Tourist Wales Top Ten

[Howard Evans]

For you world travelers, I would like to know what you consider to be the top ten (okay, twenty if you want to) places to visit in Wales are.

We are elderly (not old) and are planning a visit this summer. We have booked a cottage at Bala so that I can attend the National Eisteddfod and we have booked a canal trip. We will be joined those two weeks by an exchange student from Luxembourg. I will also be doing a little geneology searching, but I have no known family left in Wales.

There is so much to see and do, I'm overwhelmed! If the economic conditions were more favorable I would love to spend the whole summer wandering about the country. I have seen over 50% of my retirement nest egg disappear, and I'm determined to spend the rest of it on us.

I enjoy Welsh Folk Music and almost all other music venues. We also enjoy soccer (football) and would like to see a Rugby match. Actually everything's on the table!

We would appreciate all pointers and suggestions.

Howard

[Howard Evans]

Anne and Geoff -
Thanks for your suggestion. My father often mentioned Swansea as a family vacation area. I'm sure he had good memories of it. I would be interested in booking accommodations, but can't at this time. Our arrival and departure dates are not set (I'm still trying to cram everything together). I'll certainly keep it in mind as I progress in the planning stage.

Howard

[Anne and Geoff]

Most of the suggestions that you have had so far have been for North Wales so we'd like to throw into the ring the forgotten gem of the South - the Gower Peninsula - Britain's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Within its 20 miles x 5 miles area Gower has every landscape form other than mountains - from the salt marshes of the north to the sandy beaches of the south it is stunning.

There are more castles per square mile than anywhere else. Yes, you must take the climb up to Carreg Cennen (where we got engaged!) but the walk to Pennard Castle will leave you speechless at the view of Three Cliffs Bay

Gower is the place that inspired painters like Alfred Janes and Ceri Richards and the writer Vernon Watkins and Dylan Thomas. Dylan is everywhere in Swansea - his "...ugly, lovely town --by the side of a long and splendi-curving shore.." - get hold of a copy of his Collected Stories and then discover Cwmdonkin Park, The Uplands, Swansea, Mumbles and the most beautiful sunset in the world at Rhossili through his eyes.
Come and stay in Edwardian luxury at his birthplace - 5 Cwmdonkin Drive - where he wrote over 2/3rds of his published work or call us for a guided tour.

In late August you will be able to catch a football match at the new Liberty Stadium - home of Swansea City and, with luck, the Ospreys - one of the best rugby sides in Europe. Have a look here for more about the Swansea Bay region

[Howard Evans]

Hi Huw,
Thanks so much for the suggestions. My main regret is that I didn't start this quest earlier in my life, so I am determined to make the most of the time I spend in Wales, and the rest of my life.

St. David's is a must for us, as we were married on St. David's Day, and have been blessed with a warm and giving relationship for 46 years. I attribute that, in part, to the auspicious day we were married. It is also a day we were able to share with my Auntie Nan and Uncle Bill Harries.

Thanks again,

Howard

[Huw Davies]

Hi Howard,
If it's castles you want to see, then for the most complete examples of castles you have Caernarfon, Conwy, Harlech, Caerffili, and Pembroke. All of these however are English castles rather than Welsh, built to subdue us.
The castle ruin that has the most significance for the Welsh is Dolbadarn as the home of Llewelyn ap Gruffydd, the last true prince of Wales - murdered in 1282.

One of the most spectacular castles in Wales is undoubtedly Castell Carreg Cennen and is certainly worth the visit.

However Wales is not just castles, the beauty of the western coastline is unrivalled.
If you have the time and the weather is nice a trip to Ynys Llanddwyn Island on the western tip of Anglesey and the home of the St. Dwynwen - the Welsh saint of lovers - would make your holiday unforgetable. From there you can appreciate the Menai Strait, and across the waters of the Menai the mountains of Snowdon and Yr Eifl on the Llyn Peninsula. If you get onto the peninsula and drive to Aberdaron at the very tip you can see Ynys Enlli or Bardsey Island the burial place of 20,000 Welsh saints! We are such a good nation.

Further inland of course there's Llanberis, and it's train up Snowdon.

But for a place that will touch your very soul may I suggest a trip to the smallest city in Wales and the location of choice for Dewi, our patron saint to build his church - St. David's in Pembrokshire. the actual site of the church is the beautifully named Glyn Rhosyn -The Vale of the Rose. Be you Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Aethiest, Bhuddist - I can guarantee that you can only leave the Vale of the Rose spiritually refreshed.
If you do go to Saint David's please take your time to see some of the spectacular coves and beaches of Pembrokeshire - Newport, Abereiddy, White Sands Bay, Solfach, Newgale. they're all quite close together and well worth the visit.

Almost all the places I have suggested will cost you nothing bar the travelling. If you would like to learn more or have any more suggestions please contact me through my page on AmeriCymru.

Hope you have a great time here,

Huw

[Sian Ifans]

You might enjoy visits to Llanberis Slate Museum and the surrounding area of Snowden, Llechwedd Slate Cavern at Blaenau Ffestiniog. Castell y Bere, a Welsh castle in very rugged country close to Abergynolwyn by Tywyn. Cefn Caer Medieval Hall house where Owain Glyndwr is said to have penned the Pennal Letter and where a gold and silver replica of Owain Glyndwr's crown is now kept. Corwen area to see many places associated with Owain Glyndwr including the site of his Court at Glyndyfrdwy. Castell Dinas Bran by Llangollen. It all depends on how far you intend to tour around. If you travel to South Wales, St Fagan's by Cardiff is a must. You should ask Visit Wales for some brochures to cover different counties of Wales so that you can plan your trip. Anyway, hope you all enjoy it. Maybe you would like to fill my questionnaire on Welsh Tourism? You can find it on my blog on Americymru or, please send for it at: [e-mail]
Best wishes.

Sian

[Emyr]

Shw mae Howard there is loads of festivals on in the summer you will have to look nearer the time when you are here.Carmarthen market is a must for you, see attached link -http://www.carmarthenmarket.co.uk/
As for rugby and soccer it s the close season you might catch some friendly games.
I will keep an eye open for the fests for you.
Hwyl am nawr Emyr

[Howard Evans]

Hwyl,
We'll be in Wales for the National Eisteddfod, August 1-8, and a Mon-Brec Canal trip from Jul 24-31. Arrival and departures dates are not yet scheduled, so either end of those dates is open.

[Emyr]

Hi Howard what are the dates you are coming over
Hwyl Emyr

[Howard Evans]

Thanks Christopher,

Are there any festivals, concerts, or other gatherings which are good places to get a cultural taste of Wales? The heart of Wales is not only its history, but its people too. Any exceptional Farmers Markets? I did find a listing of the markets, so I know where they are. Since I don't have a year to spend on this holiday, I need to try to maximize the use of my time.

[Howard Evans]

Thanks Tam,

My father was born and raised in Cwm Felin Fach which is not far from Caerphilly. He often talked of the castle, so it is definitely on my list.