LDS Tour to Scotland, England, Wales
DISCOVER YOUR WELSH ROOTS!
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September 4-17, 2024
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could be offered an opportunity to wander around the towns of your Welsh and Scottish ancestors and visit the countries they came from? Now you can! Mormon Heritage Association provides a customized Welsh and Scottish family history and LDS Church history tour offered no where else!
This tour truly offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience which you will never forget as you walk the land your forefathers walked! Fall in love with the lush, green countryside your forebears ironically called “Babylon”–it is remarkably beautiful–you honestly can’t stop looking at it! Learn about 19th-Century British Mormon history and the unique challenges the early converts faced. See crucial LDS History sites in Preston & Liverpool England where missionary work began and the port through which many of our ancestors embarked upon ships as they answered the call to gather to Zion. Participants are able to visit home-towns/villages/hamlets where their ancestors lived. Some have even found their ancestors’ actual home or farm and many have visited churches where their ancestors were christened, married, and attended services–for generations!
Join us to experience the joy of visiting your Welsh ancestral hometowns while witnessing the work environment & living conditions of your ancestors thus receiving a greater appreciation of the type of existence these hardy souls endured and also gain a better understanding of the appeal of emigrating to better climes.
TOUR SUMMARY: Fly to Edinburgh Scotland Airport where a deluxe charter bus takes you in comfort to key early Scottish, Welsh, & English sites – Edinburgh, Stirling, Glasgow, Alloway, Carlisle, Preston, Liverpool, Llandudno, Anglesy Island, Llandudno, Conwy, Caernarfon, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Porthmadog, Aberystwyth, Carmarthen, Swansea, Kidwelly, Llanelli, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Blaenavon and more! Visit amazing castles & priceless museums, breathtaking seashores, delightful musical entertainment & possibly a game of bowling on an authentic bowling green. 3 days in Scotland, a couple of days in England, and 7 days touring extensively through Wales exploring sites of ancestral and early LDS history! Tour ends at London Heathrow for flights home.
Mormon Heritage Association Inc – MHA Tours, is an independent, private entity which offers inspiring tours exploring the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Tour hosts and tour planners are faithful members and diligent researchers/students of this history and are prepared to present the tours in a respectful and agreeable manner conducive to The Church of Jesus Christ’s teachings, attitudes, and direction.
Sampling of Amazing Historic Sites Visited:
Edinburgh
Capital of Scotland and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Enjoy Edinburgh Castle the birthplace of King James I of England (he was also King James VI of Scotland) who authorized what is now known as the King James Version of the Bible. St. Margaret’s Chapel survived every military demolition and after 900 years it is still in use. Walk the “Royal Mile” with stops at The Lady Stair Close, Gladstone’s Land, St. Giles, Parliament Square, 17th-century Tron Kirk, & House of John Knox.
Stirling
The Key to the Scottish Kingdom. Stirling Castle dating from the end of the Middle Ages, towers above some of the most important battlefields in Scotland’s history during the Scottish struggle against domination by the English. Mary Queen of Scots spent her childhood here and her coronation was held at this castle.
Glasgow, Alloway, Ayrshire
Enjoy a delightful, locally guided tour of Glasgow then on to beautiful Alloway, Ayrshire the birthplace of famous Scottish Poet, Robert Burns. Visit Burns cottage and the informative visitor’s center as well as the famous church in Burns’ epic poem Tam O’Shanter–truly an adventure! Learn all about the “Brigadoon!”
Preston and Preston Temple
Travel south from Scotland to Preston to hear amazing, early LDS history in Preston and where the first baptisms were performed in the peaceful River Ribble despite Satan’s attempt to prevent them. See where Orson Hyde, Heber C. Kimball, and Willard Richards battled with the hosts of Satan. See the flat where, many years later, young Elder Gordon B. Hinckley was overwhelmed on his mission. Lovely visit to the beautifully-manicured Preston Temple grounds adjacent to the MTC-Missionary Training Center.
Liverpool
Location of the headquarters for the Church for 59 years including all Church printing, home of the docks where the Apostles arrived in England, and from where most of the early convert Saints sailed for Zion. If your ancestors emigrated from Europe and/or served a mission in the greater region, they were definitely in Liverpool! Visit Merseyside Maritime Museum at famous Albert Dock & the site of George’s Dock on the huge River Mersey where the collections reflect the international importance of Liverpool as a gateway to the world including its role in the transatlantic slave trade, & emigration to the west.
Llandudno
Beautiful seaside town that many tour members say is a favorite! You will enjoy wandering the town & seashore, take a hike or tram to the top of the Great Orme for a panoramic view of the Irish Sea on one side and the estuary to the River Conwy on the other, fun shopping, and evening Welsh musical performances (small admission, on own).
Conwy
Enjoy a stunning eagle-eye-view walk along the tops of the walls of medieval fortress Conwy Castle overlooking the town and harbor with Wales’ majestic Snowdonia mountain looming, nearby. The castle is built atop a natural rock formation giving the perfect height for the castle’s dominance with its 12 circular towers. Stroll through the delightful town, watch sailboats, or tour the castle.
Isle of Anglesey
Cross the Menai Strait to explore this beautiful island. Visit Bryn Celli Ddu, a mysterious, ancient burial structure rich in neolithic history. This impressive prehistoric chambered tomb, with partially a restored entrance passage and mound, is on the site of a former henge monument.
Stop by Llanfairpwllgwyngllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch—the town with the longest name in Wales. Translated it means “The Church of St. Mary in the hollow of white hazel near the rapid whirlpool by the Church of St. Tysilio by the red cave”–you can’t miss it! (AKA: LlanfairPG–for short!)
Blaenau Ffestiniog & Porthmadog
Travel to the former slate capital of the world. A fascinating trip down into Llechwedd Slate Caverns will provide you with a clearer idea as to what many of our ancestors went through to earn their small pittance, each week–it’s an eye-opener! Take an exciting narrow-gauge steam railroad journey through incredibly beautiful countryside–not accessible by car or coach–from Blaenau Ffestiniog to the picturesque town of Porthmadog.
Aberystwyth
University Town & amazing visit to National Library of Wales with exhibits & displays of Welsh heritage. Those with specific need can spend hours at the library researching precious Welsh ancestral records only available here! Or, enjoy an afternoon walking among beautiful local shops and the magnificent beach. Walk the seaside “Prom” and follow local custom by kicking the iron bar at the end of the Promenade. This town is another favorite–located on the seashore, our hotel looks out over the beautiful waves and beach… truly an aaahhhhh day….
Cenarth Falls, Laughrne, Carmarthen, & Swansea
Learn about coracles, fascinating ancient fishing boats (small, one-man portable vessels), from a delightful local expert at Cenarth Falls. Stop by a delightful wool museum to see the process collecting, carding, spinning, and weaving this precious commodity. Visit Carmarthen, the oldest town in Wales (and legend has it that Merlin the wizard was born here!). Enjoy an overnight in Swansea (“Copperopolis”) the principal copper smelting center for the world in the 19th Century and a center of the LDS Church missionary efforts in the 1840s and 50s.
Llanybydder
Visit the still standing Glantren Fawr Farm in Llanybydder, a site of great significance in Welsh Mormon Church. Home to Thomas and Sarah Evans Jeremy, the first to be converted in the village by missionary Dan Jones! Thomas became one of Dan Jones’s most dear friends. Thomas later returned to Wales on two occasions to do missionary work.
Llanelli & Cardiff
You’ll love visiting Llanelli where many converted to Mormonism in the mid-19th century. Travel on to Cardiff to St Fagan’s Folk Museum, an open-air village chronicling the historical lifestyle, culture, and architecture of the Welsh people–see how your ancestors lived thru the ages. Venture on to Cardiff docks, Wales’ southern port. At its peak of the coal industry, these docks were one of the largest in the world transporting goods & coal to the world.
Merthyr Tydfil
Enjoy Merthyr Tydfil (named after a Welsh Christian princess) the birthplace of David O. McKay’s mother and a successful area for missionary Captain Dan Jones as well as many other missionaries. Enjoy a walking tour of old downtown Merthyr. Drive by Cyfarthfa Castle built by William Crawshav, the “Iron Lord.” Visit the beautiful cemetery on a lush, rolling hillside.
Blaenavon
Travel underground in a pit cage deep into the Big Pit Coal Mining Museum for an eye-opening tour led by ex-miners. Walk the underground roadways, stables, and engine house built by generations of mine workers. Gain a deep appreciation for the arduous labor most Welsh ancestors endured and it will become very clear why our ancestors chose to leave the lush-green Cambrian countryside. We will then make our way across the vast Severn River to the London Heathrow Airport area for overnight before our return trip home on a new, non-stop flight to SLC. Rejoice as you ponder all that you have come to experience and appreciate of your ancestors, where they lived and toiled, where they were converted to the gospel, and where they departed from as they answered the call to gather to Zion!
DO YOU HAVE WELSH ANCESTRY? Dr. Ron Dennis, the ultimate LDS Welsh Historian and initial creator of these tours, has compiled LDS Welsh research at http://welshmormon.byu.edu/Default.aspx – look to see if your ancestors are listed!
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Pricing – Smart phones swipe left/right
| Tour ID | Date/Days | Price if One per room | Price each if Two per room | Tour Hosts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SW09 | Sept 4-17, 2024 14-day tour | $5595 with SLC airfare OR $4235 if own airfare | $4540 each with SLC airfare OR $3180 each if own airfare | Hosted by Grant Vaughn (Welsh researcher, historical mapper, & dedicated Welsh enthusiast!) & his amazing wife, Linda Vaughn. |
Prices are per person by number of people sharing hotel room – maximum 2 per room.
Tour price includes: all breakfasts & dinners, very nice lodging, group admissions, charter bus, and expert MHA guide services. Airfare can be included at prices shown above or you can purchase on own (call for details before purchasing non-refundable airfare 801-272-5601).
Prices contingent upon international exchange rate stability; though not expected, possible price adjustments to be made as necessary in the event of major exchange rate fluctuation.
Two adults maximum allowed per room, up to two children allowed in adult(‘s) room if under 15 years and if family rooms are available – call for details.
Not included: free-time activities, lunches, transportation to family ancestral sites not reachable by bus (taxi expense is worth it once you’ve gone all that way, why not go all the way!?), some meal tips, and any personal expenses. $4/day per person gratuity for the bus driver collected on tour.
TRAVELING ALONE? Would you like help finding a ROOMMATE to decrease your tour price? Let us know when you REGISTER and we’ll do what we can to connect you with a compatible roommate. You might just make a new, long-lasting friendship!
$200 deposit/registration fee per person secures a reservation on a first-come, first-served basis; balance due 100 days prior to departure. Prices reflect 5% cash or check discount.
Mail checks to: Mormon Heritage Association, 2367 W Goldenpointe Way, West Jordan UT 84088 or credit cards by phone 801-272-5601.
Current Passport required. Notify MHA if you are NOT a US Citizen (airline/visa regulations).
Fit to Travel – registrants accept the responsibility for being in good health and able to walk distances and generally be able to travel well without assistance. Sites may not always be accessible to the physically challenged–those needing ambulatory assistance will find the tour extremely limiting to their experiences.
If you have to cancel, there are a few possibilities. If someone takes your place, you get a full refund less any costs we incur to procure your replacement and $50 cancellation fee. If you provide a replacement, or if there is someone who can step in from our waiting list, you would lose $50 cancellation fee and any non-refundable expenses we may have incurred in your behalf (possibly such as airfare). If nobody takes your place, your payments are refunded less $50 cancellation fee and any non-refundable expenses we may have incurred in your behalf (time-sensitive).
COMMENTS FROM TOUR MEMBERS:
Cheryl Williams – “What a great adventure we had. Thanks for all you did to make us all feel well cared for. Our memories will be fond and lasting. Wonderful trip.”
Marilyn Jones – “A sweet experience. Thank you for all you did to make this such a smooth trip with such amazing experiences. I have labeled the trip EPIC!”
Barbara Honey – “I had a wonderful time”
Teryl Clark – “It was so rewarding to find relatives’ homes. We went out by taxi, asking locals, a gentleman not only had the church keys and gave us a tour, but owned the property next to my relatives’ home–and I got to actually go inside! The story goes on…”
Lynda Curtis – “I loved every minute of the tour and have fallen in love with the country and people. So masterfully organized. The accommodations, food, friendships, and guided tours were wonderful. It touched my whole being.”
Joyce Johnson – “Thanks for an experience of a lifetime!”