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tenbyWales has a varied and dramatic landscape. It is a haven for walkers and sailors as you are never far from mountain or sea. The regions of Gower, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Cardigan Bay all have wonderful beaches.There are over 1,200km (750 miles) of coastline which includes the well known resorts of Tenby,Saundersfoot, Aberystwyth, Llandudno and Portmeirion. The highest mountains in Wales are the Snowdonia range in the north, and include Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), which, at 1085 m (3,560 ft) is the highest peak in Wales. In mid Wales there are the Cambrian Mountains 


and moving further south The Brecon Beacons. In southern Wales you will find the steep-sided valleys once home to coal mines, carved up by rivers like the Rhondda, Taff, Rhymney and Cynon.

The capital city of Wales is Cardiff which in recent years has become a destination for culture and world class sporting events.Wales has a wealth of castles and historical houses to visit and enjoy.

Wales is famous for lamb and black beef and there are other treats like Laverbread, not to be mistaken for bread, but actually seaweed.Laverbread is often fried into crisp patties with eggs and bacon for a traditional Welsh breakfast. There is plenty of cheese on offer including the world famous Caerphilly.Welsh cakes and Bara brith, a wonderful sticky fruitcake are both delicious smothered in butter and served with a cup of tea,perfect after an afternoon of sightseeing.

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John said:

Wales History
A proud and passionate nation

We Welsh have a strong sense of our history. Maybe it’s because of all those invasions.

We’ve been conquered by the Celts, the Romans, the Saxons and the Vikings - and we’ve come out the other side a proud and resilient bunch.

We’ve looked after the remains of our past. You’ll discover ancient castles where famous battles were fought, fortresses built to keep invaders at bay, as well as more modern records of the industrial revolution, like our coal mines.

We really can’t do justice to thousands of years of fascinating history, so here is just a taster looking at some of the most interesting stories and people. You can find out more by using the links on this page.

St David
St David's Day is celebrated on March 1, in honour of Dewi Sant or St David, our patron saint.

Find out more about St David and St Davids Day.


Owain Glyndwr

No look at our history is complete without reference to Owain Glyndwr, the last native Welsh person to hold the title Prince of Wales.

A descendant of the princes of Powys, in 1400 he instigated a brave revolt against English rule. Initially it was successful but the uprising was eventually quashed by the English. Glyndwr was last seen in 1412 and was never captured.

He remained an important cultural figure. Shakespeare’s Henry IV portrays him as a wild, exotic, magical and spiritual man.

The nationalist movement always held him in high regard, but he is now a figure of mass culture in Wales, with everything from statues to pub names commemorating him.

Useful link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Owain_Glyndwr

Offa’s Dyke

Offa was King of Mercia from 757 to 796 AD. His kingdom covered a huge area of England, right up to the Welsh borders at Powys.

But he realised his powers weren’t going to get him far into the Welsh mountains, so he ordered a dyke to be built – from sea to sea.

Offa’s Dyke has more or less defined the Welsh / English border ever since. Much of the dyke is still traceable along the 80 miles from the Wye valley to Wrexham. In places it still retains most of its original impressive dimensions; in others it has disappeared due to 1200 years of agricultural activity and can only be detected by archaeological work.

Useful link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Offa's_Dyke

The Welsh Flag

Our national flag - The Red Dragon (or in Welsh Y Ddraig Goch) - was granted official status in 1959, but the dragon itself has been associated with Wales for centuries. Some say it’s the oldest national flag still in use, and that it was the used by King Arthur and other ancient Celtic leaders.

It is the only flag of the constituent countries of the UK not seen on the Union Flag. This is because after the Laws in Wales Acts in the 16th Century, Wales was considered to be a part of England.

There have been proposals to include the dragon or the flag of Saint David on the Union Flag. It hasn’t happened yet, but watch this space..!

Useful link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welsh_flag

Welsh Not

The Welsh Not was a piece of wood hung around the necks of children who spoke Welsh in the 19th century.

It was given to any boy overheard speaking Welsh, and he would pass it to a different boy whom he overheard speaking Welsh. At the end of the day, the wearer would be given a lashing.

It was used – in some schools only - to discourage pupils from speaking Welsh, at a time when English was considered by some to be the only suitable medium of education.

Castles

How would you like your castle? Concentric, square, restored, dilapidated, 10th century, 18th century… And would you like coffee with that? Then we recommend Cardiff Castle. It’s an impressive fortress, built in 1106. And it’s handy to the Queen Street Starbucks, a much rarer sight around here.


Myths and Legends

Tales of King Aurthur and Merlin the Magician are inspired by Wales's wonderful landscapes and seascapes. Which may explain why Pembrokeshire in West Wales is still proud to be known as Gwlad hud a lledrith - 'The land of magic and enchantment'.



King Arthur regularly appears in Welsh mythology. Legend has it that Arthur killed a giant called ‘Rhitta’ on Mount Snowdon, and fought another fierce battle nearby at Bwlch y Saethau. Even now, he and his knights are thought to be sleeping in a cliff-top cave beneath Chepstow Castle.



Caerfyrddin (Carmarthen) is believed to be Merlin’s birthplace, and is named after him. Some way north, in the caves below the ruins of Dinefwr Castle, Merlin is said to have communed with fairies.



More concrete evidence of the mythical king can be found in a valley in northern Pembrokeshire, where two ancient standing stones are known as ‘Meibon Arthur’, or Arthur’s sons.



For more information on Arthurian legends in Wales, try the National Library of Wales
 
08, December 2009
Votes: +1

John said:

Six of the best Welsh signs
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerych- wyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch in Anglesey is officially the longest name in Britain and one of the longest in the world.

The name is Welsh for “St Mary’s church in the hollow of the white hazel near to the rapid whirlpool and the church of St Tysilio of the red cave” and was used as the password for revolutionary Dildano’s headquarters in the 1968 sci-fi classic Barbarella.

The Welcome to Wales sign on the M4, above, has been saluted and cheered by generations of travelling Welsh as they approach their homeland from England.

In 1993, the then MP for Gower, Gareth Wardell, demanded the sign be moved onto the actual English-Welsh border but Sir Wyn Roberts, the Minister of State for Wales, said the actual border was “in the middle of the River Wye”.

An ancient sign welcomes visitors to the imposing Caernarfon Castle built by King Edward I of England, following his conquest of Gwynedd in 1283.

The site selected for Caernarfon Castle was strategically important, located on the banks of the River Seiont where it flows into the Menai Strait. It had been the site of a Roman fort, and a later motte and bailey castle.

A sign etched into the granite wall of the new Hafod Eryri building at the top of Mount Snowdon contains the words by former Poet of Wales Gwyn Thomas: “Mount Snowdon, here you are nearer to heaven”.

It also informs exhausted visitors who have climbed Snowdon to watch the eye-popping vistas visible from the position 1,085m above sea level.

This sign at the Royal Welsh Show 2008 points to a dizzying array of things to do and see in both Welsh and English.

It is the biggest agricultural show in Europe, organised by the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society. It takes place in July of each year, at Llanelwedd, near Builth Wells, in Powys.

Cast-iron signs in the village of Llandewi Brefi, home to the fictitious Daffyd, the "only gay in the village" in the TV series Little Britain, have been stolen and placed on eBay because of the village’s new-found fame.
 
08, December 2009
Votes: +0

John said:

Favourite place in Wales
I love Tenby and that area of Wales. The beaches are great, the walk to Saundersfoot along the coastal path and back along the beach when the tide out is brilliant.
 
03, December 2009
Votes: +1

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Featured Listings

Looking for accommodation then just go to the Accommodation link at the top or check out some of our featured Accommodation below. All our accommodation is listed by independent owners. Once you have made your selection you will be able to deal with the accommodation owner directly.
Three Roses Bed and Breakfast
Three Roses Bed and  Breakfast
Hits : 586
USA
Pontiac

Treat yourself to the finest in overnight lodging in Pontiac, IL.  Three Roses Bed & Breakfast  offers a full home made from scratch breakfast  to order included in rooms rates.  Our gorgeous guest rooms await with the most comfortable beds we could find.  We are able to accommodate guests with special dietary requirements including diabetic and gluten free.  Visit our web site and book on line. 

All guest rooms are located on the second floor so guests must be able to climb stairs.  Regrettably, Three Roses is not handicapped accessible.  We are within easy walking distance of downtown and are 2 miles from I-55, 1 mile from Old Route 66, and right on Rt. 116.  Generous discounts for stays longer than one night.  One of our first guests said it best, \"At Three Roses, Breakfast is an event!\" 

Three Roses is known for delicious home made from scratch food,  unmatched hospitality, comfortable beds, & elegant rooms.

Edenside House
Edenside House
Hits : 407
Scotland
St. Andrews

Although we are still researching the origins of the property it appears on an old map in Kellie Castle (NT) dated 1775. The house is a listed building and despite extensive renovation and refurbishment the old facade is largely unaltered.Whether you are visiting St Andrews for business or pleasure. Douglas and Yvonne aim to make your stay unforgettable. offering genuine Scottish hospitality in a magnificent setting. If you are visiting the area to soak in the history or to play a little golf advice is always at hand. Service is second to none at Edenside House. Edenside House offers 2 double rooms, 5 twin rooms & 1 triple room.
All rooms are tastefully decorated with shower en suite facilities, colour tv & beverage tray. All rooms have central heating and secondary glazing. Some bedrooms are ground floor.Guests are welcome to use the garden which extends to half and acre and affords good views of the estuary and it\'s bird life.Each room has a designated parking space.Or why not relax in our cosy lounge where books and magazines are available.

Baggins End Guest House
Baggins End Guest House
Hits : 466
USA
Fairhaven

Waterfront guest house offers 2 guest rooms; queen size beds in each room, down comforters, semi-private bath; continental plus breakfast; Stone patio on the water; Dock for boat enthusiasts; Upper harbor, protected, wonderful kayak, canoe, sailboat and more opportunities - bring your boat to the dock!

Watch sunsets from the dock; arrange for your wedding or reception or private gathering on the expansive waterfront lawn - arrange for a tent, a catered affair perhaps?

No pets; no smoking, except outdoors in designated areas; Ecco the Golden Retriever will greet you. WiFi internet throughout the house; Enjoy utilizing the entire home and meet your friends or family!  Guests from France, Ireland, Germany and Canada have found this to be a most charming guest house / Bed and Breakfast!

Call or email reservations today! Credit Cards accpeted.

Penrose Bed Breakfast
Penrose Bed  Breakfast
Hits : 498
England
Lostwithiel

Chris & Heidi welcome you to Penrose, their beautiful AA 4 star rated Victorian home with spacious rooms and plenty of original features which ooze a warm and homely atmosphere.


We have a range of family/double/twin ensuite rooms; bar one small twin with a separate but private bathroom (bathrobes are provided). A couple of the bedrooms are on the ground floor. All the bedrooms have TV, DVD/CD player, hairdryer, extensive beverage tray, bottled mineral water, sweets, and toiletries. The ensuites have electric showers plus fresh towels, shampoo/conditioner and shower gel.


Breakfast is full cooked English, which comprises of bacon, sausage, fried or scrambled egg, hash brown, tomato, black pudding, mushrooms and vegetarian sausage, plus as much cereal, toast, orange juice, fruit, jam  and  marmalade and tea and coffee as you want. If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know in advance and we will try our best to help you.


The tariff is variable and ranges from £20pppn in the winter to £40pppn in the summer. Children are from £10. Dogs are free.


There is an online booking service on our website. We also offer free Wifi internet in the house, and there is a computer in the dining room for all to use.


We are open all year, and we welcome children of all ages, plus dogs & pets as we only have a cat. Wedding parties and large family groups are also welcome.

 

There is off road parking, and the garden is for all to share, and there are several seating areas. Smoking is fine in the garden, but not in the house as we have a fire alarm.


Lostwithiel is the antiques capital of Cornwall and has many pubs, restaurants, a river walk, church, museum, castle, teashops and many interesting and varied shops etc within a 10-minute walk of Penrose.


There are lots of amenities close by, including many golf courses, train station, outdoor activities by local arrangement, castle, coastal walks, cycling, gardens, fishing, sailing and of course The Eden Project. The local beach is a 10-minute drive away and the north west coast is only 40 minutes. Lostwithiel is well placed to explore the whole of Cornwall.


At Penrose we run a laid back and relaxed B and B and we will endeavour to make your stay as enjoyable as possible and hope you have a wonderful time in Cornwall, England.

Pannanich wells
Pannanich wells
Hits : 469
Scotland
Ballater

Val and Chris offer quality bed and breakfast from our historic old inn on beautiful Royal Deeside during the summer season (Easter-September). 3 en suite rooms,  two with king-size double beds and one twin bedded.  All rooms are non-smoking in accordance with Scottish law. Breakfast is served in Piggies Restaurant   (only used for breakfasts, we no longer do evening meals) which has wonderful views overlooking the Dee Valley, now with a comfortable lounge area its a great place for starting your day and planning the hours ahead.

Pannanich makes a comfortable base for exploring the stunning area of North East Scotland, with Castles  (Balmoral just 8 miles away) and  Gardens, rural  and coastal villages. For the more active, walks from an hour to a full day (good walks details provided)  and golf on many different types of courses.

The nearby village of Ballater known for its many \"By Appointment\" signs, has shops to suit most needs and a selection of eating places from cafes to hotels restaurants.

For those who prefer unserviced accommodation we now have converted part of the building to self-catering cottages, Victoria, Byron and Fir Tree, each has a lounge, kitchen/diner and en suite bedroom, Victoria and Fir Tree have stairs to the bedroom , Internally ,Byron is all on one level for the less abled.(there are 3 sturdy steps with hand rail at the front door) The cottages are available all year for a 3,4,7 or 14 day let  and are \" just for 2\"


Bacchus Bed and Breakfast
Bacchus Bed and Breakfast
Hits : 517
England
Mevagissey

'Bacchus' is a 4 Star graded large, modern house situated in a quiet private road in the popular, working fishing village of Mevagissey on the south Cornish coast. We have furnished & decorated Bacchus to a very high standard and offer you excellent accommodation at £55 per room per night with Breakfast We have a total of 4 en suite rooms Each room has free view colour Televisions,Refreshments trays Hairdryers,and toiletries.our rooms are totally separate from our accommodation on the ground floor and maybe described as (disabled friendly)

All rooms have access into the dinning area which is fully equipped with separate tables, Fridge,Microwave Crockery,Utensils,Kettle,Teapots etc Guests are quite welcome to come and go as they please and use the facilities for take aways if they so wish. Dinning are has sea and harbour views and leads onto the guest only patio with seating Many bottles of wine have been enjoyed by our guests watching the sun go down.Smoking is permitted on patio

Breakfast is set out in a Buffet style between 8am and10am and tables are laid.Compote of Fruit,Yoghurt's,Grapefruit,Orange juice,Cereals,Ham,Cheeses,Tomatoes Boiled eggs to your liking,toast Jams,Marmite,Tea and Coffee.

Broad Street 35
Broad Street 35
Hits : 450
England
Old Portsmouth
Lesley-Anne welcomes you to Broad Street 35. 4 Star Silver Award. This is a Grade ll listed building in the heart of historic Old Portsmouth.
Each of the beautifully presented rooms is individually designed in a boutique style with luxury ensuite bathrooms.

Your menued breakfast is served to you in Lesley-Anne\'s traditional tearoom, where you can also indulge in homemade light lunches,cakes and cream teas in the afternoon.
Broad Street 35 offers you the oppertunity to relax at the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour with several period inns offering a wide range of drinks and meals on the quayside.

The splendid Gunwharf Quays is 10 minutes walk away with its wide range of shops and restaurants. You have the chance to visit the popular 550ft high Spinnaker Tower with its spectacular views over Portsmouth Harbour the Solent and beyond. Portsmouth and Southsea can be the perfect stopping off point to and from your holiday on the Continent. It\'s maritime heritage attracts visitors from all over the world. Trains, coaches and the Isle of wight ferry are just a few minutes walk away.
Crofton by the Sea Bed & Breakfast
Crofton by the Sea Bed & Breakfast
Hits : 205
Canada
Crofton, British Columbia
Located in the seaside village of Crofton, British Columbia, on Southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, we offer  two rooms: a spacious suite with king-size bed as well as a lovely garden view room.

Wireless internet is available throughout the house for your personal   laptop.  We\'re only a minute\'s drive from the Salt Spring Island Ferry.

Our Seabreeze Suite includes: a king size bed with cozy down duvet; ocean view; fold-out love-seat; ensuite bathroom, bathrobes; microwave, coffee-maker and electric kettle with a complimentary selection of flavourful teas and coffee; TV, and video player are provided with complimentary movies.

Our Garden Room is a smaller, tastefully-decorated room with a Queen size bed. It includes a private bathroom with jacuzzi tub & shower, complimentary bathrobes, specialty teas & coffee and offers a lovely view of the garden.

Enjoy a delicious full breakfast served while you enjoy the wonderful ocean views from the 2nd floor dining room or have it served in your suite, or on the private garden patio.

Crofton by the Sea provides a relaxing respite from your day\'s travel or excursions to the many local attractions.

Your hostess, Eve, is an accomplished weaver. Visit her weaving studio and gift shop, featuring uniquely hand-woven scarves, place mats, cushions, bath towel sets and much more. She is also certified in the art and science of Warm Stone Massage. Book a soothing and relaxing hour in our Spa Room.

While staying at Crofton by the Sea, consider booking an evening or afternoon sailing excursion on Osborne Bay or river kayaking on the Cowichan River. Or, stroll the Crofton Sea Walk and enjoy its unique black sand beach. If you\'re with us on Saturday, visit the Crofton Farmers\' Market or take in the \'Movies in the Park\', both within a minute\'s walk.

Your hosts, Eve and Neil, will happily provide you with information on the area\'s many other local attractions and activities, including:
  • Chemainus, with its world famous murals and renowned live Dinner Theatre (a ten-minute drive)
  • Cowichan Bay, a unique seaside village
  • Day trips to Saltspring Island
  • Winery tours
  • Local artisan studios
  • Musical events
  • Kayaking
  • Hiking trails
  • Photography
  • Birdwatching
  • Nearby restaurants
  • Lovely Maple Bay
  • Tours of Catayst and its lovely Japanese Garden
  • Historic Ladysmith; harbour tours and live theatre
  • Specialty shopping
  • Golf courses
  • Fishing
Tyrone Pines Apartment for 4
Tyrone Pines Apartment for 4
Hits : 411
Australia
Rye

2 Bedroom Town House/ Apartment right opposite the beach for up to 4 guests with all linen provided.

Lounge and Dining have a 40 inch Plasma TV and Platinum Foxtel, DVD and CD Player.   Open plan kitchen with large fridge/freezer and dishwasher.

One Queen bedroom upstairs next to the roof deck with views over the sea. 2nd Queen bedroom on the ground floor with direct access to the bathroom with shower, vanity and toilet. 2nd vanity and toilet next door is accessed from the hallway.

3 patios with a BBQ and sun umbrella.

Space for a boat undercover and car off street parking. Boat ramps are just 2 mins away.

Children and dogs welcome by arrangement.

90 mtrs walk to the beach and water, which is very calm for everyone to paddle or swim safely.

Min 2 night bookings year round except Christmas and New Year when a 7 night min applies. 

Bridge-View Former Magistrate\'s Court
Bridge-View Former Magistrate\'s Court
Hits : 641
Wales
Betws-y-coed

Comfortable riverside setting near enough to the village yet far enough away to be peaceful

Magistrate\'s room 6 King Size Brass  bed(5\'wide) very large bright room on the ground floor. Views over the river Conwy and fields beyond, en-suite.There is also has a single bed so it can be used as a twin or a family room.

Jury Room7 4\'6\'\' Double bed, Romantic room on the first floor, Views over the river Conwy the fields. En-suite with large shower,wc and basin.

Judges Chambers room 8, Super King Size bed 6\'6\'\'. Impressive large room on the first floor. Views of the wooded hills.en-suite with bath/shower,wc.and basin,

A hearty Welsh breakfast is served in the distinctive cosy, galleried dining room which is the former courtroom. All meals are prepared from the freshest ingredients and you can enjoy them in our non-smoking environment. Vegetarian diets catered for.

All the rooms are individually decorated and furnished. All have outstanding views and hairdryers, tea & coffee making facilities plus other personal touches to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. 

Guest lounge is comfortably furnished, very quiet, ideal for bird-watching. Binoculars and many reference books, where we can serve you a pot of tea and assist you in planning your next day\'s outing. 

Peaceful garden with tables and chairs to sit and listen to the sound of the birds

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