Eastern Bloc Classics – Go Wild in Wales!
May 27 - May 29
We’re excited to announce the Club’s first excursion into the scenic delights and industrial wonderland that is South Wales. Our weekend will give a great taster of what this fascinating region has to offer.
This first big event of the year has been organised by Club stalwarts Owen Burgess and Georgina Wootten who have pulled everything together using their local knowledge.
This event takes advantage of the late May bank holiday weekend – you are welcome to join us for the whole weekend or any part thereof.
So don’t delay – if interested let Owen and Georgina know (contact below) so we can keep you up to date with the fine details such as timings, routes, meals, accommodation etc.
As always, all vehicles with an Eastern Bloc pedigree (and their keepers) are invited to join us for all or part of the weekend. Itinerary (possibly subject to a little fine-tuning) below:
Saturday 27th: We start near Cardiff at St Fagans National Museum of History.
Over forty original buildings from different historical periods have been re-erected in the 100-acre parkland. Entry is free – parking is normally £6 per car. This is an all-day attraction with food available and plenty to see. In the evening we plan to go for food at the recommended Brynfynnon Hotel near Pontypridd. We then convoy up to our base at the historic town of Merthyr Tydfil where the still-thirsty can explore the town.
Sunday 28th: A return trip on the Brecon Mountain Railway takes us into the National Park and along the full length of the Taf Fechan Reservoir before climbing to Torpantau high in the Brecon Beacons.
Refreshments are available – ticket price and times to follow. Back in our vehicles, we convoy on a scenic loop taking in some of the best touring routes around the Brecon Beacons including a stop at Llandovery Castle.
For those local or stopping over, our group evening meal is planned at the King Brychan pub in Merthyr.
Monday 29th: Starting at Blaenavon Ironworks, this UNESCO World heritage monument was an important cradle of the Industrial Revolution.
In 1789 Blaenavon Ironworks first harnessed the power of steam to blow air into its huge blast furnaces, and was still at the forefront of steel production a century later. The ruined furnaces are still visible today alongside the impressive remains of the foundry, cast house and water balance tower that raised wagons 80 feet into the air. Alongside, we will explore the workers’ authentically furnished cottages and the recreated ‘truck shop’ where they spent their meagre wages. e Admission is £6.60 (we might get a group rate).
We then convoy a short distance for a group decent underground at the Big Pit National Coal Museum.
This award-winning national museum retains many features of its former life as a coal mine. As well as displays above ground, we’ll go 300 feet underground to see what life was like for the thousands of men who worked at the coal face.
From here, make your own way home when ready.
Interested? Do please let us know (no commitment) – we will keep you up to date including timings, routes, suggested accommodation, evening meal reservations and more … No fees for taking part other than venue admissions. Contact Owen and Georgina at: owenburgess21@yahoo.co.uk .
More info: Links to our venues etc are below:
Venues:
- St Fagans: https://museum.wales/stfagans/
- Brecon Mountain Railway: bmr.wales
- Llandovery Castle: breconbeacons.org/poi/castles-llandovery-castle
- Blaenavon Ironworks: https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/blaenavon-ironworks
- Big Pit National Coal Museum: https://museum.wales/bigpit/
- Brecon Beacons: visitwales.com/destinations/mid-wales/brecon-beacons
Meals:
- Brynffynon Hotel: https://brynffynonhotel.co.uk/
- King Brychan pub: kingbrychanpub.co.uk
Hotel:
Lots of options out there including B&Bs, AirB&B and camping. Contact Owen and Georgina if seeking local suggestions.
If a hotel is more your thing, we suggest the Bessemer Hotel in the Merthyr area of Dowlais. It seems to have the best cost / review balance, but other options including Premier Inn and Travelodge are available (NB – the latter seemed VERY expensive for our weekend when we checked).
For more information, check out the Event’s WEBSITE
*This is not an Evoke Classics event, please check with the event organiser before setting out in case of changes or cancellation*
