Swimming in Celtic heritage and storied castles, Wales is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.
The Welsh today are descended from Celts pushed into this corner of Great Britain by successive invaders like the Romans, Saxons and Normans. Romans pushed many original Celtic Britons into the land know called Wales, leaving them in this largely mountainous territory to form a culture distinct from its neighbor, England. That culture still stands today as Welsh is proudly spoken on the streets, and the Welsh government flexes its limited autonomy from London.
Snowdonia National Park.
As a country, Wales did not technically exist until 1536, when Henry VIII’s Act of Union came into effect. But the land has been there long before, somewhat unified as a refuge and haven of Celtic culture. The English kings tried to dominate the area with castles and armies but met resistance for many centuries. In the 1800s, Wales came into its own as an economic powerhouse, producing copper and iron for the Industrial Revolution that was reshaping the world. South Wales coalfields brought a rapid population boom, and even today over two-thirds of Wales’ people live in the south.
The insane Cardiff Castle Mansion.
Today, the mining booms have come and gone but the Celtic heritage and tenacity still remain. Today the National Trust preserves sites important to Welsh history; historic castles, cliffs and even beaches make Wales a special spot in the United Kingdom.
Must-See Places
Tips
Public transportation in Wales is excellent, but to see the backcountry renting a car is the way to go.
Going to lots of Welsh Heritage sites, invest in a week unlimited Welsh Heritage Pass.
