Closer Lives | Wales Country Guide
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An ancient castle with multiple towers stands beside a reflective river on a sunny day, under the text "your guide to visiting Wales" overlaid with a Welsh dragon.

Wales: Your comprehensive guide to the Land of Song (and castles)

Steeped in Celtic tradition and a fierce sense of independence, Wales boasts a rich history stretching back millennia. Ancient hillforts and Roman ruins dot the landscape, remnants of a land often-contested. The Welsh language, a cornerstone of identity, thrives alongside English, its melodious lilt echoing in the valleys. Vibrant festivals like the Eisteddfod showcase Wales' love for music and poetry, traditions passed down through generations.

 

Coal mining, a backbone of the past, has given way to a modern economy, but the close-knit communities and enduring spirit that fueled its growth remain. From the castles of legendary figures like Owain Glyndŵr to the lyrical hymns sung in village churches, Wales offers a journey through time, culture, and enduring traditions.

 

After 3 years of full-time travel, we have finally made it to the Land of Castles, taking a road trip from the capital Cardiff to Swansea, Bridgend, Abergavenny, Coity, Wrexham and Anglesey. Join us as we share the finest Welsh historic places, fun facts, things to know before visiting and more.

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Our top recommended places

Our interactive map & guide to Wales

Check out all of the places we visited in Wales courtesy of this interactive map from Wanderlog. Tap any of the numbers for more information including directions, our blog posts, links to reviews and much more.

Wanderlog is a free travel planning app that allows users to create trip itineraries, organize flights, hotel and car reservations, view places to visit on a map, and collaborate with friends. It is super handy and has made a big impact on our travel planning. It saves time and is super easy to use!

Interesting Facts

Here are 14 interesting facts about Wales. Some may just surprise you!

1. Castle Crazy: Wales boasts more castles per square mile than anywhere else in Europe! Explore the legacies of medieval battles and lords in these grand fortifications.

2. Land of the Dragon: The red dragon, a powerful symbol since Roman times, adorns the Welsh flag.  This mythical creature embodies Wales' fierce spirit and rich folklore.

 

3. Bilingual Beauty: Wales is a bilingual country, with Welsh and English spoken widely. Street signs and place names are often bilingual, reflecting the importance of the Welsh language and its Celtic roots.

 

4. Musical Heritage: Eisteddfod, a centuries-old festival celebrating music and poetry, is a major cultural event in Wales. Choirs and traditional instruments like the harp fill the air, showcasing the Welsh love for artistic expression.

5. Holy Grail Hunting Ground: Legends abound of the Holy Grail being hidden in Wales. Medieval castles like Harlech and Caernarfon have been linked to the mythical cup, adding to the country's mystique.

6. Zip Line Nirvana: Wales is home to the fastest zip line in the world, the Zip World Velocity in Snowdonia. Soar through breathtaking scenery and get your adrenaline pumping!

7. Corgi Capital: The adorable Pembroke Welsh Corgi originated in Wales. These short-legged herding dogs were once used by farmers and have become beloved companions worldwide.

8. Literary Legends: From Roald Dahl's whimsical tales to Dylan Thomas' evocative poems, Wales has a rich literary heritage. Explore the landscapes that inspired these wordsmiths.

9. Small Screen Superstars: Wales has punched above its weight in television.  Shows like Doctor Who and Sherlock have captivated audiences globally, showcasing Welsh creativity.

10. Saintly Celebrations: March 1st is St. David's Day, a national holiday celebrating Wales' patron saint.  Leeks and daffodils are worn with pride, and traditional Welsh cakes are enjoyed.

11. Dramatic Underground: The stunning Snowdonia National Park boasts the deepest cave system in Britain, Ogof Ffynnon Ddu. Spelunking enthusiasts can explore this vast network of caverns.

12. Industrial Innovation: Aneurin Bevan, a Welshman, played a key role in founding the National Health Service (NHS), a cornerstone of British healthcare.

13. Longest Place Name: Try saying Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch out loud! This village in Anglesey holds the title of the longest place name in Europe.

14. Sheep Outnumber People: Wales has a much higher sheep population than human residents.  These wooly creatures are a familiar sight in the rolling hills and green pastures. 

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Things to know when visiting Wales

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Information

POPULATION

3.13 million

CAPITAL

Cardiff (492 thousand)

CURRENCY

Pound Sterling (GBP)

DRIVING

Left Side

TIME ZONE

GMT 

MEASUREMENTS

Standard Metric

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As entrepreneurs and full-time slow travellers our goal is to see as much of this beautiful planet as we can! We love getting to know communities and locals around the world and through our channel we want to help and support them by sharing their culture with our viewers.

 

By subscribing to our channel you will get notified of our latest videos as and when they land, so you will never miss out. We only have one video for Wales so far, but we do plan on adding more from our travels in Cardiff and beyond!

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