Wales! A guide to an unforgettable journey

Wales, a country rich in history, culture and breath-taking scenery, beckons travellers from all over the world. From the snow-capped peaks of Snowdonia to the picturesque beaches of the Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales offers something for everyone.

South Wales, where history meets legend

Shrouded in mist and mystery, south Wales beckons travellers with its enchanting landscapes, ancient secrets and fascinating legends. Here, where emerald hills merge with the azure sea and majestic castles rise above ancient towns, history comes alive at every turn.

In a labyrinth of legends:

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of chivalric romances with a visit to Caerleon, the legendary castle where the Round Table is said to have met. Experience the majesty of King Arthur and his valiant knights as you tread the same stones where history may have been made.

Llyn y Fan Lake, nestled in the embrace of the Brecon Beacons mountains, is enchanting in its mystical beauty. Here, legend has it, dwells the beautiful Lady of the Lake, guardian of the sword Excalibur. Listen to the whisper of the wind as it glides across the water and you may hear echoes of times long past.

Get lost in the labyrinthine green hills where, according to Welsh mythology, Mab, queen of the fairies, dwells. Touch the centuries-old oak trees under whose shade the Druids are said to have met, and perhaps you’ll discover secrets kept for centuries.

Traces of history:

Discover the grandeur of medieval castles such as Cardiff, towering over the capital of Wales. Walk their mighty walls, peer into their dark towers and let yourself imagine the jousting tournaments, royal feasts and secret intrigues that took place here.

In the mountains and forests of south Wales, you’ll find the ruins of ancient settlements, preserving stories of civilisations long gone. Feel like an archaeologist as you tread overgrown paths and unravel the mysteries of forgotten peoples.

Stroll along sandy beaches steeped in pirate lore. Peek into secluded caves where untold treasures may lie hidden, and soak up the atmosphere of maritime adventure.

Journey into the unknown:

Take part in themed tours that take you to places linked to the legends and mysteries of south Wales. Professional guides will tell fascinating stories, authentic scenery will bring myths to life and interactive elements will make the journey unforgettable.

Interact with locals who are happy to share stories and legends that have been passed down through generations. Learn their personal mystical experiences and feel the true spirit of this enigmatic region.

South Wales is more than just a place on a map, it’s a portal to a world where history meets legend and reality meets mysticism. Discover this enchanting region, allow yourself to be drawn into its mysteries and become part of a compelling narrative that has been written for centuries.

Attractive festivals and events in Wales.

Cultural events:

• National Eisteddfod Festival, An annual festival of Welsh language, music and culture that has been taking place since 1176. It is a colourful event where you can hear traditional songs, see dancing, taste national foods and take part in various competitions.
• Hay Festival, A world-class literary festival held annually in the town of Hay-on-Wye. Here you can meet famous writers, poets, artists and musicians, listen to lectures, discussions and presentations.
• Green Man Festival, A festival of alternative music, art and environmentalism held in the Welsh mountains. There is an atmosphere of freedom and creativity and you can enjoy music of all kinds, theatre, performances and workshops.
• Abergavenny Food Festival, One of the largest food and drink festivals in the UK, held annually in Abergavenny. Here you can sample traditional Welsh produce as well as dishes from around the world, take part in cookery masterclasses and watch renowned chefs perform.

In addition to these major events, there are many other festivals and events taking place in Wales each year with different themes:

1. Traditional Welsh festivals – St David’s Day, Harvest Festival, Guy Fawkes Night.
2. Sporting events – World Rally Championship, Tour of Wales cycling.
3. Arts festivals – Cardiff International Arts Festival, Aberystwyth Arts Festival.

Wales is a country rich in culture and history, so there is a festival or event to suit everyone.

Wales by car, a journey of serenity and adventure.

Imagine driving along the scenic roads of Wales, leaving the bustling cities behind and falling into the arms of enchanting nature. The fresh breeze ruffles your hair as you take in the mesmerising scenery of emerald hills, azure lakes, majestic mountains and charming villages.

Itinerary Planning:

Your adventure begins with careful planning. Study a map of Wales and think through your route, considering the time you want to spend in each place.

Make sure your trusty iron horse is ready for the journey. Check oil levels, tyres, brakes, headlights.

Familiarise yourself with the rules of the road in Wales. Don’t forget it’s left-hand drive!

Take out travel insurance to protect you in case of emergencies.

Driving:

Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of calm and serenity. Take your time, enjoy every turn of the road, soak up the beauty of the scenery.

The navigator will be your faithful assistant. It will help you orientate on unfamiliar roads, find the right turn or diversions.

Be polite and attentive to other road users. Give way, let pedestrians pass, remember about mutual respect on the roads.

Don’t forget about safety. Make regular stops to stretch and give yourself time to rest.

In case of emergencies:

• Stay calm. Panic is not your ally.
• Switch on the emergency alarm system.
• Call for help immediately. You can contact the police, ambulance or fire service by dialling 999.
• If you have an accident, report the accident to your insurance company.

Travelling around Wales by car is not just a way to get from A to B. It’s a unique opportunity to:

• Get to know the enchanting nature of Wales.
• Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of local villages.
• Explore historic sites.
• Taste traditional food.
• Make new friends.

By following simple tips, you can make your journey safe, comfortable and unforgettable.

Discover Wales – a land of serenity, adventure and charm!

Clean windows, the key to safe driving in Wales.

Travelling around Wales by car can be an unforgettable experience, but it’s important to keep safety in mind. One of the key factors affecting driving safety is the cleanliness of your windscreen and rear window. Valeo wiper blades are renowned for their high quality and innovative design, providing exceptional glass cleanliness in all weather conditions. They are designed for quiet operation and durability, offering drivers reliable visibility and driving comfort.

Weather impact:

Heavy rainfall, typical of Wales, can significantly reduce visibility. Dirty windows, in turn, exacerbate the problem by creating glare and streaks that obstruct vision.

Thick fog, often found in the mountains and on the coast, also limits visibility. Clean windows can help you see the road and other vehicles better.

In winter, snowfall can make the road slippery and visibility minimal. Clean windows will give you the best possible visibility in difficult weather conditions.

Impact of road conditions:

Country roads in Wales can be covered in mud, which can easily get on the windows. Dirty windows can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

Windy weather raises dust which can also settle on windows, reducing visibility.

Roadworks often involve the use of crushed stone, which can damage windows if they are not clean enough.

In addition to affecting visibility, dirty windows:

The driver has to exert more effort to look through dirty windows, which leads to rapid eye fatigue.

Sun glare from dirty windows can blind the driver, which is a serious hazard.

The wipers cannot effectively clean dirty windows, resulting in even less visibility.

To protect yourself and other road users:

• Use special window cleaning agents that do not leave streaks.
• Check the washer fluid level and top up in good time.
• Worn wiper blades cannot effectively clean the windows.
• Do not leave dirt and insects on the windows for a long time, as they may dry out and become difficult to remove.

Wales rural roads, charms and challenges.

Travelling the rural roads of Wales by car can be an unforgettable experience. On the one hand, you are welcomed by picturesque landscapes, charming villages, authentic atmosphere. On the other hand, you need to be prepared for narrow roads, tight turns, elevation changes and changeable weather.

Features:

1. Many of Wales’ rural roads are quite narrow, which may be unfamiliar to drivers used to wide motorways.
2. The roads often loop over hills, requiring driver attention and caution.
3. The mountainous terrain of Wales can be a challenge for your car.
4. The weather in Wales can change several times a day.

Preparation:

Make sure your vehicle is in good condition, especially if you plan to drive on mountain roads.

Study a map, think about your route, and take into account the time you will need.

Take everything you need to be safe in case of rain, fog or snow.

Be considerate of other road users, especially on narrow roads.

Impact on travelling:

Travelling on rural roads may take longer than on motorways.

Driving on narrow and winding roads can be more challenging than on wide straight roads.

The rural roads of Wales offer breath-taking views and the charm of authentic villages.

Enjoy the peace and tranquillity and the absence of noisy crowds of tourists.

Travelling the rural roads of Wales is not just a way to get from A to B. It’s an opportunity to experience the real Wales, its unique nature and distinctive culture.

Tips for an unforgettable trip to Wales.

Planning:

1 Choose the right time of year:

• Spring (March-May): Pleasant weather, nature in bloom.
• Summer (June-August): Warm, many festivals but crowded.
• Autumn (September-November): Colourful scenery, fewer tourists.
• Winter (December-February): Mild winter, opportunity to see Christmas fairs.

2. Decide on an itinerary: Consider your interests:

• Nature: Snowdonia National Park, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
• History: Castles of Cardiff, Caernarfon, Conwy.
• Culture: Museums, festivals, traditional villages.
• Book accommodation: Hotels, guesthouses, campsites, Airbnb.

3. Things to do:

• Conquer Mount Snowdon, the Highest point in Wales, spectacular views.

Snowdon mountain in Wales

 

Walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, One of the best walking routes in the world.

Pembrokeshire Coast Path in Wales

• Immerse yourself in the history and legends of Wales.
• Bara brith, Welsh rarebit, cawl.
• Hay Festival, Green Man Festival, National Eisteddfod of Wales.
• Learn the culture and traditions of Wales from the inside out.

Tips:

• This will show your respect for the local culture.
• You will have to walk a lot.
• Dress for the weather.
• Enjoy every moment of your journey.

Year	Number of Tourists (million)	Tourism Revenue (£billion)	Average Length of Stay (nights)
2022	8.3	6.4	3.8
2023 (forecast)	8.6	6.7	–

Wales is the country with the highest percentage of Welsh-speaking people in the world.

Wales has more castles per capita than any other country in the world.

The capital of Wales, Cardiff, is the youngest city of one million people in the UK.

When planning a trip to Wales, be aware of the changeable weather, bring comfortable shoes, enjoy the breath-taking scenery, and take your time to learn about the culture and traditions of this unique country.

In this article, we’ve compiled everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip to Wales. 

Following these tips will help you maximise your enjoyment of your stay in Wales!