Coin, Coal & Cheers: join us for a Reader Club trip to South Wales

This familiarisation trip is £45pp (to be redeemed against a future booking) and includes…

• A tour of The Royal Mint Experience
• Lunch
• Visits to A Welsh Coal Mine Experience and Hensol Castle Distillery
• Dinner, a one-night stay and breakfast at the Parkway Hotel in Cwmbran

GLT readers can expect a very warm welcome in South Wales as they sample a new itinerary which takes groups on a cinematic journey through time, heritage and innovation.

The one-night trip features visits to The Royal Mint Experience, the Rhondda Heritage Park Museum and Hensol Castle Distillery, all located within a short distance of each other.

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Coin: The Royal Mint Experience

Starting with this iconic attraction which is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2026, you’ll embark on one of the award-winning guided tours, heading behind-the-scenes to the Coin Press Room, where every single UK coin is made.

You’ll hear how the story of innovation comes alive at the Precious Metal Recovery facility where cutting-edge technology recycles metals from electronic waste. There’s also the chance to see remarkable objects such as an Alfred the Great penny and find out about unexpected stories such as Edwards VIII’s unconventional coinage.

Our group will also enjoy lunch at The Royal Mint Experience before the afternoon’s visits.

Coal: A Welsh Coal Mine Experience

We’ll experience the historic Lewis Merthyr Colliery, part of the Rhondda Heritage Park, which brings to life an industry and community. More than 140 mining and Welsh history artefacts along with archive footage, interactive displays and hands-on exhibits tell the stories of the people at the heart of the colliery.

Guided by a former miner, you’ll be taken underground and back in time, hearing authentic stories about the camaraderie and courage of those who worked in the mine, with a chance to ride the virtual ride, DRAM!

This Reader Club fam visit also includes an exclusive look at the new immersive exhibition, King Coal! in which you’ll experience 300 million years of history in just eight minutes, journeying through the origins of coal and its powerful impact on the world.

Cheers: Hensol Castle Distillery

The afternoon will see us head into the cellars of the magnificent Grade I-listed Hensol Castle which boasts history dating back to the early 1400s with layers of stories from centuries of owners and transformations.

You’ll learn about the history of the castle, the gin-making process, as well as how local botanicals are used, and take a behind-the-scenes look at the traditional copper still. And of course, there’ll be the chance to taste some of the produce with a tasting to round it off.

Said to be South Wales’ first full-scale distillery, the team have won several awards for their spirits which include a spiced rum and a strawberry and hibiscus gin.

Comfortable accommodation

The Reader Club trip includes a one-night stay at the four-star Parkway Hotel & Spa which is conveniently located for all three attractions.

Set in more than seven acres of award-winning gardens, you’ll enjoy dinner and breakfast at the group-friendly hotel and there’s the option of extending your stay for the night before at a discounted rate of £95 (bed & breakfast) – ideal to make the most of the spa facilities on offer.

How Reader Club works

Our trips and tours provide group travel organisers with the chance to familiarise themselves with venues, attractions and destinations they feel may be of interest and suitable for their group. It’s a ‘try before you buy’ scenario, and all GTOs are welcome, but please only join us if this is a viable option for your group.