Wales in Style is an online guide to the treasures that make Wales a truly memorable place to visit.

Seven Wonders of Wales

March 23rd, 2017

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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.

Snowdonia Mountains

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.

St David's Cathedral

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.

Brecon Beacons

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.

Caerphilly Castle

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.

Lake Vyrnwy

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.

Caernarfon Castle

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.

Portmeirion

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?

Dydd Santes Dwynwen

January 20th, 2017

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Image Credit: Visit Wales

Every year on the 25th January we celebrate what is commonly known as the Welsh St Valentines Day.

St Dwynwen’s Day, or Dydd Santes Dwynwen, is a celebration of Wales’ patron saint of love. Dwynwen was a 4th Century Welsh princess who was unlucky in love.

Legend has it that Dwynwen was the prettiest of all of King Brychan Brycheiniog’s daughters. She fell in love with a local boy, Maelon, but was already betrothed to another prince. After telling Maelon the bad news, Dwynwen fled to the woods to lament her lost love and pray for help from God. An angel appeared to Dwynwen and gave her a potion to help her forget about Maelon, which turned him to ice. After seeing the effects of the potion on Maelon, Dwynwen prayed for help. Hearing her cries for help, God granted her three wishes; she chose to cure Maelon, have God look after all true lovers and for her to remain unmarried.

St Dwynwen’s day is considered as the most romantic day of the year in Wales, and is celebrated much the same as Valentines Day; cards are exchanged and (mostly) thoughtful presents are given.

 

If you’re looking for ways to celebrate the Welsh holiday, we’ve put together a few ideas to impress the significant other in your life.

  • Try your hand at carving a traditional Welsh love spoon. If you’re not the most talented of carvers, you could also buy one.
  • Bake a batch of Welsh cakes in your partner’s favourite flavours. To add extra romance, you can make them heart-shaped
  • For an impressive treat, take them to one of Wales’ most romantic hotels.