The Great British Heritage Pass offers free entry to more than 580 of Great Britain’s most popular heritage sights, including properties under the care of National Trust, English Heritage, National Trust for Scotland, Historic Scotland, and Cadw.  With so many properties to visit with this one pass, lets just highlight a few: Stonehenge, Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyrood House, Roman Baths, Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Warwick Castle, Leeds Castle, Dover Casle and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Select a validity that best suits your itinerary from 4,7,15 days or 1 month. Visit just a handful of attractions included on the pass and you’re already saving money!

Wales is a popular golf destination and with 687 miles of coastline one can imagine the vistas!  With many courses to choose from – nearly 200 in fact; favorites include Royal St David’s featured in the Golf Digest Top 100, Cardigan with dramatic clifftop views and Cradoc, where you can enjoy a panorama of the Brecon Beacons.  To browse all golf courses in Wales visit www.golfasitshouldbe.com.

This year Wales’ golf is especially in the spotlight as team Europe takes on the USA, on the first Ryder Cup course that’s designed for players and spectators.  The 2010 Ryder Cup will be played on The Twenty Ten Course at The Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, South Wales from September 28 to October 3.  Newport and its surroundings have 45 golf courses alone, including four championship courses.

For those with a BritRail Pass, make your way to Newport Rail Station where there will be a bus shuttle service to The Celtic Manor Resort.

Climb Aboard an Open-top Bus for the Ultimate Tour

City Sightseeing bus tours are a great way for visitors to become familiar with a city as they are guided from one stop to the next.  Live commentary brings life to a list of attractions that are filled with stories, history and culture that you would surely miss if you tried to see them all on foot.  The real beauty of the City Sightseeing tour is that you can choose the stops you want to get off at and hop on the next bus that passes, often only 15 minutes apart.

If any of the following cities* are on your itinerary then let City Sightseeing show you around: Bath, Belfast, Blackpool, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Chester, Colchester, Eastbourne, Edinburgh, Felixstowe, Glasgow, Great Yarmouth, Inverness, Ipswich, Liverpool, Llandudno, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Newport, Norwich, Oxford, Stirling, Stratford, Windsor or York.

This month our focus falls on City Sightseeing Edinburgh, capital of Scotland.  12 stops bring visitors through Edinburgh’s Old Town, to the elegant Georgian New Town, to the Royal Mile which joins Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyrood House and much more as seen on the following list of City Sightseeing Edinburgh’s stops and nearby attractions:

*With low season upon us, please note that some tours have seasonal operations.  These tours have year round operations: Bath, Belfast, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, and York

Your Passport to UK Heritage Properties

The Great British Heritage Pass truly is the pass to see it all, where pass holders get free entrance to over 580 attractions throughout the UK.  That’s right, 580!  Imagine the crowds that these popular attractions face – Hampton Court Palace, Blenheim Palace, Roman Baths & Pump Room, Stonehenge, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Shakespeare’s Birthplace, and many more – and now imagine skipping the queues and enjoying a completely cashless entry.

With attractions throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Great British Heritage Pass offers free entry to properties covered by the National Trust, English Heritage, The National Trust for Scotland, Historic Scotland, and Cadw, plus many more.

Here is a short list of the 3 most popular properties by category, but don’t forget there are hundreds more:

• Castles: Warwick Castle, Leeds Castle, Cardiff Castle
• Gardens: Inverewe Garden, Torriden Deer Museum & Countryside Centre, Balmacara Estate & Lochalsh Woodland Garden
• Historic Homes: Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Mary Arden’s House & the Shakespeare Countryside Museum
• Places of Worship: Elgin Cathedral, Arbroath Abbey, St. Andrew’s Cathedral
• Royal Residences: Palace of Holyroodhouse, Blenheim Palace, Scone Palace
• Monuments: Stonehenge, Glenfinnan and Clifford’s Tower
• Special Interests: Beaulieu, Royal Albert Hall and Culloden
• Ancient Roman Sites: Roman Baths & Pump Room, Chedworth Roman Villa, Lullingstone Roman Villa

Select from 4, 7, 15 or 30 day passes and benefit from great savings and convenience, in addition to access to so many places of interest.

	Caernarfon Castle’s demanding presence was designed after Constantinople in Rome. Building began in 1283 by King Edward I intending this castle to be a royal residence and seat of government for North Wales. When arriving by train please note the nearest railway station is Bangor, which is served by trains between Holyhead and Crewe.
	Conwy Castle is a medieval fortress located above the Conwy Estuary, with the picturesque Snowdonia mountains behind it. This is another Edwardian castle also built in the 1280’s and provides great views of Conwy’s walled town. When arriving by train please note the nearest railway station is Llandudno Junction just across the River Conwy. The castle lies approximately one mile from the station across the Conwy Bridge.
	Beaumaris Castle begun in 1295 was the last and largest castle built by King Edward I in Wales. This is a great example of medieval military architecture with a high inner ring and low outer ring of walls for defense. This cleverly fascinating castle is found in a beautiful setting, with views of the countryside and sea. When arriving by train please note the nearest railway station is Bangor, which is served by trains between Holyhead and Crewe.

CADW Pass https://booking.britrail.com/Cadw_Explorer_Pass

Explore Wales with this ‘go-as-you-please’ Pass. The Cadw Explorer Pass allows free admission into over 30 historic attractions in Wales, including Caernarfon, Conwy and Beaumaris castles, some of the most impressive medieval fortresses in the world. The pass is available in 3 or 7 day validities.

Virtually all routes in Wales are scenic but these are extra special!

Conwy Valley Line in north Wales runs 27 miles from Llandudno to Blaenau Ffestiniog.  From the North Wales Coast to the Heart of Snowdonia, the Conwy Valley Line runs alongside one of the great rivers of Wales, the Conwy and continues along the banks of the turbulent river Lledr.

From your departure at Llandudno to your arrival at Blaenau Ffestiniog a breathtaking range of scenery unfolds before your eyes, from the historic castle at Conwy, to the train crossing at Lledr by the dramatic Gethin’s viaduct.  You glimpse fairytale landscapes, the imposing 12th century Dolwyddelan Castle, ancient quarries and tracks, forests and the high peaks of Snowdonia before entering the heart of the mountain to emerge some minutes later in the historic industrial landscape of Blaenau Ffestiniog.

The Heart of Wales Line runs for 121 miles from Shrewsbury to Swansea via Llanelli, passing through some spectacular and beautiful scenery. The line is noted for its many tunnels, viaducts and severe gradients.  In addition to the beauty of the unspoiled countryside, the historic market centers, elegant spa towns and picturesque hamlets, there are many other attractions that are close to the railway line such as Secret Hills, Builth Wells, Aberglasney Gardens, National Botanic Garden of Wales and Millennium Coastal Park.

Explore Wales with a BritRail Flexi or Consecutive Pass https://booking.britrail.com/BritRail_Passes.

Wales Rail Map

North Wales is a magical mix of medieval castles and outstanding natural beauty, where you’re never far from romantic coastlines or the soaring summits of Snowdonia National Park.

Taking the train

If you’re stopping in Cardiff on the way to Northern Wales , then rail connections take you from central London to Cardiff in just two hours. Alternatively, you can enjoy the train ride directly from London Euston to one of the most northern stops – Llandudno in less than 3 and a half hours.

What’s on

These 2 events just happen to cover Lonely Planet’s Top Picks, so it’s perfect timing to visit North Wales this summer!

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is one of Wales major annual events – a truly international festival of music, dance and song. Competitors from more than fifty countries come together for one week of music, while each evening the Pavilion plays hosts to concerts by world-class artists. 7-12 July. www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

Wakestock

Wakestock is Europe’s largest wakeboard music festival, combining popular music and the world’s fastest growing watersport. 2009 is the festival’s 10th birthday, featuring some of the industry’s leading bands and DJ’s. The location is also stunning as Llyn Peninsula in Abersoch is said to be wild, rocky and less frequented. 10-12 July. www.wakestock.co.uk

Attractions & Sites

Cadw Explorer Pass

Exploring Wales has never been easier than with the Cadw Explorer Pass. This ‘go-as-you-please’ pass, provides you with free admission to over 30 of Wales’ more historic and interesting attractions such as Valle Crucis Abbey and Caernafon Castle. Explore as many attractions as you wish for either three or seven days.

Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park covers 823 square miles of the most beautiful and unspoilt countryside in North Wales. There are a number of leisure activities to choose from, including spectacular mountain hikes, leisure walks, cycling, and bird watching. www.eryri-npa.co.uk

Caernarfon Castle

Caernarfon Castle is one of four castles in northern Wales built by order of Edward I and it is said to be the most impressive. The castle’s symbolic status as a royal residence and seat of government was emphasized when Edward made sure that his son, the first English Prince of Wales, was born here in 1284.

The Ffestiniog Railway

Dating back to the 1830’s these steam locomotives and the Ffestiniog Railway have become a leader in railway preservation and is now one of Wales’ top tourist attractions. This scenic railway provides access to beautiful areas of Snowdonia which are inaccessible by road.

Present your BritRail Pass and receive 20% off the admission on The Ffestiniog Railway . View all of BritRail’s discounts on www.BritRail.com

Featured Lodging

OASIS HOTEL

The location of Oasis Hotel is ideal on the Central Promenade with panoramic views of Llandudno bay. This hotel features 16 spacious en-suite bedrooms, a lounge, bar and legendary breakfasts. Wireless connection is also available.

Address: Nevill Crescent, Central Promenade, Llandudno

Tel: +44 (0) 1492 877822

www.oasis-hotel.co.uk

Featured Restaurant

CANDLES

Situated in the centre of Llandudno, Candles is a family run British/Continental Restaurant. Experience a warm and friendly atmosphere with candlelit tables and excellent food from the best local suppliers.

Address: 29 Lloyd Street, Llandudno, LL30 2UU

Tel: + 01492 874422

This month, your beloved British correspondent followed the winds East to Wales, so I could report back to you on the must-sees of the magical Welsh countryside (actually, it wasn’t so much the winds as it was the mass of emails I receive inquiring about Wales – but who’s taking notes?) What is important is that you all see Wales first hand; I promise if you follow my lead, you won’t be disappointed!

One thing that the Welsh countryside is not short of is castles. I swear, you can throw a rock in any direction and you’re bound to hit a manor, abbey or castle (perhaps a slight exaggeration, but you get the point). To see all of them could take ages and would be quite costly, unless of course you have the Cadw Explorer Pass (hint hint, pick one up if you’re going to Wales). As a result, I’ve concentrated on a choice few Welsh locations.

Wales’ capital, Cardiff, is a fine place to begin your tour. When you step off the train at Cardiff Central Station you’ll already be smack in the heart of the city. Take some time to enjoy the superb restaurants and greats shopping before heading over to the impressive Cardiff Castle. Not only will you enjoy the Gothic architecture and opulent interior, but also be sure to take a stroll on the castle grounds, where a variety of geese, ducks and peacocks walk about freely!

For something a bit different, but no less exciting, use a BritRail Pass and hop a train to Llangollen Station, in North East Wales. From there, travel roughly 1 mile north to visit the remarkable Valle Crucis Abbey (Abbey of the Cross). Built in 1201, the abbey may not be nearly as large or grandiose as many of Wale’s castles, but, I promise, it is no less intriguing. There’s an almost magical serenity that radiates from the site and you can’t help but feel relaxed and at ease while you are there.

Finally, my last recommendation would be to stop over in the sea-side town of Caernarfon (a simple train ride to Caernarfon Station), where you can enjoy not only the stunning coastal scenery, but also the extraordinary Caernarfon Castle. This is one of, if not the most massive, imposing, awe-inspiring castles I have ever seen. Believe me when I say its sheer size alone is worth the trip.

I wish I could go on more since Wales has so many great sites, but I’m afraid that’s all the time we have. Remember if you have any questions or comments about any and all things British, you can send them over to AskShaun@BritRail.com. We’ll see you all in May – have a great month everyone!