So True Facts about Wales: Country’s History and Places of Interest

Wales is one of the best European countries for exploring the examples of medieval greatness. While Wales has the biggest concentration of medieval castles per square kilometer in the world, the over the years, country has managed to sustain economic growth through modern development and still value their heritage and incredible architecture.

The United Kingdom is home to several prime travel destinations, which attract visitors with different tastes – from research of historical peculiarities of the region to fun and entertainment. England, #Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales have a lot to offer to every visitor and have their own differences and places of interest, which will probably excite every person on the Earth.

But somehow Wales is not as popular UK countries, so we would like to change that by sharing the most interesting facts about this country and hopefully you will add thin country to your list of favorite destinations.


Wales: 7 Facts about Welsh Traditions and Interesting Travel Destinations

#1. Welsh castles and breathtaking nature

A large number of Welsh castles and historical buildings were destroyed or lost to time but many of them were successfully restored. The list of the most impressive castles to see in Wales includes Caernarfon, Carreg Cennen, Penrhyn, Beaumaris, Cardiff, Raglan, Harlech and Conwy castles.

Yet the country's best attraction is the nature: endless green hills, which gradually transition to sandy beaches, powerful waterfalls and rivers or numerous lakes with their abundant animal life.

In the south of the country, here is the Brecon Beacons National Park, the territory of which incorporates four mountain ranges, wild gorges, waterfalls and ponds. Wales could be called the heaven to any camper or green tourism fan out there, as the park is well equipped for tourists, who want to take in the most nature’s beauty.

#2. Incredible national dishes of Wales

National Welsh cuisine has some incredibly tasty dishes that every visitor should try. The most popular of them are bara brith (mottled bread with fruit), "bara lawr" or Welsh laverbread and if you are planning to travel to the Northern region, there are various seafood dishes, especially ones with oysters that you should try.

#3. Can you outrun a horse?

Despite being a regular host of traditional sports competitions, Wales is home to, probably, the weirdest race in the world. It is called "Man versus Horse Marathon" and there is everything weird about this competition, from its history to the competition itself.

Since 1980 Wales has been hosting an annual cross-country marathon, where humans try to finish a 35-km (22 miles) long course before a jockey on a horse. So basically, the main task for a human is to outrun a horse.

The competition started as a humorous bet, when a local bar owner once heard a visitor bragging about the incredible strength of a human, which allows him/her to cover ground faster than horses on longer distances.

At first, runners didn’t stand a chance against the participating jockeys but it over 30 years for team "human" to win the race for the first time.

In 2004 a runner named Huw Lobb managed to run 35 kilometers faster than all the participating horses. In the history of the competition, only two humans managed to win - Huw Lobb (2004) and Florian Holzinger (2007).

#4. A city with the longest name in Europe

In Wales there is a city, the official name of which consists of 58 letters. Although there is a shortened version of the name, which is used in legal documents and on many road signs, the proud locals know how to write and say the full name by heart.

Just in case you are wondering, the name is Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch. Among all toponyms and place names in the world, this Welsh city can only concede to a name of a hill in New Zealand, the name of which consists of 85 letters.

#5. World's first Wikipedia city

Monmouth, one of small Welsh towns, has become a testing ground for a very promising technological advancement. The travel technology of the future has turned this city with only 8000 residents into a live Wikipedia project.

Every visitor of the city can scan special QR-codes, which are located almost on every city corner. A special application will then provide any tourist or visitor with interesting information about Monmouth and help planning a trip.

The project started by providing information about the best sights to visit in the city but was later extended to non-travel related topics. So now by scanning special metal plates or stickers in the park, every visitor can find out about representatives of local flora and fauna.

#6. Mistake in the printing

Wales was once accidentally wiped off the map in an official document of the EU. The 2004 Eurostat Yearbook was printed with a design flaw, where a book, which was supposed to provide information about all European countries, didn’t even have a correct image of Europe on its cover.

All EU Member States, including the UK, have been accurately represented on the cover of the book. But a place, where the border between England and Wales was supposed to be displayed, the book showed coastal line of the United Kingdom, and the supposed territory of Wales was just replaced by an extension of the Irish Sea.

#7. Unusual fan-themed house

Every country has its unique architecture but finding such an interesting fan-themed house, as one created by Simon Dale in Wales, anywhere else in the world is going to be a challenge.

This crafty Briton built a magnificent hobbit house in just 4 months. Considering that he was working on a tight budget (about 4,300 dollars invested) and using only natural and eco-friendly materials, the results are astonishing.

After becoming an Internet start, thanks to his ability to use a chainsaw, a hammer and a chisel for creating such an incredible interior, Simon started receiving bids on his hobbit house and the offers greatly exceed 4,300 dollars.

#8. The flag of Wales

The Union Jack or the Union Flag combines the flags of all countries, belonging to the UK but for Wales. According to the #historical documents, none of Welsh symbols were incorporated in this united flag, as at the time of flag’s creation in 1606, Wales was a part of #Kingdom of England.

The modern representation of the flag of Wales is a red dragon on the white-green background.

#9. Travel destinations and Welsh castles

When visiting small towns in Wales, visitors have a unique opportunity to explore various castles, churches with great history and significant monuments. So all travelers are greatly advised to take their cameras and read on the history of the region you are visiting beforehand, so you will be able to navigate through the historic site easily.

Although London is still the top travel destination for everyone, who visits the UK, taking some extra days to check out the beauty of Wales is a superb idea. With the help of well-developed travel infrastructure, one can get to Wales in hours by flying from Birmingham or Manchester or by taking a train from the central London station to Cardiff.

#10. National language

While many people choose to visit the United Kingdom in order to improve their English, visiting Wales may not be the best destination for this, as even some fluent speakers may have trouble communicating effectively here.

The residents of the country have well preserved their native language - Welsh. Of course, everyone here understands and speaks English, so if you ask for directions on the street the answer in a native accent may be hard for you to perceive.
Another fun fact is that in the country the information on all road signs is provided in two languages: English and Welsh.

Other quick facts to remember about Wales:

- Mount Everest was named after George Everest, an explorer from Wales;

- Cardiff is an enchanting city with incredible historical past, prosperous present and future. The city managed to preserve its medieval spirit but also incorporate modern businesses, boutiques and restaurants into its glorious architecture.

- alongside football (soccer), rugby is among the most popular sports in this country. Up to date, the country’s national rugby team has won the Six Nations Championship 26 times.

Image credits:

1) www.v3.co.uk/IMG/514/233514/welsh-flag-broadband-internet-web.jpg
2) www.roughguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/135879856-1680x1050.jpg