WalesWales

Berwick-upon-Tweed

Lindisfarne

Giant’s Causeway Carrick-a-Rede Cragside

Downhill Coleraine Demesne and Hezlett House Morpeth Wallington LONDONDERRY Blyth Seaton Delaval Hall Whitley Bay Tynemouth Newcastle Upon Tyne M2 Souter Lighthouse Jarrow and The Leas Ballymena Cherryburn Gateshead Gray’s Printing Larne Gibside Sunderland Press Carlisle Consett Washington Old Hall

Houghton le Spring M22 Patterson’s M6 Springhill Spade Mill Carrickfergus Durham M2 Newtownabbey Brandon Peterlee Wellbrook Cookstown Bangor Beetling Mill Wordsworth House Spennymoor Divis and the A1(M) Hartlepool BELFAST Black Mountain Newtownards Workington Bishop Auckland Mount Aira Force Appleby-in- Redcar and Ullswater Westmorland Stewart Stockton- Middlesbrough M1 Whitehaven on-Tees The Argory Strangford Ormesby Hall Craigavon Lough Darlington Ardress House Rowallane Sticklebarn and Whitby Castle Portadown Garden The Langdales Coole Castle Armagh Ward Wray Castle Florence Court Beatrix Potter Gallery M6 and Hawkshead Murlough Northallerton Crom Steam Yacht Gondola Hill Top Kendal Hawes Rievaulx Scarborough Sizergh Terrace Newry

Nunnington Hall Ulverston Ripon

Barrow-in-Furness Bridlington Fountains Abbey A1(M) Morecambe Lancaster Knaresborough Beningbrough Hall M6 Harrogate York Skipton Treasurer’s House Fleetwood Ilkley Middlethorpe Hall Keighley Yeadon Tadcaster Clitheroe Colne Beverley East Riddlesden Hall Shipley Blackpool Gawthorpe Hall Nelson Leeds Garforth M55 Selby Preston Burnley M621 Kingston Upon Hull M65 Accrington Bradford M62 Lytham St Anne's Castleford Blackburn Todmorden Halifax Rawtenstall Batley Leyland Brighouse M62 Pontefract Goole Rufford Old Hall Wa d Southport Nostell M18 Chorley M62 M6 M66 Thorne Immingham M61 Rochdale Hemsworth Scunthorpe Grimsby Ormskirk Bury M181 Standish M1 Cleethorpes Bolton Middleton Skelmersdale M60 M180 Barnsley M58 Wigan Oldham Doncaster Crosby Kirkby St Helens M62 Salford Manchester Bootle Stocksbridge M67 A1(M) Wallasey Sale Glossop Rotherham Liverpool M60 Gainsborough M60 Stockport M62 Dunham Massey Birkenhead Shef eld Louth Bodysgallen Widnes Warrington Altrincham Quarry Llandudno Hall M53 Runcorn M56 Bank Mr Straw’s Holyhead Suspension Bridge Tatton Park Worksop House Colwyn Bay Prestatyn Speke Hall Wilmslow M1 Retford Aberconwy House Rhyl Frodsham Knutsford Lyme M56 Nether Dron eld Staveley Conwy Abergele Ellesmere Port Alderley Mill Bangor Flint Northwich Clumber Park d Buxton Lincoln Plas Newydd Penrhyn M6 Gunby Estate Castle Stainsby Mill Chester Congleton Cross Mans eld Monksthorpe Chapel Biddulph Grange Matlock Hardwick Little Moreton Hall Garden Sutton in Ash eld Leek The Workhouse Tattershall Tyˆ Mawr Crewe Kirkby in Kidsgrove Ash eld Newark-on-Trent Castle Wybrnant Nantwich Ripley Newcastle- Belper Stoke-on-trent Ashbourne Hucknall under-Lyme Boston Sheringham Park

Kedleston Hall Ilkeston M1 Nottingham Castle Belton House Sudbury Derby Beeston Grantham Plas yn Stone Uttoxeter Felbrigg Hall Rhiw Hall Long Eaton Oswestry Woolsthorpe Blickling Estate Burton upon Trent Spalding King's Stafford Melton Manor Loughborough Mowbray Lynn Newport Shugborough Estate M6 Calke Abbey Heigham Holmes Rugeley Attingham Ashby-de- Dereham Buildings and Gardens Shrewsbury Park la-Zouch Sunnycroft Cannock d Coalville Wisbech Norwich Stamford Swaffham Great Yarmouth Coast and Countryside Telford M54 M6 M42 Elizabethan Powis Castle TOLL Brownhills Peckover All places shown are listed in this Downham House Museum Wightwick Tamworth Leicester House printed guide. Places in green have Benthall Moseley Old Hall Peterborough Market a limited offer, and are listed at the Hall Manor Walsall Sutton Wolverhampton Hinckley March Oxburgh Hall end of each section. Bridgnorth Lowestoft West Bromwich M6 M69 Carding Nuneaton 0 10 20 miles Dudley Birmingham Mill Valley Market Corby and the Dudmaston Halesowen Birmingham Bedworth 0 10 20 30 kilometers Back to Backs Harborough Thetford Long Mynd Stourbridge M6 Lyveden M1 A1(M) Ely M5 Solihull M42 Coventry Kettering Kidderminster Mildenhall Packwood Baddesley Rugby Huntingdon M42 House Clinton Bromsgrove M45 St Ives Stourport- Wicken Fen Dunwich Heath Croft M40 Houghton Mill Bury on-Severn Redditch Leamington Wellingborough Castle M5 St Edmunds Warwick Spa Rushden Berrington Hall Droitwich Coughton Daventry Newmarket Theatre Royal Cambridge The Firs Court Northampton St Neots Llanerchaeron Hanbury Anglesey Abbey Stowmarket Hall Ickworth Stratford Charlecote Park M11 Brockhampton Worcester upon Avon Greyfriars’ House Canons Wimpole Estate Orford Farnborough Hall Ness The Fleece Ashby M1 Newport Bedford Melford Hall Great Malvern Pagnell Sutton Hoo Inn Biggleswade Lavenham Ipswich Croome Evesham Upton Haverhill The Weir House Sudbury Guildhall Hidcote Banbury Milton Dolaucothi Mines Garden Hereford Royston Stowe Keynes M1 Saffron Letchworth Walden Felixstowe Tewkesbury Dunstable A1(M) Harwich M50 Snowshill Manor Downs and the Flatford Claydon Leighton Whipsnade Hitchin M11 Grange Barn Chastleton House M40 Buzzard Estate Stevenage Bishop's Braintree Colchester Carmarthen M5 Cheltenham Bicester Ascott Stortford Gloucester Luton Paycocke’s Bourne Mill Dinefwr Shaw’s Corner Hat eld Forest House Abergavenny Chedworth Waddesdon Manor Welwyn Garden Ammanford Tring Ware Witham Clacton-on-Sea Colby Woodland Roman Villa Hemel City Witney Hertford Milford Garden Merthyr The Kymin Hartwell House Hempstead Harlow Haven St Albans Maldon T l d Chelmsford Stroud Oxford Thame Berkhamsted M1 Hoddesdon M5 Llanelli Aberdulais Aberdare Pontypool M40 Pembroke M4 Cirencester Buscot Park Amersham M25 Hughenden Watford En eld Tudor Merchant’s Abingdon M25 M11 Neath Cwmbran Chigwell House Swansea Chepstow Newark Park West Wycombe Park Barnet Brentwood Stackpole High Wycombe Fenton M25 Rayleigh Pontypridd M48 Didcot Port Talbot Caerphilly Nuf eld Place House Sutton House Newport Heelis Beacons eld Basildon Southend-on-Sea M4 Swindon Cliveden Eastbury Manor House Tredegar House M49 2 Willow Road Rainham Hall Canvey Island M4 Greys Court Slough Bridgend M4 M4 Porthcawl Cardiff M32 Tilbury Basildon Park Reading Windsor Osterley Park Sheerness Clevedon M5 Dyrham Park Runnymede and Margate Bristol Avebury Ankerwycke Ham House Red House Cobham Wood Dyffryn Gardens M4 Tyntes eld Staines Swanley Rochester Whitstable Lacock Newbury Gillingham Barry Sittingbourne Herne Bay Bath Claremont M25 Devizes M3 Garden The Homewood M20 Chatham Ramsgate Weston-super-Mare Prior Park Faversham Brean Down Epsom M2 Sandham Hatchlands Sevenoaks Knole Maidstone Trowbridge The Vyne Quebec Canterbury Memorial Park Leatherhead Stoneacre Basingstoke Box Hill M25 House Deal Chapel River Wey and Godalming Ightham Mote Reigate M20 Burnham-on-Sea Frome Navigations and Dapdune Wharf Guildford Polesden Emmetts Andover Chartwell Garden Tonbridge South Foreland Lighthouse Lundy Ilfracombe Minehead Warminster Shalford Lacey Dunster Castle Farnham Godalming Sissinghurst Ashford Winkworth Arboretum Mill M23 Castle Garden The White Cliffs Arlington Court Standen House Dover Dunster Coleridge Cottage M3 Alton East Grinstead Crawley Tunbridge M20 Watermill Bridgwater Stourhead Mompesson Winchester Oakhurst Wells Folkestone Barnstaple Fyne Court House City Mill Cottage Wakehurst Scotney Castle Hythe Crowborough Smallhythe Place Salisbury Winchester Woolbeding Horsham Bideford Lytes Cary Manor Gardens Nymans Taunton Mottisfont Petworth Shef eld Park Bodiam Castle Hinton Peters eld Romsey Haywards Lamb House M5 Tintinhull Garden Eastleigh Ampner Heath Bateman’s Knightshayes Yeovil Barrington Court Southampton Uppark House Montacute House A3(M) Tiverton Hailsham Hastings Lewes Hythe M27 Havant Chichester Monk’s House Killerton Fareham Bexhill-on-Sea Hove Brighton Kingston Lacy Fawley Worthing Alfriston Clergy House New Gosport Littlehampton Hardy’s Milton Lymington Cowes Portsmouth Bognor Bridport Cottage Christchurch Ryde Regis Finch Foundry Exeter M5 Poole Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters Sidmouth Dorchester Brownsea Island Bournemouth Newtown Newport Castle Drogo Max Gate Bembridge Windmill Tintagel Old Studland Bay Sandown Post Of ce A la Ronde The Lydford Gorge Corfe Castle Mottistone Shanklin Exmouth Weymouth Needles Dawlish Gardens Teignmouth Newton Abbot Bodmin Cotehele Compton Castle Buckland Abbey Torquay Newquay Lanhydrock Paignton Plymouth Saltash Brixham Antony Plympton Trerice St Austell Fowey Torpoint Greenway Saltram Coleton Fishacre East Pool Truro St Ives Mine Redruth Levant Mine Camborne Overbeck’s Trengwainton Trelissick Garden Godolphin Falmouth St Michael’s Helston Glendurgan Garden Mount Group admission: £5.20

Aberdulais M T W T F S S Aberdulais 5 Jan–10 Feb 10:30–3 . . . . . S S Aberdulais, Neath, Neath Port Talbot SA10 8EU 16 Feb–3 Mar 10:30–4 M T W T F S S 4 Mar–12 Apr 10:30–3 M T W T F S S Archaeology has uncovered the secrets of 13 Apr–28 Apr 10–5 M T W T F S S industries in days gone by at Aberdulais – one 29 Apr–24 May 10:30–4 M T W T F S S of Britain’s oldest tin works. When you wander 25 May–2 Jun 10–5 M T W T F S S through the site, you’ll find yourself at the very 3 Jun–21 Jul 10:30–4 M T W T F S S heart of the earliest industry in Britain. You’ll 22 Jul–1 Sep 10–5 M T W T F S S discover how Aberdulais played its part in shaping 2 Sep–25 Oct 10:30–3 M T W T F S S the world as we know it today. Water was the 26 Oct–3 Nov 10:30–4 M T W T F S S power behind all of the industries at Aberdulais; 8 Nov–22 Dec 11–3 . . . . F S S take in the sound of the waterfall, see the majestic Tea-room: opening times vary (call for details). waterwheel turning, while the turbine is busy converting this energy into electricity to power Access: s70 s133 s140 s67s105s129 Stable and Tin the site. Note: waterwheel and turbine subject to Exhibition s63 s66 s59 Turbine House s63 s66 s64 s110s59 water levels and conservation work. Grounds s63 s66 s64 s108s59 Contact: 01639 636674 or [email protected] Special interest tours Check website or call for details of all tours or talks Coaches: drop-off point 20 yards from entrance. Limited coach parking available in lay-by outside Special interest tours property. Free admission, tea or coffee for the We can offer a range of tours including popular coach driver/group organiser. themes such as, Industrial Heritage, Green Energy, or Bats and Birds. We offer education packages Visit: average duration is 1 hour 30 minutes. for schools and colleges, groups and coach parties Welcome to site. Introductory talk. Guided tour. by special arrangement. Please call to discuss your Out-of-hours tours. Shop. group’s requirements and check availability.

Catering: function room available for group Tour cost free of charge refreshments and catering. Booking essential. Duration 1 hour 30 minutes

nationaltrust.org.uk/groups 209 Catering: tea-room (licensed), self-service, 140 covers. Special dietary requirements catered for. Bodnant Garden Group admission: £12.60 Tal-y-Cafn, near Colwyn Bay, Conwy LL28 5RE Bodnant Garden M T W T F S S A Grade I listed garden in Snowdonia’s foothills, 1 Jan–28 Feb 10–4 M T W T F S S home to historic plant collections, with 1 Mar–30 Apr* 10–5 M T W T F S S breathtaking mountain views. The garden was 1 May–30 Jun* 9–5 M T W T F S S established in 1874 by Victorian entrepreneur 1 Jul–31 Oct* 10–5 M T W T F S S Henry Pochin, and five generations of the family 1 Nov–31 Dec** 10–4 M T W T F S S have transformed the Conwy Valley hillside with Pavilion tea-room: open from 9 daily. *Garden: open to 8 rare trees and shrubs from around the world. on Wednesdays, April to end September. **Garden and tea- room: closed 24 to 26 December. Since 1949 the 32-hectare (80-acre) garden has been nurtured in collaboration with the National Access: s70 s133 s140 s67s105s81s129 Trust. Enjoy formal Italianate terraces with roses, s66 s108 s59 herbaceous beds and parterres, as well as informal Grounds shrub borders, woods and meadows, and riverside dells with waterfalls and towering conifers. Every season brings new delights – magnolias and rhododendrons in spring, roses and water lilies in summer, followed by rich leaf colour in autumn and frosted winter landscapes.

Garden best: all year.

Contact: 01492 650460 or [email protected]

Coaches: parking for 10 coaches, 150 yards from entrance. Tight turning circle.

Visit: average duration is 3 hours. Welcome to site. Shop.

210 Please book all group visits, tours and catering directly with places Visit: average duration is 3 hours. Welcome to site. Introductory talk. Out-of-hours tours£. Chirk Castle Maximum group size per tour is 15 people. Shop. Catering: café, self-service, 76 covers, plus 35 Chirk, Wrexham LL14 5AF seated outdoors. Full menu with table-service for hot food. Groups can book set menu, out-of-hours Completed by Marcher Lord Roger Mortimer in refreshments and reserve tables. Function rooms 1310, Chirk is the last Welsh castle from the reign available for larger groups (40 to 60 people). of Edward I still inhabited today. You can explore medieval towers and dungeons, visit the 17th- and Group admission: £11.50 18th-century rooms of the Myddelton family home, including the historic laundry, and discover the story of influential 20th-century tenant and Chirk Castle M T W T F S S polymath Lord Howard de Walden. The prized Estate gardens contain clipped yews, herbaceous borders Open all year 7–7 M T W T F S S and rock gardens. A terrace gives stunning views Garden, Adam’s Tower, shop and café over the Cheshire and plains, while the 2 Feb–3 Nov 10–4* M T W T F S S large estate, divided by King Offa’s Dyke, provides 9 Nov–24 Nov 10–4 . . . . . S S habitat for rare invertebrates, wild flowers 30 Nov–22 Dec 10–4 M T W T F S S and veteran trees. Note: all visitors, including State rooms members, need to obtain tickets from Home Farm 2 Feb–8 Mar** 11–4 M T W T F S S ticket office before going up to the castle. 9 Mar–3 Nov† 12–4* M T W T F S S 9 Nov–24 Nov†† 11–4 . . . . . S S Garden best in: February, May–August. 30 Nov–22 Dec 11–4 M T W T F S S *Open until 5, April to September. **East wing only. Timed : 01691 777701 or tickets available on the day (places limited). †Guided tours: Contact 11:15 and 11:30 (places limited). ††Guided access only, timed [email protected] tickets available on day (places limited).

Coaches: parking for 3 coaches at Home Farm Access: s70 s133 s77 s140 s67 s105s81s141s129s68 visitor centre, then 200 yards to castle (up steep State rooms s63 s66 Adam’s Tower s63 s233 hill). Drop-off point at castle after collecting tickets. Return minibus transfer available between Gardens s66 s64 s108s59 castle and ticket office. nationaltrust.org.uk/groups 211 Special interest tours Check website or call for details of all tours or talks

Chirk’s state rooms Rooftop tour The state rooms at Chirk were added within the This tour encompasses the historic servants’ footprint of the original medieval walls, from the quarters, not normally seen by visitors, before 16th century onward. Their decorative schemes you wind your way up to the roof space on the and collection are an eclectic mixture of tastes three towers of the north face of the castle. The from over 400 years. Limited slots for private tour is weather dependent; if the tour cannot go state-rooms tour are available. ahead an alternative will be offered.

Tour cost from £8 per person Tour cost from £8 per person Duration 1 hour Duration 1 hour 30 minutes

Garden walk Veteran trees Take the opportunity to learn more about the Enjoy a guided walk, in the company of one of our beautiful formal gardens at Chirk, accompanied experienced rangers, around the historic 18th- by one of our garden team. From flowering century parkland surrounding Chirk Castle. The shrubs to rare trees, striking topiary to stunning tour will highlight the spectacular landscapes and statues, you’ll take history and horticulture in the importance of the many mature specimens, your stride as you marvel at the glorious views from ancient yews to sweet chestnut trees, that across seven counties. can be found in the park.

Tour cost from £10 per person Tour cost from £10 per person Duration 1 hour 30 minutes Duration 2 hours

212 Please book all group visits, tours and catering directly with places Coaches: coach parking, 50 yards from entrance. Narrow lanes, essential that coaches book and Colby Woodland request a coach route. Visit: average duration is 2 hours. Welcome to Garden site. Introductory talk. Guided tour£. Out-of- hours tours£. Shop. near Amroth, Pembrokeshire SA67 8PP Catering: tea-room (not National Trust), waitress service, 50 covers.

Group admission: £7

Colby Woodland Garden M T W T F S S Woodland and walled gardens* 7 Jan–15 Feb 10–3 M T W T F S S 16 Feb–3 Nov 10–5 M T W T F S S 4 Nov–23 Dec 10–3 M T W T F S S Shop 16 Feb–3 Nov 10–5 M T W T F S S Tea-room 6 Apr–3 Nov 10–4:30 M T W T F S S *Car park and bothy exhibition open as woodland and walled gardens. Closed 24 to 31 December.

Access: s70 s133 s140 s67 s105s81s141s68s138 Grounds s66 s108 s59

Special interest tours Check website or call for details of all tours or talks

A woodland garden walk Tranquil woodland valley garden with bluebells, rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias in spring, year-round colour in the walled garden. Enjoy the easy-going company of one of our gardeners on a walk through the secluded valleys and wooded A short walk from the beach, this hidden wooded walkways, and learn about the intriguing social valley, with its secret garden and industrial past, and industrial history of the Colby Estate. is a place for play. There are fallen trees to climb, rope swings and playful surprises everywhere. Tour cost from £3 per person Spring brings bluebells, camellias, rhododendrons Duration 1 hour 30 minutes and azaleas, while the walled garden gives year-round colour, peace and seclusion. There are woodland walks, meandering streams and ponds with stepping stones and log bridges in the wildflower meadow, and the whole valley teems with wildlife. Fun learning activities and exploration packs are available, and there are picnic and campfire spots in the meadow and free games to borrow. Note: sorry, house not open.

Garden best in: April–May.

Contact: 01834 811885 or [email protected] nationaltrust.org.uk/groups 213 Special interest tours Check website or call for details of all tours or talks Dinefwr Badger watch At twilight the badgers come out from the Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire SA19 6RT sett, giving those who are patient and quiet a chance to encounter these timid creatures A place of legends and folklore, Dinefwr’s long close up. This is an amazing opportunity to history has featured power, glory, downfall and watch and photograph them in the wild. Led loss. There is even a direct link with the past by our experienced badger watch ranger team. through our iconic White Park cattle, which Maximum 10 in hide. have been kept here for 1,000 years. Walks lead through ancient woods, with gnarled veteran Tour cost from £9 per person trees, and you can seek the inhabitants of the Duration 2 hours 30 minutes Bogwood and Mill Pond and walk in the footsteps of medieval princes – viewing ‘your kingdom’ from Behind the scenes at Newton House the castle on the hill. After exploring the tranquil Go behind the scenes at Newton House. It’s countryside, you can continue your adventure here that you’ll discover more about Dinefwr’s in atmospheric Newton House, discovering intriguing past. Follow your knowledgeable guide the many changes the years have wrought. up to the top floor of the house and experience Note: Dinefwr Castle is owned by the Wildlife the breathtaking views of the landscape below. Trust and is in the guardianship of . Tour cost free of charge Garden best in: March–October. Duration 1 hour

Contact: 01558 824512 or Cattle safari [email protected] Come and see the iconic White Park cattle up close on this tractor trailer tour. Our experienced Coaches: drop-off point at entrance, then ranger will share the history and facts about these coaches park at Home Farm. Coach drivers majestic animals. Available May to August, 16 provided with free drink and admission. people per tour including wheelchair space.

Visit: average duration is 3 hours. Welcome to Tour cost free of charge site. Introductory talk. Guided tour. Out-of- Duration 1 hour hours tours£. There are many talks and tours covering all aspects of the estate, essential to Life ‘below stairs’ book early. Shop. Discover the past lives of those who worked ‘below stairs’ at Newton House serving the Rhys Catering: tea-room (licensed) in Newton House, family right up until the 1950s and learn about the counter order and waiting staff bring to table, 70 many rules they had to follow. covers. Groups can reserve tables and book special group menus. Gluten-free menu also available. Tour cost free of charge Duration 1 hour Group admission: £6.50

Dinefwr M T W T F S S 1 Feb–30 Mar 11–3 M T W T F S S 31 Mar–3 Nov 10–5 M T W T F S S 4 Nov–31 Dec* 11–3 M T W T F S S Newton House: closed 7 to 31 January for housekeeping and conservation (grounds remain open 10 to 3). Grounds: open all year 10 to 4 and 10 to 5 during the summer. *Everything closed 24 and 25 December.

Access: s70 s133 s140 s67 s105s81s129s138 Newton House s63 s66 s110 s233s59 Castle s63 s233 Parkland s66 s64 s108

214 Please book all group visits, tours and catering directly with places Dolaucothi Gold Mines Pumsaint, Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire SA19 8US

Not your average National Trust visit, this hidden gem reveals the story of the quest for gold more than 2,000 years ago. Try your luck by panning for gold, and anything you find you keep. Or you can venture on an overground tour of the Roman archaeology, go underground to experience the harsh conditions of Victorian times and listen to what 1930s miners had to say in their very own Contact: 01558 650809 (mines). 01558 650365 words about their final efforts to search for gold. (caravan site) or [email protected] Why not join us for the ultimate adventure and discover centuries of stories in just one day? Coaches: parking for 2 coaches, 60 yards from Note: steep slopes, stout footwear essential. entrance. Narrow lane approach. Minimum height 1 metre, no carried children on underground tours. We have a no-steps tour on Visit: average duration is 2 hours 30 minutes. level ground accessible for everyone. Sorry, no Guided tour only. Welcome to site. Introductory coach group bookings taken in August. talk. Out-of-hours tours£. Groups must book, maximum 25 per tour. Shop.

Catering: tea-room, self-service, 20 covers.

Group admission: £6.50

Dolaucothi Gold Mines M T W T F S S 15 Mar–19 Jul 10:30–5 M T W T F S S 20 Jul–31 Aug 10–6 M T W T F S S 1 Sep–3 Nov 10:30–5 M T W T F S S Shop: opens 10:30. Caravan site: open daily, dawn to dusk, 15 March to 3 November. Last tour leaves 90 minutes before closing.

Access: s70 s133 s140 s67s105s81s129 Tea-rooms s64 Machinery sheds s64 Mine yard s64 s108

nationaltrust.org.uk/groups 215 Dyffryn Gardens St Nicholas, Vale of CF5 6SU

A garden for all seasons, Dyffryn is celebrated for its botanical collection and is among the best in Wales. Meandering through the gardens, you will discover intimate garden rooms, formal lawns and an extensive arboretum. The reinstated glasshouse in the kitchen garden houses an impressive collection of rare cacti and orchids. Designed by the eminent landscape architect Thomas Mawson, the gardens are the early 20th-century vision of Reginald Cory. Standing at the heart of Dyffryn is a unique Victorian mansion. The Grade II* listed Dyffryn House is an ongoing conservation project and has been partly furnished, but with a difference. The house is used as a canvas to interpret the gardens and Cory family history. Garden best in: April–November.

Contact: 02920 593328 or [email protected]

Coaches: parking for 4 coaches. Drop-off point 40 yards from entrance.

Visit: average duration is 2 hours. Welcome to site. Shop.

Catering: main café, 70 covers and The Gallery café in garden, 40 covers. Both licensed, additional seating outside. Hot food in main café only, 12 to 3. Various catering options available for booked groups (25+).

Group admission: £10.30

Dyffryn Gardens M T W T F S S Gardens, shop and café 1 Jan–10 Feb 10–4 M T W T F S S 11 Feb–31 Mar 10–5 M T W T F S S 1 Apr–29 Sep 10–6 M T W T F S S 30 Sep–20 Oct 10–5 M T W T F S S 21 Oct–31 Dec* 10–4 M T W T F S S House 1 Jan–10 Feb 12–3:30 M T W T F S S 11 Feb–20 Oct 12–4 M T W T F S S 21 Oct–31 Dec* 12–3:30 M T W T F S S Gardens: last entry one hour before closing. Gardens Café: opens 10 to 30 minutes before closing. Hot food orders 12 to 3:30. *Closed 25 and 26 December.

Access: s70 s140 s67s105 House s66 s110 Grounds s63 s66 s108 s8s59

216 Please book all group visits, tours and catering directly with places Group admission: £11.50

Erddig M T W T F S S Erddig House Wrexham LL13 0YT 9 Feb–22 Mar* 11:30–2:30 M T W T F S S 23 Mar–25 Oct 12:30–3:30 M T W T F S S A haven of natural beauty and modern sanctuary 26 Oct–31 Dec* 11:30–2:30 M T W T F S S for well-being, Erddig’s 485-hectare (1,200-acre) Garden, restaurant and shop pleasure park, designed by William Emes, welcomes 1 Jan–22 Mar** 11–4 M T W T F S S walkers (and their four-legged friends), beginner 23 Mar–25 Oct 10–5 M T W T F S S runners, Nordic walkers and those seeking a natural 26 Oct–31 Dec** 11–4 M T W T F S S boost in the great outdoors. At its heart, above *Ground-floor servants’ quarters only. Hourly tours the River Clywedog, is Erddig Hall – an unexpected weekdays, self-guided during school holidays and weekends. **Natural play area open as garden, but closed weekdays survivor, rescued from dereliction in the 1970s. from 1 January to 16 February and closed completely from Discover the story of a family’s unique relationship 4 November to 31 December. Closed 25 December. Timed with its servants – a large collection of servants’ tickets operate on Bank Holidays and during busy periods. portraits and carefully preserved rooms capture their lives across the generations, where saw and Access: s70 s133 s140 s67 s105s22s141s129s138 spade are as treasured as silver and silk. Outdoors, Building s63 s66 Grounds s63 s66 s64 relax in a restored 18th-century walled garden with trained fruit trees and apple orchards growing over 180 varieties and tranquil water features. Special interest tours Check website or call for details of all tours or talks

Dereliction to distinction A tour of Erddig’s Grade I listed garden. Explore the walled garden restored to its 18th-century formal design. Learn about its history, restoration and conservation and discover how the garden is managed today. With rare fruit trees and a National Collection of Ivies, Erddig’s garden is a very special place.

Tour cost free of charge Duration 1 hour 30 minutes

Private tour of Erddig Discover a fascinating history, remarkable furnishings and the lives and loves of the family and their servants. Erddig is full of stories both touching and unique; from the risk-taker whose Garden best in: March–October. luck ran out when building the house, to the actor who played the role of the squire amongst Contact: 01978 355314 or crumbling walls. [email protected] Tour cost free of charge Coaches: parking for 3 coaches, 100 yards from Duration 1 hour 30 minutes entrance. Drop-off point, 20 yards from entrance. Driveway is single carriage with passing places. William Emes’s parkland Join our rangers to explore the landscaped park Visit: average duration is 2 hours 30 minutes. designed in the 18th century by William Emes. Welcome to site. Introductory talk. Guided Discover one of Emes’s most original features in tour. Please request talks and tours at time the park, a cylindrical cascade, also known as the of booking. Shop. ‘cup and saucer’, and follow Wat’s Dyke to the earthworks of a Norman motte-and-bailey castle. Catering: restaurant (licensed), self-service, 75 covers. Tea-room with garden, self-service, 30 Tour cost free of charge covers and additional 50 covers in the tea garden. Duration 45 minutes nationaltrust.org.uk/groups 217 Llanerchaeron M T W T F S S Whole property 23 Feb–3 Mar 11:30–3:30 M T W T F S S Llanerchaeron 16 Mar–3 Nov* 10:30–5:30 M T W T F S S , near , Farm, shop and garden SA48 8DG 5 Jan–17 Feb 11:30–3:30 . . . . . S S 25 Feb–15 Mar 11:30–3:30 M T W T F S S A self-sufficient 18th-century Welsh minor gentry 4 Nov–31 Dec** 11:30–3:30 M T W T F S S estate. The villa, designed in the 1790s, is the Last admission one hour before closing. *Villa: opens 11:30 and most complete example of the early work of John closes 4. **Closed 24 to 26 December. Geler Jones Rural Life Collection: open 12 to 4, Wednesday and Friday, 20 March to Nash. It has its own service courtyard with dairy, 1 November. Parkland and woodland walks: open daily. laundry, brewery and salting house, giving a full ‘upstairs, downstairs’ experience. The walled Access: s70 s133 s140 s67 s105s22s141s129s68 Visitor kitchen gardens, pleasure grounds, ornamental building s64 s59 Villa s63 s66 s59 Grounds s64 s108 s59 lake and parkland offer peaceful walks, while the Home Farm complex has an impressive range of traditional, atmospheric outbuildings. The working farm has Welsh Black cattle, Special interest tours sheep and rare Welsh pigs as well as chickens, Check website or call for details of all tours or talks geese and turkeys. Woodland walks available. Geler Jones Collection guided tour Wander back through time to an earlier age of Welsh farming life. Hear fascinating stories about this treasure trove of early 20th-century agricultural machinery and implements, made and used locally. Marvel at the craftsmanship involved, and learn how farming moved from horse power to the machine age.

Tour cost from £2 per person Duration 45 minutes

Llanerchaeron guided walk A rare opportunity to experience a fine Regency villa designed by John Nash in the 1790s, with mature walled gardens, Pleasure Grounds, ornamental lake and a working Home Farm. Discover how the estate was run, learn about the John Nash connection and experience self- sufficiency at its very best. Garden best in: April–October. Tour cost from £2 per person Contact: 01545 570200 or Duration 1 hour 30 minutes [email protected]

Coaches: coach parking, 75 yards from entrance.

Visit: average duration is 2 hours 30 minutes. Welcome to site. Guided tour£. Out-of-hours tours£. Tickets will be organised with on-board welcome. Shop.

Catering: tea-room (not National Trust), assisted service, 50 covers. Menu for groups available on request.

Group admission: £8

218 Please book all group visits, tours and catering directly with places Catering: tea-room (licensed), counter service, 80 covers. Groups can request table reservations, special set menus and out-of-hours catering for Penrhyn Castle special functions, in advance. Coffee shop in and Garden stableyard, 24 covers, with some outdoor seating. Group admission: £11.90 Bangor, LL57 4HT

Penrhyn Castle and Garden M T W T F S S Castle* 2 Mar–3 Nov 11–5 M T W T F S S 30 Nov–22 Dec 11–4 . . . . . S S Garden, parkland and Railway Museum, café and shop 5 Jan–10 Feb 11–3 . . . . . S S 16 Feb–3 Nov 10:30–5 M T W T F S S 9 Nov–29 Dec 11–4 . . . . . S S Victorian kitchens 2 Mar–3 Nov 11–5 M T W T F S S 9 Nov–22 Dec 11–4 . . . . . S S *Last entry to castle one hour before closing.

Access: s70 s133 s77 s140 s67s105s22s129s138 Castle s63 s66 s59 Stable block s66 s59 Grounds s63 s66 Penrhyn Castle is a vast neo-Norman castle with many different stories to tell. Extensive grounds and parkland include a Victorian walled garden, industrial Railway Museum and large Victorian Special interest tours kitchens. Set against the spectacular backdrop Check website or call for details of all tours or talks of Snowdonia and the coast, the castle’s dominating stone façade hides more A garden with views of Snowdonia than just its internal red-brick construction. The Penrhyn’s garden is a hidden gem situated unique architecture and opulent interiors mask between the mountains of Snowdonia and the a darker history of slavery and a bitter industrial . There are acres of open parkland, dispute that changed Penrhyn’s relationship with wooded walks and a spectacular Victorian the local community for ever. Over the coming walled garden. Enjoy the breathtaking views and years Penrhyn will be exploring these difficult discover the hidden paths that lead you through stories and presenting them in new and exciting the garden. ways. Note: during this period of transformation, opening arrangements, room layout and tour Tour cost from £9.20 per person availability may vary. Duration 1 hour

Garden best in: March–June, August, October. Behind the façade: sugar, slate and splendour Contact: 01248 353084 or An out-of-hours tour allows your group to [email protected] explore privately the opulence of this magnificent 19th-century castle. Discover the darker side to Coaches: coach parking, 500 yards. the complete Penrhyn story, one of large-scale Drop-off point 200 yards. Sat Nav: essential to exploitation and bitter industrial disputes; a use LL57 4HT. permanent reminder of the man who roofed the world and sent shock waves across oceans. Visit: average duration is 3 hours. Welcome to site. Introductory talk. Guided tour. Out-of-hours Tour cost from £9.20 per person tours£. Please request if coach welcome required. Duration 1 hour 30 minutes Changes at Penryhn Castle may affect opening arrangements and tour availability; please check before visit. Shop. nationaltrust.org.uk/groups 219 Catering: Plas Café (licensed), self-service, 75 covers, plus 30 outside, hot meals served 12 to 3. Old Dairy Café, 30 covers plus 20 covers Plas Newydd House outside, serving light bites and drinks. and Garden No table reservations. Group admission: £11 Llanfairpwll, Anglesey LL61 6DQ

The ancestral home of the Marquess of Anglesey Plas Newydd M T W T F S S sits majestically on the shores of the Menai Strait, Mansion enjoying breathtaking views of Snowdonia. The 16 Feb–3 Nov 11–4:30 M T W T F S S surrounding gardens are great for exploring and Garden, shop and café include an Australasian arboretum, Italianate 5 Jan–10 Feb 11–3 . . . . . S S terrace garden and extensive woodland walks. 16 Feb–10 Nov 10:30–5 M T W T F S S There’s plenty for little explorers too, including 16 Nov–29 Dec 11–3 . . . . . S S a hand-built tree house, nine-hole Frisbee™ golf Opening times may vary and some rooms may close course, and adventure playground – you might occasionally due to major reservicing project. even meet one of the resident red squirrels! This s70 s133 s77 s140 s67 s105s22s141s68s138 family home houses a Waterloo-inspired military Access: museum, works of art, regular exhibitions and, at Building s63 s66 s59 Grounds s66 s108 its heart, Rex Whistler’s famous 58-foot fantasy landscape painting. Note: due to reservicing works, some rooms may be closed, opening and Special interest tours tour arrangements may vary. Sorry, but there will Check website or call for details of all tours or talks be no group bookings possible after end of July. The glorious garden tour Garden best in: April–September. The real glory of the gardens at Plas Newydd is a beauty that changes with the seasons. Enjoy the Contact: 01248 714795 or fine spring garden, the Australasian arboretum [email protected] with its understorey of shrubs and wild flowers, the summer terrace and the striking autumn colours. Coaches: parking for 5 coaches, 400 yards from entrance. Golf buggy transfer service available Tour cost from £16 per person (3 per journey). Drop-off point 200 yards from Duration 1 hour 30 minutes house by prior arrangement for visitors unable to use the buggy. The magnificent home of the Marquess Leave the breathtaking scenery of the Menai Visit: average duration is 3 hours. Welcome to Strait behind as you venture into the comfortable site. Guided tour£. Out-of-hours tours£. Please interiors of this splendid house, redesigned by check to see what will be available when you renowned architect James Wyatt in the 18th propose to visit. Manual wheelchairs available for century. As well as discovering Whistler’s largest ground floor, shuttle service provided between painting you’ll hear about the lives and loves of cricket pavilion and house. Shop. this interesting family.

Tour cost from £16 per person Duration 45 minutes

Whistler behind the scenes Step inside this elegant 18th-century house, home of the Marquess of Anglesey, and discover the story behind the world-famous artist Rex Whistler. Learn about his largest-ever painting and other renowned works on display here.

Tour cost from £16 per person Duration 45 minutes

220 Please book all group visits, tours and catering directly with places Group admission: £12

Powis Castle and Garden M T W T F S S Powis Castle Castle and shop 1 Jan–31 Mar 11–4* M T W T F S S and Garden 1 Apr–30 Sep† 11–5* M T W T F S S Welshpool, Powys SY21 8RF 1 Oct–31 Dec 11–4* M T W T F S S Garden and café The Herbert family spent more than 400 1 Jan–31 Mar†† 10–4 M T W T F S S years transforming a medieval fortress into 1 Apr–30 Sep 10–5** M T W T F S S the comfortable family home you see today. 1 Oct–31 Dec 10–4 M T W T F S S Furnished with sumptuous fabrics and exquisite *Last entry to castle one hour before closing. **Garden: works of art from around the world, including the open to 6. †Garden coffee shop (opening times vary) and garden shop open. ††Reduced catering offer in January and unique Clive collection of Indian treasures, the February. Closed 25 December. interior reflects the Elizabethan period through to the 1940s when a girls’ school was evacuated to Access: s70 s133 s77 s140 s67s105s141s68 the castle. With views across the Severn Valley, the Building s63 Grounds s63 s66 s108s59 world-renowned gardens are a mix of Italianate terraces filled with herbaceous borders, a formal garden with clipped yews and a woodland area Special interest tours which boasts a number of champion trees. Check website or call for details of all tours or talks

Garden best in: May–August. Exploring the castle New Spend an enlightening couple of hours in the What’s new in 2019? Welsh Girls’ School company of our knowledgeable guide looking in interactive installation. depth at the fine collection of paintings, sculpture and furniture whilst uncovering over 700 years of Contact: 01938 551920 or history at this fascinating castle. [email protected] Tour cost from £8 per person Coaches: parking for 3 coaches, 110 yards from Duration 2 hours entrance. Transfer vehicle available, please specify when booking. Sat Nav: postcode A garden for Europe misdirects, enter Powis Castle. Discover more about the history of this world- famous garden in the company of one of our Visit: average duration is 3 hours. Introductory specialist garden guides. Overhung with enormous talk. Guided tour£. Out-of-hours tours£. Shop. clipped yews sheltering an array of rare and tender plants, the garden benefits from the most Catering: restaurant (licensed), assisted service, exquisite French and Italian design influences. 70 covers. Garden coffee shop. Groups can reserve tables, except during school holidays. Tour cost from £8 per person Duration 2 hours nationaltrust.org.uk/groups 221 Group admission: free of charge

Stackpole M T W T F S S Stackpole Estate near Pembroke, Pembrokeshire Open all year Dawn–dusk M T W T F S S Boathouse tea-room A former grand estate stretching down to some 9 Feb–5 Apr* 11–4 M T W T F S S of the most beautiful coastline in the world, 6 Apr–29 Sep 10–5 M T W T F S S including Broad Haven South, Barafundle Bay and 30 Sep–3 Nov* 11–4 M T W T F S S Stackpole Quay. Today, Stackpole is a National 9 Nov–29 Dec* 11–4 . . . . . S S Nature Reserve, recognised for its abundant flora *Reduced catering offer. and fauna; Bosherston Lakes are famous for their superb display of lilies and resident otters; and Access: s70 s140 s67s22 Building s66 Grounds s64 s108 the dramatic cliffs of Stackpole Head are great for wildlife watching. You can uncover the history and heritage of this special place too; the former Special interest tours Stackpole Court site and nearby Lodge Park Check website or call for details of all tours or talks Woods reveal the story behind the magnificent designed landscape. Note: Stackpole Outdoor Bosherston Lakes ramble Learning Centre is ideal for groups and private A two-hour ramble with plenty of stops for hire. Facilities include interactive classroom, wildlife watching. Bosherston Lakes are part of meeting rooms, en suite accommodation. the Stackpole National Nature Reserve and home to otters, heron, wildfowl and dragonfly. The Contact: 01646 623110 or Lakes are famous for their stunning display of [email protected] waterlilies in June and July. Note: boots or stout shoes advisable. Coaches: parking for 2 coaches. Tour cost from £5 per person Visit: guided tour£. Out-of-hours tours£. We Duration 2 hours offer bespoke group visits which are organised and priced on an individual basis. Groups must provide adequate supervision at all times and at an appropriate level for the activities being undertaken. Shop.

Catering: Boathouse tea-room (licensed) at Stackpole Quay, counter service, 24 covers, additional 65 outside. Special arrangements for groups include set menu. Outdoor Learning Centre offers residents an in-house catering service. Entertainment licence with bar for events.

222 Please book all group visits, tours and catering directly with places Tredegar House M T W T F S S House and gardens* 16 Feb–5 Apr 11–4 M T W T F S S 6 Apr–29 Sep 11–5 M T W T F S S Tredegar House 30 Sep–3 Nov 11–4 M T W T F S S Newport NP10 8YW 30 Nov–22 Dec 11–4** . . W T F S S Tea-room and shop 5 Jan–10 Feb 10–3:30 . . . . . S S 16 Feb–5 Apr 10–4 M T W T F S S 6 Apr–28 Jul 10–5 M T W T F S S 29 Jul–1 Sep 10–6 M T W T F S S 2 Sep–29 Sep 10–5 M T W T F S S 30 Sep–3 Nov 10–4 M T W T F S S 6 Nov–20 Dec 10–4 . . W T F . . 9 Nov–22 Dec 10–5 . . . . . S S Park Open all year Dawn–dusk M T W T F S . *Gardens: open from 10:30. **Wednesday to Friday entry by tour only. Last entry one hour before closing.

Access: s70 s140 s67 s105s22s129 House s63 Reception s59 Grounds s66 s64

Tredegar House and the Morgan family have been an important part of the Newport community for more than 500 years. Captivating tales of war heroism, inheritance disputes, Russian princesses and sprawling influence bring alive a home designed to impress and entertain, while the small but elegant contrasting formal gardens pay homage to life at Tredegar House. Those who keep the mansion, gardens and parkland running today are working in partnership with local organisations to combine colourful histories and modern programmes with an ambition to bring genuine benefit to the community and all who visit. Note: tea-room renovations taking place this year. Sorry, no group bookings over Bank Holidays or event periods.

Garden best in: June–October.

Contact: 01633 815880 or [email protected] Special interest tours Check website or call for details of all tours or talks Coaches: parking for 3 coaches, drop-off point 40 yards from reception. Group tours at Tredegar House Join an enthusiastic guide on a fascinating tour Visit: average duration is 3 hours. Welcome to of Tredegar House. Find out about the history of site. Guided tour£. Booking essential. Shop. the 17th-century mansion house; the flamboyant Morgan family themselves; or see the horticultural Catering: tea-room (licensed), self-service. highlights of the distinctive formal gardens. Full Groups advised to book refreshments in private tour details can be found on our website. function room. Tour cost from £5 per person Group admission: £8.80 (groups 10+) Duration 45 minutes nationaltrust.org.uk/groups 223 These properties have a limited offer for groups, but are well worth exploring for fascinating short visits that can be worked into your tour itinerary.

Aberconwy House Conwy Suspension Castle Street, Conwy LL32 8AY Bridge This is the only medieval merchant’s house in Conwy LL32 8LD Conwy to have survived the turbulent history of the walled town over seven centuries. Furnished Designed in the 1820s by , this rooms and helpful volunteers bring different graceful bridge with its beautifully restored tiny periods in its history alive. Note: nearest toilets toll-keeper’s house has stunning views over the 50 yards. Steps to all parts of property. Conwy Estuary. Kept open by a husband and wife Low light levels. at a time when trade and travel brought Conwy to life, it never closed, whatever the weather. Contact: 01492 592246 or Note: sorry no toilet. [email protected] Contact: 01492 573282 or [email protected]

Bodysgallen Hall Hotel, Restaurant The Kymin and Spa , NP25 3SF The Royal Welsh Way, Llandudno, Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton were delighted Conwy LL30 1RS with this Georgian banqueting house and Naval Temple when they visited in 1802. The Kymin is This Grade I listed 17th-century house, set within still a great spot from which to enjoy panoramic 89 hectares (220 acres) of parkland, has the views of the Brecon Beacons and . The most spectacular views towards woods and pleasure grounds are also perfect for and Snowdonia. The romantic gardens, which picnics. Note: access via steep winding single lane have won awards for their restoration, include a with passing places. No coaches, limited minibus rare parterre filled with sweet-smelling herbs, as parking. well as several follies, a cascade, walled garden and formal rose gardens. Beyond, the hotel’s Contact: 01600 719241 or parkland offers miles of stunning walks and views [email protected] to the coastline. Note: access is for paying guests of the hotel, including for luncheon, afternoon tea and dinner, and the spa. Children over the age of six welcome. Groups welcome to book dining (maximum 30). Various accommodation options. No parking, drop off main entrance, park Llandudno 2 miles.

Contact: 01492 584466. 01492 582519 (fax) or [email protected]. bodysgallen.com

224 Please book all group visits, tours and catering directly with places Plas yn Rhiw Tŷ Mawr Wybrnant Rhiw, , Gwynedd LL53 8AB Penmachno, Betws-y-Coed, Conwy LL25 0HJ

Nestled on a hillside overlooking Cardigan Bay, Modest 16th-century farmhouse with huge Plas yn Rhiw is a beautiful 16th-century manor cultural significance. Birthplace to Bishop William house with Georgian additions. The house was Morgan, whose 10-year endeavour to translate rescued from neglect and lovingly restored by the the Bible into Welsh helped ensure the survival three Keating sisters, who bought the property of the language. You can view an original copy in 1938. The views from the grounds and gardens of the 1588 Welsh Bible at the house, which is across the bay are among the most spectacular situated on the old drovers’ road. Note: access in Britain. The garden contains many beautiful via narrow road from Penmachno. Once you reach flowering trees and shrubs, with beds framed by forestry, follow signs. Please call beforehand to box hedges and grass paths – a real joy to explore arrange access and parking. We are unable to and stunning whatever the season. accommodate large buses. Note: no access for large coaches, other parking by arrangement only. Contact: 01690 760213 or [email protected] Contact: 01758 780219 or [email protected]

Tudor Merchant’s House Quay Hill, Tenby, Pembrokeshire SA70 7BX

Over 500 years ago when Tenby was a busy trading port, a merchant built this three-storey house to live in and trade from. Today, the house and shop have been furnished with exquisitely carved replicas and brightly coloured wall- hangings which recreate the atmosphere of life in Tudor Tenby. Note: sorry no toilet. Maximum group size 30.

Contact: 01834 842279 or [email protected]

nationaltrust.org.uk/groups 225