Cruises to Holyhead, Wales

Brace yourself for architecture with a flair for the dramatic. Penrhyn Castle is less medieval fortress and more stately home playing dress-up. Penrhyn is a neo-Norman fantasy filled with lavish interiors, ornate ceilings and fine art. The 60-minute drive across Anglesey and into Bangor sets the stage for this National Trust showstopper. And once inside, you’re free to explore the opulent rooms and lose yourself in the Victorian walled garden outside.

Caernarfon Castle isn’t just an icon of 13th-century military might,  it’s where centuries of Welsh and British history collide in a tangle of towers, battlements and symbolism. Your guided tour hits all the highs, both architectural and allegorical. After soaking in its grandeur (and maybe picking up some fun souvenirs), you'll roll back to port feeling like you’ve just walked through a chapter of a very well-funded history book.

For guests who like their sightseeing with a side of scones, this one’s a keeper. You’ll cruise past hedgerows and heritage as the landscapes of Anglesey unfurl like a well-ironed picnic blanket. The Menai Strait glints beside you, the hills roll politely in the distance, and before long you’re at a cozy local spot for proper Welsh tea. Think buttery cakes hot off the griddle and slices of bara brith (that’s a kind of fruit loaf, but somehow the description doesn’t do it justicne). A scenic return to port rounds out your very refined little escapade.