Wales

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Journey Time:
4 Days
Distance:
197½ miles (319.7 km)
Airport:
Cardiff

Plan your route: VisitBritain Journey Planner (visitbritain.transportdirect.info/visitbritain/en)

Enjoy this magnificent tour of the castles of Wales and indulge your interest in the heritage and history of Great Britain. Travel through the centuries and witness first-hand the incredible changes in themes and architecture. 

Day 1: Grosmont Castle - Skenfrith Castle - White Castle

Grosmont Castle - Skenfrith Castle: 5 miles (8.3 km)
Skenfrith Castle - White Castle: 7 miles (11 km)
Totals for the day: 12 miles (19.3)

Grosmont Castle (Abergavenny)

This tour starts in Grosmont and the first of the three castles known as the castles of the 'Trilatera'. Around 1130, King Stephen united the three castles to protect one of the main routes around the English and North Wales border. It is easy to see Grosmont Castle (www.castlexplorer.co.uk/wales/grosmont/grosmont.php) was the host to many battles.

Must see and do:

North Yorkshire Moors Railway (www.nymr.demon.co.uk/)

Skenfrith Castle (Abergavenny)

From Grosmont Castle travel west to Skenfrith Castle (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-skenfrithcastle), which is the only low-lying fortress of the three castles. Probably founded around 1070, Skenfrith was once the civil capital of the lordship. Like the other two castles, Skenfrith is remarkably well-preserved with many of the original features still in place.

White Castle (Abergavenny)

Still in the area of Abergavenny and only a short drive away is the third castle in the trilogy. White Castle (www.castlexplorer.co.uk/wales/white/white.php) is the most visually impressive of the three castles; you enter via the drawbridge that leads into a marvellous inner courtyard.

Must see and do:

Raglan Castle (www.castlexplorer.co.uk/wales/raglan/raglan.php)

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