Booked Castle, Manors

I recently returned from a once- in-a-lifetime tour of Wales and Paris (and the Loire Valley), which should appeal to anyone seeking a novel alternative to the usual. My family and I stayed a week at Caernarvon Castle, leased by Landmark Trust of Britain (21 Deans Yard, London S.W.1), from whom we also leased a manor house in Bath and another in London. Caernarvon Castle has a tower in the village-encircling walls of the castle, three floors modernized into excellent furnished living quarters (and a dungeon) for seven, with bath and large kitchen (200 a week). This is one of the many historic structures offered all over the British Isles.

In France we took a helicopter tour of the great Loire Valley chateaux, including visits to some of the most beautiful, with lunch and dinner of excellent quality and tours of the vast estates (tours operated by Hemphill Harris).

LESLIE W. ELLIOTT

Long Beach