Castles, Lighthouses and More on Our Last Day and a Half in Coastal North Wales...

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ก.พ. 2025

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  • @Williamfattyfoulke261
    @Williamfattyfoulke261 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +14

    You missed a treat spectacular village built by an architect using a mix of new and old reconstructed old buildings in an italianet style with walks and a pottery factory in a superb setting

    • @christyandersonhendrie4225
      @christyandersonhendrie4225 21 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Isn't it the home of that special Portmieron china too?

    • @maryearll3359
      @maryearll3359 12 วันที่ผ่านมา

      ​@@christyandersonhendrie4225 yes, you're quite right. I've been there twice and I can't remember if it's made there or even if it's painted there. But there's shop ( naturally ) and all the wonderful plants. Do Google it

  • @orys
    @orys ปีที่แล้ว +38

    I like Alicja's optimism, no matter which way the staircase is turning, she's always find her position to her advantage in case she needed to defend the castle with the sword :-)

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว +5

      She knows what she's doing eh? ;)

    • @firearchives
      @firearchives ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Yeah I love her she's such a cool cat!

    • @kheopsz81
      @kheopsz81 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Because this theory regarding the staircase it's just a legend.
      Actually there are staircases in both directions and there are no significant difference between the amounts.

    • @fredvankempen2177
      @fredvankempen2177 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@steve-marsh Well, since YOU are holding the camera, SOMEONE must fend off any r0bbers, eh??

  • @bruceogilvie5607
    @bruceogilvie5607 ปีที่แล้ว +79

    You melted another East Coast Scotsman's heart with your reinforcing of stereotypes in relation to admission costs 😂 Loved your exploration of Wales.

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Haha cheers Bruce!

    • @thelovelies7716
      @thelovelies7716 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I think that, and I am English.

    • @philbebbington1755
      @philbebbington1755 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I concur as an Irishman, I did visit that strange village around 25 years ago, I don't remember it being a rip-off then, but nowadays I would not pay the equivalent of €20 ( yeah we're still in Euros thankfully) There are lots of lovely "real villages" in Cymru to visit, with real ales, real fish n chips etc LOL. Sláinte mhaith agus saol fada daoibh a chairde.

    • @dianewhelan
      @dianewhelan ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I'm a Brit and give this place a miss *every* time. Such a rip off. It might have been nice to see the filing location for The Prisoner, but not £18 nice.

    • @paulfisher5794
      @paulfisher5794 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I was on holiday in North Wales with my son earlier in the year, and also fancied visiting Portmierion. Like you, we baulked at the entrance fee, so never did get to find out if it's worth it or not!

  • @FrankC321
    @FrankC321 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Six days in a paradise. Could not have picked a more beautiful and relaxing place.

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It went really well, barely scratched the surface of course but happy with what we did see :)

  • @andybaker2456
    @andybaker2456 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    I remember watching The Prisoner as a kid, and not having a clue what was going on! But what actually persuaded me to fork out the Portmeirion entrance fee when I was up that way in 2017 was memories of an episode of Treasure Hunt with Anneka Rice back in the 80s! I remember she visited in her chopper on a beautifully sunny day, and I told myself that one day I would pay it a visit. To be honest, I wasn't disappointed, and got some great photos. It's not only the village that's photogenic, but the surrounding area too. I'm sorry Steve, but you'll just have to go back! 😁

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Haha I remember Anneka and her helicopter! Maybe one day, we were just pushed for time that day so wouldn't have been worth it

    • @TheEmbeddedHobbyist
      @TheEmbeddedHobbyist ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I thought that the place was worth it. So much to see you must go back at some point

    • @kenmalUTUBE
      @kenmalUTUBE 27 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@steve-marsh ahhh - now I understand more - you were pushed for time. It's definitely worth more than just a whistle stop visit, especially with the entrance fee. Hopefully you will go back ... and won't regret it

  • @debbiehill369
    @debbiehill369 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +14

    Such a good video . And you're such a lovely couple x

  • @robertcottam8824
    @robertcottam8824 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Portmeirion is at its best when you stay there. It’s not cheap. But when the day trippers have gone home and you feel part of the village, it’s extraordinary.
    I ‘get’ that it’s not part of what you do as a vlogger, but it’s great as a treat.
    Portmeirion, Lyme Regis, Robin Hood’s Bay or Plockton out of season? All good.

  • @sandrageorge7878
    @sandrageorge7878 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    I love port merian. It is well worth visit ot isn't a theme park or a village the architect wanted to create a folly an optical illusion and it's incredible what he achieved. One of my favourite places.

  • @markjones127
    @markjones127 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    Conwy and Llandudno are gorgeous and you were looking at the Great Orme when on the pier, the beach you were on is the busy side of town and called North Shore but on the other side of town is a spectacular beach called West Shore and the tide goes out a long way there too as it's also part of the Conwy estuary. If you want a long weekend in Llandudno I'd strongly recommend you go during the Victorian Extravaganza weekend which is amazing , the place is rammed but a lot of fun, some roads are closed off for the fairground rides and on the same weekend there's also the Llandudno Transport Festival with loads of vintage vehicles on display with loads of old lorries, trucks, buses and the like, it's an amazing weekend!

  • @michaeljohndennis2231
    @michaeljohndennis2231 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Living in Manchester 21 years and having family in Ireland near Dublin, I’ve got the overnight coach and SailRail via the Port of Holyhead and I love this North Wales Route, even at night, where it really does take on a truly magical feel and is timelessly romantic - one literally feels the sense of history when passing through North Wales, of which the (lovely) Welsh people are the custodians, which surely is a wonderful privilege for them, even if they don’t fully realise it - once out of Chester, I begin to totally relax and I feel far safer in such a beautiful part of Wales, especially late at night - it’s quiet, comforting and calming, even in daytime and when I spoke to a Welsh lady in the local (very busy) ASDA in Holyhead, she was amazed by my reaction, but it is something in Wales that is rather special and most precious - another gem is when you pass through the town of Bangor by overnight coach, the town even late at night just feels totally magical on the rural Welsh roads - Cymru Am Bith 🇮🇪☘️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿❤️

    • @123bwlch
      @123bwlch ปีที่แล้ว

      Don't fully realise it ? Explain and it's Cymru am Byth.

  • @terry-wc9sw
    @terry-wc9sw 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Hope you paid the guide(yes the cat) a treat for showing you the way in the castle ,likes royal canin cat food

  • @thebamfordman
    @thebamfordman 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Highest castle density in Europe. Over 600. If you include the ones along the border, it's certainly the castle capital of the world.

  • @karenhoskins4876
    @karenhoskins4876 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    Must agree - lived south and mid wales since the 80.s - its a very beautiful mystical place ...i feel extremely privileged to live here .

  • @Peterraymond67
    @Peterraymond67 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    Hello both. I live in South Wales but over the years I’ve travelled most of the country. A couple of years ago I went on a coach excursion with my local coach company. I booked this because it took me to places I’d passed before and one that I’d never had the chance. We stayed in Caernarfon and our first trip was the one I was waiting for, it was the Welsh Highland Railway from the new Caernarfon station for a long trip via Beddgelert around the base of Snowdon to Porthmadog. This was an incredible ride. Then on to Portmeirion, the price for me was included! Great village to walk around. The next day we went to Bodnant Gardens and Llandudno. Your trip brought back recent memories. Did you notice the tubular bridge besides the suspension bridge in Conwy, it’s the railway bridge carrying the main line from Chester to the Holyhead Irish Ferry terminal. Perhaps a rail trip for you? To Ireland through Liverpool and return via Holyhead?

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Thanks so much for the comment Peter and some greta tips for next time :) We had a wonderful time in Wales, so glad we have AT LAST visited!

  • @SamandSteve
    @SamandSteve ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Llandudno is a quintessential Victorian seaside town. We love it and go every year. It’s been a family favourite since I was little and a favourite of my brother who passed away two months ago. We were there last weekend.

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว +4

      We were blown away by the place, absolutely beautiful!

  • @peteredwards7760
    @peteredwards7760 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Visited Portmeirion about 40 years ago less than 2 quid to get in , very much enjoyed the experience .

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      That's more like it!

  • @johnericneil2455
    @johnericneil2455 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I really enjoy your commentary. No unnecessary waffle. Excellent.

  • @georgiadi2
    @georgiadi2 10 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

    Portmeirion is a lovely place to wander round. There's usually an artist in residence and shops, cafes, ice cream bar, giant chess, long walks down to the beach plus other attractions. Architecture of the village. It's quite expensive but still a beautiful place to visit.

  • @6yjjk
    @6yjjk ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Welsh signs: I was on a Welsh train out of Manchester, and there was a kid who was just at that age where reading is fun and needs to be done loudly enough for everyone to hear how well you're doing it. He did a pretty good job with the English part of some sign or other, then he hit the Welsh. He struggled valiantly for a bit, somehow got "chicken" out of it, then paused to think for a moment. "Mummy... Is that written in sign language?" Bless!

  • @danal.5133
    @danal.5133 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Wonderful video! I walked on the streets you did a few years ago. Portmeirion is a wonderful place - we got entrance for the half (9Pounds) because of a group of ten, but I would have payed more. It's a completely other world with a special atmosphere. Perhaps you get another chance! Thank you for the wonderful scenes and pictures! The bridge of Caernarfon Castle is able to be turned aside... We didn't know and had to walk a loooong way at dark night to find another possibility to get over the water. 😂
    By the way: everyone of our group had to learn to spell Llanfair correctly to get to Wales with us. 😊 There is a song on TH-cam, you can learn it easily.

  • @galloway9707
    @galloway9707 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    We were at Portmeiron last year. It was brilliant and well worth the entrance charge. Truly different to anything else we had seen, and references to the now ancient Prisoner series that was filmed there were good. I think you should visit next time.

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The main problem was being pushed for time, £36 was too much for the hour we had, maybe next time :)

    • @galloway9707
      @galloway9707 ปีที่แล้ว

      Understand. Your videos are excellent and I look forward to watching them. I took my family to Peterhead Prison musuem off the back of one of your visits. Keep up the great work.

    • @broadsword6650
      @broadsword6650 ปีที่แล้ว

      Do Portmeirion properly and book a night in the village hotel (almost the whole village is a hotel) and you can explore the village in peace and quiet once the day trippers have left. It is a wonderful place.

    • @ToilerOnTheSea
      @ToilerOnTheSea ปีที่แล้ว

      @@steve-marsh needs a minimum of half a day, so you were quite right not going in.

  • @RuthzacharyZachary
    @RuthzacharyZachary 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    We visited the North of Wales in 1976, from the States, and stayed several days in and around Canarvan. We did the castle, stayed on a farm for airbnb, went horseback riding (pony trekking) in the Snowdonia Mountains, where the British trained for their first climb of Mt. Everest. We were told that the Snowdonia Mts, though much lower, have similar terrain. We also went to Anglesea and climbed the lighthouse. It was hot and we spent time also at the beach, where the children laughed at our accents snd asked if we were Csnadians, but no, we were New Yorkers! Thank you for your adventures.

  • @gwynforroberts9434
    @gwynforroberts9434 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    "Don't go there Dion" 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
    Glad you both enjoyed your visit to our little Nation
    Blimey, you put the miles in, some long days there
    Remember, Conwy and Caernarfon castles were built to oppress the Welsh. , not a tourist attraction: although thats what they have become!
    Conversley, Portmeirion is totally a amajical place which you really should put on your list for next time, and i'm sure there will be a next time, but i can't guarantee the same weather !

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Ah I need to read more of the history!

    • @123bwlch
      @123bwlch ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@steve-marsh 4 llll in a row. 2 are end of a word and other 2 begining of a word.

  • @namco21
    @namco21 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Must be great to have Alicja to travelfreind.She is always so glad and full of humor.

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      That’s why I love her :)

    • @namco21
      @namco21 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@steve-marsh I now that you do that Steve,and take care of here.

  • @אליעזרקנטור
    @אליעזרקנטור 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    That was really good.......Steve...you are really the best!......many thanks!

  • @horsehollerer
    @horsehollerer ปีที่แล้ว +21

    Loved the vibe and pace of this series. I feel like I've explored a big chunk of Wales without ever leaving my comically tiny NYC apartment! 🤣Cheers for taking the time to turn so many of your personal experiences into quality content for us. As always, it's the little details and nuances that make for the most compelling content - and these episodes have been chock-full of them!

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว

      Really appreciate it, thanks :)

    • @michaelmcginley7930
      @michaelmcginley7930 ปีที่แล้ว

      Did not realise the cost to get in to portmerion.loved the series but 18 is a bit steep

    • @amtrakharry
      @amtrakharry ปีที่แล้ว

      Right on !!!

  • @crystalmethking
    @crystalmethking ปีที่แล้ว +7

    That English castle was wonderful! Let the fun and games begin!!!!

    • @kevjaffray
      @kevjaffray ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I think it may have been a Welsh castle 😉

    • @ohheyitskevinc
      @ohheyitskevinc ปีที่แล้ว +5

      😂 Good call. Edward I had I think most built during the conquest. They’re Welsh now I suppose, but we still call Roman ruins Roman, so English castle works.

    • @crystalmethking
      @crystalmethking ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@warren1134 built by the English

    • @modelrailwaynoob
      @modelrailwaynoob 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      built by the English to control the Welsh@@warren1134

  • @pamthevan7340
    @pamthevan7340 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    When Alisha stumbles at 6:14 that's another sneaky castle design feature. By sometimes changing the height up slightly of one or more of the steps in a flight anyone rushing up was likely to do what Alisha did - trip. Sneaky eh?

  • @russellb1212
    @russellb1212 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Well worth the money if you had, lovely walks and fabulous architecture in Portmeiron, but, you would have been there all day and missed the other lovely sights you did see,

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah good point, time was just as valuable a commodity :)

  • @philnasmith9755
    @philnasmith9755 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Loved the videos on your Wales trip. It is an astonishingly beautiful country. Thanks for sharing.

  • @barbaracarlisle8930
    @barbaracarlisle8930 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Absolutely right decision! Real Wales is better than fake, in my opinion! There is plenty to do for free in that beautiful country. So many interesting “back roads” discoveries to be made. Loved this series and the memories….

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Thanks Barbara! This trip was a great introduction to Wales for us and so many reasons to return!

  • @jennifers8223
    @jennifers8223 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    that cat was cute and very friendly

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว

      He deserved a tip but we had no cat treats :(

  • @petergoddard1960
    @petergoddard1960 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    A lovely surprise for Hump Day! This whole series of your Wales trip has been excellent, you certainly packed plenty in. Alicjia is always delightful.

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว +8

      I wish Alicja could be there every week :)

    • @petergoddard1960
      @petergoddard1960 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@steve-marsh ALL the video's are great Steve, truly among the best in my book.

  • @lornaharkin2126
    @lornaharkin2126 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Your such a gentleman the way you filmed her walking up the stairs and didn't expose her, well done x

  • @spangles365
    @spangles365 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Hi Steve as a Scotsman i lived in North Wales for around 6 years with my German wife and i loved it, the Welsh people were amazing and so is the scenery as you have just shown, cheers.

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Thanks so much both! Love how friendly everyone was :)

    • @michaeljohndennis2231
      @michaeljohndennis2231 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@steve-marshincluding that gorgeous and welcoming Welsh cat - such a sweetheart ❤

  • @annesickinger8298
    @annesickinger8298 12 วันที่ผ่านมา

    We visited the castle at Conwy ( I’m spelling it wrong) but we had the best tour guide ever! And I still remember it with fond memories 30 years later!! So special!

    • @seegee8564
      @seegee8564 6 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Your spelling is fine; that''s how it's written in Welsh. 👍🏻

  • @benpuss
    @benpuss ปีที่แล้ว +11

    So much fun when you are together. Enjoy the jokes and banter between you two. Wales looks super gorgeous!

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thanks Ben! So much better with Alicja by my side :)

  • @barrybarnes1169
    @barrybarnes1169 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    went to llandudno as a kid with my parents in 1966 it is the only place revisited that has improved over the years from my childhood holidays round the uk

  • @morganthedruid1
    @morganthedruid1 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I've never heard of you guys but you popped up in my feed on the first Welsh video and i've followed the story since, really impressed with the casual professionalism of your channel and how well you edit the experience.

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว +3

      We really appreciate it and hope you'll hang around for more! Alicja can't always join me, but it's always a blast when she does :) Thanks again!

  • @elizabethjohnson3123
    @elizabethjohnson3123 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Another fantastic video, as a English gal living in Kintrye now, my holidays as a child were predominantly in north Wales & seeing some of the places you visited brought back fond memories.

  • @enfys02
    @enfys02 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I'm a local to Llandudno, its such a lovely town to live by and a lovely surprise to see it in one of your vids! Next time you go to North Wales if you have the time I highly recommend going further in to Betwys-Y-Coed, Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog, some stunning views, walks and even a couple of heritage railways :)

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Oh noting these down for next time, thanks so much!

    • @MIEJ4
      @MIEJ4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@steve-marshplenty time to practice the pronunciation 😂

    • @artistinlederhosen
      @artistinlederhosen ปีที่แล้ว

      as an american visiting north wales a few years ago, i ended up calling it “Betsy the co-ed”. it IS a charming place.

  • @Keinapappa
    @Keinapappa หลายเดือนก่อน

    Very comforting to watch this video after 50 cm snowfall and hours of shoveling.

  • @kevjaffray
    @kevjaffray ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I've enjoyed travelling with you both in Wales, but next time you go, you really should go south and enjoy the magnificent beaches on the Gower Peninsula and the coastline of Pembrokeshire. Wales has some amazing gems on offer.

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Agreed. But we could never do the country justice in our first few days there, great excuse to go back !

    • @brentwoodbay
      @brentwoodbay ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@steve-marsh The Gower is great! I had a cousin Mike and he had a motor bike an' 'e could go around the Gower in a quarter of an 'our!

    • @charmianjohnson2364
      @charmianjohnson2364 ปีที่แล้ว

      Spent many a day on a Gower beach. Great beaches big and small

    • @brentwoodbay
      @brentwoodbay ปีที่แล้ว

      In case any one didn't know, this was part of an old rugby song!

  • @garymcguire8529
    @garymcguire8529 21 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Good move, it had it's day back in the 1960's, when they filmed the TV series " The Prisoner", you made a good escape!

  • @jamesrichardson476
    @jamesrichardson476 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Friends of ours used to live above a little village called Minfford, just over the hill from Portmeirion. They knew a sneaky route over the fields and into the village, avoiding the entrance, thus dodging the ££££ that, even in the nineties, was required to get in. At zero pounds, it's worth a visit but - at nearly twenty quid - not so much :)

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Haha brilliant! Wish we'd known!

    • @soudley8
      @soudley8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      About half a mile east along the road there is a right turn that takes you to Min Y Traeth parking. From there you can walk along the estuary right up to 'Portmeirion harbour'

  • @Broadercasting
    @Broadercasting 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Welcome to my patch! I live in Deganwy between Conwy and Llandudno. You passed the village centre in the previous video where you can see Conwy Castle from the opposite bank of the estuary. It's a great place to live. LLandudno has economically fared much better than some of the other local resorts.
    It was interesting you thought the North Wales coast road (18:16) has an Italian feel. I call the stretch of the A55 from Llanfairfechan to Conwy as 'The North Wales Corniche'.

  • @sheilamoore9506
    @sheilamoore9506 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Wonderful video of our home area. I’ve lived here since I was 12 and worked in Conwy for 15 years. Town walks are free to walk. Spend loads of time caravanning on Anglesey. Do come back soon. Happy travels 😊😊

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      What a WONDERFUL part of the world, really blown away by it!

  • @timfielding3728
    @timfielding3728 22 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Spent yesterday in North Wales, Swallow Falls, The Horseshoe Pass and Caernarfon Castle, your video got me moving there. Cheers

  • @andrew270298
    @andrew270298 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    We visited that lighthouse and stayed in our van in the car park above it. Once the fog came in the foghorn started and my wife asked if I could turn it off 🧐
    The roads are challenging but the scenery is great.
    My wife is from Latvia and was amazed you got off the train in the dark in zero temperatures and didn’t freeze to death on your trip there. You were very lucky. She was brought up a few stops from where you got off.
    We are long time subscribers. Keep up with the great content.

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thanks so much and oh I remember the sinking feeling well from stepping off the train at the wrong station :D

  • @Sim-rh4tj
    @Sim-rh4tj หลายเดือนก่อน

    South Stack is fantastic, even better when it was open and they did tours.

  • @t.m.warren2124
    @t.m.warren2124 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    What a lovely video! ❤️. I’ve Welsh ancestry so it was lovely to see a bit of the country. And you had two of my favorite things: lighthouses and castles 👍.

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Like you I'm always drawn to a lighthouse or castle :)

    • @t.m.warren2124
      @t.m.warren2124 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@steve-marsh you need to come visit the State of Michigan. No castles ( as far as I know) but plenty of lighthouses on our Great Lakes.

  • @wendykettlewell4628
    @wendykettlewell4628 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The Point of Ayr lighthouse was a lovely sight. Did you know you were standing on miles of coal mine tunnels? Check out the Point of Ayr Colliery. Last coal mine to operate in Wales. Closed 1996. And you were actually standing on top of it! You should have driven up The Great Orme - wonderful experience - you'd have loved it - make sure you earmark it for your next trip to Wales.. Love the show. We're going to buy a van! (From a Fifer, living in North Wales)

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว

      No way! Thanks so much or this info!

  • @catherinemunn3519
    @catherinemunn3519 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    You did right with Portmeirion. It's beautiful, but tiny. And if I'm remembering right, the only buildings you can go into are where you can spend more money.
    If you ever return, Anglesey is worth more of an explore. Lots of lovely coves and beaches.

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว +5

      It's funny, when planning this few days we almost wondered if we should JUST do Anglesey!

    • @wendykettlewell4628
      @wendykettlewell4628 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@steve-marsh Anglesey's worth a whole programme to itself!

    • @john07973
      @john07973 ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@wendykettlewell4628Seconded

    •  ปีที่แล้ว

      @@steve-marsh Man you gotta do Anglesea + experience the Menai Strait it's beautiful on sunny days.

  • @almostthere3733
    @almostthere3733 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Right decision. To put it into perspective, that would be over $30.00 per person CAD. Wow!

  • @haydn1972
    @haydn1972 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Next time you're in Llandudno, you must go up The Great Orme, it's stunning 😊

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Oh agreed! It WILL happen!

    • @haydn1972
      @haydn1972 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      You can take the Tram, Cable Car, Walk or Drive. For a small toll fee, you can drive around the Great Orme, it's one way all round and it's something else.

  • @paulharvey9149
    @paulharvey9149 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Last time I was in Llandudno, there wasman open top bus down the Conwy Valley to Betws-y-Coed and then back up towards Snowdon, where it terminated in a rough car park called Pen-y-Pass - and you transferred onto another open-top bus that continued to Llanberis - from which my friend and I got the Snowdon Mountain Railway to - I'm sure you can guess! The train ride to Blaenau Ffestiniog is worth doing too, as just on the final approach to Blaenau you go through this incredibly long tunnel and then emerge into the most surreal landscape ever... The town's not much to write home about, but you you can't go there and not do the slate mine tour... The narrow guage railway is pretty good too - you can complete a round trip back via Minffordd & the Welsh Highland Railway to Caernarfon - alas, they're not cheap. Oh - and do go up the Great Orme Tramway - there's actually two, as you have to change at a station called Halfway - as it kind of is...!! We also went to a male voice choir performance, which should be fitted in if at all possible - it was in one of the big churches you passed on the left just before you drive through Llandudno town centre. The East Beach with the pier at the end was also sandy when we were there - I think there's a local campaign to get it back that way, too!

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks so much for this mate, top tips fro next time :)

  • @Traveller69
    @Traveller69 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Great stuff...all around Wales.❤
    I too was surprised by Llandudno and that was literally to the month 20 years ago, when my then American girlfriend insisted we go there (and Conwy) for her 'American' (Llewellyn) reasons.
    Great to see both places are still thriving as they were a lovely surprise back then too.
    Also noted how in 2023, two things only ever happen when a spider appears. You are suddenly 'THE MAN' again circa 1973 and all gender equality is conveniently forgotten! 😂🕷🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿💪

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Haha brilliant 🕷️

  • @joycemitchell6793
    @joycemitchell6793 ปีที่แล้ว

    My husband and I got lost in the castle walls on one trip. We just kept running into dead ends. Lots of laughter when we run into others who were also trying to find their way out.

  • @rogermadeley7413
    @rogermadeley7413 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Glad you enjoyed Wales. Caernarfon castle was originally painted white on the exterior so it could be seen from miles away in fact I think most of Edward 1st's castles that were built on his orders had the same done to them.

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Cool! Thanks for that, I can imagine it!

  • @brucewatt1032
    @brucewatt1032 ปีที่แล้ว

    That conversation about the narrow stone steps and being able to defend yourself as a right handed swordsman, is absolutely correct 👌

  • @ohheyitskevinc
    @ohheyitskevinc ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Portmeirion is nice because the architecture isn’t like anything you’d find outside say the Italian riviera, but unless you’re into the Prisoner (which I kind of liked for its weirdness), then it’s probably not worth £18 each. You actually chose well by not going because you likely wouldn’t have gone to Holyhead and south stack which you saw is pretty awesome. North stack is ok too and not as bad a walk. Happy you got to visit Conwy as it’s beautiful there, but yep it’s a bit touristy. The drive round the great orme (I recall it’s a one way toll road) is actually pretty good and you can drive up the top (vs the train or cable car). Had my bike nicked at Talacre beach when I was 8.. brings back memories 😂

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Cheers mate! Yeah, I think the fact I was expecting it to be free, £36 for 2 people really hit hard :D

  • @brucewatt1032
    @brucewatt1032 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I went to Portmeirion once. It’s nice enough to wander around, but unless you’re a big fan of The Prisoner, or love the work of Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis, it’s just a nice place to walk around.
    Admittedly, when i was there, I don’t remember there being an admittance fee… which should indicate how long ago i was last there 😆

  • @jayweston9723
    @jayweston9723 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    Wow, Alicja wearing a cute dress today, what a treat!!!

  • @islasandjessicas
    @islasandjessicas หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi Steve and Alicja, my partner Isla and I holidayed in Llandudno in the summer of 2019, and we brought a cornish pasty each from a kiosk at the beginning of the pier, Isla decided to begin eating hers immediately, that was until a seagull swopped down and pinched it right out of her hands, it was all I could do as her sympathetic caring partner, not to burst out laughing 😅. - Jess

  • @davidcross47
    @davidcross47 ปีที่แล้ว +78

    Big mistake Steve. Portmeirion is worth £18 all day long of anyone’s money. It’s an architectural landmark. It’s certainly not a theme park. To go to North Wales without visiting Portmeirion is a waste of a journey. Also you missed Porthmadog, where the steam railway runs along the beach & the high street. And Anglesey is a completely dull waste of time, apart from Llanfair.

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว +15

      To be honest, we were pushed for time so couldn't have got value from it. When filming especially we don't get the time to properly enjoy it, maybe once we've watched some prisoner, and maybe have at least half a day, we could do it.

    • @Steeyuv
      @Steeyuv ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Next time you go, stay there for a couple of nights - Portmeirion is magical.

    • @ianmaddams9577
      @ianmaddams9577 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I live in Garndolbemaen many yrs ago when I was an climbing instructor. And some of the best and most memorable times in and around north wales.

    • @howarddavies2483
      @howarddavies2483 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      One MAJOR miss and a jewel in the crown on the Welsh coast was…..ABERAERON….try to revisit at some stage

    • @rdgreeley
      @rdgreeley ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Good decision.

  • @gavinparry5426
    @gavinparry5426 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You were staying a mile up the road from me Steve!
    It's a shame you missed Betws y Coed, The Ogwen Valley, Cwm Idwal and Y Garn as you were so close......next time eh👍

  • @agnieszkamadej186
    @agnieszkamadej186 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Portmeirion is definitely worth visiting, it's very beautiful, feels almost magical. Not many people know about this hidden gem, you've made a big mistake 😮

  • @kenmalUTUBE
    @kenmalUTUBE 27 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Oh wow! Yes - big mistake not going into Portmeirion. My wife's dream destination - we've actually stayed there overnight twice and it was wonderful and worth every penny. Each to their own, however, but to be honest it's your loss and it's a fascinating story of how it came about

  • @thecolneranger1588
    @thecolneranger1588 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Cant believe you're dissing Portmeirion! It's a beautiful place. 18 quid is about average for a tourist attraction isn't it? Well worth the money.

    • @Philzoid
      @Philzoid 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      dissing the price you mean. I think 18 quid is a little steep. I went there quite a few years ago and don't remember it being that expensive.

    • @stans945
      @stans945 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I just love Portmeirion, it’s magical Steve, but understand your reasoning.

  • @SteveH-nf2ts
    @SteveH-nf2ts 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    always assume you will go back. you live so close. WE did 2 weeks there in 2007, absolutely amazing. it would take a long time to see "everything"

  • @marshallviliesis
    @marshallviliesis ปีที่แล้ว +1

    BONUS WEDNESDAY - Thank you! Hope you’re still posting Saturday so I will have more than just the West Ham match to look forward to in a few days!

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว

      Hammers doing alright tonight eh!? Yeah, video on Saturday as normal :)

    • @marshallviliesis
      @marshallviliesis ปีที่แล้ว

      @@steve-marsh Right they did! 👍

  • @walterfillingham
    @walterfillingham ปีที่แล้ว

    Fun fact, I’ve been to Carmarthen before as a student and I’ve been very drunk there. It’s a fabulous part of the world. Always wanted to get a train there as I’ve been told it’s a fantastic railway along the North Welsh coastline all the way to anglesey

  • @ericlackford6718
    @ericlackford6718 ปีที่แล้ว

    Some 10 years ago before I was on dialysis my wife and I took our little Romahome from Orkney, where we were living, down to Wales via the Lake district. We were out for 5 weeks. We stopped at every preserved railway and every castle where we climbed every step in every tower we got access to. Started at Llandudno and worked our way round the coast, into the mountains, into the Brecon Beacons etc. We joined the National trust for Wales and got free entry. ( Used Tesco vouchers and saved a fortune) Some of the most spectacular roads in Britain around North Wales. We can recommend the slate museum at Llanberris. Home via Chester, Manchester, West Yorkshire and then North. Your vids have brought back so many happy memories. Thankyou.

  • @jimdevlin2138
    @jimdevlin2138 หลายเดือนก่อน

    must have missed this episode when it came out, but worth watching even 1 year later, and steve you are correct Portmeirion is not worth £18 , even at half that it would still be only just good vaue. north wales is great , I was on anglesey for 4 years and visited most of the sights you show here. and Alicja you should wear dresses more often , it really cheers us old guys up 😍😍

  • @raphaelandrews3617
    @raphaelandrews3617 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Steve is correct carsles were built for a reason, the form a structure that there to defend the area, usuall farms/orchards.

  • @theresalewis6301
    @theresalewis6301 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Gosh you are so tight the village where the prisoner was filmed is absolutely beautiful so yes I think it’s worth it

  • @chriswilliams5624
    @chriswilliams5624 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you for the 3 videos of Wales, my country. I know all of the places that you have visited and you have given a good report on all. The weather is not always so warm, when I took my family to the summit of Yr Wyddfa by steam train we disembarked and within 10 metres we couldn't see the train we had just got off from ! Still very worth the visit. Thank you also for your attempts at the Welsh place names, I am not a Welsh speaker (yet) but have learned to get my tongue around most, including LlanfairPG, as it is more usually known. I love all your videos, keep up the excellent work.

  • @kaysmith2503
    @kaysmith2503 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    a Steve i remember walking that pier with my dad lovely memory

  • @hedydd2
    @hedydd2 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    We, my wife and I and a few friends stayed in the Portmeirion cottages for a weekend and it was great. Very picturesque and brilliant restaurant for the evening meal. It cost us a lot more than£18 each of course. A major point to note is that at least 85% of the hundreds of staff that work there are Welsh first language speakers.

  • @ElwenJones
    @ElwenJones ปีที่แล้ว

    For Portmeirion special treat, best to book set menu lunch in either hotel - £30 for 2 course & includes entrance fee

  • @ConscienceofChrist
    @ConscienceofChrist หลายเดือนก่อน

    Ah what a joy! The music as you were driving from Wales back home is special. Thankyou both! I am going to steal some of your video ways. I need a left brain tho. My tech skills are barely passable. 😅😇

  • @bowman7296
    @bowman7296 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    We visited it many years ago, and there was no theme park. They had bungalows you stayed in, so we spent the nighf in one of the little bungalows and eat in the hotel at the sea.

  • @seonagren1732
    @seonagren1732 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    We stayed the night with two small children. At the time no extra cost if you are staying the night. We had a lovely meal in nice accommodation with our children welcome. In the morning walked around the site. Not cheap but a good experience.

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว

      Sounds lovely to be honest!

  • @gordonmackenzie4512
    @gordonmackenzie4512 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I like the little swing bridge for pedestrians. We have 4 in Inverness, 3 for vehicles and 1 for trains. Carnarvon looks fabulous, love it.

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I need to do a video on all the Inverness ones!

    • @gordonmackenzie4512
      @gordonmackenzie4512 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@steve-marsh It’s a great walk. Clachnaharry, Muirton and Tomnahurich ( hill of the fairies )

  • @MelliaBoomBot
    @MelliaBoomBot 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Bonkers. Im from Anglesey! If you visit again, Beaumaris and Penmon are worth a look..Im from near there. LLandudno is ace, a friend and I stayed there last year and here again this year. It has got a Primark! fantastic shopping, a huge Asda and some good shoe shops ;). All these places have good fish and chip shops, Llandudno, Conwy, Betws y Coed (its so pretty) and Beaumaris. Beaumaris also has a little castle, an old gaol and court, a pier and some little shops. Bangor, although a University town and a tad run down now has a stunning pier. Love these adventures!

  • @allanmorton6022
    @allanmorton6022 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Lovely trip, felt as if I was following Alicja around! Some great locations especially the lighthouse on its island. I think you would have liked quirky portmerion but agree it was too expensive. We also toured Conwy castle which is a good visit but it rained! Amazing weather you had but now it never stops raining!

  • @robertblechle6365
    @robertblechle6365 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Been through the mountains of Wales. The coast was beautiful and seemed to be a great brake for the kids

  • @AlisonLacey-kr7lv
    @AlisonLacey-kr7lv ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I love your dress. Wales looks beautiful x

  • @user-eg8pv2om7j
    @user-eg8pv2om7j ปีที่แล้ว

    In Conwy you kept missing the finest bakery and patisserie in all Wales on the corner.
    Gorgeous treats and you missed them .

  • @mysteryman5826
    @mysteryman5826 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    It has been many years since I went there but yes I really enjoyed it and it is beautiful

  • @nct948
    @nct948 ปีที่แล้ว

    In April, I joined a coach tour to North Wales. We were based in Llandudno for 5 days and travelled daily from there. When you go back to Llandudno and the day is pleasant, make sure you take the cable cars up the Great Orme, and walk back down the hill towards the pier on the left, down to Happy Valley and its lovely gardens. we drove to Anglesey over Britannia Bridge as you did and visited the village with the longest name (but not the station). We only visited Beaumaris there, as the roads were too narrow for the coach. For me the highlight of the trip and my reason for selecting it was the included visit to Portmarion. I had wanted to go there after seeing a few extracts from 'The Prisonner', an early British semi-science fiction thriller that still has a large group of followers. We were so lucky that the day was just perfect for it, you could have been somewhere in a Mediterranean bay. The whole village was created as an Italianate folly, surrounded by an attractive forest. You can't fail to marvel as you walk along the coast along a sea so clear you can see multiple hues of sands and rocks shimmering in the sunlight. Up the hills to the dogs' cemetery where people pile up sticks as offerings, down to the Japanese garden raining cherry blossoms over paths and ponds and back to the intricacy of the village itself with paths twisting and turning, surprising you at every angle with a new vista. For me, it was just one of these perfect days. but the weather was just radiant without being hot. Another place which I would recommend if you can tear yourself away from the coast is Betws-y-Coed. The coach stopped there for a couple of hours on the way back, but I would love to go back for a few days to walk among the hills there. I do love visiting Wales but had only toured in Powys and East of Snowdonia. Powys castle and its gardens, Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall and Lake Vyrrnwy with its fairy tale small tower ,I strongly recommend.

  • @sylviawitcheecomrie37
    @sylviawitcheecomrie37 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Wales looks so beautiful. A place I've never really visited. Thank you for this wee extra video. Its blowing a hooly outside now here.

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks Sylvia! Stay safe there!

  • @cfm2969
    @cfm2969 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love it there at the castle and Anglesea is my favourite place of all with the beaches but a Scottish man speaking welsh was so funny 😂
    Great videos both of you 🎉

  • @issy7465
    @issy7465 ปีที่แล้ว

    I’m Australian, however all my In Laws are Scottish. It still amazes me how they go for day trips in an entirely different area of the UK, or even a different country! I can’t wait to go back to visit.

  • @normaninnes3296
    @normaninnes3296 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi guys .I’ve just came back from a trip to wales on Saturday. Started in Rhyl then south to just outside Abereron . Drove south to a few places south Cardiff Hay on Wye and Tenby love wee town . Didn’t get the weather you did though. Then it was all way home to Aberdeen

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว

      Some drive eh? We got stuck in horrible traffic coming back up the road, but so worth it!

  • @Rgreenacres
    @Rgreenacres ปีที่แล้ว

    Well that was fun! Felt like we were there with you. Thank you

  • @romac9516
    @romac9516 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I had a mixed experience in North Wales. Experiences few wish to hear I've since learnt, but one thing I did adore about Wales was the frankly magical scenery and hillsides, especially in the drizzle (which I love).

  • @marshallviliesis
    @marshallviliesis ปีที่แล้ว

    Watching a second time - “Look at all the things you can do there!” Brilliant!

  • @steamisbest
    @steamisbest ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Really enjoyed the videos. BTW you two crease me up every time you get in the van, Hi, Hi, anybody would think you hadn't seen each other for at least 5 seconds, just love it.

    • @steve-marsh
      @steve-marsh  ปีที่แล้ว

      Haha yup, what are we like :D

  • @davidmurphy1527
    @davidmurphy1527 ปีที่แล้ว

    Me and the wife both enjoyed this one, thank you both.