Coins & Castles of the Brecon Beacons

Thursday

We travel west via Tenbury Wells and Leominster to Hay-on-Wye. This fascinating town is a book lover's paradise and a lovely and unique place to visit. In the afternoon we continue to our hotel for our 4-night stay.

Friday

Today we head to the new Royal Mint Experience to see how more than two billion coins from the UK and across the world are produced each year. The visit includes a guided factory tour and free time in the interactive exhibition. A short drive away is Caerphilly. We visit the imposing 13th century medieval castle, which has a tower which leans more than Pisa's.

Saturday

We enjoy a drive through the pretty Forest of Dean and Wye Valley today, our first stop is Symonds Yat where we join the Kingfisher Cruise for a lovely sail along the river. We then visit Tintern Abbey, a national icon, still standing in roofless splendour 500 years since its tragic fall from grace.

Sunday

We embark on a 6-mile return vintage steam train journey from Pant to Torpantau on the Brecon Mountain Railway. Travelling alongside the Taf Fechan Reservoir we climb to Torpantau high in the Brecon Beacons. Our 1.5 hr trip includes a 35-minute stop at Pontsticill station where there is a lakeside café and steam museum. Returning to Pant we head towards the famous Penderyn Distillery, where we enjoy a guided tour and tasting.

Monday

Departing our hotel, we travel via the Cathedral City of Hereford before our arrival home during the late afternoon.