Wales in Style is an online guide to the treasures that make Wales a truly memorable place to visit.
Tags: Activities, Adventure, Brecon Beacons, Caernarfon, Caerphilly Castle, castle, family, Instagram, Lake Vyrnwy, landscape, Legendary, National Park, photography, Portmeirion, Smallest city, Snowdonia, St David's, Wales, Walking, Walks, Year of Legends
There are many reasons to visit Wales, the land of song, scenery and (occasionally) sunshine. But whatever the weather the Welsh landscape is a wonder to behold. Here are just seven wonders of Wales that everyone should visit.
1. Snowdonia
The rugged beauty of Snowdonia National Park, in northwest Wales, brings to mind the landscape of Middle Earth from the Lord of the Rings. The focal point of the region is Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales and the highest point in the British Isles south of the Scottish Highlands. This dreamy photo illustrates why Snowdonia is such a beautiful place to visit both in summer and winter.
Credit: @visitwales
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRL9S3BjFkS/?taken-by=visitwales&hl=en
2. St David’s Cathedral
This majestic cathedral is located in St Davids, Britain’s smallest city. Not only is the area beautiful, it also holds a rich history. So highly regarded was the area as a holy place, even William the Conqueror visited St Davids to pray.
Credit: @sprice_94
http://www.pictaram.com/user/sprice_94/1426845613
3. Brecon Beacons
Located in South Wales, this beautiful mountain range and National Park is not only visited by people seeking out stunning views, it is also used for a range of different activities, from mountain climbing to military training.
Credit: @paterpoet
https://www.instagram.com/paterpoet/
4. Caerphilly Castle
This medieval castle is located in the town of Caerphilly in south Wales. Constructed in the 13th century it has witnessed many battles over the centuries but is still remarkably well preserved today. As well as a popular tourist attraction and wedding venue it has even been a filming location for the popular British television show Doctor Who.
Credit: @business.wales
http://www.imgrum.org/media/1300018126205528628_1960563049
5. Lake Vyrnwy
This beautiful reservoir in Powys, Mid Wales was built in the 1880s. Its stone-built dam was the first of its kind in the world. Today, tourists visit this stunning place partly because of its award-winning sculpture trail, which started in 1995. It is also popular for a range of recreational activities, including sailing, rock climbing, cycling, walking, horse riding and hiking. It also used to be the home to the tallest tree in the UK until storms took its toll. Now another tree in the same area has taken the title of being the tallest tree in Wales.
Credit: @robert_wyn
https://twitter.com/lakevyrnwyhotel
6. Caernarfon Castle
This is another medieval fortress located in Caernarfon, in Gwynedd, northwest Wales. This World Heritage Site has a rich history. Created by King Edward I, it is considered one of the most impressive castles in Wales. Sitting on the shores of the Menai Strait with views across to Anglesey, visitors to Caernarfon will never short of things to see.
Credit: @ttownhill
http://www.instagramcn.com/ttownhill
7. Portmeirion
This is a well-known tourist village in Gwynedd, North Wales. Designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis in the 1900s it is an Italian style village. Many writers and television producers have been inspired by this stunning town, and it provided the backdrop for the classic 1960s series The Prisoner.
Credit: @visitwales
https://www.instagram.com/p/1qErZTHRn2/?hl=en&taken-by=visitwales
These are just seven of Wales’ wonders, but there are many, many more to be found across the length and breadth of this beautiful country. Why not visit and discover a few for yourself?
Tags: bonfire, bonfirenight, drink, family, fireworks, food, hotel, night, Wales
Whatever the weather, Bonfire Night celebrations are guaranteed to brighten up even the dullest November. We have found some of the best events taking place across Wales this year along with a selection of fantastic hotels to stay in to enjoy the fun.
South Wales
Sparks in the Park – Coopers Field, Cardiff, Saturday 7 November 4pm,
Cardiff Round Table’s annual event regularly attracts up to 20,000 people. This year’s event is partnered by Heart Wales and will include an amazing firework display, a huge bonfire, food, drinks and rides for everyone to enjoy. The bonfire will be lit at 6:15pm followed by the main firework display at 7pm.
It is advised to purchase tickets in advance, as the event is likely to sell out. Get your tickets here: www.ticketlineuk.com
Planning to stay in Cardiff for the fireworks? The luxurious farmhouse accommodation, Llanerch Vineyard, is located only fifteen minutes from the city centre. The hotel even has its own nature trail and cookery school if you want a break from the big city rush after the event.
Visit: http://www.rarebits.co.uk/llanerch-vineyard
Ponty Big Bang – Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd, Sunday 1 November 5pm
Held in the heart of this South Wales valleys town, the event will have an extraordinary firework display beginning at 7pm. There will be food stalls and funfair rides for all the family. Pontypridd Round Table are producing the event, with all proceeds going towards local charities and causes.
For advance tickets, visit: http://www.pontybigbang.uk
For a change of scenery, why not stay in the beautiful Grade II listed hotel, The Great House, located just half an hour from Ponty Big Bang? With a renowned restaurant serving food Monday through to Saturday, this hotel offers a deserved break from typical Bonfire Night food.
Visit: http://www.rarebits.co.uk/great-house
West Wales
Big Bang Weekend – Saundersfoot, Friday 30 October 2pm and Saturday 31 October 1pm
This free event caters to all ages and includes a combination of Halloween and Bonfire Night-themed activities. There will be a Halloween Trick or Treat Trail for up to 250 children (who each must be accompanied by an adult) and a Spooky Bat Trail for all to enjoy throughout the village. An excellent firework display will be held on the Saturday at 8pm, including a show from the Pembrokeshire Fire Spinners.
The event is free but the trails will be held on a first-come-first-served basis, so arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Visit: http://www.visitsaundersfootbay.com/events/vrdao9/big-bang-2015
To make the most of your time on the beautiful west coast, you could stay in St Bride’s Spa and Hotel right in the heart of Saundersfoot. With a state-of-the-art spa and breathtaking views, this hotel is the perfect place to unwind after the Big Bang Weekend
Visit: http://www.rarebits.co.uk/st-brides-spa-hotel-saundersfoot
North Wales
Ride the Rocket Firework Train – Llangollen Railway, Denbighshire, Sunday 1 November 6:00pm
This unique experience lets you enjoy Bonfire Night in a less traditional way. The return trip from Llangollen Station to Carrog will last around two and a half hours with a stop at Glyndyfrdwy Station where the firework display will be held. The train holds a licensed bar with soft drinks also available and hot food can be purchased at Glyndyfrdwy Station on the return journey. The train is set to depart at 6pm and return at around 8:30pm.
This event is likely to sell out so make sure to book tickets in advance to secure a place.
Visit: http://www.llangollen-railway.co.uk/event/ride-rocket-firework-train/
Fancy a long-weekend getaway in Llangollen? The boutique Manorhaus Hotel is located in the centre of the town hotel. This beautiful 19th century townhouse, a ‘restaurant with rooms’ is the perfect place to stay relaxed and pampered.
Visit: http://www.rarebits.co.uk/manorhaus-llangollen
Llandudno Pier Fireworks Display – Llandudno Pier, North Shore, Saturday 7 November 7:30pm
This annual event, presented by Llandudno Town Council, will see a professional fireworks display taking place on the pier at 7:30pm, complete with stunning views over Llandudno Bay. There are alternate dates in case of adverse weather conditions. The event itself is free but donations are welcome.
For more information visit: http://www.llandudno.gov.uk/events-fireworks.html
If you cannot get enough of the beautiful sea views Llandudno has to offer, why not stay in St Tudno Hotel? Located right on the seafront, this award-winning hotel offers the chance to stay beside the sea in style, as well as serving the highest quality of food and wine in their award-winning restaurant
Visit: http://www.rarebits.co.uk/st-tudno
