Private Tour: The Valleys Heritage And South Wales Landscapes

Wales , United Kingdom

Private Tour: The Valleys Heritage And South Wales Landscapes

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About this experience

You will travel in a modern and luxurious fully electric vehicle, limited to a maximum of seven passengers, in the company of your driver guide, Andy, who is a Mountain Leader and a Green Badged Tourist Guide.

South Wales is geologically 'lucky', having all of the elements required to fuel the industrial revolution, iron, coal, limestone and silica rock. From the 1750's iron boom through the 1850's to the 1980's when coal was king, South Wales was a hive of activity, smelting, mining and developing technologies to improve production. This tour has been designed to look at this history, its effects upon the landscape and people who laboured so hard and also at those who profited from that labour. We'll also have a glimpse of the scenic beauty of the Brecon Beacons National Park which lies to the north, on the fringes of the coalfields, and how the mining communities are recovering, post the closure of the mines in the 1990's.

Available options

Private Tour: The Valleys Heritage And South Wales Landscapes

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Driver/guide

Detailed itinerary

Fourteen Locks is the most spectacular flight of canal locks in South Wales. A scheduled ancient monument situated in this idyllic part of Newport. It lies on the Crumlin Arm part of the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal. Surrounded by striking landscape, it is one of the most beautiful scenic waterways. The canal centre has a gift shop and a tea room.

In the vehicle we will meander around the twisting bends and allow the enchanting forest to immerse us in tranquillity where you can truly leave the rest of the world behind. We will park up at one of the seven car parks to absorb the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the tour guide will give you more information about the area.

We will visit a sculpture commemorating the Six Bells Disaster: In the summer of 1960, the community of Six Bells near Abertillery, south Wales witnessed a devastating disaster. On June 28th an underground explosion at 'Arrael Griffin' colliery led to the deaths of 45 miners, all were local men. Fifty years later, to the day, after tireless work by the community and local organisations, a steel sculpture by Sebastien Boyesen, over 60ft high, was dedicated to those who died.

We then travel on to a town and community in Blaenau Gwent County Borough Abertillery's traditional-style town centre mainly developed in the late 19th century and as such has some interesting Victorian architecture. We will be here for lunch either in Kennys Vinyl Vault Crystal Café – Vegan options or more traditional Fradds Café both of which are on Church Street.

Mountain Road: We’ll take a drive from St Illtyd to Abersychan along a beautiful mountain road with open views of the Brecon Beacons to the North, the road we travel is 1200 feet above sea level.

Big Pit is a real coal mine and one of Britain's leading mining museums. Enjoy a multi-media tour of a modern coal mine with a virtual miner in the Mining Galleries, exhibitions in the Pithead Baths and Historic colliery buildings AND the world-famous Underground Tour: go 300 feet underground with a real miner and see what life was like for the thousands of men who worked at the coal face.

What's not included

Coffee and/or Tea

Lunch

Snacks

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Wales

Wales, known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, is a country in the United Kingdom that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical sites. From the rugged coastlines to the majestic castles, Wales is a destination that captivates travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility.

Top Attractions

Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia is a breathtaking national park known for its dramatic mountains, including Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales. It offers a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and climbing to zip-lining and mountain biking.

Nature Full day or overnight Free to enter, activities vary in cost

Cardiff Castle

Cardiff Castle is a magnificent medieval castle in the heart of the Welsh capital. It offers a fascinating glimpse into Wales' rich history, with Roman ruins, Victorian grandeur, and stunning architecture.

Historical 2-3 hours £16-£24 for adults, discounts available

Conwy Castle

Conwy Castle is a stunning medieval fortress with a rich history. It was built by Edward I during his conquest of Wales and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Historical 2-3 hours £9-£12 for adults, discounts available

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is known for its stunning coastline, picturesque villages, and diverse wildlife. It offers a range of outdoor activities, from coastal walks and boat trips to wildlife watching and water sports.

Nature Full day or overnight Free to enter, activities vary in cost

Caernarfon Castle

Caernarfon Castle is a magnificent medieval fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built by Edward I and is known for its impressive architecture and rich history.

Historical 2-3 hours £12-£15 for adults, discounts available

Must-Try Local Dishes

Welsh Rarebit

A savory dish made with a cheese-based sauce served over toasted bread, often flavored with mustard, ale, and Worcestershire sauce.

Dish Contains dairy and gluten

Cawl

A traditional Welsh stew made with lamb, leeks, potatoes, and other vegetables. It is often served with crusty bread.

Soup Can be made vegetarian or vegan

Welsh Cakes

Small, round cakes made with flour, butter, eggs, and dried fruits, cooked on a griddle. They are similar to pancakes but denser and sweeter.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy

Bara Brith

A traditional Welsh fruit loaf made with tea-soaked dried fruits and spices. It is often served with butter or cheese.

Bread Contains gluten and dairy

Popular Activities

Hiking in Snowdonia Zip-lining at Zip World Climbing in Brecon Beacons Beachcombing in Tenby Picnicking in Cardiff's parks Spa treatments in luxury hotels Visiting castles and historic sites Attending local festivals

Best Time to Visit

June to August

The summer months offer the warmest weather and longest daylight hours, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the countryside. This is also the peak tourist season, with festivals and events in full swing.

15°C to 20°C 59°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, Welsh
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Wales is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Cardiff Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from Cardiff city center
Bristol Airport • 70 km (43 miles) from Cardiff

By train

Cardiff Central, Swansea

By bus

Cardiff Bus Station, Swansea Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Trains are a convenient and scenic way to travel around Wales, with frequent services and comfortable seating.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Cardiff City Centre Swansea City Centre Conwy Llandudno

Day trips

Caerphilly Castle

20 km (12 miles) from Cardiff • Half day

Caerphilly Castle is one of the largest and most impressive castles in Wales. It offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval history with its grand towers, moat, and drawbridge.

Brecon Beacons National Park

80 km (50 miles) from Cardiff • Full day

Brecon Beacons National Park is known for its stunning landscapes, including waterfalls, caves, and panoramic views. It offers a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and climbing to horse riding and stargazing.

Tenby

120 km (75 miles) from Cardiff • Full day

Tenby is a charming seaside town known for its colorful houses, sandy beaches, and historic castle. It offers a range of activities, from beachcombing and water sports to exploring the town's rich history.

Festivals

National Eisteddfod • August (dates vary) Hay Festival • May/June (dates vary) Green Man Festival • August (dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit castles and historic sites early in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience
Explore the countryside by foot or bike to discover hidden gems and scenic routes
Try local dishes and ask for recommendations from locals and chefs
Check the weather forecast and dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly
Book accommodations and popular attractions in advance, especially during peak season and for special events