At the Heart
Get to Know Us
At the heart of the Wonder of Wales Drivers Club are Anthony & Donna Barney, owners of Palé Hall and a lifelong enthusiast of motoring in its purest form.
For Tony, the roads of North Wales are something increasingly rare - rising and falling with the landscape, sweeping along dramatic coastlines and climbing through mountain passes.
When he acquired Palé Hall, his vision extended beyond restoration. He created a destination where heritage, hospitality and exceptional driving experiences come together seamlessly.
Entering a New Era - 2026
As WOWDC enters its second year, the club moves into a new phase of refinement, partnering with renowned route designer Guy Woodcock and his daughter Claire.
A former Competition Director of HERO-ERA, Guy brings over 40 years’ experience across 700 international events, including the Peking to Paris Motor Challenge.
Having lived in North Wales for four decades, his knowledge of its finest driving roads is unrivalled. Claire adds thirteen years of motorsport expertise, combining operational precision with competitive insight. Together with Tony and Rob, they create a leadership team defined by passion, pedigree and professionalism.
Luke Selby: Culinary Excellence at Palé Hall
Chef Partner Luke Selby leads the kitchen at Palé Hall, bringing a reputation for refined, modern British cuisine shaped by classical training and a deep respect for seasonal produce.
Luke joins us from Le Manoir aux Quat Saison where he worked as Executive chef under Raymond Blanc.
For the Wonder of Wales Drivers Club, his role is central to the overall experience.
Each menu is thoughtfully curated to complement the rhythm of the tour, ensuring that every evening ends with exceptional dining worthy of the roads that preceded it.
The Beginning of WOWDC
In 2025, Tony’s ambition became reality through a partnership with Rob Atkinson of Ramsport. Rob’s expertise in performance cars helped transform the vision into a professionally structured driving event.
Together they launched the Wonder of Wales Drivers Club — a curated programme of limited-entry tours combining exceptional Welsh routes, refined hospitality and genuine camaraderie.
The inaugural season confirmed their belief that drivers were looking for something more considered and intimate than a traditional tour — an experience defined by quality, character and exclusivity.
