The Leek and the Daffodil: The Full Story of Wales's Two Amazing National Symbols

Every 1 March, Welsh people around the world pin either a leek or a daffodil to their clothing. These two symbols are among the most recognisable national emblems anywhere in the world, yet most people, including many Welsh people, are not entirely sure how they came to represent an entire nation. The answer involves a 6th century monk who ate almost nothing but the vegetable, battles against the Saxons, the feared longbowmen of the Hundred Years War, a Royal Tudor household's St David's Day traditions, William Shakespeare writing it into English literature, a Victorian obsession with national identity, a linguistic accident in the Welsh language, and Britain's only Welsh Prime Minister making a political statement with a flower. This article tells both stories in full, from the ancient world to the present day.

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Why Late February Is the Best Time to Visit Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)

Late February is one of the most underrated times to visit Bannau Brycheiniog. The waterfalls are at peak power after a wet winter, Pen y Fan is quieter than it will be for the next six months, accommodation is cheaper, and the nights are dark enough to see the stars in one of Wales's only Dark Sky Reserves. If you have been thinking about visiting, go now, before the crowds catch on.

February is the Best Time to See Snowdrops in Wales

Discover the top snowdrop gardens in Wales, from Dyffryn and Bodnant to hidden gems in Anglesey and Pembrokeshire. Complete guide with directions, tips, and peak season advice for February visits.