David Davies

Best of Wales - general interest tours

Wales can offer a snapshot of all the very best of Britain - mountains, beaches, castles and of course a variety of industrial site; you could describe it as Britain in a nutshell. Every year I accompany coach parties around the whole of Wales, as well as offering bespoke tours to visitors who have particular interests. In addition, I have a knowledge of several European languages and am officially qualified to offer tours in French, German and, of course, Welsh.

Castles

As Wales has over 600 castles, it’s important to have a guide who has a thorough understanding of their history. As well as my work as a multi-lingual Blue Badge Guide, I also work as a site guide for Pembroke Castle, which has allowed me to conduct in-depth research into the history and architecture of these commanding edifices, as well as enabling me to develop links with the other castles in Wales.

Churches Chapels and Cathedrals

Studying theology at post-graduate level has given me a detailed understanding of the development of religious buildings in Wales. I can show you not only our great churches and cathedrals such as the world-famous St Davids Cathedral, but also those tiny chapels and monastic cells which reach back to Celtic times.

Coastline

I was brought up in the Pembrokeshire National Park, where I have lived for most of my life. Walking the Pembrokeshire Coast path over decades gives me a particular understanding of the sea and its relationship with humans and wildlife.

History and Prehistory

I’m lucky to be working as a site guide in one of the most historically significant sites in Wales - above ground is Pembroke Castle, the birthplace of the Tudor Dynasty. Below this is the Wogan Cavern – probably the most important megalithic site in whole of Britain; recent finds go back hundreds of thousands of years. This has given me profound insight into the long history of this country, which I would love to share with you.

Industrial Heritage

Wales has a proud industrial past and has always been at the forefront of the coal, iron and steel industries. It has exported its expertise all over the world, building the rails for the Trans-Siberian Railway. Welsh engineers were not only key to the development of the steel industry in the US, but also in counties such as Russia. Allow me to show how you how it all started!

Music, Culture and Poetry

I’m a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and would take pleasure in showing you Wales’s worldwide contribution; not only male voice choirs, but also many world-famous stage and film actors; Richard Burton, Anthony Hopkins, Michael Sheen are just 3 examples.
There are our great English language poets such as Dylan Thomas and the great metaphysical poets, then those who wrote and write in our own beautiful language. Their writings go as far back as the sixth century and stretch across time until the present day. Allow me to take you on a literary journey through the centuries.

Religion

As well as helping you explore the architectural wonders which shape the Christian background of Wales, I can also paint a picture of the religious movements which started in this country and spread throughout the world. Some of the great non-conformist denominations in the US have their roots in Wales.

Welsh Language

Welsh is one of the oldest living languages in Europe. Having taught Welsh history and religion through the medium of Welsh as well as to learners, I can offer you tours which show the country through the prism of someone who has been brought up with the language