Wednesdays
20:25
Welcome to the Tocyn website, a new series that is full of interesting and affordable holidays to the Celtic regions. A new presenting team - Aled Samuel and Alex Jones - lead us on each holiday. Aled and Alex look at holidays for all tastes, interests, ages, and pocket in Wales, Cornwall, and Scotland, and accross the water in Brittany, Isle of Man, and Ireland. In each of the 12 programmes, Tocyn takes a look at one location from the six Celtic regions, before following Aled and Alex as they try out three different holidays each time, one holiday each and one together. This website gives you more information on the holidays featured within each programme.
Gallery
Programmes
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1/ Brittany
06/01/2010 / 20:25Domaine des Ormes is an estate of 200 acres in the Epiniac countryside. With camping facilities suitable for all tastes, and budgets, it is an ideal family holiday destination. It comprises a 4* campsite, chalets and tree houses nestled five, ten, or even fourteen meters high in the canopy.
On-site there are various activities available - from horse-riding and an adventure playground -including a high level zip wire.
For an unforgettable experience, why not visit the nearby Grand Aquarium in St Malo and spend the whole night amongst eight sharks!
www.lesormes.com
www.aquarium-st-malo.com/great-aquarium
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Staying on a farm is a perfect option if you’re on a budget and if you want to escape from the typical tourist destinations.
Belle Vue is a traditional farm near Mellionec in the heart of rural Brittany.
Guests are welcome to help on the farm and they have a wide range of animals to tend - which is ideal entertainment for the whole family.
Guests are welcome to either camp or otherwise stay on site.
www.farmholidaysinbrittany.co.uk
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The French Dining school is based in the village of Kerrouet in the beautiful rolling hills of Brittany. They offer short weekend and weekly cooking courses under the instruction of Michelin trained chef, Poul Jenson.
This course offers a hands on cooking experience and visits the best food markets in France.
www.frenchdiningschool.com
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2/ West Wales
13/01/2010 / 20:25Bluestone, Narberth, Pembrokeshire - Bluestone offers a holiday experience with accommodation and entertainment for the whole family on one site. Similar to the ethos of the Danish company, Center Parcs, Bluestone is a totally new experience in Wales.
Within the site is a spa, a pub, a sports club, a water park, swimming pools, restaurants and shops.
www.bluestonewales.com
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Fforest, Cilgerran - This is the perfect solution for all those who like the idea of camping but not the hard work associated with it.
Fforest own two sites - Cilgerran and Manorafon - close to the beaches of Penbryn and Tresaith.
Staying at Fforest is more akin to staying in a hotel than a tent - a hotel with forested corridors and canvas rooms.
However, don't expect a television or a minibar - only the sound of birdsong and wood crackling on the fire.
The facilities are excellent with geodesic domes equipped with all that you need for a comfortable stay. You get bed linen and blankets, all kitchen crockery and equipment, not forgetting the obligatory barbecue and wood for the fire.
Fforest also offer to make your breakfast and there are toilet and shower facilities in a separate block.
The food served is organic and fair trade where possible.
www.coldatnight.co.uk
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Indigo Brown and the Llew Aur, Pembrokehsire. - Artist Maggie Brown runs art courses at Indigo Brown. The courses vary from a day to a week in length and budding artists are taken to varying locations in Pembrokeshire to soak up the views.
Accommodation is available at Indigo Brown. They have three bedrooms and Maggie's husband Andrew is in charge of breakfast and the three course evening meals.
Alternatively, there's plenty of accommodation in other local hostelries. Recently refurbished, the Golden Lion in Newport offers quality accommodation and a chance to sample the local brew and to meet the local people.
www.indigobrown.co.uk
www.goldenlionpembrokeshire.co.uk
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3/ Scottish Highlands
20/01/2010 / 20:25A journey along the Caledonian Canal on the luxury cruise - Lord of the Glens.
The boat travels leisurely from Inverness, capital of the Highlands on the Eastern coast of Scotland, to Fort William on the western edge of the country, passing through Loch Dochfour, Loch Ness, Loch Oich and Loch Lochy.
A luxurious and relaxing holiday enjoying the magnificent mountains that line the Great Glen.
www.magnacarta.bz
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A 4x4 Safari on land owned by the National Trust for Scotland at Glencoe in the company of one of its rangers.
The trip will take you along tracks and mountain roads. It's an opportunity to learn a great deal about the landscape, the flora and fauna, and the bloody history of the infamous Massacre of Glencoe.
Enjoy the Scottish hospitality of the Clachaig Inn in Glencoe. A historic inn which is a must for climbers and walkers.
www.glencoe-nts.org.uk
www.clachaig.com
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Fort William is known as the UK's Adventure Capital because there are so many outdoor pursuits to keep the adrenalin pumping.
Eight miles north of Fort William, on the slopes of Aonoch Mor, is the Nevis Range mountain cycle centre.
Many world championships have been held here and the bonus for bickers is the gondola to take you up to the top.
To the south of Fort William is Kinlochleven where the Ice Factor Centre is. This is the biggest Ice Wall in the world and it's used to teach climbers necessary skills to climb in wintery weather.
www.nevisrange.co.uk
www.ice-factor.co.uk
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4/ Cornwall
27/01/2010 / 20:25Eden Project, St. Austell
Brain child of the record producer Tim Sit, the Eden Project has been formed in an old clay mine and took three years to construct.Opened in 2001, it now houses a vast array of the world's plants and is suitable for visitors come rain or shine.
There are two large bio domes each reflecting varying climates - from the Mediterranean to the rain forest.
Surrounding the domes both inside and out are gardens and an educational centre.
The emphasis is on education and entertainment for people of every age and the attraction is open throughout the year except from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
www.edenproject.com
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Rosuick Organic Farm , near Helston ,and a day at the National Seal Sanctuary in Gweek
A farmstay is always an economic option and at Rosuick you’re also staying at an organic farm. The farm has been in the same family since the seventeenth century. But this is a farm with a difference - the main attraction are the camels!
There are three buildings to rent including a farmhouse sleeping 10 and two cottages able to accommodate 6. The three units are available year round.
The National Seal Sanctuary rescues and provides shelter for endangered seals found along the coast of Cornwall. The centre is funded entirely by the kindness of the public and relies heavily on volunteers. The Sanctuary was founded in 1958 by Ken Jones who discovered a loan seal pup on nearby St Agnes beach. The centre itself was opened in Gweek in 1975. The centre is an ideal attraction for families and is open year round except Christmas day.
www.cornishcamels.com
www.sealsanctuary.co.uk
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Boutique Surfing School, Newquay Cornwall, and especially Newquay, is a capital for surfers from all over the world. There’s plenty of surf for the novice as well as the expert surfer and Escape Surf School tailor courses for every ability.
Enjoy one lesson or a whole weeks course as a group or even on a one to one basis.
You can stay in one of the companies B&B's, in associated self-catering accommodation around the town or otherwise the luxury 5* Atlantic Hotel who have teamed up with Escape to offer a 'Surf and Stay' package.
www.escapesurfschool.co.uk
www.newquaybreakshotel.co.uk
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5/ West Ireland
03/02/2010 / 20:25Cnoc Suain is located 25 minutes north of Galway. Situated in 200 acres of land, the village was created as a holiday destination to celebrate all that's Irish.
The village runs various courses throughout the year while engaging all experiences in the Irish language.
The village has been running for over ten years, and by now, the village runs courses for both adults and groups. They run music courses, language courses, singing courses, dancing folklore traditions and storytelling.
You can enjoy a complete and authentic cultural experience in this unique eco/cultural sanctuary of restored thatched cottages dating back to 1691. Whilst on a courses, food is served in the main building of the village.
Cnoc Suain won third prize in the Guardian's Ethical Travelling Competition in 2009.
www.cnocsuain.com
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Biking Holiday and a pub stay
If you're looking for an alternative way of seeing the country without a car, a cycle holiday is the perfect solution.
Our cycle holiday takes us to County Clare to the south of Galway. Although Alex is not an experienced cyclist, this is a holiday option suitable for all levels of fitness.
The route begins in Ballyvaughan and ends in the village of Doolin. There are plenty of opportunities to take a breath and enjoy the scenic views.
There are several routes to follow, providing you have done your research prior to your holiday.
Our cycle holiday was arranged by a cycle holiday company which offer transfers from airports as you trudge through the country. Once you've had enough of cycling, the company will collect you and take you to the nearest village or hotel to relax. Each guide is willing to educate you on the locations that you visit, and even teach you a little Irish.
Several holiday companies allow you the option of staying in a pub, and this cycle holiday is no exception. It's an inexpensive way of eating, sleeping and get to know the real Ireland.
www.cycleholidaysireland.com
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Galway Town and a night of greyhound racing
Galway is the fourth biggest city in Ireland. The city is also known as the country's Capital of Culture. Several festivals are held each year, including the Galway Artistic Festival in July and the Oyster Festival held in September.
The greyhound racing stadium is situated in the middle of the city and is a perfect night out for the whole family. There are several places to eat there - from chips at the track side to a more formal meal in Maters restaurant.
www.galwaytourism.ie
www.igb.ie/galway
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6/ North Wales
10/02/2010 / 20:25The National Trust operate a working holiday scheme throughout England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
They run 400 Working Holidays every year - whether you fancy carrying out a survey of moorland plants, herding goats, drystone walling or organic gardening - the National Trust have something to suit everyone in stunning countryside or coastal locations.
Alex and Aled took part in a dry stone walling holiday on the north coast of Anglesey.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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Plas Tan y Bwlch is Snowdonia National Park's Environmental Studies Centre. The Centre provides a variety of courses ranging from art courses to orchestra courses.
Aled took part in the fly fishing course at the Plas. It covers all aspects of fishing from small still water fishing catching rainbow trout to wild brown trout fishing in one of the many mountain lakes of the Snowdonia National Park.
The course tutor is none other than World Fly Casting Champion - Hywel Morgan.
www.plastanybwlch.com
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Based near Bala, North Wales the White Water Rafting Centre offers an unforgettable experience for the adrenalin junkie on the Tryweryn river. You can choose between canoeing white water rafting, canoeing or kayaking. The white water rafting run is one of the longest and steepest commercial runs in the UK.
Bala watersports activities on the other hand are based on Bala Lake. They offer various water sports including sailing, windsurfing, Kayaking and canoeing.
If searching for a luxury camping option, look no further than Featherdown Farms at Pant Y March Farm.
Pant Y March is a 180 acre working farm located in a glorious location overlooking Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake).
www.ukrafting.co.uk
www.balawatersports.com
www.featherdownfarm.co.uk
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7/ Scotland - The road to the islands
17/02/2010 / 20:25The Lewis family have diversified in style by transforming their Scottish farmhouse into a luxury boutique hotel - Monachyle Mhor.
They also offer several courses both at the hotel base and in the nearby town of Callander.
Take your pick from courses such as hen rearing, baking, fishing and photography amongst others.
www.mhor.net
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The 'Road to the Isles' is a car journey on the west coast of Perthshire. It's a beautiful run from Fort William to Mallaig.
The forty mile journey is a feast for the eyes including the village of Glenfinnan with its monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie and the mesmerising view of the Hebridean Isles at Traigh Golf Course near Arisaig.
You can then catch a ferry from Mallaig to the Hebrides islands.
www.fortwilliamcarhire.com
www.glenfinnanstationmuseum.co.uk
www.traighgolf.co.uk
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A three day bus trip from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye with Rabbies tour company.
You spend a whole day on the island exploring the natural wonders as well as visiting Dunvegan Castle and get a chance to sample a dram of whisky at the Talisker distillery.
www.rabbies.com
www.dunvegancastle.com
www.discovering-distilleries.com/talisker
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8/ East Ireland
24/02/2010 / 20:25Photo Tours Ireland offer photography tours, courses and instruction in County Wicklow. The courses are aimed at novice and intermediate photographers.
Wicklow is the ideal area to inspire the budding photographer. There is an amazing range of landscape from mountains, lakes, valleys and not forgetting the spectacular coastline.
Wicklow Head Lighthouse is an unique eighteenth century octagonal lighthouse owned by the Irish Landmark Trust. Overlooking the Irish Sea, this property boasts stunning views of the coastline.
www.phototoursireland.co.uk
www.irishlandmark.com
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See County Wicklow in the comfort of a Volkswagen campervan
Lazy Days is a family run VW Campervan rental business based close to Wicklow town.
With the van as your base you can decide where to go and what to see. Aled followed a route suggested by Wicklow County tourism, although there are other routes available.
Aled chose to visit The Powerscourt House and Gardens. Powerscourt is one of the world's great gardens and is based near Enniskerry.
The gardens are comprised of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, rambling walks, ornamental lakes and over 200 varieties of trees and shrubs. The eichteenth century Palladian House echoes the magnificence of the whole estate.
Glendalough is situated in a glaciated valley with two-lakes and it is famous for its monastic site which was formed in the sixth century by Saint Kevin, a hermit priest.
For years people have been drawn to the valley 'with two lakes' because of it's spectacular views, it's rich history, archaeology and wildlife.
If you do not fancy spending the night in the van, there are several caravan parks in the area.
Roundwood Cravan Park is open from the end of April until the end of August. On site activities include a communal television room, a restaurant, and warm kitchen. Shops, pubs and restaurants are within a 5 minute walk.
www.lazydays.ie
www.powerscourt.ie
www.glendalough.ie
www.dublinwicklowcamping.com
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A holiday on a narrowboat
Barrowline Cruisers is a friendly family-owned and operated cruiser hire company based on the Grand Canal at Vicarstown, Co. Laois.
Although it's possible to travel north on the Grand Canal, Tocyn decided to cruise to the south on the River Barrow, beginning the journey in Vicarstown and ending in Athy.
www.barrowline.ie
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9/ Isle of Man
03/03/2010 / 20:25The Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) Race is a motorcycle racing event held on the Isle of Man. Aled decided to follow the tradition of racing on the island with a visit to a small motorcycle museum owned by Tony East. It is housed in Kirk Michael at The Old Vicarage, and is right on the famous TT course. It is a collection of around 40 - 50 motorcycles with an emphasis on Triumphs.
Aled went on a short journey in a motorcycle and sidecar from Kirk Michael to Ramsey and visited Milntown House on route. The Milntown estate comprises an historic house, extensive gardens, and various important collections of vintage vehicles. It is privately owned and operated by the Milntown Trust. It is anticipated that the gardens will be open to the public on a daily basis, along with new restaurant facilities, from mid-July of this year. It's reputed to be the oldest continually habited dwelling on the Island.
Whilst on the island, Aled visited a property registered with the homestay scheme. Homestay is a really useful scheme to ensure that all the TT visitors can be accommodated on the island. It offers Manx residents the chance to open their homes to visitors due to inflation in the number of people staying on the island, and as Aled proved, it's certainly one of the best ways for TT fans wishing to experience the Manx way of life.
www.milntown.org
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The Venture Centre is on the outskirts of Ramsey. They offer family adventure holidays within their outdoor activities camp and a range of outdoor pursuits and courses.
As well as The Venture Centre they also have a self-catering bunkhouse which offers excellent value accommodation on a self-catering basis. With a wide range of outdoor activities, from abseiling to kayaking, their family adventure holidays will enable you to see the island from a different angle.
www.adventure-centre.co.uk
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A visit to the Isle of Man would be incomplete without visiting the monuments which we associate with the Island, therefore Alex paid a visit to Castletown, which once held status as the islands capital for centuries.
Castle Rusheen dominates the southern lowlands and is visible for miles around. As well as being an impressive historical attraction it is also a working castle. Castle Rusheen is the best example in the British Isles of a medieval castle. Whilst in the area, Alex attented an afternoon workshop at Craftworks Studio.
The studio is a fully equipped ceramic studio situated in the beautiful surroundings of Silverdale Glen. The Studio offers you the opportunity to paint and decorate your own ceramic and learn how to make a piece of silver jewellery in an afternoon.
www.craftworks-studio.co.uk/silverclay.htm
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10/ Wales
10/03/2010 / 20:25Caernarfon Bath Tower is owned by the Landmark Trust. This is a charity established in 1965 by the late Sir John Smith and Lady Smith.
It was established to rescue historic and architecturally interesting buildings that have been neglected over the years. Its aim is to restore the buildings to give them new life as accommodation for people on holiday.
This self-catering accommodation offers an alternative experience as it's part of the ancient town walls dating back some eight hundred years. In addition, she faces the Menai River, so one of the two windows looks out on the town while the other overlooks the Strait.
bookings.landmarktrust.org.uk/BuildingDetails/Overview/136/Bath_Tower
S4C is not responsible for the content of external internet websitesCaernarfon airport is located at the end of the beautiful beach at Dinas Dinlle. They offer airplane and helicopter flights around the beautiful North West. You can choose to go over the Llŷn Peninsula, Bardsey Island, Snowdonia or Anglesey. You can also take a trip back in time by visiting the Museum at the airport. Explore its vast collection of Hunter aircraft, Seahawk, Javelin, Slayer and the magnificent Westland Whirlwind helicopter.
www.air-world.co.uk/index.htm
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Not far from the beautiful village of Skenfrith, Monmouthshire, is Ruthlin, a four bedroom converted barn offering self-catering accommodation. At first glance, its beautiful location allows you to escape from the distractions of everyday life.
The rural grass meadows of the garden spread down to the banks of the River Monmouth, a great place for a picnic or BBQ if the weather permits. Aled and Alex decided to invite friends for dinner, as this is a great space for entertaining friends and family.
www.cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk/ruthlin-barn-monmouth-self-catering-wales.shtml
S4C is not responsible for the content of external internet websitesFor the feast, they visited Pengethley farm shop where you can buy seasonal fruit and vegetables, many of which had been harvested that morning.
www.pengethleyfarmshop.com
S4C is not responsible for the content of external internet websitesOn the southern slopes of Monmouth the Ancre Hill Vineyard offers the perfect accompaniment to an evening meal. This vineyard is relatively new on the wine scene and now produces four different types of wine. Alternatively, you can arrange a wine tasting session and walk the vineyard learning about the fruit.
www.ancrehillestates.co.uk
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If you want a combination of luxury and self-catering accommodation, then Caersws Luxury Lodges offers the perfect solution.
The accommodation offers a peaceful holiday with glorious views of the Welsh countryside but it's close enough to many activities as well. Caersws Luxury Lodges are located with Snowdonia to the North and Cardiff to the South. They also have a wide range of beauty relaxation treatments available on site.
www.luxury-lodges-wales.com
S4C is not responsible for the content of external internet websitesAled and Alex visited Mid Wales Off Road activity centre in the village Aberhafesb where they offer activities for all tastes - whether it's paintballing, horse riding or even JCB driving!
www.midwalesoffrd.co.uk
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11/ Brittany
17/03/2010 / 20:25Aled enrolled on a one day workshop in stained glass windows in south Brittany at Ty Skol. With light pouring through the huge windows, the classroom is the perfect place to master new skills. It's an ideal location to appreciate the beauty of glass in all its colours and patterns. Whilst on a course at Ty Skol, you can also stay there. The accommodation is situated perfectly to explore the Breton countryside.
www.tyskol.com/5.html
S4C is not responsible for the content of external internet websitesWhilst on a one-day workshop at Ty Skol, Aled decided to stay at Lenvos Gites nearby. Lenvos lies comfortably near the lake in the Blavet Valley in South Brittany. This used to be an old village years ago. Today, the old cottages have now been transformed into four self catering cottages, every one sleeping up to six people comfortably. The main attraction with Lenvos Gites is its character and superb views.
www.grasshopper-hosting.co.uk/Lenvos%20Gites
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BLB Tourism France is among several companies which offer tailor made holidays and breaks specifically designed to suit your special requirements.
Aled and Alex's first stop on the tour was Vannes, a southerly town on the coast of Brittany. The streets are full of character and are rich in expensive boutiques. The crew went to visit La Maison d'Armorine where a traditional 'Artisan' makes cakes and sweets using traditional methods. Here you can see the process and, of course, taste the produce.
The crew also visited a traditional oyster farm where crabs, lobster, and shells of all kinds live in their natural habitat.
www.blb-tourisme.com
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Ti Forn is a residential center which offers all kinds of courses within a beautiful setting. The offer art courses, creative writing, language courses or film and theater.
Alex attended the 'Fireside French' course with the intention of learning enough of the language to be able to hold a conversation with some of the local people.
Ti Forn courses are held in an old baking house which has been refurbished to make way for a centre of arts in the village of Le Quiou. Ti Forn also offers accommodation in one of five ensuite rooms.
www.tiforn.com
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