Wales Guides
136 articles, guides and stories from across Wales
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north-wales
Bala Lake: A Complete Guide to Wales Largest Natural Lake
Bala Lake, known in Welsh as Llyn Tegid, is the largest natural lake in Wales, stretching for four miles through the stunning landscape of southern Snowdonia. Famous for its rare fish species, excellent watersports, and the historic narrow-gauge railway that runs along its shore, Bala Lake offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and Welsh culture. This guide covers the lake's fascinating geology, wildlife, legends, and practical information for planning your visit to this remarkable corner of Wales.
west-wales
Borth Beach: A Complete Guide to This Wild Welsh Coastline
Borth Beach is a dramatic three-mile stretch of sand and shingle on the Cardigan Bay coast of mid-Wales, famous for its prehistoric submerged forest, excellent surfing conditions, and unspoilt natural character. This traditional Welsh seaside village offers a wilder alternative to more developed resorts, with stunning views across to the Llŷn Peninsula and access to the Dyfi National Nature Reserve. This guide covers everything visitors need to know about Borth Beach, from its fascinating geological history and wildlife to practical information for planning your visit.
north-wales
Ruthin Castle: A Complete Guide to This Medieval Welsh Fortress and Luxury Hotel
Ruthin Castle is a historic fortification in the Vale of Clwyd, Denbighshire, with origins dating back to 1277 when it was built during Edward I's conquest of Wales. Today the castle operates as a luxury hotel set within extensive grounds, offering visitors the chance to stay in a building steeped in over 700 years of Welsh history. This guide covers the castle's fascinating past, its role in the Welsh wars of independence, and practical information for those wishing to visit or stay at this remarkable property.
mid-wales
Machynlleth: A Complete Guide to the Ancient Capital of Wales
Machynlleth is a historic market town in southern Gwynedd, widely regarded as the ancient capital of Wales where Owain Glyndŵr held the first Welsh parliament in 1404. Nestled in the Dyfi Valley at the meeting point of three counties, this vibrant town offers a unique blend of Welsh history, culture, and sustainability, being home to the Centre for Alternative Technology. This guide covers Machynlleth's fascinating history, its cultural significance, and practical information for planning your visit to this characterful Welsh town.
north-wales
Talacre Beach: A Complete Guide to North Wales Golden Coast
Talacre Beach is a stunning stretch of golden sand on the north Wales coast, famous for its iconic Victorian lighthouse, expansive dunes, and family-friendly atmosphere. Located near Prestatyn in Flintshire, this Blue Flag beach offers excellent conditions for walking, wildlife watching, and traditional seaside activities. This guide covers everything visitors need to know about Talacre Beach, from its fascinating history and natural environment to practical information for planning your visit.
newport
Tredegar House: A Complete Guide to Wales Finest Restoration Mansion
Tredegar House is a magnificent seventeenth-century mansion on the outskirts of Newport, south Wales, considered one of the finest late Stuart houses in Britain. Home to the Morgan family for over 500 years, the property showcases stunning Restoration architecture, lavish state rooms, and 90 acres of historic parkland. This guide covers the fascinating history of Tredegar House, the Morgan family who shaped it, and practical information for planning your visit to this National Trust property.
cardiff
Cardiff Castle: A Complete Guide to Wales' Most Iconic Landmark
Cardiff Castle is a historic fortress and Gothic Revival mansion in the heart of the Welsh capital, spanning nearly 2,000 years of history from Roman times to the Victorian era. This guide covers the castle's remarkable history, its lavish Victorian interiors created for the Marquess of Bute, and practical information for planning your visit including what to see, tour options, and tips for making the most of this unmissable Welsh attraction.
south-wales
Why You Should Visit Porthcawl: A Complete Guide to This Welsh Seaside Gem
Porthcawl is a charming seaside town on the south Wales coast offering sandy beaches, excellent surfing conditions at Rest Bay, world-class golf at Royal Porthcawl, and traditional Welsh seaside experiences including quality fish and chips. This guide covers everything visitors need to know about planning a trip to Porthcawl, from beach activities and water sports to dining and attractions.
A History of Maps of Wales
Wales has been mapped, measured, and reimagined for over four centuries, with each generation of cartographers bringing new techniques, priorities, and perspectives to the task of representing this small but geographically complex nation. From the earliest county surveys of the Elizabethan era to the precision of modern Ordnance Survey sheets, the story of Welsh cartography reflects broader currents in science, politics, and national identity.
The Welsh Village That Celebrates New Year Two Weeks Late
In a hidden valley in north Pembrokeshire, New Year's Day falls on January 13th. It has done so for over 270 years, and nobody here sees any reason to change.
The Most Underrated Welsh Experiences to Try This Year - The insider guide to Wales beyond the obvious
Everyone knows about Snowdon. Everyone's seen photos of the Pembrokeshire coast. The castles, the rugby, the slate, the sheep. But Wales is far bigger and stranger and more interesting than the highlights reel suggests. This is the guide to the experiences that don't make the front page of the tourist brochures. The ones that locals know about but rarely share. The things you can only discover by actually being here, asking questions, and being willing to venture beyond the obvious.
Things That Only Happened in Wales on New Year's Eve - The forgotten traditions younger generations might not know
While most of us ring in the New Year with champagne and fireworks, Wales has a collection of ancient traditions that make everywhere else look frankly boring. From zombie horses demanding entry to your home, to children collecting coins at dawn, to an entire valley that celebrates New Year two weeks late, these are the Welsh customs that deserve to come back.
cardiff
New Italian Restaurant opened in Cardiff!
Cardiff's dining scene has welcomed a sophisticated new addition with Bosco, an Italian restaurant that's quickly establishing itself as a must-visit destination on St Mary's Street. From the moment you step inside, the amazing fit-out sets the tone. This isn't your typical high street Italian, but a carefully curated space that feels both elegant and welcoming.
2026 Welsh New Year's Resolution Challenge - 12 ways to make this your most Welsh year yet
We've put together 12 resolutions that celebrate everything it means to live in, love, or simply appreciate this corner of the world. Some are easy. Some will push you out of your comfort zone. All of them will give you stories to tell. Tag a friend, pick your favourites, and let's make 2026 count.
Wales v England Rugby: The Greatest Rivalry in Rugby
Few sporting rivalries match the intensity, passion, and history of Wales versus England in rugby union. For over 140 years, these two nations have met on the rugby field in matches that transcend sport and tap into deep wells of national pride, historical tension, and mutual respect. From the crushing humiliation of Wales's first international match in 1881 to the modern battles at the Principality Stadium, this fixture has produced some of the most memorable moments in rugby history. It is a rivalry that defines careers, shapes championships, and captures the hearts of millions.
The History of Welsh Rugby: A Nation Built on Passion and Glory
Rugby union is more than just a sport in Wales. It is woven into the very fabric of Welsh national identity, culture, and community. From the coal mining valleys of South Wales to the bustling streets of Cardiff, rugby has united generations of Welsh people through triumph and adversity alike. The story of Welsh rugby is one of extraordinary achievement, iconic players, legendary matches, and a passionate relationship between a small nation and an oval ball that has endured for well over a century.
Wales Flag: Amazing Story Behind the Welsh Flag and Symbolic Strong Red Dragon
The Welsh flag, known as Y Ddraig Goch in Welsh, is one of the most striking and distinctive national flags in the world. Featuring a bold red dragon passant on a field divided horizontally into white above and green below, it is a powerful symbol of Welsh identity and heritage. Unlike many national flags that feature simple geometric patterns or crosses, Wales proudly displays a mythical creature that has been associated with the nation for over a millennium. But how did this remarkable design come to represent Wales, and what is the rich history behind the red dragon that adorns it?
Pumpkin Patches (Pwmpen Patches) in Wales: Complete 2025 Guide
Pumpkin Picking in Wales: Your Guide to the Best Pumpkin Patches and Family Days Out
west-wales
Amazing story behind Paxton Tower and why you need to visit?
Perched majestically atop a verdant hillside in the Towy Valley, Paxton Tower stands as a striking 36 foot Neo Gothic monument that has captured the imagination of visitors for more than two centuries. This distinctive triangular folly, with its three corner turrets rising against the Welsh sky, tells a fascinating story of wealth, ambition, political intrigue, and lasting friendship. For any traveler exploring the beautiful landscapes of South Wales, Paxton Tower offers not just breathtaking panoramic views but also a window into one of the most colourful characters of the early 19th century.
cardiff
Principality Stadium: The Beating Heart of Welsh Sport and Entertainment
Inside Cardiff's Iconic Venue That Has Hosted Legends, Champions, and Unforgettable Moments
cardiff
The Day Rock History Was Rewritten: Oasis Returns to the Stage in Cardiff
When the Gallagher Brothers Chose Wales to Relaunch Oasis in the Most Anticipated Reunion in Music History
west-wales
Love Flowers: Visit The National Botanic Garden of Wales
As Britain's first botanic garden of the new millennium, the National Botanic Garden of Wales represents a perfect marriage of past and future. This cutting-edge scientific institution built within a magnificent Regency landscape that tells a story spanning over two thousand years.
Love Dinosaurs: Where to find Dinosaur Footprints in Wales?
Wales may be known for its castles, mountains, and rugged coastline today, but venture to certain beaches along the South Wales coast and you'll find yourself literally walking in the footsteps of dinosaurs
Land Transaction Tax in Wales (Stamp Duty in Wales): Your Complete Guide for 2025
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