Y Lôn Goed
How about a walk along the famous Lôn Goed that was an inspiration for poet R Williams Parry?
Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre
The Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre offers creative writing workshops and courses for school groups. We can arrange workshops with famous poets and authors to coincide with your visits in the area, for example a workshop on R Williams Parry or T H Parry Williams' work or a poetry session with a Welsh poet of your choice
Llanfairpwllwyngyllgogerych...!
How about combining your visit to Anglesey with an excursion to the village of Llanfair PG to visit the train station with the longest name in the world?
Porthaethwy - Visit set of Rownd A Rownd
The popular Welsh TV programme Rownd a Rownd is filmed in Porthaethwy on Anglesey. It is possible to visit the set on the banks of the Menai Straits and see where the show is filmed. Who knows, you might see a few TV stars during your visit!
Caernarfon Castle
Caernarfon Castle is one of the largest castles in King Edward I's "Iron Ring" that surrounds Snowdon. During your visit you will be guided around the castle and shown an informative film about the castle's history and Edward I's conquest in Gwynedd. How about combining this visit with a tour of all the castles of North Wales, starting with the famous fort in Harlech and visiting the castles of the Iron Ring in Caernarfon, Beaumaris and Conwy?
Lloyd George Museum and House
David Lloyd George, Britain's Prime Minister during the First World War and the only Welshman to have lived at Number 10, was raised in Llanystumdwy, near Cricieth. His childhood home is now a museum where visitors can dress up in period clothing and learn about life at the turn of the last century.
Bardsey Island
Bardsey Island is located about three kilometres off the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales. Bardsey has been a popular destination for religious pilgrimages since the early days of Christianity, but there are signs of dwellings on the island that date much further back. It became an important site for the Celtic Catholic Church and attracted devout monks. It is believed that Saint Cadfan started to build the monastery during the 6th century. Nowadays, the island is owned by the Bardsey Island Trust and is a perfect spot for bird watching and even for spotting a few seals!
Nant Gwrtheyrn
Nant Gwrtheyrn is a centre specialising in residential Welsh language and heritage courses. It is possible to rent cottages and visitors are always welcome to take advantage of the whole valley including the Heritage Centre, shop, restaurant, beautiful surrounding countryside and beach.
Beddgelert
The beautiful village of Beddgelert in the heart of Snowdonia is totally surrounded by mountains. The village takes its name from the legend of Gelert, who was Llywelyn Fawr's dog. According to the legend, one day Llywelyn went out hunting and left his baby son in the care of his faithful and trusted dog, Gelert. When he returned, he was welcomed by Gelert, who was covered in blood. He saw that the cradle was overturned with the blankets soaked in blood and his son nowhere in sight. Assuming the worst, Llywelyn killed the dog. As Gelert died, he heard the sound of a baby crying. When he went over to the cradle he saw that his son was safe underneath it and a large wolf by its side that had been slain by Gelert who was protecting the child. Filled with grief, Llywelyn buried Gelert in a field near his home and placed a stone over the grave. This stone gave the village its name, Beddgelert, meaning Gelert's grave. To this day, it is possible to visit the grave a short distance outside the village. Beddgelert is also a perfect base for a number of walks in the are
Siwan's Grave
Prince Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn Fawr) built a monastery in Llan-faes in honour of his wife, Siwan, who was the daughter of King John of England, after her death in 1237. The grave was later moved to Beaumaris where it stands today. Both sites make interesting visits for students studying Welsh literature or History.
Ffestiniog Railway
A journey on this railway is an excellent opportunity to see the effects of the slate industry on the area. The journey starts in Porthmadog, a town which was developed in the early 19th century following the construction of the seawall known as the Cob. Before its construction, crossing the marshland between Porthmadog and Penrhyndeudraeth, known as Traeth Mawr, was a difficult and dangerous task. The Cob was built to facilitiate the journey across Traeth Mawr and to enable Porthmadog to develop into an important town and port in the area. This also facilitated the transportation of coal down from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog and on to the rest of the world.
Llechwedd Slate Mine
How about an unforgettable visit to the Llechwedd Slate Mines in Blaenau Ffestiniog? Its location, totally surrounded by mountains covered in slate, will take your breath away, as will the experiences you have during your visit. You will be taken on an underground train to the depths of the mountain for a guided tour of the underground caves. At the end of your visit, you will have the opportunity to see how the miners lived in the restored village whilst the slate industry was in its heyday.
Cae'r Gors
Author Kate Roberts was born and raised in the village of Rhosgadfan, near the Dyffryn Nantlle area and mountains of Snowdonia and a stone's throw from the town of Caernarfon. Although she moved away from the area and finally settled in Denbigh, the area she grew up in always remained very dear to her and was an inspiration for much of her literary work. Cae'r Gors received funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to develop Kate Roberts' birthplace in Rhosgadfan and to turn it into a Heritage Centre. The centre opened in May 2007.
Yr Ysgwrn
This is the birthplace of Ellis Humphrey Evans, better know by his nom de plume, Hedd Wyn. He won the Chair in the 1917 National Eisteddfod in Birkenhead for his ode "Yr Arwr" (The Hero), although he was killed six weeks earlier in Ypres. When it was announced that he had been killed, the Chair was covered with a black veil and from that moment on, the Birkenhead Eisteddfod has been referred to as the Eisteddfod of the Black Chair. The Chair can now been seen at Yr Ysgwrn farmhouse along with a small exhibition about Hedd Wyn's life and work.
Caerleon and The National Roman Legion Museum
Caerleon was one of only three permanent fortresses in Roman Britain and the farthest outpost of the Roman Empire. The museum lies inside what remains of the fortress, which includes the most complete amphitheatre in Britain and the only remains of a Roman Legionary barracks on view anywhere in Europe. At the National Roman Legion Museum you can learn what made the Romans a formidable force and how they shaped the modern world. You'll be able to see a large collection of objects that show how they lived, fought, worshipped and died.
Cosmeston
Created on the site of a disused quarry, Cosmeston Lake and Country Park has a variety of habitats covering over 100 hectares of land and water, some of which are designated 'Sites of Special Scientific Interest' which work to protect the rare and diverse plant and animal species. Cosmeston offers a fine introduction to the countryside and is open all year round. The park has been designed to enable people of all abilities to discover and enjoy the countryside.
The Park is also home to Cosmeston Medieval Village, a Heritage Project unique in Britain. The 14th Century village has been reconstructed on its original site and consists of medieval buildings, gardens, rare breeds and a small museum. Tours of the village are led by costumed villagers. Special events take place throughout the year (Click here for more information) such as jousting, medieval combat, archery, crafts, Halloween events and Summer Festivals.
Big Pit: National Coal Museum
Big Pit stands on the edge of Blaenafon, a town that played a vital part in the Industrial Revolution. This revolution transformed the landscape, culture and society of Wales, the UK and the world. The tour begins with a 300ft (90m) descent down the mineshaft by pit cage. The visit also includes the original Big Pit colliery buildings around the site, the Fan House, Blacksmith's Forge, Stables and Pithead Baths. An exciting 20-minute audio-visual presentation describes life at the coal face and methods of coal mining throughout the ages. Your virtual guide takes you through a simulated mine, where a modern coal face is brought to life with light and sound. Please note, visitors under 5 years old and under 1 metre in height may not descend into the mineshaft for safety reasons. Half a day should be allowed for this visit.
St. Fagans: National History Museum
St. Fagans is one of Europe's best open air museums and is Wales's most popular heritage attraction. The Museum shows how the people of Wales lived, worked and spent their leisure time over the last five hundred years. The 100-acre parkland now has over forty original buildings which were moved from various parts of Wales and re-erected to show how the people of Wales lived at various times in history. The buildings include a school, a chapel and a splendid Workmen's Institute as well as several workshops where craftsmen demonstrate their traditional skills and sell their produce to the public. There are also large indoor galleries housing exhibitions of costume, daily life and farming implements. Native breeds of livestock can be seen in the fields and farmyards, and demonstrations of farming tasks take place daily. Visitors can gain an insight into the rich heritage and culture of Wales, and the Welsh language can be heard in daily use amongst craftsmen and interpreters. Duration: ½ day
Llandaff Cathedral
This magnificent cathedral to the north of the city is definitely worth a visit. Sit on the village green and sketch or go inside and look at the various works of art, including the Seed of David by Rossetti, or Sir Jacob Epstein's aluminium statue of Christ.
BBC Wales
Your tour of BBC Wales Broadcasting House lasts about 1.5 hours. A well-informed guide will take you into the TV and radio studios and along the famous Pobol y Cwm streets, and will be happy to answer any questions you may have about what goes on behind the scenes. You may even spot one or two celebrities!
Modern Welsh Art
Cardiff is home to a wealth of galleries showcasing the paintings, photography and craft of young, up and coming Welsh talent. A trip to Cardiff with your art group could include a visit to Chapter Arts Centre gallery, Craft In The Bay, the G8 Gallery or the St David's Hall foyer which hosts the annual Welsh Artist of the Year competition.
Cardiff Castle
A dominant feature in the city centre, a tour of Cardiff Castle will give you an insight into how its presence over the centuries has influenced the shape of Cardiff's history.
If your group is studying the Roman, Norman or Victorian period, Cardiff Castle's education department provides classrooms and artefacts to help your group take an in-depth look at the costumes, weapons and household equipment of these periods. Younger children can dress up as servants of the house before taking the tour or try on the chain mail and Roman helmets.
Cardiff Castle is a wonderful example of centuries of architectural design, from the Roman outer walls, the Norman Keep, the Georgian house and the Victorian clock tower. On the tour you will discover the finest example of the Victorian fashion for medieval revival. The grounds provide the ideal place to sit and sketch the ornate clock tower, the Norman Keep, or even the peacocks! The castle's education centre can be used for a still life lesson, with the armour, costumes and weapons providing stimulating material for your group.
National Museum Cardiff
Located in the heart of Cardiff's beautiful Civic Centre, the National Museum has a huge variety of exhibitions including art, natural history, Welsh history, architecture and geology, as well as a changing programme of events and exhibitions. There is also an interactive gallery which lets you explore the exhibits, ask your own questions and find your own answers with the help of the museum staff. Follow Wales's amazing journey from the very beginning of time to the present day. The story begins in space with the Big Bang and takes you on a 4,600 million-year journey, bringing you face to face with dinosaurs and woolly mammoths. Find out how life evolved in Wales, why Wales once had a sub-tropical climate and which dinosaurs roamed the land. Discover the secrets of our ancestors from the Neanderthals a quarter of a million years ago to stories of invasion and conquest, and from Roman rule to rebellion under Owain Glyndwr. Everyday objects and highly decorative jewellery and artefacts tell the stories of Wales and explore our links with the past. See the world's largest leatherback turtle, a live nest of 55,000 leafcutter ants and intricate carved cameo shells. Explore our relationship with the natural world and consider people's impact on the environment.
The Art collection at the National Museum is one of the finest in Europe. Five hundred years of magnificent paintings, drawings, sculpture, silver and ceramics from Wales and across the world, including works by Monet, Renoir and Cezanne are housed in this magnificent building
Millennium Stadium Tour
For the sports fans in your group, this will be a real highlight. After a short presentation about the stadium, you will be shown around the changing rooms, the pitch, the press area, hospitality suites and the royal box. The tour lasts one hour and is available in Welsh
The Red Dragon Centre
Cardiff Bay's Red Dragon complex is a great place for an entertaining evening. It offers bowling alleys, snooker and games, a large cinema and several places to eat and drink.
Cardiff by Boat
Take a tour of Cardiff's spectacular waterfront development and learn about the planning and architecture of the development, the spectacular barrage and its effect on the environment, or the history and culture of Cardiff Bay.
Butetown History and Arts Centre
Originally referred to as Tiger Bay, Cardiff Bay was once Europe's largest and most famous multi-racial community. BHAC has been archiving photographs, video interviews and histories of immigrant people who have contributed to the shape of modern Wales through their part in the shipping industry, the industrial revolution and two world wars. It aims to preserve the history of the local people and educate the next generation. A visit to the museum could include a boat trip around the Bay, a walking tour of the Bay, use of the museum's interactive archives and an informative oral history session with life-long residents of Butetown. Areas of interest include history; geography; art; science; citizenship; sociology and urban development and regeneration. Walking tour themes include the waterfront, the Victorian commercial centre and the Barrage. BHAC also offer slide shows. Themes include 'From Pithead to Pierhead, the story of the Welsh Coal trade', 'Blitz over the Bay, the story of Cardiff docklands at war' and 'The Pierhead Building, the story of Cardiff Bay's icon building.' BHAC has recently exhibited 'It's already in the wood', the Afro-Welsh sculpture of Raymond Charles Taylor. Please contact us for a list of current events. Visiting times vary depending on the type of visit
Techniquest
This interactive science museum will satisfy every curiosity and inspire even the most reluctant scientific mind! Techniquest offer a comprehensive programme of themed tours for Key Stages 1 to 4, also for early learners and post 16 pupils. Relevant exhibits on display are highlighted so that groups can follow a trail around Techniquest. Every visiting group attends a lively presentation in the Science Theatre or Planetarium, exploring different aspects of the chosen theme. Of course, a general tour of the exhibitions is also possible. Duration: ½ day
Train from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu
This breathtaking train ride takes you from Caernarfon Castle all the way up the valley to Rhyd Ddu, at the foot of Snowdon. You will be taken in a traditional narrow gauge train along the Welsh Highland Railway line which winds through the rugged and mountainous landscape that inspired poet T H Parry-Williams.
The Wales Millennium Centre
Visit Wales' most spectacular modern landmark and take advantage of the centre's fantastic educational programme, designed to strengthen your curriculum from Key Stage 1 through to BTEC and GNVQ levels. A visit can include a guided tour of the building as well as a half or a whole day workshop and show, as well as time spent exploring the interactive gallery, artsExplorer. Welsh language workshops and shows are available. Please contact us for a full list of current workshops and shows. Other educational workshops include discovering the music, costumes and dance of Tudor times, creating your own instrument and discovering sounds and spending the day with your choir getting advice and guidance from some of Wales' finest singers. Prices and duration of visits vary depending on your choice of workshop.
Educational Programmes for BTEC, GNVQ and 'A' Level at the WMC:
Performing arts:
Your group will be given a guided tour of the Wales Millennium Centre, followed by a talk by staff from the Programming, Marketing and Finance teams.
Business Studies/Leisure and Tourism:
Your group will be given a guided tour of the Wales Millennium Centre, followed by a talk by staff from the Recruitment, Marketing and Customer Services teams.
Theatre Studies:
Please ask us for details of the Wales Millennium Centre programme for Theatre Studies students. The programme is only available at certain times of the year.
Geography:
The Landscape of the Bay Geography Day. Learn about the changing landscape of Cardiff Bay. Key Stage 1 and 2 will look at how people affect the environment in the Bay and the plans to look after the environment for the future. Key Stages 3 and 4 will look at economic and social change, processes and issues in the human environment.
Art:
A tour of the Wales Millennium Centre to find out about the architecture, the materials used and the creation of the inscription on the front of this landmark building should provide inspiration for all young Welsh artists.
The National Assembly for Wales Senedd
The National Assembly for Wales' new building, the Senedd, is located on a prominent waterfront site in Cardiff Bay, a stone's throw away from the Millennium Centre and the other Bay attractions. It is a unique landmark building, which was designed to reflect the National Assembly's core philosophy of openness and transparency. A guided tour includes a visit to the debating chambers and Assembly staff can also organise workshops including discussion and mock elections, which will be tailor made to suit your curriculum requirements.