The National Churches Trust, a charity dedicated to supporting the UK's places of worship by promoting church visits and tourism has launched new tourism packages highlighting sacred spots in Wales.

The tours, which will be hosted on the ExploreChurches website, come as travel trends suggest many future travellers will be seeking out more pastoral, off the beaten track locations, where they can fully immerse themselves in the outdoors and avoid the potential for crowds.

With its countryside and coastline, Wales is expected to grow in popularity as a destination.

The National Churches Trust is working with a number of local partners in the region, including Visit Wales, the Church in Wales, Addoldai Cymru and Cadw, to develop original tours and experiences that showcase Wales' historical sacred offering.

Pilgrims from the Sea: Coasteer, Kayak & Surf

This tour offers a morning 'coasteering', kayaking and surfing around the Pembrokeshire coast, followed by lunch in an ecolodge and an afternoon exploring the pilgrim churches on the 'Saints andStones' trail.

It takes visitors through Pembrokeshire's beaches, mountains and holy places including St Davids Cathedral.

Medieval Tower Climb: St Giles Wrexham

This includes climbing the 135ft medieval tower of St Giles Wrexham, one of the Seven Wonders of Wales, to see the 300-year-old church bells and learn the art of bellringing.

Five Sacred Spaces on Ynys Môn

Ynys Môn is the Welsh name for Anglesey, an island off the mainland's northwest coast.

It's known for its beaches and ancient sites and is accessed by the 19th-century Menai Suspension Bridge and the Britannia Bridge, rebuilt in the 20th century.

In the medieval town of Beaumaris, 13th-century Beaumaris Castle has concentric fortifications and a moat.

Beaumaris Gaol has Victorian punishment cells and an original tread wheel.

A number of cycling experiences are available including a leisurely guided bike tour of the isle of

Anglesey, delivered in partnership with Green Lane Bike Tours.

This provides the chance to stop off at some of the island's smallest country churches and learning about their history and the region's archaeology.

St Cwyfan's

Another cycle tour includes a ride out to St Cwyfan's, a tiny island church also known as the 'Church in the Sea', which is only accessible at low-tide.

Participants will finish their journey via a rural inland route, complete with a Welsh tea at a popular cyclist's café.

St Hywyn's church in Aberdaron

Those looking to make the most of the calming presence of sacred places will enjoy a poetry reflection and meditation by candlelight inside St Hywyn's church in Aberdaron.

Guests will read through Thomas' spiritual poetry, which connects with features within the church.

Darksky Stargazing at Capel y Ffin churchyard

Capel y Ffin church, located in mid Wales, is a place to view the constellations of the northern hemisphere and learn the correct use of binoculars and navigation via star maps.

With no prior knowledge or equipment needed, those on the experience will be shown how to set up a telescope correctly before viewing and then photographing aspects of the magnificent night sky.

Weaving in a country churchyard

At Llanrhian church in Pembrokeshire, workshop attendees createtheir very own willow basket from scratch using willow grown organically on a local farm.

The Plough Chapel, Brecon

There's a chance to learn about the history of 17th century Plough Chapel, a Grade II* historic building known for being one of the earliest independent chapel congregations in Wales.

The experience gives the chance to explore the chapel and see at the craftsmanship on display; from its rich carved woodwork and water powered organ to the ornate panelled ceiling, which even conceals a Victorian ventilation system.

St Asaph Cathedral

St Asaph Cathedral is the smallest cathedral in Britain and this experience offers the chance to learn about its history and admire its architecture and stained glass.

Ancient churches in the Usk Valley

This tour takes in four historic Welsh churches in Usk giving the chance to see the craftsmanship of centuries.

Pilgrimage walks in west Wales

Guided Pilgrimage, a not for profit travel company, offers three walks along Celtic pilgrimage routes in west Wales.

It is six miles of Welsh countryside, woodland, clifftop views, coves and smugglers caves with spells of quiet meditative walking.

As well as these new itineraries,the National Churches Trust is developing a number of walking tours along Wales' Coastal Path, a route spanning Wales' entire coastline.

Useful links

​ www.explorechurches.org/discover-our-experiences