Topic: Wales

Britain’s smallest city has 1,800 residents and anchors this six day Welsh drive

St David’s earns its city status from a 12th century cathedral rather than its size, and it sits roughly halfway along a coastal road trip that runs from the Severn crossing to Anglesey.

Wales still has around 100 male voice choirs and visitors can sit in on rehearsals for free

Born in the chapels and coalfields of the 19th century, the choirs of the Land of Song are now chasing younger recruits while welcoming curious visitors through the door.

Inside the Welsh valleys where coal mining faded but cultural pride remains unshaken

The Rhondda once powered Britain with coal, now it powers communities with culture.

Ten museums that bring Britain's industrial revolution roaring back to life

From blast furnaces to slate caverns, these ten sites trace how coal, iron and steam built modern Britain.

A seven day road trip through the Welsh Marches, Britain's forgotten borderland

From Chepstow's castle to Chester's Roman walls, this route traces the ancient boundary between England and Wales through castles, cathedrals and countryside.

Ancient druids were priests, scholars and judges, not Stonehenge builders

Revealing how Celtic priests, scholars and legal experts shaped ancient Britain without any connection to the famous stone circle.

Into the age of Celtic saints in Wales

One of the delights of travelling around Wales is encountering fascinating place names.

The less-traveled road that comes with a warm welcome in Cheshire and North Wales

The mainline trains will whisk you through to Scotland, but hop off in the less-traveled county of Cheshire and explore the North Wales coast.

Conwy Castle cost a full year of England's tax income and Edward I built three more

Conwy, Harlech, Caernarfon and Beaumaris were never just fortresses, they were terror weapons, plastered and whitewashed so the conquered could see them from miles off.

10 Memorable Destination Visits of Wales

Creoso y Cymru! Welcome to the Land of Saints and Songs. Here, Celtic identity can be felt in the history, the language, the music and the landscape.

Two millennia of history and lush green countryside - the magic valleys of Wales

The deep greens of the well-watered countryside, abandoned coal mines, ancient castles and the singing of male voice choirs: There is indeed something magical about the valleys of Wales.

Where do the Royal Family go on vacation in the United Kingdom?

From the Scottish highlands to the Norfolk coast, travel like the Royal family, as we explore where King Charles and co spend their holidays.

A travel writer shares her favorite hidden corners of England, Wales and Scotland

After four decades exploring Britain, an expert reveals where to venture beyond London.

Britain's last romantic poet Dylan Thomas

The upbringing, genius and eventual demise - everything you need to know about the Welsh poet and writer Dylan Thomas.

Britain's most haunting myths and legends, and the real places to find them

From Excalibur's hidden lake to the ghostly halls of Blackpool, these legendary sites bring folklore to life across the UK.

Pembroke Castle hides a Neolithic cavern below the fortress where Henry VII was born

Steps down from the ruins of the Great Hall open into a vast underground chamber that was occupied thousands of years before anyone thought to build a castle on top of it.

Owain Glyndwr's legendary fight for Wales

Welsh prince Owain Glyndwr arguably became the most famous and highly regarded figure in Welsh history.

Aberdulais Falls - Where the waterfall powers hydro-history

How Aberdulais,  in South Wales weathered a 400-year navigation of industrial change and is now a wonderful attraction worth diving in to!

Ironmasters of Wales - history forged in the Valley

A trip along the Heads of the Valley road certainly unwraps a rich story, of visionary ironmasters and hard-grafting workers, who forged industrial, social and political revolution.

The Tynewydd Colliery disaster

On April 11 1877 at the Tynewydd Colliery, in Porth became flooded by water from the abandoned workings nearby. Fourteen miners were trapped underground at Tynewydd and rescue attempts were begun to find them.

Portmeirion has no villagers, no school and no church, and winter is the time to go

Sir Clough Williams-Ellis bought the Gwynedd estuary site for around £3,500 in 1925 and turned it into an Italianate fantasy that went on to shape postmodern architecture.

Chepstow and the Little Church in the Vale

A quirky interlude in the Marcher Borderlands. “Queen sells church for £1” is one of the more curious newspaper headlines back in 2015.

Exploring the endearing and scenic Lower Wye Valley, Wales

A day well spent! Siân Ellis visits The Lower Wye Valley in Wales and is endeared by the scenery, history, and lunch options.

King coal's castles - touring the castles of South Wales

From Cardiff to Castle Coch the most stunning historic castles to explore in South Wales.

Exploring Wales and unearthing magic and legends

Exploring the castles, mountains, winding roads, and valleys of the mystical Wales where so many tales of princes, heroes, villains, and saints live on.

The lost Roman city of the legion: Caerleon, Wales

Where ancient Roman history and legend make romance in the small Welsh town of Caerleon.

From outdoor sculpture parks to museums - Terrific free things to do in the United Kingdom

See! Some of the best things in life are free! We take a look at the tourist attractions around the United Kingdom that are free... gratis! Imagine that!

Chasing the red dragon in Wales

Dana Huntley explores the heritage of Wales and examines what makes the small nation a great one.

In search of Lorna Doone, on the north Devon coast

The romance of Exmoor and the North Devon coast - Exmoor and the lush, sheer coastline of North Devon may be the most famous landscape ever visited.

Ancient Chepstow, the gateway to Wales

There’s a reason why Chepstow Castle is the oldest stone castle in Britain. Whoever controlled Chepstow controlled access to South Wales.

Land of cider apples, Offa’s Dyke and ancient battles - touring the Welsh Marches

For serious Anglophiles who want to see the classic Britain of yore and a gentler way of life, it is hard to beat the rural, agrarian landscapes of the border counties known as the Marches.

On This Day: The Union Flag became the official flag of Britain in 1606

The Union Flag, also known as the Union Jack, is the official flag of Britain. It was first created in Apr 12, 1606.

Celebrating St. David's Day! Wales' annual patron saint's day

Today, March 1, is St. David's Day, the Christian feast celebrated annually in Wales. Here's what you should know...

A seven day journey through the wild heart of the Welsh Marches

This border road trip traces castles, cathedrals and rivers where England quietly gives way to Wales.

Amazing places to add to your Britain must-see list

Our expert British travel writer's nine places that ought to be on every must-see list for anyone planning a trip to the United Kingdom.

A nine-day road trip through Wales, from castle towns to coal valleys

This leisurely itinerary winds past castles, coastlines, and cathedral towns without ever feeling rushed.

Visiting Wales This Fall

Tour Guide Confidential: Cardiff Castle

On a rainy day in August, one of Cardiff Castle’s distinguished guides agreed to chat with us about the place’s history, his favorite rooms, and all the good and bad that comes with managing tourists from around the world. Dorian Haworth has the quick laugh and easy smile of a man who knows he’s lucky to spends his days surrounded by such grandeur. When he speaks, there’s an avuncular charm mixed with a schoolteacher’s firm authority. “A necessary trait for any guide,” we’re told.

History, Sport and Art Blend Nicely in Wales’ Capital City

St. Fagans: Time for Welsh history

"St. Fagans National History Museum contains more than 40 historic buildings from all over Wales on its 100 acres of parkland, behind the Elizabethan manor house known as St. Fagans Castle."