Apr
17

‘Wales in Words’ – The Visit Wales Blog Competition

‘Blog’ Competition: Share your stories

We are looking for the great Welsh stories, posts and articles out there in the blogosphere and the rest of Web. We want to encourage more of you to write about Wales and share your experiences and reward those that do! Story themes and topics could cover:-

Memorable visits
Events e.g. reviews of your experiences at literary, music or food festival in Wales
Characters you met while you were in Wales
Places you stayed
Activities and things that you did while you were here

We may feature your stories and excerpts from your stories on this blog (all of which will be credited and linked back to your blog/web site/ URL).

So let us know about your existing post or get writing a new one and you could win 3 nights away in one of Cardiff’s finest boutique hotels. (See Below) – terms and conditions

Shortlist and Announcement of the Winner

The list of nominees will be reduced to a shortlist (those on that list will get a ’shortlisted badge’ for their post) and then an eventual winner will be selected (naturally you’ll get another badge announcing that fact).

The closing date for nominations is 12pm 15th August 2009,

Shortlisting will be complete by 12pm 15th September 2009

Winner informed by email and announced on this blog www.blog.visitwales.co.uk by 12pm 29 September 2009

So What Do You Win?

Visit Wales has partnered up with Wales in Style to offer online authors the opportunity of winning an exquisite weekend break. The competition winner will be able to experience the variety and character of Wales…in style.

The prize package includes 3 nights, dinner, bed and breakfast, plus use of luxurious spa facilities at Holm House, one of Cardiff’s finest boutique hotels. (Choice of room is subject to availability and room illustrated may not necessarily be the prize room. There is no cash alternative to the prize)

Handpicked for quality, Wales in Style is an independently selected guide to some of the finest places to stay, eat and visit in Wales. All the places included in Wales in Style are selected for the quality they offer in their particular sector and compare well with their peers across the UK and beyond.

The competition offer includes 3 nights, dinner, bed and breakfast, plus use of luxurious spa facilities at one of Cardiff’s finest boutique hotels, Holm House (choice of room is subject to availability; image shown below will not necessarily be the prize room).

For more information, please visit Wales in Style

Visit Wales

UK Family Holidays, Activity Holidays – the perfect short break destination.

This entry was posted on Friday, April 17th, 2009 at 10:18 am and is filed under Competitions. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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welsh electricity

Ive actually found your blog post too late - i had an excellent tale of my experiences on my first trip to Wales last year. oh well, maybe the competition will run again next year - plenty of time to refine my piece!

Joy

"I prefer to be alone in the Welsh mountains," was one of the first statements I heard from David. That set up a challenge for this city dweller. For the next 37 years I have ensured that David has had my company.

In glorious sunshine and in torrential rain we have spent holidays tramping the beautiful mountains and valleys of Wales. There is fun to be had at any time of the year if you have got boots and waterproofs as well as flip-flops and shorts.

We have smugly sunbathed by rippling streams as our children paddled. We have laughed as we held onto tent poles when winds threatened to tear our sodden canvas walls because we won the battle.

Exploring Wales is still a welcome challenge - and there's a man who now admits that he's been glad of my company!

susan Heaton Wright

Hi
I've emailed you twice with a short piece on Oxwich Bay. I've pasted it here.
My perfect day at Oxwich Bay

I’ve just returned from a walk on Oxwich Bay. There are only half a dozen other people on the beach: some with dogs. The day trippers have left; a couple of barbeques are smoking – used and abandoned next to dustbins, but otherwise the beautiful expanse of Oxwich Bay is deserted.

The tide is coming in, yet there is a vast expanse of sand stretching from Oxwich village and the hotel, all the way round to Three Cliffs Bay and beyond. Over the sea I can clearly make out Port Talbot, the Vale of Glamorgan and on the other side, the Devon Coastline.

To my left are the sand dunes. A large cloud of starlings fly across the marshes. During the day, the sand dunes are great fun to explore with a wide range of beautiful fauna. There is one area; ‘The board walk’ where you can walk over marshland and see rare flowers. Whenever I’m down in Oxwich I visit it.

The sand gives clues of what has happened today. Lovingly built sandcastles, volcanoes and even sand ‘boats’ remain in the sand, as well as forgotten buckets and spades. Sadly there is some litter, but one hopes this will be cleaned in the morning. The sand is fine and easy to build castles.

Earlier on today we were down at the beach. The car park was packed with visitors for the day as well as people holidaying at the camp site. Most people were close to the car park; others ventured further towards Nicholaston: either on the beach or in the sand dunes.

We swam; built sandcastles and snorkelled with our new flippers and masks! We saw a number of fish in the clear seawater. Others swam, kayaked or surfed – although the waves were non-existent! My husband hired a boat from the Sailing Company and sailed over to Three Cliffs Bay, whilst a couple of people annoyed everyone by riding their jetskis too close to the bathers.

As the day progresses and the tide goes out, a number of cricket games start, as well as one hugely competitive beach volleyball game. On the far side of the bay, the rocks are exposed and children with buckets do some rock pool dipping and find impressive specimens of crabs.

Now, as I walk back from the beach, I see that the car park is deserted, except for a bat flying in front of my face. I am so lucky here. As I walk back to my house, I realise that although the forecast is overcast tomorrow, I am still here in Oxwich and will be able to enjoy another wonderful day.

Heinz

When I was a youngster I had the chance to visit Wales, namely the Snowdonia National Park and I sort of fell in love with the area. Only 34 years later I visited the area again and it still creates special feelings in me. If you love nature there is no way you can't love Wales. It offers something for everyone, whether you go rambling or you only enjoy the scenery. Not to forget the Welsh people whom we met, whether it was at the B&B location or at the holiday house.

All the best,
Heinz

Wellies girl

I am as happy in wellies as I am in kitten heels. But when it comes to Wales, and I have to choose town v country for a visit, it's country all the way...

I remember adventuring in the Montgomeryshire countryside as a nipper - building dens at my Uncle's and launching damson fights (a brilliant game masterminded by my sister which involved the throwing of damsons at each other. Juicy, ripe and sticky - Mum ended up having to wrestle me to the ground and cut them out of my hair!)

Scraping legs on thistles, stinging knees on nettles - it all seemed to add to the fun.

So I do tend to go back quite a bit - whether it's finding a campsite somewhere or a little B&B. I do have a soft spot for the little village of Berriew in Montgomeryshire.

It's pretty postcard perfect with it's little black and white houses and the River Rhiew running through it. Locals tend to to stop in the heart of the village to chat and catch up.

I discovered on my last visit that there's a new little tearoom and deli.

(http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&safe=ac...)

And really worth a stop is the Lion Hotel - it's got a cosy bar, good food, nice rooms and...well, it's just a good old fashioned country pub. Now, you don't get those in cities...(http://www.thelionhotelberriew.com/foodanddrink.htm)

You might think that this is a village with all the usual suspects but they also have a Museum of Sculpture tucked away. It's the brainchild of living artist and self-confessed eccentric, Andrew Logan. http://andrewlogan.com/about/

So try out Mid Wales - you'll be as happy as a pig in mud.

VP

Hi Nikki,

I've tried sending this to you via your marketing@visitwales.com email address but keep on getting a MAILERDEMON error message, so I hope that this gets through to you instead.

Thanks for sending my nomination badge which is now up on my blog. Naturally I'm pleased for my posts to go forward into the competition.

Best wishes,

VP

Dale

Sorry about that - we have had a slight technical hitch with the email server - normal service has been resumed now and yuo blog post has been entered - good luck!

nicky

Daughter dog and I had a fabulous and varied weekend in Wales. On the first night we stayed in Bangor we enjoyed an Italian meal looking out over the pier, whilst the food was ok, the setting and ambience was just right to relax us at the start. The following day we drove over the Menai bridge to Beaumaris in Anglesey, only 10/15 miles. Amazing pretty little town, with incredibly friendly folk. We (including the dog) lazed an hour or so away in their Best Western, the staff were helpful and very accomodating, I heard from a local that property was so expensive to buy there it was mostly owned by the rich who used it to holiday in. Crab were being captured on the Pier and the Castle watched over the town.
We spent the afternoon looking around Bangor so near yet so different, apparently the longest high street in Wales. Which is perhaps why during the evening it became a little raucous for dog daughter and I.
Next day 20 miles down the road to pen y pass and a walk up the Pyg track and down the Miners on Snowdon - my almost favourite part. Stunning scenery and the walk - which makes you feel proud and as though your being good! When you reach the top and return and are able to say, I climbed Snowden last weekend.
For our final night we decided to travel along the lyn peninsular to Abersoch, my daughters idea.An hour in the car; Well what can I say yes it's full of people who like to be seen there and may not have walked up Snowden recently, lots of wine bars and trendy shops- but there is a rather quaint villagy feel to the place. But forget all that and go to the beach by day its quite busy and like being in Italy but at 7am - it's empty and like paradice, who owns those beautiful views inexplicable and calm.
We also found a gem. The Venetia, food, service, location, and spotless - yes that Easter weekend was just down the road but felt like we had covered miles and miles in term of cultur and variation, far from here.

Terry Kirby

Most respondents so far have mentioned North Wales. Well, I'm going to be different, and mention South and West Wales.

My wife and I were born and spent the first 30 years of our lives in Cardiff. We also lived in Newport, Swansea and near Newcastle Emlyn for several years before my job took me to Leicester,so we know the area intimately. We still visit family and friends there as often as we can.

It's a big area - 150 miles from Chepstow to Fishguard. But you're never far from lovely mountains, beautiful beaches and clear, blue seas. The people of South Wales are wonderfully welcoming, wherever you go. The area also boasts 2 National Parks and 2 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, one of which (Gower Coast) was the first ever created.

The area also has three large cities and a number of smaller market towns, so there's plenty to interest shopaholics. It also has an excellent transport network, including the M4 motorway and a comprehensive range of public transport services and tickets (bus and train) covering all parts of the area.

Oh --when are we going back again? It can't come soon enough!!!

jackie burns

The journey from Manchester was wonderful. with baby lambs and sheep in every space available !
Whilst on holiday in Walesat Plas Talgarth near Machynlleth, I fell in the changing rooms of the spa and broke my leg.
I had wonderful treatment from the ambulance drivers and alll the staff at Aberystwith hospital, but it was a severe break and I was in hospital 5 days. I was discharged just in time to return home on crutches, not having seen anything of that beautiful patr of Wales. I would love to return.

lesley

Over the last 4 years we have frequently travelled to Swansea travelling via Hay on Wye and Brecon. I still marvel at the scenary whilst driving past Crai Reserviour and very often the return journey driving through the Vale of Neath. Swansea is a wonderful location,lively with the museum, waterfront, park and restuarants, whilst The Mumbles with its wonderful walk along the waterside and the cafe on the pier being able to watch the Sunset or listen to the music eminating from Singleton Park, drifting across from Swansea Bay. The last year has seen us travelling to Aberystwyth, mountains and valleys with the streams bubbling along. The town climbing up away from the sea and looking out to the horizon. We have stayed in various hotels in both regions and the welcome was always brilliant. Meeting people who live or have lived within 10 miles of you. Recently travelling to Aberaeron the sea fog billowing up the side of the headland looking like a smoke stack, the drop in temperature as you descend into the fog, then bursting back into sunshine. What can you say the area has dramatic vistas and wonderful sites to see.

Russ Kendrick

I live just on the Welsh/English border and after spending 20 years away in the forces I always think of the beautiful veiw from my home town of Buckley. Driving over the Prenn Hill you can see the Clwydian mountains in the distance and from there you are within 40 minutes of some of the most beautiful countryside in the world.
It is always a pleasure to take time out and drive, even if it is a day trip and see the splendour of the real 'god's country'.

Gwen

Fantabulous.

Caroline

Whilst visiting family in North Wales we had the pleasure of visiting Colwyn Castle and its quaint little harbour town. We went on to explore Plas Mawr in Colwyn town itself. Both are outstanding in their own right. The castle has some most excellent views from its towers and the old town house is just full of information and interest. Whilst touring Plas Mawr we had the pleasure of meeting one of its volunteers, a gentleman by the name of Pete - (I think that was his name). He offered us so much more than what we listening to on our head sets. Conversations with him were also about the surrounding area, recommendations of other heritage sites to visit and how renovations by the local community were done, but most surprising of all was the hidden priest bolt hole that he so kindly showed us. I understand that it is not usually shown to the public too often, mainly because of the location it has in the house. The generosity of this gentleman was the star moment on what turned out to be a fabulous weekend break for my husband and me. Convincing us that we will continue to go to North, West and Mid Wales many, many, many more times.
I would recommend this part of the country to anyone thinking of having a holiday/short break. There is just so much to see and do. (regardless of weather conditions).
A big thank you must go to all the Cadw staff and volunteers that helped to make our stay so memborable and gave us a clear insight in to some of the history that has helped to make North Wales the stunning place it is.

Frances Heaton

We holiday each year in the North Wales area, and love the beautiful countryside and friendly people. We stay at Bodelwyydan Castle, enjoying the delicious menus and facilities there, and each day tour the coastal areas.

There is something for everyone, from Llandudno and the Great Orme to the misty summit of Snowdon. The steam railways are great for journeying to the past and there are lovely well-kept gardens to explore.

Whether young or old, Wales has lots to see and do.

mandy forbes

this is a great competion wales is a beautiful place there is much to see do plenty for families any generation we allways go to wales for holidays days out so enjoyable views people