.jpg)
FOW Spring 2026 coach tour of North Wales
FOW Spring 2026 coach tour of North Wales
Tuesday 17 March 2026
FOW Spring 2026 coach tour of North Wales
FOW Spring 2026 coach tour of North Wales
Tuesday 17 March 2026
Image: Plas Newydd Llangollen
Arranged with Travel Editions Group for The Friends of the Whitworth
This five-day tour through the rich tapestry of North Wales and its surroundings, begins with a visit to the iconic Gladstone’s Library. From neo-Gothic architecture and historic manuscripts to avant-garde churches, stately homes, and vibrant art galleries, this itinerary offers a unique blend of historic and cultural exploration and scenic beauty. With comfortable accommodation at the charming Dunoon Hotel in Llandudno, enjoy guided visits to architectural gems, artistic treasures, and serene landscapes, all while uncovering the stories that shaped this remarkable region.
Itinerary
Day 1 Tuesday 17 March
Gladstone’s Library and Bodrhyddan Hall.
Depart Manchester by private coach and travel to Gladstone’s Library, the UK’s only residential library, founded by Prime Minister William Gladstone to make books accessible to all. Set in a stunning neo-Gothic Grade I listed building, it houses over 250,000 works, including Gladstone’s own annotated collection. Free time for lunch then on to Bodrhyddan Hall one of North Wales’ best kept secrets. A Grade 1 listed property, The Hall has been home to Lord Langford and his family for over 500 years. With generations of heritage, it provides an impressive facade, surrounded by gardens and woodlands. The extensive historical artwork, antique furniture, and impressive arms and armour collection,from North Wales to Ancient Egypt and beyond offers a fascinating window into ancient cultural history. Later this afternoon we will continue on to our hotel for four nights, the Dunoon Hotel in Llandudno. Welcome drink and dinner in the hotel.
Day 2 Wednesday 18 March
Church of Our Lady & St Winifrede, Oriel Mon Anglesey, and Plas Newydd.
This morning we discover one of Britain’s most avant-garde churches, designed in the 1930s by Italian architect Giuseppe Rinvolucri. Shaped like an upturned boat, this Grade II* listed building is a striking tribute to Amlwch’s maritime heritage. Next we visit Oriel Môn, a vibrant museum and art gallery showcasing the rich history and artistic heritage of Anglesey. Explore exhibitions featuring local artists, then transfer to the majestic Plas Newydd. The stately home of the Marquess of Anglesey, enjoys spectacular views over the Menai Straits to the Snowdon range beyond. The grounds, thanks to the benign climate, are rich in colours throughout the year. Tour the grand interiors and the superb art collection including Rex Whistler’s famous mural at over 17.5 metres long, and stroll through landscaped gardens and woodlands.
Day 3 Thursday 19 March
Plas Newydd Llangollen, Nantclwyd y Dre, and Ruthin Craft Centre.
We start our day at Plas Newydd, Llangollen, a historic house nestled in the Dee Valley, best known as the home of Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby. These two Irishwomen defied 18th century convention to live together in a self styled Gothic retreat, which they transformed together in a self styled Gothic retreat, which they transformed with stained glass, carved oak, and romantic gardens. Next we visit Nantclwyd y Dre, the oldest timber framed townhouse in Wales and a beautifully restored Grade I listed building where we explore 500 years of Welsh history. Our last visit of the day is to Ruthin Craft Centre, a contemporary hub for national and international applied arts. We have time to visit the three spacious galleries.
Day 4 Friday 20 March
Penrhyn Castle and Gwydir Castle.
Morning visit to Penrhyn Castle, a 19th century masterpiece built in Neo-Norman style by the Douglas-Pennant family on the fortunes of the slate industry. Inside houses a fine collection of paintings and opulent interiors, including vast staircases and Victorian kitchens. The lush gardens boast panoramic views of Snowdonia and the North Wales coast. We have free time for lunch then drive to Gwydir Castle, one of Wales’s finest Tudor houses, once home to the powerful Wynn family. This atmospheric and lovingly restored manor has richly panelled rooms, antique furnishings, and a romantic garden setting. Return to our hotel where we will enjoy a farewell dinner this evening.
Day 5 Saturday 21 March
Mostyn Art Gallery and St Asaph Cathedral
This morning we visit one of the UK’s leading contemporary art galleries in the heart of Llandudno. The historic Edwardian building is located near the seafront and includes exhibitions of both Welsh and international artists. Enroute to Manchester we stop at St Asaph Cathedral, which is reputed to be the smallest ancient cathedral in Britain. It features stunning stained glass,medieval architecture, and unique treasures such as the William Morgan Bible, the first full translation of the Bible into Welsh.
Return to Manchester around 17.00.
Further Details:
Cost per person: £985.00
Booking deadline: 30/11/2025
Tuesday 17th – Saturday 21st March 2026 – 5 days from £985pp. Based on a minimum of 25 passengers and 2 people sharing a twin/double room.
Single Supplement £100
To book please phone Travel Editions on 020 7251 0045
An initial deposit of £150 per person will be due by 30th November 2025.
Included in the price
• Four nights’ accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the four-star
Dunoon Hotel, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Return coach from Manchester and throughout the tour
• All visits and admissions as detailed in the itinerary
• Two dinners
• Tour Manager throughout
• Gratuities
Not included
• Single supplement - £100
• Entrance for non-National Trust members
• Holiday insurance
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
Image: Plas Newydd Llangollen
Arranged with Travel Editions Group for The Friends of the Whitworth
This five-day tour through the rich tapestry of North Wales and its surroundings, begins with a visit to the iconic Gladstone’s Library. From neo-Gothic architecture and historic manuscripts to avant-garde churches, stately homes, and vibrant art galleries, this itinerary offers a unique blend of historic and cultural exploration and scenic beauty. With comfortable accommodation at the charming Dunoon Hotel in Llandudno, enjoy guided visits to architectural gems, artistic treasures, and serene landscapes, all while uncovering the stories that shaped this remarkable region.
Itinerary
Day 1 Tuesday 17 March
Gladstone’s Library and Bodrhyddan Hall.
Depart Manchester by private coach and travel to Gladstone’s Library, the UK’s only residential library, founded by Prime Minister William Gladstone to make books accessible to all. Set in a stunning neo-Gothic Grade I listed building, it houses over 250,000 works, including Gladstone’s own annotated collection. Free time for lunch then on to Bodrhyddan Hall one of North Wales’ best kept secrets. A Grade 1 listed property, The Hall has been home to Lord Langford and his family for over 500 years. With generations of heritage, it provides an impressive facade, surrounded by gardens and woodlands. The extensive historical artwork, antique furniture, and impressive arms and armour collection,from North Wales to Ancient Egypt and beyond offers a fascinating window into ancient cultural history. Later this afternoon we will continue on to our hotel for four nights, the Dunoon Hotel in Llandudno. Welcome drink and dinner in the hotel.
Day 2 Wednesday 18 March
Church of Our Lady & St Winifrede, Oriel Mon Anglesey, and Plas Newydd.
This morning we discover one of Britain’s most avant-garde churches, designed in the 1930s by Italian architect Giuseppe Rinvolucri. Shaped like an upturned boat, this Grade II* listed building is a striking tribute to Amlwch’s maritime heritage. Next we visit Oriel Môn, a vibrant museum and art gallery showcasing the rich history and artistic heritage of Anglesey. Explore exhibitions featuring local artists, then transfer to the majestic Plas Newydd. The stately home of the Marquess of Anglesey, enjoys spectacular views over the Menai Straits to the Snowdon range beyond. The grounds, thanks to the benign climate, are rich in colours throughout the year. Tour the grand interiors and the superb art collection including Rex Whistler’s famous mural at over 17.5 metres long, and stroll through landscaped gardens and woodlands.
Day 3 Thursday 19 March
Plas Newydd Llangollen, Nantclwyd y Dre, and Ruthin Craft Centre.
We start our day at Plas Newydd, Llangollen, a historic house nestled in the Dee Valley, best known as the home of Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby. These two Irishwomen defied 18th century convention to live together in a self styled Gothic retreat, which they transformed together in a self styled Gothic retreat, which they transformed with stained glass, carved oak, and romantic gardens. Next we visit Nantclwyd y Dre, the oldest timber framed townhouse in Wales and a beautifully restored Grade I listed building where we explore 500 years of Welsh history. Our last visit of the day is to Ruthin Craft Centre, a contemporary hub for national and international applied arts. We have time to visit the three spacious galleries.
Day 4 Friday 20 March
Penrhyn Castle and Gwydir Castle.
Morning visit to Penrhyn Castle, a 19th century masterpiece built in Neo-Norman style by the Douglas-Pennant family on the fortunes of the slate industry. Inside houses a fine collection of paintings and opulent interiors, including vast staircases and Victorian kitchens. The lush gardens boast panoramic views of Snowdonia and the North Wales coast. We have free time for lunch then drive to Gwydir Castle, one of Wales’s finest Tudor houses, once home to the powerful Wynn family. This atmospheric and lovingly restored manor has richly panelled rooms, antique furnishings, and a romantic garden setting. Return to our hotel where we will enjoy a farewell dinner this evening.
Day 5 Saturday 21 March
Mostyn Art Gallery and St Asaph Cathedral
This morning we visit one of the UK’s leading contemporary art galleries in the heart of Llandudno. The historic Edwardian building is located near the seafront and includes exhibitions of both Welsh and international artists. Enroute to Manchester we stop at St Asaph Cathedral, which is reputed to be the smallest ancient cathedral in Britain. It features stunning stained glass,medieval architecture, and unique treasures such as the William Morgan Bible, the first full translation of the Bible into Welsh.
Return to Manchester around 17.00.
Further Details:
Cost per person: £985.00
Booking deadline: 30/11/2025
Tuesday 17th – Saturday 21st March 2026 – 5 days from £985pp. Based on a minimum of 25 passengers and 2 people sharing a twin/double room.
Single Supplement £100
To book please phone Travel Editions on 020 7251 0045
An initial deposit of £150 per person will be due by 30th November 2025.
Included in the price
• Four nights’ accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the four-star
Dunoon Hotel, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Return coach from Manchester and throughout the tour
• All visits and admissions as detailed in the itinerary
• Two dinners
• Tour Manager throughout
• Gratuities
Not included
• Single supplement - £100
• Entrance for non-National Trust members
• Holiday insurance
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
EVENT DATE
MARCH 17, 2026
COST
£985.00 per person
POSTAL BOOKINGS
Booking Deadline 30/11/2025
NUMBER OF PLACES
Max. places: 25
Comments & Discussion
No comments to display