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Adams & Butler
Collection of Royal Castles, Estates & Houses
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| Trending with A&B..... November 2019 |
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Discover Wales with Adams & Butler...
Wales operates as the undiscovered state of the United Kingdom. Most holiday-goers explore the more popular options of Scotland or England; however, Adams & Butler transports travelers to this hidden gem during their British adventures.
From rugged coastlines to bustling cities to tranquil forests and national parks, Wales boasts some of the most beautiful, awe-inspiring landscapes in Europe.
A country steeped in history and rich in culture, there is much to be experienced. Exploring the past at famous historic sites, as well as the lively cities, Wales is the ideal location for a bespoke holiday.
Adams & Butler rediscovered the treasures that both the locals and the state has to offer on a recent FAM there. From culinary and gin experiences galore to historic properties and museums to charming, boutique lodging options, Wales is your oyster.
Up to now most of A&B clients have dipped in for a day to visit Northern Wales when staying in Chester, or else spent three days in the North or the South, but rarely combining both, unless they were serious hikers or castle enthusiasts. Last year for the first time ever we had clients visiting for a full two weeks, and surprisingly for such a small country, we managed to come up with enough activities, sites and places for them to visit for a full three weeks! It made us rethink the hidden gem that Wales is.
See you soon,
Siobhan Byrne Learat
Founder & President
Adams & Butler
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A Welsh Shopping Experience
Undoubtedly one of Cardiff's finest assets, the Victorian arcades have been attracting shoppers for over a century with an eclectic mix of independent businesses. The arcades give shopping in Cardiff an edge, sitting right alongside the large new shopping center's like St David's Dewi Sant. Whatever time of year you visit, the arcades are abuzz with people of all ages; see workers flooding Fresh Baguette and Crumbs at lunchtime, Saturday shoppers resting over tea at Barkers, and students getting haircuts and beard trims in the many trendy barbers.
Cardiff Market is an impressive Victorian structure offering a unique shopping experience and has been trading in one form or another since the 1700s. Located in the centre of the city, the market is well and truly the beating heart of Cardiff. Under one great glass roof you will find a buzzing, lively market filled with local independent businesses and a wealth of products ranging from traditional Welsh cuisine to artisan coffee and street food; vintage clothing to second hand records; fruit and veg to a psychic medium. It has occupied the same site for over 100 years and although you will no longer find livestock tethered and penned outside its doors, some of the old features remain to this day. You'll find a wide range of cuisine in Cardiff Market. If you want to try traditional Welsh recipes and locally sourced products, you're in the right place. You'll find traditional Welsh treats such as bara brith and Welsh cakes at Bakestones. You'll also find local delicacies such as cockles & laverbread, an unappetizing sight that is certainly an acquired taste! You'll also find international cuisine such as Thai, Italian and artisanal pop-ups, the most famous of those perhaps being Ffwrnes Pizza. A welsh twist on an italian classic, Ffwrnes Pizza take their inspiration from recipes coming from the Italian city of Napoli, the pizza is so light and simple, but the flavors are amazing, it is certainly worth a try.
For more information click
here.
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Situated on the fringes of Snowdonia National Park you will find thisstunning mansion house that is Palé Hall. Undoubtedly one of the finest buildings in Wales, Palé Hall is a destination for quiet retreat, comfort and culinary indulgence. Situated in the tranquil Dee Valley this grand, historic, high Victorian mansion has an idyllic woodland garden rolling down to the banks of the river. The stunning interiors include many exquisite features such as the boudoir with its hand-painted ceiling, the magnificent entrance hall and the galleried staircase. One of the most notable guests was Queen Victoria, her original bath and bed are still in use today. With the finest cuisine served, guests can sample life in the grand manner. A member of Relais Chateaux.
For more information click
here.
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Explore Wales by Barge
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| Barge Excursion through Wales |
Often described as 'the fasted way to slow down', a canal boat holiday through the Welsh countryside offers a unique way of exploring this largely undiscovered country, with its rugged coastline, mountainous National Parks and its distinctive Welsh language and Celtic culture. Wales has an extensive network of inland waterways perfect for your canal boat to leisurely cruise along at just 4 miles an hour. The Llangollen Canal in North Wales meanders gracefully through the countryside crossing the world famous Thomas Telford Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a World Heritage Site, towering 120 feet above the River Dee. Or, why not spend 7 nights discovering the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, stretching from the old market town of Brecon to Five Locks, Cwmbran following the scenic Usk Valley? It offers glorious views of the Brecon Beacons and passes through quaint Welsh villages such as Talybont-on-Usk, Llangyndir, Llangattock, Govilon and Llanfoist. Sit back and take in the magnificent mountain views, all in the comfort of your luxury canal boat!
For more information click
here.
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Gliffaes Country House Hotel
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| Gliffaes Country House Hotel |
Situated in the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park and surrounded by the rolling hills of the Black Mountains, you'll discover Gliffaes Country House. Standing since 1885, the 23-bedroom hotel has been held close to the heart of the same family for over 70 years and is the only four-star hotel in the Brecon Beacons. Gliffaes resides within 33 acres of stunning grounds and mature woodlands. It also boasts its own stretch of the River Usk and a 19th Century arboretum. No other hotels in the Brecon Beacons can compete with its reputation of having some of the best game fishing in the UK. Of course fishing is not for everyone, but Gliffaes makes an ideal base for exploring the Brecon Beacons on foot, bike, by car or even on horseback. When you return from a day of adventure and exploration, you can be sure that a great, locally sourced seasonal menu will be waiting for you in the Brecon restaurant.
For more information click here.
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Formerly known as Llangoed Castle, the hall is set in 17 acres of garden and parkland in the valley of the River Wye. Even the drive up to this property is stunning, it is hard to believe that it all belongs to Llangoed Hall. For the history buffs ... according to the late Sir Clough William Ellis, the celebrated Welsh Architect, there appears to have been a house on this site since 560 ad. and it is also said that the First Welsh Parliament was held here.
Enjoy the relaxing and welcoming atmosphere whether by the fire or taking a stroll in the extensive stunning gardens or just sit back in the comfort of your room and take in the breathtaking views.
You could also go for a ramble on their nature reserve or a stroll in the spooky grave yard or have a chat with the owner about his huge collection of trees.
For more information click
here.
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Comfortably nestled into the beautiful Brecon Beacons backdrop that surrounds it. Pen y Fan seems almost a stone's throw away...
All eight rooms within the main house offer wonderful views, many of which highlight the surrounding countryside and mountains. There are also four contemporary loft rooms that be found in The Stables in the picturesque courtyard with a pretty fountain, these are (dog friendly) ideal for dog lovers!
Peterstone is ideal for small and intimate weddings, exclusive takeovers for a multi-gen family reunion or even a group of friends looking for a special and memorable getaway. The surrounding gardens have many walking trails that lead right down to the river and canal. There is an outdoor pool and an unexpected basement spa featuring a jacuzzi and sauna with treatment rooms. The restaurant has stunning castle views and this owner-managed hotel also features a cosy little bar, perfect for sampling the local whiskey or gin!
For more information click
here.
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Nestled in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons National Park, Penderyn Distillery has taken the whisky world by storm since it first started creating its smooth single malt in 2004; since then, it has also produced award-winning
vodka, gin and a cream liqueur. The distillery offer tours and master classes. It's a boutique craft distillery that hasn't sold out on its core beliefs in order to mass produce their Nation favourite Welsh Whisky. They employ locals, and you gain the feeling that the locals are very passionate about this delicious whisky.
For more information click
here.
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St Fagans National Museum
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| St Fagans National Museum |
St. Fagans National Museum of History offers a really well put together showcase of Welsh history throughout the ages. A collection of farms, schools, shops and characters dotted around the exhibits help explain what life was like during those times. The museum has recently won the Art Fund Museum of the of the Year in 2019. It'll be a great option for kids and people who have traced their ancestry to Wales and are curious to see how their long lost relatives lived a simple life
For more information click
here.
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Gin Experiences at Hensol Castle
In the past, Hensol Castle was used as an institution to care for mental health patients. The hospital closed and in 2004, the castle and grounds were bought by local businessman, Gerald Leeke. Ten years later, the castle officially opened as a wedding and conference centre.
Now going through renovations and expansions, by spring 2020, Helson Castle aims to provide guests with 12 rooms in the property for exclusive use purposes.
The grounds will have a walled garden as well as the Gin Experience center located nearby.
The gin experience will offer the clients a handcrafted botanical activity where, in the 90 minutes of the visit, they will not only taste and learn about the gin produced onsite but also will be able to create their own gin. You will pick whatever botanicals you want in your gin, so you can be guaranteed that each bottle made is always going to be unique. The distillery will also save your recipe and if you wish to have your gin remade, they can do it for you and send it to you by post.
For more information click
here.
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A Welsh Culinary & Gin Experience
Commence your Welsh culinary and gin experience with a history of Cardiff Castle. You will continue on to indulge in an assortments of teas, cakes and traditional welsh laver cake. After the tea, you will visit a local Fish Mongers to try local cockles (yes, cockles) on a laver Cake - or as they say in the Welsh Language "bara lawr" with a helping of Seaweed jellythis spec. This Welsh delicacy is a huge hit among the locals, however for vistors it is an acquired taste!. The culinary excursion continues with an adventure through the many arcades. A highlight is the delicious pizza made by two Cardiff Brothers who believe in using the best local ingredients in making their wonderfully tasty Naples style pizza.
For more information click
here.
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On first approach to St David's Cardiff hotel, you may be a little unsure; however once inside the hotel, which is situated on the edge of the waterfront, overlooking Cardiff Bay and Penarth Marina, you will enter a beautiful lounge and bar area over looking the waterfront, where you can sample delicious cocktails made from local Welsh gin and vodka and soak up the chilled and laid back atmosphere. Take in the stunning bay views from your private balcony or terrace in your room. Just 20 years old and renovated in the last 5 years, St David's is also a sustainability hotel and purifies its water on-site.
Why not treat yourself to a treatment in their award-winning spa featuring ishga Organic Skincare products which are used throughout? Sustainably harvested in the Hebridean Islands of Scotland, ishga is produced from the purest Scottish seaweed harnessing its natural anti-oxidant, healing and anti-ageing properties. A natural resource, seaweed grows in abundance in the pure, unpolluted coastal waters around the islands, and is combined with Hebridean seawater, water from a historical Hebridean healing spring and Hebridean sea salt. This makes ishga truly unique. The water in the swimming pool is also salt water.
Within just a 5 minute walk from the hotel, you can find the likes of Mermaid Quay with bustling terraces and boardwalks home to bars and restaurants and also look out for Ice-cream at Cadwaladers established in North Wales in 1927, this local shop still makes Ice-cream with the original secret family recipe.
For more information click
here.
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Caerphilly Castle is one of the great medieval castles of western Europe. It is the biggest in Britain, second only after Windsor Castle.
It was built by Earl Gilbert de Clare in 1268 to frighten Llywelyn, the last native Prince of Wales, from fighting the Normans in the southern part of Wales.
After Llywelyn's defeat and death, the Welsh threat substantially ended, and the castle became the administrative centre for de Clare's estates.
At Caerphilly Castle, massive walls, towers and gatehouses are combined with sprawling water defenses to cover a total of 30 acres.
When visiting the ruins of the castle, you will find that the south east Tower leans out dramatically, they say that even more than the leaning tower in Pisa.
For more information click
here.
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Wales Itinerary
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| Brecon Beacon Mountain Ponies |
There are a plethora of hidden gems speckled throughout the Welsh region. It also serves as a perfect locale to explore in the middle of a trip to England and Scotland.
Adams & Butler can curate a bespoke itinerary to Wales to suit your specific interests and passions - the possibilities are endless...
For a taste of what our team can offer, you will find a sample itinerary:
Day 1 South Wales
The first day of traveling will consist of going through the city of Bath and on to Cardiff, the nations capital. In Cardiff, you will have time to explore the city before you move on to Llanerch Vineyard just outside the city where you will be staying. On arrival you will have a tour of the vineyard and dabble in some wine tasting
Overnight in Double and Twin Room at Llanerch Vineyard Hotel
Day 2 South Wales
On day two you will be heading off the first national park of the trip on the Pembrokeshire coast. On this guided trip you will have the opportunity to stop off at the writing shed/boat house of the famous Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, the coastal town of Tenby, Pembroke Castle and the UK's smallest city of St. David's and its Cathedral.
Overnight in Double and Twin Room at Llanerch Vineyard Hotel
Day 3 South Wales
Day three will consist of the travel from Cardiff to the Brecon Beacons. The day will consist of not just travel but a farm visit to Slade Farm . On the way up to the Brecon Beacons you can also stop to see Caerphilly castle and its leaning tower. You will be staying at the Brecon Castle hotel, a former 11th century Norman castle and in 1809 was renovated to become one of the first 'modern' hotels in Wales.
Overnight in Double and Twin Room at Brecon Castle Hotel
Day 4 South Wales
Day four will be all about the Brecon Beacons and the family activities. On the tour of the mountains you will have a stop off at the Red Kite feeding centre where you will get to see nearly 150 birds sweeping and diving. You will also be going to the Big Pit National Coal Museum, a former working coal mine. You can go 300 feet underground with a real miner and experience what life was like for the thousands of men who work the mines, a big part of Welsh history!
Overnight in Double and Twin Room at Brecon Castle Hotel
Day 5 South Wales
The final day will consist of the journey back to London, but on the way you will travel through the Wye Valley and have the opportunity to visit Raglan Castle, Tintern Abbey and Raglan Castle
For more information click
here.
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Adams & Butler is a member of VIRTUOSO, Ensemble, Travel Leaders, Traveller Made, ITAA, Andrew Harper, ITOA &
Siobhan Byrne Learat is a
Conde Nast Traveler Top Villa Specialist and a Travel + Leisure A-List
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