What to expect
Visit Cardiff
Wales Royal Mint Experience
Join us for our new leisure break in Cardiff, the Welsh capital and very much a hub of famous landmarks and bustling streets. We are based just outside of Cardiff at a period country-style hotel – sure to provide a great base for this break. Our break includes a day out in Cardiff and a visit to the Royal Mint to delve into the fascinating history of where our coins come from!
Extras
Following an afternoon check-in at the New Country House Hotel, we will meet in the evening for a welcome drink followed by dinner at the hotel.
After breakfast, we take a short drive into the city centre to enjoy a guided walk of Cardiff. We discover Cardiff’s rich and varied history, from its origins as a Roman port, through to the Victorian era when it dominated the world’s coal industry, culminating today as a modern, vibrant cosmopolitan centre, and one of Europe’s youngest capital cities.
Following our tour, we visit Cardiff Castle in the heart of the city, and enjoy a self-guided visit here followed by free time to explore the city further at our own pace.
Once back at the hotel, we will meet in the evening for dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.
Today we visit the Royal Mint in Llantrisant, just outside of Cardiff. The Royal Mint produces coins for the United Kingdom, as well as coins for a number of other countries around the world. On top of coins, the Royal Mint also produces planchets, commemorative coins, medals and precious metal bullion. The Royal Mint has been in existence since the 9th century and was originally based in the Tower of London before moving to its current location in the 1960s. Our expert guides gives us a fascinating insight into the history of the Royal Mint and allows us the opportunity to strike our own coin! We can also see the informative displays and different coins made throughout the Royal Mint’s history.
Following the tour, there will be time for a lunch break (own cost) at the Royal Mint’s on-site café.
After a final breakfast, we wish each other a fond farewell.
Our Grade 2 listed hotel is in Thornhill on the outskirts of Cardiff and has fantastic views of Cardiff and the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan.
Hotel facilities include well appointed bedrooms and a restaurant and bar.
All en suite rooms include television and telephone, Myddfai luxury toiletries, tea & coffee making facilities, hairdryer and wifi.
Frequently Asked Questions
The hotel is located off Junction 32 or the M4 where you have to follow signs to Thornhill. For sat nav purposes, you must use the postcode CF83 1LY.
Onsite car parking is complimentary.
If travelling by rail, the nearest mainline station is Cardiff and a taxi from the station to the hotel is 7 miles. An alternative station, and the closest is Birchfield Station which is 2 miles in a taxi to the hotel.
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. In order to give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below.
The Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection at the beginning of your holiday to cover drivers, guides and hotel staff (including restaurant, kitchen and reception staff) of approximately £15. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of bar staff and housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (the rounding up of the drinks bill and a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, restaurants expect a 10% gratuity (do check that service has not already been added to your bill). For taxis 10% of the metered fare.
The dress code for during the day is casual and layers are recommended. Comfortable shoes for walking and sightseeing are recommended. In the evenings the dress code is smart casual.
Average Temperatures
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January - February | 6 °C | 1 °C |
| March | 9 °C | 2 °C |
| April | 11 °C | 3 °C |
| May | 15 °C | 6 °C |
| June | 18 °C | 9 °C |
| July - August | 20 °C | 11 °C |
| September | 17 °C | 9 °C |
| October | 14 °C | 7 °C |
| November | 9 °C | 3 °C |
| December | 7 °C | 2 °C |
“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”
“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”
“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”
