GLT readers headed to Wales for a very interesting Reader Club familiarisation that sampled the Royal Mint Experience, Rhondda Heritage Park and Hensol Castle Distillery.
Croeso I Gymru! And we did indeed receive a very warm Welsh come for our fantastic two-day familiarisation visit.
After a comfortable night at the Parkway Hotel & Spa in Cwmbran and a hearty breakfast to fuel us for the day, our first visit was to The Royal Mint Experience which left a big impression on the group.
The Royal Mint Experience: A must for South Wales group visits
Tour guide Carys brought the history behind the famous Mint to life, taking on us a journey through coin-making and giving us an insight into how The Royal Mint has developed over the years. It was great to go into the circulating coin factory, where the UK’s coins have been made since 1968, and we were even able to strike our own.
The free-flow exhibition gives even more history and context; you’re able to get up close to some of The Royal Mint’s collections and see rare artefacts such as the 1933 penny and a gold sovereign of Edward VIII.
For a bit of fun, we had a go at lifting a bar of gold, known as a London bullion – made to look easy on The Italian Job – but very hard in reality! I particularly enjoyed the Olympic and Paralympic medal display and we learnt how they are made by the skilled team at The Royal Mint.
“We thought the whole day was very well organised with an eclectic mix of differing places to visit and each experience very well presented with extremely good accommodation thrown in.”
Ann Mary Ware, Marlow Holiday Group
Another highlight of our visit to The Royal Mint Experience was the lunch. Our host and business development manager, Paul Brandwood delighted the group by informing them that yes, this was an option available to future group visits. There was so much choice and it was all delicious - the fresh Welsh cakes (still warm) went down particularly well.
Rhondda Heritage Park: Authentic Welsh mining heritage for groups
Very content, our driver Steve then took us on to the Rhondda Heritage Park, pointing out a variety of sights along the way. Former miner Mike did a brilliant job at guiding us around the mine for A Welsh Coal Mining Experience, sharing interesting stories and anecdotes. In fact, we were told that all the guides here are former miners, which adds to the authenticity.
We were treated to the fascinating story of ‘black gold’ and how it transformed this corner of Wales, including the remarkable fact that coal mined here was even used on the Titanic. Mike guided us around the winding houses, where we had the chance to see the impressive original machinery in operation — the same equipment, he was keen to point out, that has been in place since 1876.
“We enjoyed every part of the day but The Royal Mint just topped it, it will make me look at the change in my pocket in a different way. The Heritage centre and Hensol Castle were great experiences as well. The hotel was in a perfect position, being just off the M4.”
Julie Adams, DJ Travel
The vastness of the mining operation hit home when Mike told us there were a staggering 27 miles of roadway underground. We then donned our hard hats and headed underground ourselves to see more about what life would have been like for the miners and find out about some of the people behind the extensive operation. And without giving too much away, the simulated DRAM! experience was a hit among our group.
You can also expand your visit at the heritage park to include a look around its extensive exhibitions with items such as the famous Davy Lamps used by miners to light the way through the mines.
Hensol Castle Distillery: A spirited end to the day
We had certainly all earned a refreshing drink by late afternoon – and luckily for us the final stop of the Reader Club trip was the stunning 17th century Hensol Castle which just so happens to be home to a gin distillery. After enjoying our first (of several) tipple, our guide Shelley took us on a journey through time as we learnt about the origins of gin alongside the rich history of the castle and its various owners.
We then headed ‘underground’ to the Botanical Room – with a front row view of the distillery itself and the gleaming copper pot named Gerald (after Gerald Leeke, the owner of Hensol Castle). We had fun with various gin samples, guessing the different aromas, flavours and botanicals that create each bottle.
Shelley also shared some fascinating insights along the way, including the story behind the Monkey 47 name and how the distillery tests the alcohol strength of its gin. For those keen to take their experience a step further, there is also the opportunity to create your very own gin or rum on site — a compelling reason to plan a return visit. We rounded off the evening with a final drink in the Distillery Bar before making our way back to the hotel.
Where to stay: Parkway Hotel & Spa, Cwmbran
What stood out, among other things, at the Parkway Hotel & Spa was the warm welcome and level of service. It was an ideal base for our stay in South Wales, easy to get to, and within easy reach of the attractions we visited, as well as many others. Some of the group were also able to take advantage of the spa facilities.
We enjoyed a hearty meal upon our return with staff taking care of the group as we reflected on a brilliant day full of great experiences, vowing to return to explore even more.
The Coin, Coal & Cheers group package: what’s included?
We sampled the Coin, Coal & Cheers bespoke group travel package which combines the three attractions in one itinerary:
- Coin (The Royal Mint Experience)
- Coal (Rhondda Heritage Park)
- Cheers (Hensol Castle Distillery)
Visits can be split across two days. There are other itineraries available for groups as well as great benefits for groups visiting each attraction.
Contact groups@royalmint.com for more information or call 01443 682036.
