Croeso I Gymru…Welcome to Wales

Wales is an ancient land, the origins of its people and language go back civilizations--some believe even before the pyramids were built in Egypt 7000 years ago. The Welsh language has been in daily use for centuries and although it is widely spoken and used, don't worry, everyone speaks English. It's a land of nature and legend, with stunning natural and unspoiled scenery from mountains and valleys to forests and parks, and if you are interested in walking, cycling, watersports or just looking for a breath of fresh air, Wales is the place for you.

In an area just 170 miles long and 60 miles wide--about the size of Massachusetts--there are three main regions: North Wales, Mid Wales and South and West Wales. It's easy to get to from the international airports just across the border in England: Manchester to the north, Birmingham to Mid Wales or London to South Wales (London is just two hours east). Take a tour or travel independently by train--there's a whole network preserved--by bus or rental car. Do you have Celtic Connections? Find out how to trace your Welsh ancestors before you go. There are plenty of places to stay, from self-catering cottages, to cozy farmhouses, guesthouses and B&Bs, to grand country manor houses, castles and modern city-center hotels. Take time to explore Wales...

North Wales

North Wales is dominated by the rugged Snowdonia mountain range; Mount Snowdon is the highest point in Wales, higher than anywhere in England, and a trip to this part of Wales is not complete without a ride on the narrow gauge railway up the summit. The countryside flows east from the mountains to forest and open moorland, gentle hills and wooded valleys, dotted with lovely old market towns: Llangollen, in its picturesque setting on the banks of the River Dee, is home to steams trains and the annual International Musical Eisteddfod. Held each July for more than 50 years, it is a celebration of the Welsh "hwyl" (spirit)--the love of music, dance and song--and the male voice choirs of Wales are renowned the world over. There are stunning gardens at Bodnant and at Plas Newydd, on the Isle of Angelsey. Legend has it that the wizard Merlin sleeps on Bardsey Island, and at Portmeirion, discover the whimsical Italianite village of "The Prisoner" fame. Don't miss the walled city of Conwy or the spectacular castles of Caernarfon, Beaumaris and Harlech. Just a few of more than 400 castles throughout the whole of Wales!

Mid Wales

Mid Wales is an area of rolling hills, remote uplands, unspoiled mountain roads, cool forest lakeland and long sweeping bays, from the coast in the west to the border towns of the east. Cardigan Bay stretches along more than 75 miles of coastline, with much of it designated Heritage Coast. It's dotted with small coastal fishing villages and resorts, the university town of Aberystwyth with its traditional Georgian-style harbor and cliffside railway, and the sailing resort at New Quay, both rich in sea-faring history. More seals and seabirds frequent this area, than people. Watch out for bottlenose dolphins playing in the bay, too! There are spectacular waterfalls at Devil's Bridge and magical forests and lakeland along the Elan Valley. In the heart of Mid Wales, the elegant Victorian spa town of Llandrindod Wells and nearby Builth Wells, host the annual Royal Welsh Show, a festival of agricultural excellence and a great place to show off the prize-winning Welsh cattle and sheep. For something completely different, the tiny town of Llanwrtyd Wells holds the annual World Bog Snorkelling championships! In Welshpool, there's the magnificent medieval Powis Castle with its glorious terraced gardens, and Hay on Wye is the second-hand book capital of the world, which hosts an annual world-famous literature festival.

South and West Wales

From coasts to mountains, South and West Wales offer a diverse range of scenery and attractions. Enjoy the quiet wooded valleys of the Welsh Borderlands in the Wye Valley and the Vale of Usk, or visit the medieval Abbey at Tintern. You can walk, hike or ride through the Brecon Beacons'  National Park, with its spectacular mountains. Cardiff, the capital city is lively and exciting. It is the home of the new National Assembly for Wales, and beneath its magnificent castle and Victorian architecture, you‚ll find modern shops, hotels, restaurants, cafes, world-class entertainment, concert halls and arenas--the new Millennium Stadium is home to the great Welsh sporting tradition, rugby. Celebrate Wales' industrial heritage and travel down a real coal mine at the Big Pit, or travel along the coast, with its beautiful sandy bays to the seaside resort town of Porthcawl and the soaring cliffs of the Gower Peninsula. Swansea is Wales' second city and the birthplace of Dylan Thomas, the Welsh poet whose life and works are celebrated at the Dylan Thomas Center and in the annual Dylan Thomas Festival.

The recently opened National Botanic Garden of Wales, with its spectacular glass houses is near Carmarthen, as is Caerleon, which is reported to be King Arthur‚s Camelot--the Roman Amphitheater his "Round Table". Travel along the King Arthur Trail to discover more. Walk or cycle the trails along the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, an area of outstanding beauty and abundant wildlife, from the magnificent Pembroke Castle, to the impressive and ancient St David's cathedral at the far western tip. Ferries to Southern Ireland leave from the fishing ports at Fishguard and Pembroke.

Looking for crafts? You'll find great woolen sweaters (with so many sheep, you had to guess!), Celtic jewelry and handmade crafts, and tasty local delicacies like Welsh cakes, Welsh rarebits, Laverbread and locally brewed ales and homemade cheeses. Whether you go to a pub, a rugby match, a male voice choir rehearsal or an Eisteddfod Festival, the Welsh love of life will shine through. Iechyd da! (Cheers!)