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15 Things You Might Not Know About Wales

When you think of Wales, you might picture rolling green hills, the rugged beauty of Snowdonia, or the melodic lilt of the Welsh language. But there’s so much more to this Celtic gem than meets the eye. Whether you’re planning a visit or just curious about what makes Wales unique, here are 15 things you might not know about the Land of the Dragon.



1. Wales Has More Castles Per Square Mile Than Anywhere Else in the World


Yes, you read that right! Wales boasts over 600 castles, from medieval ruins to well-preserved fortresses. Iconic spots like Caernarfon Castle and Conwy Castle are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but you’ll also find hidden gems like Carreg Cennen perched dramatically on a limestone hill. History buffs, rejoice—Wales is your castle paradise.



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2. The Welsh Language Is Older Than English


Welsh (Cymraeg) is one of the oldest living languages in Europe, dating back thousands of years. Around 30% of the population speaks it, with more learners joining every year. Listen out for musical place names like Llanfairpwllgwyngyll or try your hand at saying “Bore da!” (Good morning). Fun fact: all road signs in Wales are bilingual!



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3. The Smallest City in Britain Is in Wales


Move over, London! The city of St. Davids in Pembrokeshire holds the title for Britain’s smallest city. With a population of just over 1,600, it’s charming and tranquil, featuring the stunning St. Davids Cathedral, built in honor of Wales’ patron saint. Proof that big things come in small packages.



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4. You Can Visit a Unique Seaside Hamlet Inspired by Italy


Nestled in North Wales is the whimsical village of Portmeirion, famous for its colorful Mediterranean-style architecture. Created by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, it feels like you’ve stepped straight into the Italian Riviera. Portmeirion also gained cult fame as the setting for the 1960s TV series The Prisoner.



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5. Wales Is a Haven for Adrenaline Junkies


Think Wales is all about gentle walks? Think again! You can zip-line over an old slate quarry at Zip World, surf the world’s first inland lagoon at Adventure Parc Snowdonia, or go coasteering (a mix of climbing, swimming, and cliff jumping) along Pembrokeshire’s dramatic coast.



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6. Wales Has Its Own National Day for Love


Forget Valentine’s Day—Wales has St. Dwynwen’s Day (January 25th), a celebration of love and romance. St. Dwynwen is the Welsh patron saint of lovers, and her story rivals Shakespeare’s best. Couples exchange love spoons, intricately carved wooden tokens, as symbols of affection. Move over roses and chocolates!



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7. It’s Home to One of the World’s Oldest Trees


Tucked away in the tiny village of Defynnog, near Brecon, is the Llangernyw Yew, thought to be over 4,000 years old. This ancient tree has stood witness to millennia of history, making it a must-see for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.



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8. The Longest Place Name in Europe Is Here


Wales is home to the famously unpronounceable village Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch. Translated, it means “The church of St. Mary in the hollow of white hazel near the fierce whirlpool and the church of St. Tysilio of the red cave.” Locals simply call it Llanfairpwll. Visiting? Don’t forget to snap a photo with the iconic railway station sign.



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9. Wales Is a Stargazer’s Paradise


With some of the darkest skies in Europe, Wales is the perfect destination for stargazing. Brecon Beacons National Park (now called Bannau Brycheiniog), Elan Valley, and Snowdonia National Park are all International Dark Sky Reserves. On a clear night, you can see the Milky Way, shooting stars, and maybe even the elusive Northern Lights.



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10. Wales Is the Birthplace of Some Game-Changing Inventions


Wales has given the world many incredible inventions. The microphone, created by David Edward Hughes, revolutionized communication. The raincoat, invented by a Welsh tailor named Charles Macintosh, became a global wardrobe essential. Oh, and don’t forget the humble matchstick, also invented here!



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11. It’s the Land of Legends


Wales is steeped in mythology, especially tales of King Arthur. Many believe Arthur’s legendary kingdom of Camelot lies in Wales, with landmarks like Carmarthen and Snowdonia tied to his stories. For fantasy lovers, Wales is like stepping into a living storybook.



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12. Some of the World’s Most Famous Faces Hail from Wales


From Hollywood actors to musicians, Wales has produced some big names. Think Catherine Zeta-Jones, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Tom Jones, and more recently, Taron Egerton. If you’re a fan of Doctor Who, Cardiff is the show’s filming hub!



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13. Wales Is Home to a Unique Coastal Path


The Wales Coast Path stretches 870 miles, making it the longest uninterrupted coastal path in the world. Whether you’re up for a multi-day hike or a short scenic walk, the views are unbeatable, with rugged cliffs, golden beaches, and charming seaside villages.



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14. You Can Discover Rare Wildlife


Wales is a haven for wildlife lovers. Keep an eye out for puffins on Skomer Island, the rare red kite soaring above Mid Wales, or playful dolphins off the Cardigan Bay coast. Nature enthusiasts won’t be disappointed!



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15. Wales Has Its Own Flag—and It’s Awesome


The Welsh flag is one of the most striking in the world, featuring a red dragon on a green and white background. The dragon has been a symbol of Wales since Roman times and perfectly represents the fiery, resilient spirit of the country.



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Why Visit Wales?


Wales is a land of contrasts—a place where ancient myths meet modern adventure, where rugged landscapes hide picturesque villages, and where locals greet you with a warm “Croeso!” (Welcome). Whether you're seeking history, culture, or thrills, Wales has it all. So, pack your hiking boots, grab your love spoon, and start planning your trip to this extraordinary corner of the UK.


1 commentaire


louisaasprou
3 days ago

Absolutely fascinating!

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