For ten years, committee member Michael Rofe has worked with Airedale Holiday Company to organise bespoke holidays for SoFA members. His final one before filing away his spreadsheets, was to North Wales.
Despite traffic delays locally, we were soon starting our holiday with delicious cakes, tea and coffee at the Georgian listed Rossett Hall near Wrexham. We then continued our journey into North Wales. Our driver, Carl, an extremely knowledgeable holiday guide, took us via the scenic route (aka ‘Little Switzerland’) to the imposing Penrhyn Castle (NT). We enjoyed visiting its dominant display of architecture, stone and wood carvings, together with a fine art collection. Our first day ended at our holiday base, the historic, modernised Celtic Royal Hotel in Caernarfon. The hotel provided SoFA members with a comfortable, relaxing environment and dining facilities – allowing members to enjoy time together after the day’s activities.
Day 2 began at Plas Newydd House, a must on any NT bucket list. In brilliant sunshine, members enjoyed the house and colourful grounds set alongside the tidal waters of the Menai Strait. In the afternoon, we stayed on Anglesey to enjoy the equally colourful restored hidden gardens of Plas Cadnant. As well as wandering the beautifully tended gardens and wooded paths, we learned of the link with our botanic gardens in Southport through its Victorian gardener Thomas Williams.
The following day, we enjoyed free time in Caernarfon exploring its castle and enjoying options to wander around the town, cruise on the river or explore the local countryside. The next leg of itinerary was a trip around Llanberis area. We began at the National Slate Museum followed by a journey alongside Lake Padarn on the heritage steam railway, then on to Betws-y-Coed. The day’s coach journey had taken us passed rushing waterfalls and through some of the mountainous scenery of Snowdonia, accompanied by detailed commentary from driver Carl.
The first stop on the return journey was free time in Conwy. Members enjoyed a short bus tour of the area or on foot, the quay and old wharves which included a visit to the smallest house in Britain. We returned to Rossett Hall to enjoy a lunch together before heading home. Another enjoyable holiday among SoFA holiday friends.
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With thanks to Frank Hyland for the article.