Facts you need to know about Wales

50 Facts you need to know about Wales

Fun and Fascinating Facts About Wales

1. Castles
   Wales has more castles per square mile than any other country in Europe — over 600 in total!

2. Longest Place Name
   The town of Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch exists in Wales, though most locals just call it “Llanfair PG.”

3. National Sport
   Rugby isn’t just a sport in Wales — it’s a national obsession. Match days feel like national holidays.

4. Mountains
   Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) is the tallest mountain in Wales at 1,085 metres. You can hike it or ride a train to the summit.

5. Language
   Welsh is one of the oldest living languages in Europe and is still spoken daily by over half a million people.

6. National Symbols
   The red dragon on the Welsh flag is a powerful symbol of strength and heritage.

7. Famous Author
   Roald Dahl, the beloved author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, was born in Cardiff.

8. St. David’s Day
   March 1st marks St. David’s Day in Wales, when people wear daffodils and leeks to honour their patron saint.

9. Unique Festival
   The Eisteddfod is a Welsh festival celebrating music, literature, and performance — like a cultural Olympics.

10. Longest Zip Line
    Wales is home to the fastest zip line in the world — Zip World Velocity 2 — where riders reach speeds over 100 mph.

11. Ancient Site
    Pentre Ifan is a Neolithic burial chamber older than Stonehenge, still standing strong today.

12. National Dish
    Cawl, a hearty stew of lamb and vegetables, is considered Wales’ national dish.

13. Unique Animal
    The red kite, once nearly extinct, now soars commonly across the Welsh sky with its distinctive forked tail.

14. Historic Railway
    The Ffestiniog Railway is the oldest narrow-gauge railway in the world and offers stunning journeys through Snowdonia.

15. Famous Singer
    Tom Jones, from Pontypridd, became a global sensation with hits like It’s Not Unusual.

16. Unusual Sport
    Bog snorkeling — yes, swimming through a bog in snorkels and flippers — was invented in Wales.

17. World Heritage Site
    The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a towering UNESCO World Heritage Site that carries canal boats high above the River Dee.

18. Historic Town
    Aberystwyth is home to the National Library of Wales, with millions of books and historical treasures.

19. Unique Island
    Llanddwyn Island is linked to Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of love — it’s a romantic spot, especially on January 25th.

20. Famous Actor
    Sir Anthony Hopkins, born in Port Talbot, is known worldwide for his Oscar-winning role as Hannibal Lecter.

21. Traditional Music
    The harp is Wales’ national instrument and has been part of the culture for centuries.

22. Historic Event
    The NHS was founded by Welshman Aneurin Bevan in 1948 and has become a cornerstone of UK healthcare.

23. Welsh Halloween
    Calan Gaeaf is Wales’ version of Halloween, celebrating ghost stories and the start of winter.

24. Famous Poet
    Dylan Thomas, author of Do not go gentle into that good night, remains one of Wales’ most celebrated poets.

25. Traditional Clothing
    The Welsh national dress includes a tall black hat and red cloak — often worn during festivals and parades.

26. Historic Battle
    The Battle of Bryn Glas in 1402 was a major Welsh victory against the English during Owain Glyndŵr’s rebellion.

27. Unique Bird
    The Manx shearwater, a seabird that nests on Welsh islands, migrates thousands of miles each year.

28. Famous Explorer
    Sir George Everest, for whom Mount Everest is named, was born in Wales.

29. National Park
    Brecon Beacons (now Bannau Brycheiniog) is one of Wales’ three national parks, known for its dark skies and scenic hikes.

30. Historic Site
    Tintern Abbey, a 12th-century monastery ruin, has inspired poets and artists for generations.

31. Literary Festival
    The Hay Festival is one of the world’s leading literary events and takes place annually in Wales.

32. Famous Band
    The Stereophonics, originally from Cwmaman, Wales, have sold millions of records globally.

33. Traditional Food
    Bara brith, meaning “speckled bread,” is a Welsh fruit loaf best served with tea.

34. Impressive Castle
    Caernarfon Castle is a UNESCO site famed for its grand architecture and royal history.

35. Bog Snorkeling Event
    The World Bog Snorkeling Championships are held yearly in Llanwrtyd Wells — a uniquely muddy celebration.

36. Famous Actress
    Catherine Zeta-Jones, born in Swansea, has won an Oscar and starred in numerous Hollywood films.

37. Folk Dancing
    Welsh folk dancing brings communities together with energetic group performances and traditional music.

38. Toll Protests
    The Rebecca Riots were 19th-century protests against toll gates, named after a biblical figure.

39. Rare Flower
    The Snowdon lily is a fragile alpine flower that only grows in the mountains of Snowdonia.

40. Poet & Priest
    R.S. Thomas, a renowned 20th-century poet, often wrote about Welsh identity and rural life.

41. Ancient Instrument
    The crwth is an ancient Welsh string instrument played with a bow and known for its haunting tones.

42. Industrial Heritage
    The Blaenavon Industrial Landscape is a UNESCO site that tells the story of Wales’ coal mining past.

43. Comedy Festival
    The Machynlleth Comedy Festival is a laid-back annual event known for its small venues and big laughs.

44. Famous Singer
    Shirley Bassey, the powerhouse voice behind James Bond theme songs, is proudly Welsh.

45. Welsh Rarebit
    Welsh rarebit is a savory melted cheese dish on toast — simple, hearty, and delicious.

46. Mountain Railway
    The Snowdon Mountain Railway has taken passengers to the summit of Wales’ highest peak since 1896.

47. Ancient Fish
    The gwyniad is a rare fish species found only in Bala Lake — a relic from the Ice Age.

48. Bestselling Author
    Ken Follett, author of The Pillars of the Earth, was born in Cardiff and has sold millions of books worldwide.

49. Local Festival
    Gŵyl Mabsant was a parish festival celebrating local patron saints, often including games and religious events.

50. Ancient Mines
    The Great Orme Copper Mines are over 4,000 years old and among the world’s oldest known mining sites.