All opinions are mine and mine alone.
When you tell your friends that you’re heading to the UK and Ireland for a break, it’s not unusual for the replies to focus on the obvious – the historic haunts and shopping streets of London, the rolling hills of Scotland, and the dramatic contrasts of Ireland. Each of these places is more than worth a visit, there’s no doubt, and they deserve every ounce of praise that is poured upon them. However, among those islands on the Western fringe of Europe, there is a place that often gets forgotten – the principality of Wales.
The lack of attention paid to this stunning little nation is genuinely mystifying; once you’ve set eyes on it you’ll be longing to go, and once you’ve been you’ll immediately swear to return as soon as possible. To give you an idea of what you may have been missing, below are a few of the gems that await you when you do go.
Brecon Beacons
If you are looking for an example of “unspoilt beauty”, there are few better candidates anywhere in the world than this national park in South Wales. It’s entirely possible to drive your car along the jaw-dropping Black Mountain Road without seeing a single other person for the duration – but you will see exceptional scenery all around you. Take a step on to the hiking trails and you’ll enter a world that feels magical and otherworldly somehow. You don’t even need to wait for good weather to see the Beacons at their best – if anything, they’re more astounding when it’s grey and rainy.
Vale of Glamorgan
On the southern tip of Wales, you’ll find the county of the Vale of Glamorgan, which offers delights that span from the nationally-adored seaside getaway of Barry to the charming market town of Cowbridge. There’s also Hensol, which offers a 17th-Century castle and the Vale, where gift vouchers will get you the best prices on attractions that include golf and a wealth of spa treatments that add an extra boost to the relaxation you’ll find in this part of the world.
Cardiff
The capital city of Wales, Cardiff is a genuinely remarkable place, with the River Taff offering an excellent focus for walks. Heading into the town itself, you will walk past a statue of Aneurin “Nye” Bevan, considered the father of the British welfare state and a native of nearby Tredegar. Further on you’ll also happen upon Spillers Records – which opened in 1894 and remains today as the world’s oldest record store. Many of Wales’ most recognised bands, from the Manic Street Preachers to the Super Furry Animals, have strong links to this store in the Morgan Arcade
Conwy
Unlike the other attractions, Conwy is very much an institution of the Northern part of Wales – this seaside resort is on the North coast of the country and is home to one of the nation’s oldest castles – the imposing Castell Conwy, built in the late 13th Century at a cost of £15,000. If that sounds like a bargain, bear in mind that was its cost in 1293 – in today’s money that’s more than £18million (US$23million)! At the other end of the scale, Conwy can also boast the Smallest House in Great Britain – Quay House, long declared unfit for human habitation, is now a popular tourist spot in the town.
These are a few of the options for tourists in Wales, and you’ll find plenty more when you visit. So much so, you’ll have to plan another trip!
Speak Your Mind