West Wales

West Wales has it all – stunning scenery, a spectacular coastline, beautiful beaches, amazing wildlife, great attractions and good food!

Home also to the second city, Swansea, this region can also boast some of the best beaches in the UK and prettiest castles in Wales.

The majestic Pembroke Castle, once a mighty fortress and birthplace of Henry VII, is idyllically set on the banks of the river estuary. The enormous oval castle steeped in history, once the scene of historic battles, is now mostly surrounded by a serene mill pond. Explore the labyrinth of passageways and towers, take in the views from the 75 ft high Great Keep, and descend into Wogan Cavern.

The pretty picture postcard town of Tenby is a wonderful place to explore with gloriously quaint streets and 13th century Medieval town walls. Stroll around the picturesque harbour, visit the Tenby Museum and Art Gallery or just relax on the golden sands of this beautiful resort.

From Tenby, take the ferry to Caldey Island, sail past famous smugglers’ caverns, cross the sound to the bird reserve of St Margaret’s Island where puffins, razorbills, cormorants and other fabulous birds reside, past the giant Cathedral Caves and onwards to Caldey Island where you can view (from a distance) seals basking on the rocks.

Charming St David’s is the smallest city in Britain with a population of little more than 1,600. St David, the patron saint of Wales, lived here in the 4th century and the town is located in a designated conservation area. Spend time strolling around the lanes before visiting The Landscape Gallery at Oriel y Parc Gallery & Visitor Centre. The beautiful St David’s cathedral has much to see and admire and knowledgeable volunteers will happily provide a guided tour. There is also a weekly market which is normally held on Thursdays, selling Welsh crafts and treats. For the more adventurous, boat trips can also be booked to view the caves and wildlife around this beautiful bay.

Care and attention to detail of the highest degree. The planning with Jo Porter was detailed and meticulous, with nothing being missed, and although she was not involved in the accommodation arrangements, she nevertheless checked it out and acted as an intermediary.
Robin SpencerChoir Secretary, Phoenix Choir
One of the best tours we have ever undertaken – musically, socially and geographically. Would heartily recommend Sound Escapes to any group considering a tour.
Carole Lindsay-DouglasAmici SingersWeston-Super-Mare 2023
Sound Escapes did a fantastic job on arrangements for our tour . Would thoroughly recommend Jo to any choir looking to travel . All feedback has been positive from everyone who travelled . The extra care at meeting us at the coach and check in to ensure things ran smoothly went above and beyond .
Don OakleyMalmesbury ChoirOxford 2023
As a Chorister, and eventually Head Chorister in our local church choir for eleven years, Jo was talented, dedicated and could always be relied on to work to the utmost of her undoubted abilities. I would expect that she would apply the same attributes to her professional life
P BuckmasterChoral Director
Brilliant tour, expertly organised. Kindness and compassion. Nothing was too much trouble. Colin, our driver, was a complete gem and so knowledgeable about the isle. Lovely hotel staff where nothing was too much trouble
Felicity CourageChoir Director, Courage Choir
Fantastic tour in Bonnie Scotland, enjoyed by all who went, singing and non-singing. Brilliant organisation from Jo who really made it all look so easy.
Kate HymansTour organiser for Masterworks Chorale
You’ve been patient and kind all the way through this, Jo – especially with it being the first international tour I’ve done, and with all the unforeseen changes to the travel arrangements, so thank you to you and the team.
Sarah MonteithChoir DirectorResound ChoirParis 2023
From cathedrals and abbeys, churches and stately homes, all steeped in centuries of history, some in Roman Towns others in quintessential English ‘picture postcard’ villages, every choir and musical ensemble should spend a tour exploring the United Kingdom and Ireland. Whatever part of the country you to choose to visit, by working with a knowledgeable team of people who know the regions inside out from both a tourism and musical perspective, you will be guaranteed the richest of touring experiences
Tim KnightBritish composer and Choral Director

In May 2020 we were due to tour the Stirling area in Scotland and due to the current coronavirus pandemic we took the difficult decision to call off the tour. I’d like to give our thanks and praise to Jo and her team for all the planning and preparation she had done to put the itinerary together – she was able to provide us with an excellent range of stunning concert venues, plus some great suggestions for our leisure time, and we look forward to working with her again soon.

Sally ColesSecretary, Cantamici
Jo and her team came up with a fantastic itinerary for our choir and planned everything to the last detail. We always felt we were in safe hands and that they were on the end of a phone to help us with anything we needed. We couldn’t recommend them highly enough.
Rosie SayersChairperson for Sing It Loud Community Choir