Why Wales?
Wales, or Cymru as it is known in its native language, is one of the oldest, most beautiful, yet least known areas of the UK, where it is possible to walk for miles without seeing another soul.
This ancient, Celtic nation, situated to the west of England is one of the smallest countries in the UK, but it is amongst the richest in culture and heritage. Measuring just 170 miles long and 60 miles wide, a visit to Wales will allow you to see some of the UK’s most spectacular coastlines, climb rugged mountains, visit a never-ending supply of ancient castles and churches and hear Europe’s oldest living-language actively spoken, within just a few day's walking. Wales may not be quite as well known (or as highly visited) as her Celtic sisters, Scotland and Ireland, but as you immerse yourself in the vast green mountain ranges, the centuries of exciting history, and the wonderfully traditional and distinct Welsh communities, you will find a great deal to fall in love with. And all this within just a few hour's drive of London.
What's in a name?
2023 saw name changes to Snowdonia and Brecon Beacons National Parks with Snowdon also reclaiming its Welsh identity. Sixty six years after its designation as a National Park, Brecon Beacons became known as Bannau Brycheiniog pronounced Ban-eye Bruck-ein-iog; the name comes from the plural of ‘ban’, meaning ‘peak’ and ‘Brycheiniog’ refers to the kingdom of King Brychan - ‘The Peaks of Brychan’s Kingdom'. The changes come hand-in-hand with key initiatives including 16,000 hectares of peatland restoration and the planting of 1 million trees.
Welsh for Snowdonia is Eryri pronounced e-ryh-ree - a name that can be traced back to the 9th century and means ‘highlands’ not ‘place of eagles’ as is commonly believed. Likewise, Snowdon, derived from the Saxon ‘Snow Dun’, meaning ‘Snow Hill’ has reverted to its earlier name of Yr Wyddfa. Reference to early forms of the name Yr Wyddfa appeared in a charter drawn up by Llywelyn Fawr (Llywelyn the Great) in 1198. Discover more about the diplomat and warrior who united much of Wales here.
Here are our top 5 reasons to visit Wales.
1) The Coastline
Wales is surrounded on three sides by the Irish Sea and with this comes some of the most beautiful coastline you will find anywhere in the UK. The Jewel in the Crown? Pembrokeshire.
2) The Mountains
Striking, sharped edged peaks, hidden lakes and wonderful views. The mountains of Wales are quite unlike anywhere else in the UK. Visit the best of the bunch in Eryri National Park.
3) The Castles
Centuries of border battles have left Wales with a spectacular selection of Norman castles along its border and coastline. Nearly a thousand years old, these magnificent buildings bring the history of this tiny nation alive.
4) The Language
Wales is the proud home of Europe’s oldest living language, still spoken as a mother-tongue in many Welsh communities. The real trick is being able to pronounce the longest place name in Britain: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch!
5) The Capital
A beautiful castle, the home of Welsh rugby, male-voice choirs, Dr Who, endless supplies of fine food and culture. Cardiff, or Caerdydd, provides the perfect end to a holiday in Wales.
Destination
