A new tourism experience to entice the group day visitor market to South Wales has been launched by three of the region’s leading attractions.
Hensol Castle Distillery, the Royal Mint Experience and A Welsh Coal Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park have joined forces to create a new package, branded ‘Coin, Coal and Cheers’, which provides an action-packed day out for tour planners.
The package, which is available immediately and can be booked all year round, starts off at the Royal Mint Experience, where visitors have the chance to learn how the coins of British monarchs have been struck for more than 1,000 years. They then journey underground at A Welsh Coal Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park to hear tales of how Rhondda coal powered the world. The day is rounded off with the chance to learn all about the history of gin and sample some award-winning spirits at South Wales’s latest craft spirit distillery, housed in the cellars of 17th century Hensol Castle.
Stephanie Metson, marketing manager at Hensol Castle Distillery, said: “They say the whole is greater than the sum of its parts and we’re pleased to be collaborating together to offer a really unique package that packs a punch. We hope we’ll be able to encourage those who may not be tempted to travel to visit just one attraction to see the benefits of this exciting itinerary.”
Paul Brandwood, business development manager for the Royal Mint Experience, added: “Coin, Coal and Cheers offers tour planners new possibilities for their group visits to South Wales. We’re hoping that the combination of a behind the scenes tour of the Royal Mint; an authentic Welsh mining experience and highly enjoyable distillery tour and gin tasting in the cellars of a Grade I-listed castle will attract the attention of the tour industry.
Cllr Robert Bevan, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet member for Enterprise, Development and Housing, said: “Rhondda Cynon Taf is really putting itself on the map as a great place to spend time and explore. Our beautiful County Borough has lots on offer and the introduction of this new experience, with our key partners at the Royal Mint and Hensol Castle Distillery, just adds to that. We look forward to saying a warm “Croeso” to new groups.”
The cost of Coin, Coal and Cheers is £45 per person and groups will spend an average of 90 minutes at each site.