Wales is Britain’s hidden gem. Still undiscovered by international tourists. It is the
jewel on the crown. It is called God’s country by the Welsh for a reason..
Wales is very different from the rest of Britain. It is really worth a visit to explore .Here are the reasons why :
1.Castles
Wales is home of over 600 castles . There are the famous iron ring castles of Edward I all of which have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inland you will find .Welsh princes Castles and mostly in South Wales marcher Lords Castles .
2. Land of Legends
Wales has an incredible Celtic mythology. Mabinogion, the earliest Welsh prose stories are the compilation of Welsh mythology and the Arthurian legends. There are several geographical and historic features connected to the legends.
3. Industrial Heritage
Wales was at the centre of the Industrial revolution in the 19th century . You can find former coal mines in the south , copper and slate mines in the north that are now opened as museums. You can descend 90 metres underground into a coal mine shaft or do the deep mine tour in a former slate mine. In July 2021 the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales became the fourth UNESCO World Heritage Site in Wales,
4. National Parks & Wildlife
Wales is home of 3 national park . Eryri (Snowdonia ) , Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons ) and Pembrokeshire Coast . There are countless walking routes and long-distance footpaths . A fantastic place for outdoor and nature lovers.
Skomer Island and Ramsey Island in Pembrokeshire or the coast of Anglesey are also great places for birdwatchers. From April to October there are puffins and manx shearwaters , cloughs, guillemots and razorbills . We also have fishy visitors such as seals and dolphins and even whales. At the Brecons and in Eelan valley there are kite feeding stations you can visit .
5. Celtic Rainforests
The world’s mightiest rainforests are clustered in the tropics, but did you know that there are rainforests in the coolest climates too ? Strolling through a Celtic rainforest is like wondering back in time. Native oak, birch , hazel and ash trees offer shelter. Beautiful slow growing lichens and mosses drape their trunks and branches , and fungi peep through at their feet. Celtic rainforests of Wale are tucked into deep river valleys in Gwynedd, Ceredigion and Powys.
6. Welsh Language & people
Wales is a unique place on the British Isles, completely different from its neighbours. Welsh is the oldest surviving Celtic language . Welsh people are very welcoming and there is a sense of community. They also have a great sense of humour . People see themselves as the guardians of Wales and are very much connected to the land. The Welsh work Hiraeth means more than homesickness . It also means belonging and being connected to the land.
7. Land of Songs
There are many things you can say about Welshman but never be rude about his larynx . Male voice choir is one of the distinctive emblems of Welsh identity . There are over 80 male choirs in Wales. Their origins can be traced back to the 18th century . Coal miners in the south and slate miners in the north were mostly single man, miners’ institutes , football clubs, bands and choirs were an assertion of working-class male bonding. If you would like to attend a rehearsal, ask us and we can include It in your itinerary!
9. Welsh Cuisine
Wales has a rich but forgotten heritage of Welsh food. From oysters to cider, salted butter to salt-marsh lamb. There is a movement now to keep local food production alive. There are more and more farmers, fisherfolks, brewers and growers who are taking Welsh food back to its roots. Typical Welsh food includes, lamb cawl, leek in any form, cheeses and beer, whisky , Welsh cakes and bara brith, cockles and kelp just to mention a few. Why not join on one of our foodie tours ?
10. Sustainable Tourism
Wales has gone from coal to cool ! The country has turned the tide and aims for sustainable tourism. It is even the government policy ! Considering the times we are living in Wales is the perfect sustainable destination to visit. They also have a future generation act that takes Former mines turned into museums, there are loads of protected landscape, places of special scientific interests, a biosphere reserve m dark sky reserves . A movement for sustainably produced food, people recycle , use wool to insulate houses and many more initiatives. You can travel and Wales easily bu using public transport . Check out our Wales by rails tours !