South Wales, Bay to Brecon Beacons
5 day holiday - Monday 18th May 2026
Highlights...
- Brecon Mountain Railway
- Ferry from Cardiff Bay to Penarth
- Dyffryn House & Gardens
South Wales is a land of striking natural beauty, from the rugged peaks and deep valleys of the Brecon Beacons to the gentler, rolling landscapes of the Vale of Glamorgan. Medieval castles, historic towns, and charming villages are dotted throughout, each offering a glimpse into the area’s fascinating history. Shaped by Celtic tribes, Roman occupation, and the ancient Welsh kingdoms that followed, the region proudly celebrates its heritage through music, language, and festivals, all while embracing the vibrancy of its modern cities. Norman and English expansion left a rich legacy of castles and churches across South Wales, while the Industrial Revolution transformed the area through coal and steel. Despite these changes, Wales has maintained a strong sense of identity, which continues to define its character today.
At the heart of it all is the city of Cardiff, the official capital of Wales since 1955. Our trip will be based here, close to Cardiff Castle, an impressive landmark with nearly 2,000 years of history, surrounded by an impressive selection of attractions. With many Cultural Breaks Members interested in city getaways that combine heritage, scenery, and variety, we are delighted to offer this bespoke package. We will explore a blend of local landmarks in more detail, from an exclusive city loop by coach with our Blue Badge Guide, to a ferry sailing to Penarth. Our visit also includes a scenic journey on the Brecon Mountain Railway and a guided tour of the Royal Mint, the UK’s official coin maker. It’s an ideal destination if you’re seeking a city break with the added pleasure of scenic excursions into the Welsh countryside. Read on to find out about our South Wales holiday in more detail.

💡 Did you know ?
Wales has over 10 million sheep (more than 3 times its human population!) roaming its hills and valleys.
The Parkgate Hotel ★ ★ ★ ★
Perfectly located just moments from Cardiff’s top attractions, this 4-star hotel was awarded ‘Hotel of the Year for Wales’ by the AA Awards 2024. Spacious rooms offer city views, air-conditioning, free WiFi, and private bathrooms with a bath or shower plus a bathrobe and hairdryer. Start your day with breakfast, which includes full English or Irish, continental, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The hotel is fully accessible, with a lift and facilities for guests with mobility needs. Relax in the swimming pool or spa near the fitness centre, or unwind with evening drinks at the bar. Each evening we will dine as a group in the hotel restaurant, which includes a 3-course meal with two glasses of wine, beer or soft drink.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Monday 18th May 2026
Collected from your home by door-to-door car, you will be taken to the Crowne Plaza, Gerrards Cross, to be greeted by your Tour Managers. After tea or coffee and pastries, we board the coach for our holiday, stopping for lunch en route. In the afternoon, we visit the Royal Mint, founded over 1,100 years ago and marking its birthday on the very day of our tour, where a guided visit reveals its craftsmanship and historic role in shaping British currency. We then continue to Cardiff to The Parkgate Hotel. The Tour Managers will assist you with check-in and there will be porterage for your luggage. There will be time to settle in and unpack before our evening meal as a group.
Day 2 - Tuesday 19th May 2026
After breakfast, we meet with our local Blue Badge Guide for a coach tour of Cardiff, a convenient way to discover the key sights of the city in an access-friendly way. Next, set sail on a 25-minute ferry ride from Cardiff Bay to Penarth, Cardiff’s seaside resort where Guglielmo Marconi lived and sent his first radio message. We will have a light lunch, then continue exploring Cardiff with our expert guide. Highlights include Cardiff Castle, a historic site with Roman walls and a Norman keep, the Senedd Welsh Parliament, Principality Stadium, Bute Park, National Museum Cardiff, and the Wales Millennium Centre. Learn fascinating stories about the city, discover its
hidden corners, and get a true sense of the capital of Wales.
Day 3 – Wednesday 20th May 2026
Spend the morning at Dyffryn House & Gardens, an incredible 55-acre National Trust estate. The mansion, built in 1893–94 for industrialist John Cory, features impressive woodwork and chimneypieces. There will be time to explore the gardens, which include formal lawns, an arboretum, themed ‘garden rooms’, a Rose Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Vine Walk and the unique Pompeiian Garden. Facilities include a café, shop, accessible toilets, and generally easy-access paths, but please note that there are a few steps and uneven surfaces. Following lunch, we visit the Norwegian Church Arts Centre, a historic 1868 building once for Norwegian sailors. Today, the church hosts art exhibitions, concerts, and community events, continuing its role as a cultural hub in Cardiff Bay. o
Day 4 – Thursday 21st May 2026
All aboard the Brecon Mountain Steam Railway for a round-trip journey on a vintage steam train! The route travels through the Brecon Beacons National Park, with views of Pen y Fan, the highest peak in southern Britain at 886m. Following part of the original Brecon & Merthyr Railway, which closed in 1964, the train passes through Pontsticill and along the Taf Fechan Reservoir, with a short stop at Pontsticill to take photos. The line ascends to Torpantau, the summit of the original railway, before returning to Pant for a cream tea at the station. In the afternoon you have free time, where you can enjoy the hotel pool or spa or explore Cardiff independently. The day concludes with a group dinner at the hotel.
Day 5 – Friday 22nd May 2026
Following breakfast, the Tour Managers will assist you with hotel check-out, including porterage for your luggage. We then venture across town to the National Museum of Cardiff to find out more about its art, featuring European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Renaissance to the 20th century, alongside modern and contemporary works. We then board the coach for our journey home, enjoying a 2-course farewell lunch at the charming Chisledon House in the Wiltshire countryside. On arrival at the Crowne Plaza Gerrards Cross, refreshments will be served. We hope you have a fantastic break exploring the highlights of South Wales!
Total Price of the Holiday: £1,895 per person
Deposit: £300
Discounts: National Trust Discount - £13
Balance due:
10th Mar 2026
Whats Included:
- Door to door cars from your home to the meeting point and back
- Coach travel throughout the holiday
- Four nights at the 4-Star Parkgate Hotel, Cardiff
- 3-course dinner with 2 glasses of wine every night
- Full English, Irish or continental breakfast every morning
- Lunch with coffee or tea every day
- Refreshments at the Crown Plaza meeting points
- Welcome lunch on the way to Cardiff
- 2-course farewell lunch at Chisledon House, Swindon
- Admission/talks/tours at properties visited:
✓ BreconMountainRailwayTickets
✓ Blue Badge Guide on Day 2
✓ Cardiff City Coach Loop Tour (inc,. Cardiff Castle)
✓ Dyffryn House & Gardens – National Trust
✓ Ferry from Cardiff Bay to Penarth
✓ National Museum of Cardiff
✓ Norwegian Church Arts Centre
✓ The Royal Mint – Guided Tour
- Gratuities
- The services of your Tour Managers throughout your stay
- V.A.T.
The minimum number required for this holiday is 11.
For more information or to book call
020 4568 3377
