Officially, Wales is a part of a part of the United Kingdom and the island of
Great Britain. The reality is that this heaven on earth is its own little kingdom,
full of breathtaking places. Wales is about 170 miles (270 km) north-south and
60 miles (97 km) east-west, it has over 1,680 miles (2,700 km) of coastline and
is largely covered by mountains.
Wales has a most unique flag. It was used by Henry VII at the Battle of Bosworth
in 1485, after which it was carried in state to St Paul's Cathedral. The red dragon
was then included as a supporter of the Tudor royal arms to signify their Welsh
descent. It was officially recognised as the Welsh national flag in 1959.
Although Wales closely shares its political and social history with the rest of
Great Britain, the country has retained a distinct cultural identity and history.
This makes a visit to Wales feel like something you have never experienced before,
and it's well worth your time to come by and have a look. Enjoy! :)
The Dan yr Ogof cave system - The meaning of the name is 'under the cave' and it's
an eleven miles (18 KM) long cave system. It's one of the largest 'tourist friendly'
caves in Europe and is full of stalactite and other beautiful rock features.
Caerphilly Castle - This medieval fortification in South Wales was constructed by
Gilbert de Clare in the 13th century. It's surrounded by extensive artificial lakes,
considered by historian Allen Brown to be 'the most elaborate water defenses in all
Britain'. It occupies around 30 acres (120,000 m2) and is the second largest castle
in Britain.
Pontarfynach - The meaning of the name is 'the bridge on the monk'. The bridge is
unusual in that three separate bridges are coexistent, each one built upon the
previous. The most recently built is an iron bridge (1901), which was built over
a stone bridge (1753), which was built when the original bridge was thought to be
unstable. The builders of the 1753 bridge used the original bridge (built 1075-1200)
to support scaffolding during construction.
Pistyll Rhaeadr - Meaning 'Spring of the waterfall' is located a few miles from the
village of Llanrhaeadr - ym - Mochnant in Powys. The cliff face over which the water
falls is 240 feet tall and It is counted as one of the Seven Wonders of Wales, with
its water falling down like thin, beautiful threads of silk.
Gelert's Grave - Gelert is the name of a legendary dog associated with the village
of Beddgelert. The story of Gelert is a variation on the well-worn 'Faithful Hound'
folk-tale, which lives on as an urban legend. To honor his loyalty, two slate
memorials were build next to his grave mound, one in Welsh and the other in English.
Llyn Llydaw - One of the most visited lakes in the United Kingdom, thousands of
people visit this beautiful place every year and enjoy the view of Snowdon, Wales'
highest mountain.
Beaumaris Castle - Located in the Isle of Anglesey in Beaumaris, this seven hundred
years old castle is incredibly preserved for its age and the fact that it was never
really completed. At the year 1330 a total of L15,000 had been spent on making it,
a huge sum for the period, but the castle was still incomplete and left the way it
was.
Chepstow Castle - This castle is the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification
in Britain, built during the reign of William I the Conqueror (1066-1087). Chepstow
Castle is open to the public, and since 1984 has been in the care of CADW, the
government body for protecting and conserving the heritage of Wales. There are
special events often held in the castle and visitors are able to walk along the
battlements and into the towers.
Conwy Lake - This is the source of the River Conwy which flows north into Conwy Bay.
It's an amazingly peaceful area with no near towns. the lands around the lake are
farmlands open to the general public by power of the right of public access to the
wilderness.
Turf Lake - This beautiful lake is located next to the small village of Rhyd Ddu,
on the foothills of the mighty Snowdon mountain. If you want to find a place to
take a picture that will define what Wales is like, this is a pretty good choice.
Elan Valley - The Elan Valley Trail is a popular destination for cyclists as it sits
in the heart of the Welsh Lake District. With over 80% of the valley designated as
conservation grounds, it is famous for its picturesque scenery.
Criccieth Castle - Located in Gwynedd, This castle is maintained by CADW (the
environment service of the Welsh Government) and includes exhibits and information
on Welsh castles and life in the country during their time. The castle was set
on fire in 1404 and some stones still show the scorch marks.
Tryfan and Llyn Ogwen - The 'Three Peaks' and 'Ogwen Lake' are located in North
Wales and are a dream come true for any fisherman in Wales. The lake is very
shallow, with a maximum depth of a little over 3 meters (9ft), and full of excellent
trout.
The Lighthouse of Ynys Llanddwyn - Llanddwyn Island is a tidal island, it remains
attached to the mainland at all but the highest tides, so there is still a need
for the lighthouse. It provides fantastic views of Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula,
not to mention the lighthouse itself.
Castell Coch - In English it's called the Red Castle and it was built during the
19th century, on the remains of a 13th century establishment. It has a very
impressive medieval appearance, working portcullis and a drawbridge. It has been
described as the most spectacular example of translation from High Gothic
architecture into High Victorian.
South Stack Lighthouse - This lighthouse has warned passing ships of the treacherous
rock below since 1809, and until today. The lighthouse is open seasonally and
visitors can climb to the top and see the engine room, and the wonderful panoramic
view.
Three Cliffs Bay - Declared by the BBC as Britain's best beach, it's perfect for
both swimmers and rock climbers, thanks to its many limestone rock formations.
Pennard Castle, which sits on high ground near the main beach, is associated with
local legends of fairies.
River Dee - This river forms part of the Welsh-English border, it rises in
Snowdonia, Wales and flows east to Chester. The river has many beautiful bridges
and picture-perfect little towns and villages along its route.
Dolbadarn Castle - The castle is a fortification built during the early 13th
century, at the base of the Llanberis Pass, in North Wales. The castle was used
as a manor house for some years, before falling into ruin, but today it is a
well managed tourist attraction.
Craig yr Aderyn - Meaning 'Bird's Rock' is a hill rising to a height of over 250
meters (820 ft) above sea level on the south bank of the River Dysynni, in north-west
Wales. It is named after the large number of birds, such as the Great Cormorant,
that nest on the peak. According to local tradition, there were two castle
watchtowers on the end of the rock and watchmen would raise red flags in case of
danger.
Aberystwyth Cliff Railway - This was once the longest cliff railway in the British
Isles, surpassed in length only by the Cairngorm Mountain Railway. Opened in 1896
at 778 feet (237 m) in length, it was the longest funicular railway built in the
Britain. The view from the top is nothing sort of spectacular.
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