THE outing this year, organised by Mayrose Warner, was to Raglan Castle and Castell Coch, with a lunch stop at Raglan.

Raglan was the last medieval castle built in Britain. It was begun on the site of a Norman motte and added to in the 16th century.

During the Civil War, after a long onslaught, the Roundheads blew up two sides of the hexagonal tower.

However it is still possible to climb the tower - 90 steps - and enjoy the fantastic panoramic views.

The trip continued along the M4 with views of the coast of Somerset across the Bristol Channel. Just off the M4 is the village of Tongwynlais and Castell Coch (red castle).

Here too the site is steeped in history. The original fortification was a Welsh prehistoric stronghold, later replaced by a Norman castle, was partly destroyed during the 15th century, thereafter ravaged by time and the elements.

The present building is a fairy tale castle with conical towers and turrets built in the late 19th century. It was designed by William Burges for the Marquis of Bute, whose main home was in Cardiff Castle.

Richly decorated inside, the castle has been used as the background for filming. There is even a working drawbridge and portcullis.