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Dec
14
Posted on 14/12/12, filed under North Wales Borderlands, Wales | Comments Off
Tags: christmas, christmas wales, llangollen
Author: Watson Thomas
Watson is a Cardiff-born freelance writer who has written for everyone from The Times and the Independent Traveller to the South Wales Echo and Western Mail. Career highlight: going in search of (and finding) the Northern Lights in Norway.
The Christmas festival may have already been and gone, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of festive fun to be had – here are ten top reasons to visit Llangollen this Christmas.
Enjoy a train ride with Santa
It might not be his preferred form of transport but each year Santa takes time out to visit Llangollen Railway. Throughout December a very festive steam train will whisk families off to Lapland, while Saint Nick hands out gifts to the kids and mulled wine and mince pies to parents.
Pick up those last-minute gifts
If you’ve left your present buying to the very last minute, Llangollen just might hold the answer. Head over to Porters Delicatessen for Mediterranean food with a local twist, or check out the locally produced gifts and jewellery on offer at Llangollen Country Market.
Explore the Stream in the Sky
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct (Crown copyright)
It was only recently that Pontcysyllte Aqueduct joined the likes of the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Take an early morning canal barge ride along the ‘stream in the sky’ and gaze out over River Dee and the frosty peaks beyond.
Treat yourself at a local tearoom
You’ve worked hard this Christmas, which is why no one would blame you for stopping in at the cosy Cottage Tea Rooms for a traditional cream tea. Apparently there’s a secret ingredient in the scones that makes them particularly delicious – you might need to sample three or four before guessing.
Wander the grounds of Plas Newydd
Put your shopping worries to one side and spend an hour or two wandering the grounds of the former home of the famous Ladies of Llangollen. The gardens are particularly beautiful on a crisp winter’s day, and a potter around the dell is sure to cure you of your festive stresses.
Giving the gift of art
Photography at the manorhaus
Llangollen has inspired many a local photographer with its rugged scenery. Why not book in for a few nights at manorhaus where you can pick up one of the local photographs that adorn the halls before heading out (camera in hand, perhaps) to find your own source of inspiration.
Walk off those mince pies
Work off those mince pies with a relaxed stroll through the glorious Welsh countryside. History buffs should check out the Llangollen History Trail, while the 15-mile Dee Valley Way and North Berwyn Way links Llangollen with nearby Corwen and can be completed in sections if you’d prefer to pace yourself.
Well-earned festive tipples
Llangollen has lots of pubs and bars for a well-deserved Christmas drink, two favourites are the Corn Mill, right on the river and, in true pub-style, serves drinks on Christmas Day. Another top pick, for their luxurious, sophisticated drinks menu is manorhaus, who serve seasonal cocktails and hot toddies.
Get active on River Dee
Who says adventure sports can’t be done in winter? Show the ‘big freeze’ who’s boss by taking to the River Dee and trying your hand at everything from canoeing and kayaking to white-water rafting with a ProAdventure professional. Think of it as working off Christmas lunch before you’ve even had it!
Guided through the Christmas countryside
Packed full of history and breathtaking views, let TREKsmart guide you through the area surrounding Llangollen. With steep climbs and towering cliffs, this 11 mile walk should help build up your Christmas appetite.
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Find more about the North Wales Borderlands.
Dec
11
Posted on 11/12/12, filed under Accommodation, Brecon Beacons, Christmas, Guest Blog, Shopping, Wales, Walking | Comments Off
Author: Watson Thomas
Watson is a Cardiff-born freelance writer who has written for everyone from The Times and the Independent Traveller to the South Wales Echo and Western Mail. Career highlight: going in search of (and finding) the Northern Lights in Norway.
From wandering the stalls of a pop-up Christmas market to dozing in front of an open fire in your very own holiday cottage, we pick 10 of the best ways to enjoy Christmas in the Brecon Beacons.
Brecon’s Christmas pop-up village
George Hotel
Why traipse around in the bleak mid-winter when you can do all your Christmas shopping from the comfort of one single hotel in Brecon. The town’s pop-up village is located in the George Hotel, and boasts a whole three floors of local gifts, decorations and curiosities.
Treat yourself to luxury local food
Luxury hamper
From luxury smoked food hampers to single malt whisky, the foodie in your life will doubtless adore receiving an edible Welsh gift this year. Then again, we’d just as quickly stock up our own cupboards ready for when the family and friends come knocking on Boxing Day.
Lace up your boots and get walking
We’ll all be in need of a little extra exercise come January and what better way than by exploring the rugged hillsides of the Brecon Beacons. From Hay’s cobbled alleyways to the picturesque Dinefwr Park and Castle, getting fit is rarely this rejuvenating, or this much fun.
Go Christmas shopping in Hay-on-Wye
Famous for both its annual Literary festival and its army of second hand bookshops, Hay is also home to a whole host of shops offering up everything from kids’ clothes to original artworks. A visit December also means revelling in the sweet-scented stalls of the market held every Thursday.
Book into a self-catering cottage
Brecon Beacon Holiday Cottages (Crown copyright 2012)
If you don’t fancy Christmas at home this year, book yourself into a self-catering holiday cottage. With spectacular views, roaring log fires and room for even the largest groups, you’ll have the freedom to make Christmas day as busy or as tranquil as you want it to be.
Wander the stalls of a local market
Wales is famous for its quality local produce, which is why it comes as no surprise that the Brecon Beacons is home to so many bustling markets. Pick up the best beef in Brecon, local lamb in Llandovery, arty gifts in Abergavenny and crafts for kids in Crickhowell.
Gifts that keep on giving
Learning to horse ride at Tregoyd Riding Centre, improving cycling techniques with Drover Holidays or perfecting your survival skills with Outdoors@Hay – choose from any number of gifts that keep on giving and show your loved on they’re worth so much more than a token scarf.
Enjoy quality time in Talgarth
Talgarth is a great place to spend quality time with family and friends away from the strains of Christmas shopping. Be sure to visit St Gwendoline’s Church and stop off at the Bakers’ Table to pick up fresh bread made with flour from the town’s newly restored watermill.
Create your own Christmas cards
Still searching for that perfect Christmas card image? Why not either take to the Black Mountains yourself in the presence of an eagle-eyed instructor, or browse the work of some of the Brecon Beacons’ top photographers and have your own personalised cards sent straight to you.
Green gifts in Llandovery
Llandovery has so much more to offer than the annual sheep festival, especially if you’re after gifts with an ethical slant. The Red Giraffe offers a range of home and lifestyle gifts with genuine provenance, while nearby Myddfai specialises in toiletries and spa products inspired by the Welsh landscape.
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Find more about Mid Wales and the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Nov
30
Posted on 30/11/12, filed under Bank Holidays Seasonal and Break Ideas, Christmas, Days Out, Wales | Comments Off
Tags: christmas events, days out, December 2012, family days out, Father Christmas, festive days out, Santa Trains, winter breaks, winter events
December is a great time to wrap up warm and brave the outdoors to visit a variety of different Christmas events. Across Wales, there are many Christmas markets and fairs taking place throughout the month, and we have featured some of the best in our Christmas Events Blog. Below are some other Christmassy and not so Christmassy events going on this month.
Based in Cardiff, the orchestra performs throughout Wales, the UK and internationally. December 2012 sees the orchestra touring Wales with a variety of great performances.
1 Dec – North Wales Tour: The French Connection, Bangor
2 Dec – North Wales Tour: The French Connection, Wrexham
7 Dec – Afternoon Concert: Barber, Finzi and Leroy Anderson, Cardiff Bay
14 Dec – Handel Messiah, Cardiff
19 Dec – Nicholas Collon conducts Mozart and Dvořák, Cardiff Bay
22 Dec – Christmas Celebrations, Haverfordwest
The Copthorne Hotel, Cardiff, is hosting a puppet version of A Christmas Carol every Saturday and Sunday throughout December. Charles Dickens’ classic makes a great treat for all the family over the Christmas period, as this heart-warming story is performed like never before; featuring awe inspiring puppetry, dazzling design and superb storytelling.
Chepstow racecourse is holding a Christmas Party Raceday for an alternative festive day out. Top quality horses will be in action at this meeting, last year’s fixture featured the Welsh National winner Le Beau Bai ran and future Cheltenham Festival winner Teaforthree. There is just under £50,000 of prize money on offer this year which promises a great day out for everyone. Ffos Las Racing & Events also have a Christmas Raceday on 17th December and Boxing Day Racing for two great days out.
Whether you are a musician, vocalist or just an enthusiastic listener, this weekend celebration of acoustic music and mountain walking is a great opportunity to share your love of walking and music with other outdoor enthusiasts and musicians. So why not tuck your Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin or Ukulele under your arm, your harmonica or drumsticks in your pocket and get your best singing voice in tune and head to Capel Curig for ‘The Big Acoustic Walk’.
Experience what it was like to be invited to a 1930s house party at Plas Newydd, where you can sample what life was like for the Marquess of Anglesey and his family. The butler will welcome you and invite you to join in a whole host of activities including games and dancing, making the perfect day out for fans of period drama. The house is situated on the shores of the Menai Straits in Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, so why not wander down to the village with the longest place name in Europe while you are there.
Join Santa and his elves for a trip along between Porthmadog and Tan-y-Bwlch on the Ffestiniog Railway, and between Caernarfon and Waunfawr on the Welsh Highland Railway. Santa and his elves will pass through the train giving out presents to the children during the journey – with plenty of laughter and jokes along the way!
There are also special Christmas themed train journeys on the Talyllyn Railway, Bala Lake Railway, Llanberis Lake Railway, Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway, Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway, and Llangollen Railway.
The popular Festival of Winter Walks runs annually over the Christmas and New Year period. Hundreds of walks take place around the UK during the festival, 15 of which are in Wales. All are free, fun and open to anyone and everyone from toddlers to grandparents. Chosen and led by Ramblers volunteers, the walks will showcase the Welsh winter scenery at its best.
A musical treat is in store for fans of the ‘Aloud’ groups this Christmas as Classical Brit Award winners Only Men Aloud and Britain’s Got Talent finalists Only Boys Aloud team up to bring a show to the Wales Millennium Centre. And, to complete the Aloud family, the Wales Millennium Centre Only Kids Aloud 2012 Chorus will perform. They have already performed with the famous Mariinsky Opera in St Petersburg, Russia, as well as at the London 2012 Opening Ceremony and Cardiff’s Paralympic Flame Festival.
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Discover what other events and festivals are taking place in December.
Nov
26
Posted on 26/11/12, filed under Castles, Christmas, Festivals, Food, Wales | Comments Off
Tags: blaenavon, Caerphilly, caerwent, castell coch, plas mawr, raglan castle
Cadw is the Welsh Government’s historic environment service working for an accessible and well-protected historic environment for Wales.
Nothing marks the arrival of Christmas better than the magic of Christmas lights, fayres, late night shopping, decorations, mince pies and traditional Christmas music. This year Cadw is hosting a number of festive events at sites across Wales to get people into the Christmas spirit. From wreath making workshops and Christmas with the Dickens to medieval and Elizabethan experiences, if you’re looking for a unique event try one of these…
Late Night Christmas Shopping, Raglan Castle
Raglan Castle (Crown copyright)
Wednesday 28 November, 5.00pm – 8.00pm
Step away from the high street and seek out some high quality and unusual from gifts Clogau Gold to Melin Tregwynt for those special people on your list while enjoying 10% discount and minced pies and mulled wine. Free admission to the castle gift shop.
Christmas Wreath-Making Workshop, Castell Coch
Sunday 2 December, 11.00am – 4.00pm
If you want to add the personal touch to your decorations this year join in this workshop and discover how to make natural wreaths and other festive table decorations. Normal admission fees apply. A small, additional charge will apply for materials.
Christmas with Dickens, Castell Coch
Saturday 8 December – Sunday 9 December,7.00pm
Enjoy seasonal assortment of readings from the works of Charles Dickens as the year marking the 200th anniversary of his birth draws to a close and feast on a Victorian buffet supper in the banqueting hall. This special event is restricted to 28 tickets per evening so early booking is essential.
Christmas Medieval Fayre, Caerphilly Castle
Saturday 8 December – Sunday 9 December, 10am – 5pm
Stalls bursting with tasty food, delicious drinks and traditional medieval crafts from across Europe will fill the Castle grounds for the annual Medieval Fayre. Medieval acts including music, jesters, knights and dragons, will be on hand to entertain and amaze.
Elizabethan Christmas, Plas Mawr
Elizabethan Christmas at Plas Mawr
Saturday 8th December and Sunday 9th December, 11.00am – 4pm
The doors of Plas Mawr will open for visitors to experience Christmas as the Elizabethans would have done. Visitors can enjoy mince pies and mulled wine while listening to music and getting involved in a range of hands-on activities. Plus meet a our green Father Christmas. Normal admission prices will apply.
The Origins of a Modern Christmas, Caerwent Roman Town
Saturday 8 December, 11.00am – 1.30pm
Ever wondered why we eat mince pies? This light hearted Celtic Learners Network lecture will explore the earliest British traditions, from Celtic midwinter solstice, to Victorian Christmas festivities. £10 admission.
Christmas at the Ironworks, Blaenavon Ironworks
Sunday 16th December, 10.30am – 4pm
Visitors to the Ironworks can step back in time and experience a traditional Victorian Christmas within spectacular surroundings. Children can learn how to make an array of traditional festive goods including Christmas tree decorations and corn dollies. There will also be a Victorian storyteller and carol singers to entertain families. Free event.
Discover more Christmas family day out ideas.
Nov
23
Posted on 23/11/12, filed under Guest Blog, Visit Wales, Wales | Comments Off
Tags: elizabeth taylor, Pontrhydyfen, richard burton
Name: Gretchen Kelly
Occupation: Professional travel journalist who has written for publications like the New York Post, Women’s Health, Luxury Travel Advisor and The Travel Channel.com. Kelly finds herself going back again and again to one place – Wales.
Richard Burton was born Richard Jenkins in a mining town in Pontrhydyfen, Wales.
He was the 12th of 13 children in a close-knit Welsh-speaking family.
After fame and fortune, it was often this family and his emotional ties to them that brought him back to Wales. Chris Williams, editor of the newly published “The Richard Burton Diaries,” recently collected a series of vintage BBC TV interviews with both Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor that show the couple on the way to or coming back from Wales.
“Richard speaks a lot about going back,” says Williams. “These visits were given quite a lot of coverage in the press and on the BBC.”
Williams says the famous couple would often bunk in with Richard’s sister, Richard and Elizabeth sharing a small box bedroom with a shared bathroom in the hallway in the snug little house.
Those strong bonds continue decades after Richard’s passing.
This house is now home to Burton’s niece, actress Sian Owen who told the BBC that when her uncle and his famous wife arrived in Pontrhydyfen “you could not move as people had come from everywhere.”
She says that “Uncle Ritch” paid for everyone’s beer in the Miner’s Arm’s pub that night (the pub is still standing) and that that’s where Elizabeth had her first ever pint.
These connections with family and Wales were innately connected with Burton’s public image as one of the world’s most famous Welshmen.
Kate Burton, his actress daughter (by Welsh mother Sybil Williams) remembers.
“Dada was very proud of being Welsh and of his Welsh identity. He came of age in a time of great industrial change in South Wales which affected him profoundly. He spoke only Welsh with his family. As a boy he was obsessed with all sports, especially Welsh rugby. He had an innate Welsh ear for reciting poetry and singing… this would serve him as an actor in later years. He considered himself a Welshman, first and foremost, to the end of his life.”
Burton herself has long been connected with her parent’s homeland. And like her famous father, although she pursues a career in Hollywood and on the New York stage, she often finds herself drawn back to Wales.
“My own Welsh identity is very strong as is my children’s. My son and I and visited Wales before we costarred in a production of my godfather, Emlyn Williams’ play, The Corn is Green. It was a profound experience for him and for me.”
Kate says her ties with her father continue in frequent visits to Burton’s hometown. Burton’s brother Graham still lives in Pontrhydyfen, the site of the new Burton trail, where visitors can hear “Ritch” reciting passages from Dylan Thomas’ “Under Milk Wood” along now pastoral trials that used to be heavy with ash and smoke from the nearby mines where his father worked. “I have walked the Burton trail and it is beautiful,” says Kate. She adds that when she comes to town she is “sometimes inundated when visiting Wales with tales of my larger than life dad!”
Pontrhydyfen Aqueduct (Crown copyright)
“I have been blessed to have visited many parts of Wales. I love the light and the terraced houses of The Rhondda, the majesty of The Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff in Cardiff Bay, the bridge in Pontrhydyfen over the rushing river, the seaside in Porthcawl and the drive to it from Bridgend and I adore the Llyn Peninsula where I lived for two months when I shot the film, August, directed by and starring Sir Antony Hopkins.”
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