top

The Beauty of Wales

The Beauty of Wales

The beauty of Wales is that out of all the countries in the world it’s the closest to being the source of a real life once upon a time fairytale in my opinion. Winding tree encroached roads lead off to hidden forests as they fork out across the country. Castles sprout up from the ground as they battle to exist after years of punishment from the elements. It’s a country you could easily imagine was the set to a real life damsel in distress story.

Most of the world wouldn’t argue that Wales is considered the land of castles while others might think of it as the land of rain instead. Luckily my weekend stay in Cardiff was mostly rain free and it was the castles and countryside representing in full force.

The Beauty of Wales Caerphilly Castle

Caerphilly Castle

Looking around as I drove out of Cardiff I couldn’t help but wonder what life was like way back in the day if everything is still so lush and beautiful now. Would the trees have been even more abundant, would the rivers and creeks have flowed with force and did it really rain as much a people say it does back then.

The Beauty of Wales Forest

Woods Outside Cardiff

I’ve never hid the fact that I’m in Europe for its long and rich history. I love seeing buildings that have been around for years and imagining who once lived there. Were they rich/poor, a pillar of the community or a dirty rotten thief only looking after himself. I wish every castle, house and pathway could speak and tell the long history of its existence. Would the castle tell me of the wealth and knowledge that has passed through its doors or would it show scandal and long forgotten secrets?

The Beauty of Wales Cardiff Castle Keep

Cardiff Castle Keep

Being surrounded by so many of those I wish I knew moments in Wales was an absolute thrill. The best part was all of this happened within a short distance of Cardiff, there is still some 400 or so castles to find spread out across the rest of Wales. Let alone the other significant buildings and stories of its long history.

All I know is that after a weekend there I just want to rent a car and set off up the coast and explore those winding roads and castles for myself. Perhaps I’ll find a damsel to rescue in one of those big old castles or maybe I’ll just sit and marvel at them and imagine the stories they could tell me.

Many thanks to the great folks at Visit Wales for sponsoring my weekend stay in Cardiff and organising everything to get me there and show me around.

, ,

36 Responses to The Beauty of Wales

  1. CAILIN November 16, 2011 at 11:55 PM #

    I was a damsel in distress when you grabbed my bags and helped me over that puddle outside of our hotel in Caridff! hahaha
    does that count? 😉

  2. JUNO November 17, 2011 at 2:59 AM #

    Beauty! Especially like Caerphilly Castle. How amazing.

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD November 17, 2011 at 8:40 AM #

      Thanks Juno, Wales really is a beautiful part of the world

  3. ABI November 17, 2011 at 6:52 AM #

    I love Caerphilly Castle – many happy memories there 🙂

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD November 17, 2011 at 8:41 AM #

      I can see why Abi. On a warmer day I so could have seen myself laid out with friends enjoying some food and drinks on the beautiful green grass around the castle

  4. ROSALIA November 17, 2011 at 8:41 AM #

    I have never been to Wales but after seeing the beauty of Wales through these photographs I wish to go there on a vacation. Everything is so green in every image.

  5. MONICA November 17, 2011 at 10:57 AM #

    Gorgeous! I’m from Wales and it wasn’t until I left that I realise what a great place it is. I love going back there now.

  6. JOHN November 17, 2011 at 1:03 PM #

    Great photos!
    Cardiff and Caerphilly are both wonderful, but they are but a small taste of what is on offer in my homeland. Yes, it rains in Wales, but that is true of most countries with lots of greenery.
    Originally Wales and all of the United Kingdom was one vast forest. Then man cleared most of it for agriculture, later mining and steel came to South Wales creating a semi industrial landscape. Following the demise these industries over the last 20 years, this landscape has been reclaimed by nature, creating the green South Wales you saw on your weekend.

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD November 22, 2011 at 2:46 PM #

      Thanks for the quick history info John. Love love love hearing about how places have changed over time.

  7. THE WORLD OR BUST November 17, 2011 at 3:32 PM #

    Looking at those pics makes me want to just put on a suit of armor and trot around on a trusty steed…

  8. SIMON November 17, 2011 at 3:52 PM #

    The more I go to the UK, the more I realize how much there is to see. I have been thinking at Wales as a possible destination for hiking (I saw pictures from Pembrokeshire and fell in love) and hadn’t thought at his history and beautiful castles.
    One reason more to add it soon in a future itinerary.

    • ALVINA March 14, 2012 at 9:12 PM #

      Wales is fantastic for hiking. I recently did a weekend in Snowdonia, not on my website yet though. Recently been to the Shropshire/Welsh border – and you really should consider Cumbria.

  9. EMILY IN CHILE November 17, 2011 at 3:52 PM #

    You’re making me excited to go back to Wales! We’d always day trip over to north Wales (Conwy/Llandudno area) when I was growing up, and while there’s only the one castle, it’s definitely got that historic appeal.

  10. MATT November 17, 2011 at 9:39 PM #

    Lovely photos mate! Very keen to spend some time in Wales once I leave the Southern Hemi!

  11. WILD NAVIGATOR November 18, 2011 at 11:18 AM #

    Good to read your post on Wales – Will like to visit it one day as have many friends living there. Three National Parks there would be my targets 🙂 Cheers

  12. SABINA November 18, 2011 at 5:40 PM #

    I just love Wales so much. That first photo of the castle really brought back memories, although I haven’t been to that specific castle. It’s such a peaceful little undiscovered part of the world. I’m going to have to return soon. It’s so nice that you live close by and can go easily.

  13. ROY MARVELOUS November 18, 2011 at 8:53 PM #

    Wow, and all this time I thought Wales was a shit-hole 😉

  14. RAKHEE GHELANI November 19, 2011 at 11:12 AM #

    I really just love Wales, all those castles and green rolling hills. It really is stunning in Autumn. Thanks for sharing.

  15. AMANDA November 19, 2011 at 6:58 PM #

    It looks lovely! And lucky you getting such nice weather. I’m hoping to visit Wales next summer while I’m in the UK, and I can’t wait to see some of these castles!

  16. TRACEY November 20, 2011 at 12:02 AM #

    Brings back childhood memories of many Welsh holidays. If you like mountain biking check out the tracks in Wales.

  17. ONEIKA THE TRAVELLER November 23, 2011 at 9:12 AM #

    This is lovely! Wales was never on my list of places to visit, but I’m thinking that I need to go now that I’m living in London.

  18. CHRIS WALKER-BUSH November 25, 2011 at 12:43 AM #

    Some great shots there. My boss is Welsh and always raves about how beautiful and underrated it is. Might just have to check it out sometime…

  19. KIRSTEN November 27, 2011 at 9:10 PM #

    Definitely makes me want to go to Wales! I love castles and picturesque places.

  20. MYDESTINATION December 8, 2011 at 12:13 PM #

    Love this article! Wales is so often passed over as a holiday destination, but there is an incredible amount to be seen and experienced here. Reminiscent of New Zealand in so many ways – especially the areas around the Brecon Beacons. Gorgeous.

  21. DEBORAH KLAASSEN December 13, 2011 at 5:27 PM #

    Your photos really make me miss Cardiff!
    I’ve lived there for a year, and had the most amazing time. The cultural scene is very lively (go for a drink at Milgi’s and find out what activities will be on that night. Or the Cardiff Arts Centre, or the Gates Arts Centre for live jazz nights, or the Globe for comedy, or Passion for pole dancing lessons…) I often went cycling or hiking in the Brecon Beacons, which is amazing as well. Damn, I miss Wales!

    If you’re into fiction, you might be interested in the short story I wrote there, inspired by Cardiff Castle and the rain: http://debbiedoeslondon.blogspot.com/2010/08/backyard-tragedy.html

    Thanks for bringing back lovely memories!

  22. DAN January 24, 2012 at 7:33 AM #

    Hey,
    Great site! Keep it up,

    Let us know if you ever feel like doing guest post. We’re always looking for new writers.

    Thanks!
    D

  23. FANCY T. January 26, 2012 at 6:40 PM #

    I must agree that Whales is really beautiful. I hope I can get there someday. What’s the best part of Whales by the way?

    I love your pictures! Good angles and shots!

    -Fancy

  24. MAYAN March 2, 2012 at 5:29 PM #

    WOW!!!!
    Wales was just added to must-visit list!

    Amazing!

  25. ALVINA March 14, 2012 at 9:16 PM #

    Great that you got out of London and into the extremities of our tiny isle. Too many of our antipodean cousins never get further than London. There is so much to see on the edges.

  26. MEGAN JONES March 22, 2012 at 5:42 PM #

    I felt the same when I was living in Scotland. Everyday, no matter where I went, I was surrounded by endless history and I couldn’t help but try to imagine all the souls that had walked the same path as I was currently walking and what their lives were like. I was lucky enough to get to visit the castle that my ancestors lived in centuries ago. It was the closest I think I will ever get to experience a fairy tale!

  27. KATHY April 6, 2012 at 5:05 PM #

    Wales is incredibly beautiful! I like the way the pictures were captured. Makes me want to pack up and fly to England ASAP! 🙂

  28. LEE CARTER May 21, 2012 at 6:55 PM #

    Wales is really nice, especially up north.

  29. MARY @ GREEN GLOBAL TRAVEL May 23, 2012 at 6:00 PM #

    I’d really love to go to Cardiff, not only for all the reasons you mentioned above, but also because a lot of my favorite British television shows are filmed or set there (Doctor Who, anyone?)

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. WALES WAS A PLEASANT SURPRISE | CAILIN TRAVELS - November 28, 2011

    […] a little worried however like always I still wanted to see it for myself and off I went with Chris (The Aussie Nomad) for a weekend trip to Cardiff from […]

Leave a Reply