Study abroad students Wales explorer weekends
Studying in London means you’re perfectly placed to visit the iconic principality of Wales for a weekend trip. Immerse yourself in the incredible scenery, wildlife, culture and history of Wales with a taste of wild Wales adventures!
All our trips include a stay in our 5 star eco lodge right on the Welsh Atlantic coast in Pembrokeshire, the UK’s only coastal national park. From here you take excursions to see Atlantic grey seals, visit Pembroke castle, explore the quaint city of St David’s, the UK’s smallest city and its 12th century cathedral, take an exhilarating coastal walk to a Welsh woollen mill, and sample Welsh beers direct from the brewery. Add a surfing lesson on a beautiful wild Wales beach to your itinerary too if you wish to spice up the adventures!
All your freshly cooked meals are provided, including Welsh dishes such as ‘cawl a caws’, laver bread (sea weed) and delicious ‘bara brith’ cake plus our famous ‘Welsh cakes’. Try delicious Welsh beers at our eco lodge bar.
This place will literally take your breath away. If you’re looking to explore Wales, experience the history and culture, go exploring, hike the coastal trail, have home cooked meals, and friendly staff, this is the place. They also pride themselves on sustainability, they have nice clean rooms and shower area. Beds are soft and comfortable. They also have a great bar and the guides are energetic and encouraging. I love this place and would absolutely recommend it.
Madison, Study abroad student
Myths and legends
Stop at Carreg Samson a 5,000 year old ancient cromlech or burial chamber, and discover a rich and fascinating ancient heritage.
Melin Tregwynt
The skills and knowledge of Welsh weaving is alive and well at world famous Melin Tregwynt woollen mill.
Fall seal spotting
The Fall is perfect for Atlantic grey seal watching. Spot the cute white pups and their parents on neaby rocky coves.
St David’s cathedral
Named after the patron saint of Wales, St David’s is the smallest city in Britain with its 12th century cathedral
Surfing
Experience the exhilaration of surfing the clean Atlantic waves on a beautiful unspoilt beach.
Horse riding
Enjoy the wonderful views from horse back at our local riding stables.
Pembroke Castle
Explore the birthplace of Henry VII, and enjoy this magnificent 13th century castle.
Hike the coastal trail
Hike the world famous Pembrokeshire cliff-top coastal trail and enjoy inspirational views out across the Irish sea and Atlantic ocean
Woodland walks
Enjoy our lovely woodland and beach walks that take you out exploring right from the eco lodge. Easy to follow maps and info included.
Coasteering fun
Our guides take you out for a unique exploration along this beautiful coastline. Everyone can do it so jump on in and surprise yourself!
Sea kayaking
The best way to experience the high cliffs, seals and sea caves along the coast. No experience required, you’ll be blown away by the awesome views.
Evening campfire
Toast marshmallows and make smores around a blazing campfire under the stars. You’re in a National Park!
What’s included in the Wales explorer weekend?
This totally Wales weekend is a great way to experience the very best of Welsh traditions, our speciality food and drinks and the rich history and cultural heritage of this wild and unspoilt country.
The weekend programme
This programme starts on Friday evening, finishing after lunch on Sunday, with 2 nights accomodation including all meals and one full day plus one half-day of awesome excursions and adventures.
Costs for the weekend
The Wales exploration weekend costs £219 / person and runs all year
Good to know
If you would like to arrive Thursday evening the extra cost at the eco lodge is £49 including Thursday evening meal and Friday breakfast. We are flexible so you are welcome to spend Friday doing your own exploring in the woodland, along the coastal trail and on the beach, or take a local bus to visit Fishguard or St David’s. You can book into extra Friday adventures or excursions with us from £45 for the half-day
LOVELY ECO RETREAT ON THE WELSH COAST
Delicious Welsh food and drinks. Perfect for relaxing with your friends
Wild Wales explorer weekend programmes
You choose from two popular excursion packages
Programme A: excursions and adventure
Weekend itinerary:
Friday: arrival for evening meal and relax at the eco lodge. Take a stroll to the beach, relax in the lounge, or in the bar.
Saturday morning: adventure – choose from surfing, sea kayaking, coasteering or horse-riding. A great way to explore the coastline from a unique perspective!
Saturday afternoon: trip to visit Saint David’s, the smallest city in Britain with 12th century cathedral founded by the patron saint of Wales. Explore the quaint shops and stop by the beautiful sandy expanse of Whitesands beach. Take a walk to carreg samson ancient ‘cromlech’ or burial chamber as you drive the scenic coastal route back to the eco lodge.
Sunday morning: explore the Pembrokeshire coast and take a beautiful hike through the ancient woodland to the beach and onto the coastal trail to visit the 17th century Tregwynt woollen mill, located in a remote wooded valley, which supplies wonderful woollen blankets and weaves to Harrods in London, and New York, using traditional Welsh designs.
Good to know:
If you would like to arrive Thursday evening add £49 for accommodation with Thursday evening meal plus Friday breakfast
Additional excursions: visit to welsh brewery including Strumble head lighthouse and ancient iron age hill-top fort £45. Additional half-day adventure £49. Or just take yourself off to explore the area with our wonderful local walks to secret coves and welsh tea shops.
Programme B: excursions and explorations
Weekend itinerary:
Friday: arrival for evening meal and relax at the eco lodge. Take a stroll to the beach, relax in the lounge, or in the bar.
Saturday: full day trip to the impressive Pembroke Castle, birthplace of Henry VII, followed by visit to a Welsh brewery to see brewing for real and taste the different ales. Take a coastal walk to the 17th century Tregwynt woollen mill, supplying weaves to Harrods in London and New York OR in the Fall take a coastal walk to spot cute Atlantic grey seals on the rocky coves.
Sunday: visit to Saint David’s, the smallest city in Britain with its famous 12th century cathedral founded by the patron saint of Wales. Explore the quaint shops and stop by the beautiful sandy expanse of Whitesands beach. Take a walk to carreg samson ancient ‘cromlech’ or burial chamber as you drive the scenic coastal route back to the eco lodge for lunch.
Good to know:
If you would like to arrive Thursday evening add £49 for accommodation with Thursday evening meal plus Friday breakfast.
Additional excursions: Visit to the famous Strumble head lighthouse and ancient iron age hill fort, £45. Additional half-day adventure £49. Seal spotting local walks to discover beautiful hidden coves and beaches free of charge!
TOTALLY WALES WEEKENDS
Everyone said it was their favourite trip of the semester
Reviewed 3 October 2015 ★★★★★
My expectations were to love it and I absolutely did! It was just what the doctor ordered: fresh air, ocean, hills, good home made food and company and evenings filled with Monopoly and camp fires. It was incredible. I enjoyed the hike because I could go at my own pace and I enjoyed the sea kayaking because it was different and challenging for me. I feel like I learned a lot.
Rima, / Graduate Councillor, FSU
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the weekend trips start?
The programmes start on Friday evening. Typically students arrive into our local train station at 18.45, but later trains are available. You are welcome to arrive on Thursday evening which is an additional cost of £49 including delicious evening meal plus breakfast Friday morning. There are loads of lovely experiences and exploring to do on Friday, from local walks to discover hidden beaches to opting into extra adventures £49, or extra excursions £45.
How to I get to Wales?
Your travel to Wales is not included in the weekend cost. We recommend taking the train, and ticket discounts are available if there are 3 people or more. We offer a free train station transfer at 18.45 from our local station of ‘Fishguard and Goodwick’. From Paddington station in London this train departs at 13.45. Don’t worry if you need to leave later as there are other trains, with the last one leaving London at 20.15, and for later trains you may need to pay for a taxi. If you are travelling from Ireland, the Fishguard – Rosslare ferry is just 5 miles away. On Sunday we take you back to ‘Fishguard and Goodwick’ for the train at 14.23. To purchase tickets use The Ticket Hut on 01554 830188 (before 2.00pm) or email thetickethut@pembreystation.co.uk
How does the rooming work at the eco lodge?
We have 11 different bedrooms of different sizes from rooms for 2 people, double rooms for couples, up to larger rooms sleeping 6 or 8. We allocate separate male/female rooms taking onto account friendship groups, so please do request a specific room when you book.
Do I need to be able to swim? Is this suitable for beginners?
All our adventures are open to everyone, you don’t need any previous experience, you don’t need to be active or outdoorsy, just a “go for it attitude” is more than sufficient! You don’t even have to be able to swim as the flotation jackets are super floaty. For the water adventures, you do need to be able to pull on a wetsuit and we have a big range of sizes. Any queries regarding physical ability please do contact us.
Are all the meals included? Do you cater for vegetarians and special diets?
Yes, all the delicious home cooked meals and Welsh dishes are included and we are very happy to provide food for special diets including vegetarians, and those with allergies and food intolerances. Make sure you let us know your requirements when you book.
Can we book for a longer mid-semester break?
Yes, we have 4 night/5 days longer student programmes for your mid-semester break. Why not continue your travels over the Irish sea to explore Ireland – there is a cheap ferry from Fishguard, just 5 miles away, over to Rosslare in southern Ireland.
Is this trip open to friends who want to join me?
Yes, of course, friends and family are all very welcome! If they are travelling with you, they can also pay the student rate.
WALES. TASTE THE FREEDOM!
Ready to book your Wales weekend?
Just call us on 01348 837709 or contact us and one of our team will be happy to help. We’re looking forward to hearing from you soon.
