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Perhaps best known as 'The Village' in the 1960's cult British TV series The Prisoner,
Portmeirion was the brainchild of eccentric architect Clough William
Ellis. The result is certainly theatrical; a stage
set with a lucky dip of buildings arranged to distort perspectives and
reveal tantalizing glimpses of the seascape behind. Endangered structures from all over Britain and abroad were brought
here and incorporated into buildings painted in pastel shades of
turquoise, ochre and buff yellow.
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Mighty Caernarfon is possibly the most famous of Wales's castles - the ultimate symbol of Anglo-Norman military might. Its
sheer scale and commanding presence easily set it apart from the rest,
and to this day, still trumpet in no uncertain terms the intention of
its builder Edward I. Begun in 1283 as the definitive chapter in his conquest of Wales,
Caernarfon was constructed not only as a military stronghold but also
as a seat of government and royal palace.
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Penrhyn Castle is 19th-century fantasy castle with spectacular contents and grounds and magnificent views over Snowdonia. There is a dolls museum, extensive Victorian kitchens, a railway museum and an adventure playground. Penryn also contains a unique furniture collection and
what is probably the best private art collection in Wales. The large
gardens and grounds with their formal Victorian walled garden, also feature an an extensive exotic tree and shrub collection.
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Conwy Castle has the rare
ability to evoke an authentic medieval atmosphere. The first time that
visitors catch sight of the castle, commanding a rock above the Conwy
Estuary and demanding as much attention as the dramatic Snowdonia
skyline behind it, they know they are in the presence of a historic
site which still casts a powerful spell. Conwy was constructed by the English monarch Edward I between 1283 and
1289 as one of the key fortresses in his 'iron ring' of castles to
contain the Welsh.
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Bodnant Garden spans
some 80 acres, and is situated above the River Conwy on ground sloping
towards the west and looking across a valley towards Snowdonia. The upper garden consists
of terraced grounds and informal lawns shaded by trees. The lower portion is formed by the valley of the River Hiraethlyn and contains the Wild Garden. Bodnant grows a wide range of
plants from all over the world, particularly China, North America,
Europe and Japan that are suited to the Welsh climate and soil.
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Bardsey Island lies two miles off the tip of the Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales. The island is 1.5 miles in length and, at its widest point, just over half a mile across. Enlli Charters sail from Pwllheli and Porth Meudwy,
taking in some of the most stunning scenery the UK has to offer. The
voyage from Pwllheli to Bardsey takes in the southern extremity of the
Llŷn Peninsula on the way to Bardsey, with its Abbey ruins,
Bird Observatory and wide variety of flora and fauna.
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Plas Mawr
is one of the best preserved Elizabethan town houses in Britain, famous for the
quality and quantity of its ornamental decoration. Built by Robert Wynn between 1576 and 1585, it
dominates the town with its gatehouse, stepped gables and lookout
tower. The interior with its elaborately decorated plaster ceilings and
fine wooden screens, reflecting the wealth and influence of the Tudor
gentry in Wales, has been entirely restored to its former glory.
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The small seaside village of Abersoch is situated on the Llyn Peninsula
in North Wales. It's a popular resort, with great beaches,
internationally recognised sailing waters, a pleasant climate and
beautiful scenery. Although
quiet and relatively old fashioned, it's the kind of place where you
can truly relax and enjoy a tradional bucket and spade type holiday. There's a jazz festival in June, a wakeboarding and music festival in July, an
annual regatta and a surfing competition.
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Uncovered in 1987 during a scheme to landscape an area of the the Great
Orme, the copper mines discovered below the ground represent one of the
most astounding archaeological discoveries of recent time. Dating back
4,000 years to the Bronze Age they change our views about the ancient
people of Britain and their civilized and structured society 2,000
years before the Roman invasion.
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Children will enjoy experiencing Alice's Adventures in the Rabbit Hole, where a narrated story comes to life in a warren of life-size scenes. This
is an indoor walk through Wonderland with life-size animated displays
of some of the most colourful and well-known scenes from the Alice
story such as the White Rabbit and the Queen of Hearts. Visitors are provided with a personal stereo and professionally
recorded narration with sound effects.
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