws-y-coed A494 A487 Llechwedd A5 Caverns Blaenau Welsh Highland Llangollen A483 Railway A5 Bala Italianate Village Plas yn Rhiw SNOWDONIA Castle A470 A494 Rhaeadr Nantcol Waterfalls A483 A458 A487 Welshpool Cruise Motorway A489 and Garden A470 A483 Airport Trunk Road Newtown Castle Museum Llanidloes Zip Wire Zoo Abbey A44 Devils Bridge Vale of Falls A483 Gardens Distillery Rheidol Railway A470 Hafod Estate Cathedral Historic House Llandrindod Caves Wells A487 Builth Wells A483 Cardigan Fort Castle National Wool Fishguard Museum Llandovery A470 A40 Aberglasney Dinefwr A40 Gardens Castle A479 St Davids National Botanic A470 Garden of Wales A40 COAST NATIONAL PARK A465 NATIONAL PARK Brecon A40 A483 Carreg Mountain Cennen Abergavenny Picton A48 National Showcaves Railway A477 Castle A4076 Castle Llanstean Centre for Wales A465 Castle A40 Merthyr Big Pit Castle A465 Penderyn A4042 A449 Aberdulais Whisky Llanelli Falls Tydfil M4 Distillery PembPerokemb Dockroke Manor A470 Wildlife Neath Tintern Park Pontypridd Abbey M4 Gower Area of Royal Mint Castell Caldicot Castle Pembroke Outstanding Beauty Port Talbot Experience Coch Three Newport Clis Bay M4 A4232 Porthcawl St Fagans Museum of History Penarth 030 Barry kilometres

Mae’r prosiect hwn wedi derbyn cyllid drwy'r Gronfa This project has received funding via the Regional Tourism Ymgysylltu Twristiaeth Ranbarthol ac yn derbyn Engagement Fund (RTEF) and supported through © Crown copyrigh t 2 020 Based upon digital info rma tion supplied by Lovell John s Lt d. Ox ford Cartograp hics : Welsh Asse mbly Gove rnment : ML /34/03.04/general cefnogaeth y Rhaglen Datblygu Gwledig 2014–2020 the Welsh GovernmentAddition alRural Cartograp Communitieshics: Cruise Wales 2020 – Rural – Cymunedau Gwledig Llywodraeth Cymru sy'n cael Development Programme 2014–2020, which is funded ei ariannu gan Gronfa Amaethyddol Ewrop ar gyfer by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development datblygu gwledig (EAFRD ) a Llywodraeth Cymru. (EAFRD) and the , the Fund to improve Nod y Gronfa yw gwella profiadau ymwelwyr a chreu the visitor experience and create stronger destinations by cyrchfannau cryfach drwy gydweithio. working together. Cruise Wales Croeso i Gymru! Welcome to Wales!

View from Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales WHY WALES? Wales is a country like no other. offers unique experiences, such as share the best of Wales with your Its natural beauty is second to none; exploring the sites of some of the passengers and leaving them with a fifth of the land is within one 600+ built in the country, memories of a lifetime. Wales has of three National Parks (namely hearing a live male voice choir, six unique cruise that provide Snowdonia, Brecon Beacons and following in the footsteps of world- access to North, South and Mid Wales Pembrokeshire), a third is protected famous Welsh poets and tasting and the endless opportunities that because its flora and fauna are the sweet delights of a Welsh cake. lie within them. From ziplining above of special scientific interest and The people of Wales are friendly, rolling hills at over 100 miles an hour there are five Areas of Outstanding inviting and proud of their home to relaxing on a steam railway to the Natural Beauty, not to mention nation, leaving visitors with lasting top of Snowdon mountain, there is 870 miles of walkable coastline. impressions besides the dramatic something unforgettable for all ages scenery. and abilities. Within the spectacular mountains, valleys, rivers, sand , forests and At Cruise Wales, we aim to offer your seas, there is a whole lot of adventure passengers a wonderful time in this to be had. The rich cultural heritage outstanding country, helping you to

3 Wales – what will you discover? Culture & Heritage

In Wales, patriotism, culture and heritage are held in high esteem. The three things overlap in many of the ways the country distinguishes itself. For example, a Welsh artist’s love of his country inspires his artwork (as was the case for painter Kyffin Williams and poet R S Thomas). Wales is often referred to as the ‘land of song’. It has many choirs, a lively theatre and drama scene, a love of live music and an annual National (a major eight-day event where the public perform in music and poetry competitions). A large part of the Welsh culture and heritage is the language, which is spoken widely across Wales. St Fagans National Museum of History,

MYTHS & LEGENDS

Storytelling is a big part of Welsh culture. Myths and legends have been passed down through the generations from as far back as the first millennium, both orally and through written tales and medieval manuscripts. From place names and landmarks to people and animals, many things in Wales have links to words of the past. Even the flag, Y Ddraig Goch (the red dragon), is steeped in legend.

Owain Glyndwˆr, the last native

4 Cruise Wales

INDUSTRIAL

The modern history of Wales is one of industrialisation. The demand for , coal and steel – and the availability of raw materials in the -packed Welsh valleys and countryside – brought money, fame and modernity to the country. Enthusiasts can explore a disused coal mine at Big Pit. Manufacturing, fishing and agriculture have always played their part too, with Wales’ island status making it ideal for importing and exporting goods.

Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenavon

N AT U R E & WILDLIFE

Wales’ terrain caters to millions of creatures and plants. In the skies fly red kites, ospreys, puffins, the world’s greatest concentration of Manx shearwaters, terns, waders, falcons and more, while the waters house many animals including dolphins, seals, otters, porpoises and turtles. Wales has some of the largest areas of flower-rich grassland, thousands of rare plants, Europe’s largest active sand dunes and some of the continent’s best temperate forests. Island, Pembrokeshire

ACTIVITIES For thrillseekers and big kids, Wales is one giant adventure playground. Activity providers make the most of the undulating terrain, accessible coastline and varied weather. Popular activities include coasteering (jumping, climbing, and paddling along the coastline), caving, gorge walking, mountain biking, , surfing, ziplining and sailing. There are quirky indoor activities too, such as trampolining in a cave at Bounce Below or watching busy bees at the National Beekeeping Centre Wales.

Adventure Parc Snowdonia, Conwy

5 Cardiff

Wales’ vibrant capital city balances history with modernity, compactness with grand ambition and cosmopolitan architecture with parks and gardens. There’s lots to explore in the city, plus the countryside, beaches, mountains and former mines are within easy reach.

As an easily-navigable city, visitors Capital castles shows and permanent exhibitions can walk from one point of interest to , a medieval castle and on zoology, archeology and more. another while enjoying the sights. a Victorian Gothic Revival mansion, On The Hayes, a central shopping is located in the heart of the city. street, the Cardiff Story tells the Treats galore The interior is extravagant: gold leaf, city’s history. Its fast-paced food and drink scene marble and intricate wood carvings. has pop-up eateries, specialty coffee Boat tours run along the River The fairytale-like sibling, , shops, established restaurants and Taff from Bute Park to Cardiff Bay, can be seen from the top of the . cocktail bars. Big brands fill St David’s passing the 76,000-seat Principality shopping centre, while the Victorian Cultural cornerstones Stadium. Cardiff Bay is the result of and Edwardian arcades house The white-stoned civic centre the regeneration of the docklands independent boutiques and quirky buildings sit on wide avenues near that were central in the country’s shops. Cardiff‘s indoor market sells parkland. There you’ll find National industrial past. It is culturally rich, with Welsh cheese, freshly-caught fish, Museum Cardiff. It is home to the the hosting souvenirs and other things. best collection of Impressionist theatre shows, the Norwegian church paintings outside of Paris, displays of where Roald Dahl was baptised and through the ages, touring seasonal events.

Cardiff city centre, including Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle

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TOURS

Caerphilly Castle Experience Tours The Tour Discover the largest castle in Wales, Go 300 metres underground at Big Wander around two fine mansions with a tower that leans more than Pit National Coal Museum or watch and their grounds: Dyffryn Gardens the Tower of Pisa millions of coins being made at The and Tredegar House Royal Mint Experience Cardiff Walking Tour Tintern Abbey and Monmouth Take a historical stroll from Cardiff Millennium Centre ‘Behind the Visit the Wye abbey that Castle in the city centre to former Scenes’ Tour inspired Wordsworth and Turner docklands in Cardiff Bay Walk in the footsteps of stars as you and the elegant market town of Castle Country Tour explore the inner workings of this Monmouth iconic building Travel through time with guided Waterfall Country Tour visits to Cardiff Castle, Castle Coch St Fagans National Museum Hike to – and even behind – famous and of History waterfalls in the Brecon Beacons Trace centuries of Welsh life, culture National Park and architecture in this award- winning open-air museum

Top: Cardiff Bay Food Festival Castle Arcade, Cardiff Above: Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

7 South Wales Swansea

Wales’ Waterfront City, Swansea, is known for its golden beaches, undulating hills, the and the poet Thomas. Boasting culture, heritage and unspoilt landscapes, it has plenty of entertainment to offer visitors. View of

Swansea combines city, culture, coast Castle, at the centre Future attractions and countryside on the sweep of a of the village, has spectacular views In 2021, a 3,500-seat arena will five mile bay. Its centre is compact over the bay. open, showcasing live music, and easy to walk around, with theatre and exhibitions. In 2022, Nature’s finest shopping centres, cafes, museums Penderyn Whisky Distillery will open Past the headland, you’re met and galleries. Swansea Market, voted with a visitor centre on the Morfa by a succession of towering cliffs best in the UK, has local delicacies Copperworks heritage site. and miles of award-winning sandy including cockles, laverbread beaches: the Gower Peninsula. It Easy access () and Welsh cakes hot off was the UK’s first region to become is a 20 minute the griddle. a designated Area of Outstanding walk from the port, crossing the Drive 20 minutes from the port to Natural Beauty, and you can see why SA1 Waterfront area. The city is the , a former -fishing with the likes of and gateway to Carmarthenshire, home village. It’s a haven for boutique Bay. Gower also has links to to the National Botanic Garden of shopping, Welsh crafts (including Arthurian legend; Arthur’s Stone is at Wales and the walled gardens of lovespoons) and fresh ice cream. one of the peninsula’s highest points. Aberglasney.

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TOURS

Gower Coast Path Walks Uncover sandy bays, craggy cliff tops and rare flora and fauna on the protected peninsula Literary Lunch Discover the life and works of Wales’ most famous bard at the Centre then visit his birthplace Medieval to Modern Travel through time and place, covering Mumbles, Oystermouth Castle, Swansea Bay and the National Waterfront Museum Outstandingly Beautiful Take a relaxing tour to see why the gorgeous Gower Peninsula was the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Welsh Whisky River Cruises New for 2022, take a river cruise in a restored river barge then enjoy a tour and tasting at Penderyn Distillery

Top: Swansea Market Above: Oystermouth Castle, Mumbles

Langland Bay, Gower

9 South West Wales

Across the water from Pembroke Dock lies its twin port, Milford Haven. Both are located on the , Wales’ largest estuary and one of the deepest natural Statue of Henry VII, harbours in the world.

Pembroke Dock was founded in a three-month secret project named The beaches near Pembroke Dock 1814 when a small fishing village ‘The Magic Roundabout’. It was later are well worth a visit. Barafundle Bay and a large patch of farmland were revealed that a select team of people Beach, and West and turned into a . It built a life-sized, moving prop of Star Beach are unspoilt, with acts as a waterside extension of the Wars’ Millennium Falcon there for sprawling sands backed by undulating neighbouring town Pembroke, one of the filmmakers to use in the film hills and cliffs. Golfers are spoilt for the larger towns in the county. The Empire Strikes Back. choice: The Golf Club sits above Pembroke Dock, Remnants of Naval use remain, Pembroke Castle is two miles from offering views to Milford Haven, while including two Martello towers (small the port. Founded by the nearby Tenby Golf Club has sea vistas. coastal forts), two listed hangars and in 1093, the stone fortress sits at the parts of the Llanion Barracks. The tip of a peninsula and is surrounded Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre, by water on three sides as a defence based in the Garrison Chapel, tells the measure. It was the birthplace story of the town’s maritime, military of Henry Tudor, who went on to and social history. Interestingly, back become Henry VII. in 1979, the Western Hangar housed

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TOURS

Alpaca Trekking Experience and Gardens Meet, pet and take a leisurely walk Tour Pembrokeshire’s finest stately with Pembrokeshire’s quirkiest herd home, with 40 acres of landscaped gardens and woods Fly Wales Jet off to Snowdonia in Pointz Castle Ice Cream and back, with a midway picnic at See how local gelato is made, from milking the cows to scooping onto the cone Green Lanes of Wales Discover, forage and taste the fresh Tenby Coasteering local produce of the peninsula Jump, climb, swim and scramble along the rugged coastline with Harbwr Brewery qualified instructors Watch brewers make ale at this Tenby-based brewery and tap house, Tenby Golf Club then sample the goods Play 18 holes at the oldest course in Wales, with sea views Pembrokeshire Safari at every point Hop in a Land Rover Defender for a private tour of the region’s landmarks and idyllic coast

St Davids Cathedral, St Davids

11 South West Wales Milford Haven

Milford Haven is a busy town that centres around its position as a gateway to everything Pembrokeshire has to offer. The port is on the north of the Milford Haven Waterway, a natural harbour used since the Middle Ages. Milford Haven Marina

Situated in the southern half of Adventure awaits Nearby destinations Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, With such incredible coastal It takes about 30 minutes by car Milford Haven is well-placed for access and dramatic landforms, to reach Tenby, a harbour town exploring the region. That is, however, it’s no wonder that people go to and resort with three fantastic and after seeing what the town itself has Pembrokeshire for activity breaks. varied beaches. Its town walls date to offer. The town centre is only half There are instructors across back to the 13th century, and these a mile from the port, so is easy to the region to help visitors enjoy days they share the main streets reach by foot. Recent developments, coasteering, kayaking, surfing, stand with independent shops, ice cream such as the Milford Waterfront, up paddleboarding, sailing, caving, parlours and friendly pubs. The have brought new life to the town climbing and much more. A short harbour sits below a steep street of with shops, cafes, restaurants and drive from Milford Haven takes you pastel-coloured cottages and is a leisure facilities. to the stunning beaches of Broad hotspot for crabbing, boating and Haven, and . eating the catch of the day. Nextdoor to Tenby is , a large village with a wide beach and great eating places.

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TOURS

Alpaca Trekking Experience Meet, pet and take a leisurely walk with Pembrokeshire’s quirkiest herd Fly Wales Jet off to Snowdonia in North Wales and back, with a midway picnic at Caernarfon Castle Green Lanes of Wales Discover, forage and taste the fresh local produce of the peninsula Harbwr Brewery Watch brewers make ale at this Tenby-based brewery and tap house, then sample the goods Pembrokeshire Safari Hop in a Land Rover Defender for a private tour of the region’s landmarks and idyllic coast Picton Castle and Gardens Tour Pembrokeshire’s finest stately home, with 40 acres of landscaped gardens and woods Pointz Castle Ice Cream See how local gelato is made, from milking the Pembrokeshire Fish Week Festival cows to scooping onto the cone Tenby Coasteering Jump, climb, swim and scramble along the rugged coastline with qualified instructors Tenby Golf Club Play 18 holes at the oldest course in Wales, with sea views at every point

Tenby Coasteering

13 South West Wales Fishguard

At the mouth of the , Fishguard is a small but fascinating Pembrokeshire town. It is divided into two – the quaint town and the old harbour area – and has a twin town to the west called . Tours

Fishguard is perched on the rocky Head, where graze beside avid Saintly surroundings tip of beautiful Pembrokeshire. It walkers, is the northernmost part of Less than half an hour away by car is has a strong, welcoming sense of Peninsula. St Davids, Britain’s smallest city. It is and feels Welsh, through the birthplace of the patron saint of Myth, legend and history and through. Wales, who founded a on The ‘last invasion of mainland the site where the impressive Coastal beauty Britain’, also known as The Battle of St Davids Cathedral now stands. This part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Fishguard, took place in the town in Every year, thousands of pilgrims Path has lots of pretty vantage points 1797. Visitors today can see a 100ft- visit the cathedral and what remains over the waters. The long Last Invasion Tapestry dedicated of the ’s Palace. Elsewhere – Llechdafad Cliffs Site of Special to the event, which was sewn by in North Pembrokeshire, there are Scientific Interest has one of the last 78 volunteers to mark the 200th stunning beaches of all sizes, historic to be built in Britain and anniversary. Barti Ddu, the most , castles, cute villages, country supports a diverse range of rare successful pirate of the Golden Age pubs and wool mills. species, including the chough and of Piracy, also came from nearby. small blue butterfly. Nearby, Dinas

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TOURS

Cardigan Castle Pembroke Castle and Tenby Skomer Island Tour the town’s medieval castle Visit two impressive walled towns: Sail to a national nature reserve before strolling along the charming the mighty fortress of Pembroke and to see the largest puffin colony in high street the narrow streets and three beaches southern Britain, seals, dolphins and of Tenby Manx shearwaters Carew Castle and Tenby Explore a limestone castle and a Picton Castle and Gardens St Davids restored tidal mill then spend time in Tour Pembrokeshire’s finest stately Stroll around Britain’s smallest city, the bustling seaside town of Tenby home, with 40 acres of landscaped the fantastic cathedral founded by gardens and woods the patron saint of Wales and nearby Coastal Walk coastal areas Walk a circular route that takes in Prehistoric Pembrokeshire beaches, fields, tors and villages along Get a snapshot of the Iron Age at Tenby, and Monastery the Pentre Ifan burial chamber, Castell Take a boat ride from Tenby to Henllys settlement and Gors Fawr Caldey Island to see a working National Botanic Garden of Wales stone circle Cistercian monastery Wander around themed gardens, the world’s largest single-span tropical Ramsey Island glasshouse, a butterfly house and the Board a fast RIB to visit secluded caves, British Bird of Prey Centre see gorges and meet local wildlife

Cardigan River and Food Festival, Cardigan

15 North Wales

Holyhead is the largest town on the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales. Anglesey is separated from mainland Wales by the , a narrow stretch of tidal water that can be crossed via ’s . , Anglesey

Although best known for its busy settlements for an area of its size in With untampered sea cliffs, an RSPB port, Holyhead is much more the UK. The centrepoint of the town, nature reserve and the lighthouse, than this alone. It is actually an island St Cybi’s Church, evidences Roman South Stack is one of the best spots of an island, as it is situated on Holy activity; it is built inside a three- on the Anglesey coastline, which is an Island beside the Cymyran Strait. Its walled Roman fort, one of only a Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. location tempts fans of the coast and few in Europe. There, you can look for seabirds wildlife, while its past draws in history including guillemots, puffins and Coastal exploration buffs. The port is half a mile from , or tilt your head towards In good weather, you can walk along the town centre, making everything the water’s surface to spot harbour the 1.7-mile Victorian Holyhead easily accessible by foot or car. porpoises, grey seals and dolphins. Breakwater, the longest breakwater Walk through time in the UK. There’s a lighthouse at Prehistoric settlements date the the end of it, or you can wait for the town’s existence. With a hillfort, one on South Stack – a rocky island burial chambers, standing stones accessed by foot bridge. and circular huts, it has the most

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TOURS

Beaumaris Castle, Courthouse Portmeirion and Gaol Explore this famous Italianate village Go back in time at this immense set on the Dwyryd Estuary, with concentric fortress, the 400 year colourful little buildings, independent old courthouse and former jail shops and fairytale forest walks Caernarfon Castle and Snowdonia National Park Explore two North Wales’ castles, the Take in the incredible scenery of first being a medieval fortress and Wales’ largest National Park, including the second being a UNESCO World craggy mountains, vast countryside, Heritage Site. woodlands and picturesque villages Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways and Nature Reserve Ride an award-winning narrow gauge Climb down 400 steps to this steam train that runs through 40 historic lighthouse built on a tiny miles of beautiful Snowdonia National islet, favoured by thousands of rare Park scenery breeding seabirds

Top: Welsh Highland Railway Conwy Castle, Conwy Above: Portmeirion Food and Craft Fair

17 Wales – what will you discover?

eFoiling at FoilRide, the new hydrofoiling Zip World Penrhyn Quarry, Bethesda department of the multi-award winning RibRide

Cardiff International White Water, Zip World Bounce Below, Cardiff Bay

Stand up paddleboarding, Mawddach Estuary

18 Holyhead Bay, Anglesey www.cruisewales.visitwales.com Caerphilly Castle

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