Discovering Wales: A Small Country With A Big Story

I’m conscious before I begin writing about some recent adventures in Wales that my blog attracts people from all around the world, for which I am extremely grateful, so I do think an introduction is necessary.

The Gower Peninsula, Mount Snowdon and the Llynnau Mymbyr lakes located in the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales.

The UK is divided into four different countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
In terms of land area England is the largest at just over 50,000 sq miles, fairly similar to New York State for those living across the pond. With about 58 million people living in England this represents 84% of the overall population of the UK, equivalent to the total populations of Texas, Nevada and Florida. If these three states had England’s population density, they would contain over 500 million people!

In comparison Wales is only 8100 sq miles, just a little smaller than the state of New Jersey with a population of only 3.2 million, equivalent to the state of Iowa.

A Brief History of Wales

Wales may be one of the smaller countries in the UK, but it has a history that punches well above its weight. Long before England existed, Wales was home to Celtic tribes, hillforts and early kingdoms and the Welsh language that is still spoken today has roots stretching back over 1,500 years.

The Romans arrived in the first century AD and left their mark with roads, forts and settlements, but when they departed, a number of Welsh kingdoms emerged.
Wales remained independent for much of the early medieval period, although there were constant battles between Welsh rulers and the growing power of the English kings across the border.

Wales was eventually conquered in 1282, by King Edward I who built the impressive castles that still dominate places such as Caernarfon, Caerphilly, Conwy and Harlech today.

Main picture -Caerphilly Castle and Above from left to right: Harlech Castle, Caernarfon Castle and Conwy Castle

Wales was formally incorporated into the Kingdom of England in the 16th century under the Laws in Wales Acts, but it never lost its distinct identity. The Industrial Revolution transformed the country into a powerhouse of coal mining and steel production, and Welsh culture, music and language remained remarkably resilient.

Today, Wales is a modern nation with its own parliament, the Senedd Cymru, a strong sense of national pride and a landscape that ranges from dramatic mountains to beautiful coastlines. It is also a country where its heritage remains very much alive, with the Welsh language continuing to be spoken by communities across the country and playing an important role in everyday life and culture. Wales has a fascinating past, but one that still feels very much alive in the present.

Wonderful Landscapes:
One of the things that surprised me most about Wales is just how much the landscape changes as you travel around.
In the south and west, you’ll find some truly beautiful coastline, with long sandy beaches, hidden coves and dramatic cliffs that seem to go on forever. The Pembrokeshire coast, in particular, feels like the sort of place where you could happily lose an entire afternoon just wandering.

Rhossili Bay

Head north and the scenery becomes completely different. The mountains begin to dominate, with the rugged peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia) creating some of the most spectacular landscapes in the UK.

Snowdon in all its splendour and the Mountain Railway reaching the top

Between the coast and the mountains are rolling green hills, waterfalls, forests and countless little valleys, so Wales never really feels the same from one region to the next. It’s a relatively small country, but it packs an incredible amount of scenery into a surprisingly compact space

The valleys of Wales are also renowned for their coal mining heritage, close-knit communities and the important role they played during the Industrial Revolution. Even today, many of the valleys retain a strong sense of identity, with rugby, music and local traditions woven deeply into everyday life.

Visting Wales:

For many people travelling from England into South Wales, the Severn Bridge feels like the moment the trip really begins. Opened in 1966, the original bridge was built to provide a direct road link across the Severn Estuary, replacing the old ferry crossings that had connected the two countries for centuries.
It was considered quite an engineering achievement at the time and quickly became one of the most recognisable bridges in Britain. Today, most traffic uses the newer Second Severn Crossing (officially the Prince of Wales Bridge), but the original Severn Bridge is still very much part of the Welsh journey and remains an iconic gateway between the two countries.
Living where I do in the West Cotswolds region of Gloucestershire it is only a short drive down the M5 to connect with the M4 West and across the new bridge into Wales.

The New Severn Bridge

Main Cities:
Cardiff –
This is the capital and largest city of Wales with a population of around 370,000. It perfectly captures the country’s blend of history and modern life.
From the impressive Cardiff Castle in the heart of the city to the redeveloped waterfront at Cardiff Bay, it’s a place where centuries of Welsh heritage sit comfortably alongside contemporary cafés, shops and cultural attractions. It’s often considered the natural gateway to Wales and a great starting point for exploring everything the country has to offer.

Cardiff Castle, Cardiff Bay and the Principality Stadium

Swansea –
is the second-largest city in Wales and has a reputation for combining city life with some of the country’s most beautiful coastline.
With a population of a quarter of a million it sits on the edge of Swansea Bay and is often associated with the stunning Gower Peninsula, famous for its beaches, cliffs and coastal walks. The city also has a strong maritime and industrial heritage, so it offers a different flavour of Wales from the capital.

Aberystwyth –
is often described as the cultural heart of mid-Wales and has a charm that seems to be quite different from the larger cities further south.
Sitting on the west coast overlooking Cardigan Bay, it’s known for its Victorian seafront, historic castle ruins and relaxed atmosphere.
The town is also home to Aberystwyth University, one of the oldest universities in Wales, which gives it a lively and youthful feel despite its relatively small size.
Aberystwyth has a population of around 15,000 people, although the town becomes noticeably busier during term time thanks to the thousands of students.

Further north, towns such as Llandudno provide a very different flavour of Wales, with its Victorian seaside charm, sweeping views across the coast and the dramatic presence of the Great Orme rising above the town.
Meanwhile, historic places such as Bangor offer another perspective on Welsh life, with its university bringing a youthful energy to the city and its location providing a gateway to the spectacular landscapes of Snowdonia (Eryri) and the island of Anglesey.

The Menai Strait leading to Bangor

Lifestyle:

One of the things that makes Wales so special is the way the landscape naturally shapes the lifestyle of the people who live there. With its dramatic mountains, beautiful coastline and endless countryside, it is a country that seems made for enjoying the outdoors.
Walking is a huge part of Welsh life, whether it is a gentle stroll along a coastal path, exploring the valleys, or taking on the challenge of one of the many mountain routes in Snowdonia (Eryri).

The coastline also plays a big part in everyday life, with surfing, sailing, kayaking and beach walks all popular ways to enjoy the sea. For those who prefer a slower pace, Wales offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy its villages, independent cafés, local markets and traditional pubs, where conversation and community remain an important part of life.

Sport is another key part of Welsh culture. Rugby is often seen as the national passion, bringing communities together on match days, while football has grown in popularity in recent years. Cycling, mountain biking, fishing and golf are also popular pursuits, taking advantage of the country’s varied landscapes.

Perhaps more than anything, Wales offers a lifestyle that feels connected to nature, community and tradition. Whether it is a weekend exploring the countryside, a day beside the coast or simply enjoying the slower pace of village life, there is a strong sense that Wales encourages people to make the most of the surroundings on their doorstep.

Visiting from Overseas:

For visitors coming from overseas, Wales offers something that is increasingly rare: the chance to experience dramatic landscapes, ancient history and living traditions within a country that remains wonderfully accessible.

No visit to Wales would be complete without experiencing Eryri (Snowdonia) in the north. Home to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the highest mountain in Wales and England, the area offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK, with lakes, valleys and mountain villages creating a landscape that feels truly special.

Wales is also famous for its castles, and Conwy Castle and Caernarfon Castle are two of the finest examples. These impressive medieval fortresses provide a fascinating glimpse into Wales’s turbulent history and are reminders of the country’s strong identity and heritage.

The coastline is another highlight, with places such as the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park offering breathtaking cliffs, sandy beaches and some of the best coastal walking in Britain. The Gower Peninsula, near Swansea, was the first area in the UK to be designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and remains a favourite for its beaches, scenery and relaxed atmosphere.

For a taste of Welsh culture and city life, Cardiff, the capital, is well worth exploring, with its castle, waterfront, museums and lively food scene. Meanwhile, smaller places such as Llandudno, Aberystwyth and Portmeirion offer a different perspective on Wales, combining seaside charm, history and beautiful surroundings.

Beyond the major attractions, many visitors find that some of Wales’s greatest pleasures come from simply exploring the countryside, discovering small villages, enjoying local food and experiencing the warmth of Welsh hospitality. It is a country where the journey between places can be just as memorable as the destinations themselves.

Sunset across the Welsh Mountains

Final Thoughts
Before writing about my recent adventures in Wales, I felt it was important to set the scene and give some background to this fascinating country. Although Wales is relatively small in size, it has a remarkable ability to leave a lasting impression, with its dramatic mountains, beautiful coastlines, ancient castles and proud cultural identity.

I hope this introduction has given a little insight into the country before I share more about our own experiences exploring it. I’d love to hear from you — have you visited Wales, or is it somewhere you would like to discover? What places or experiences would you recommend?

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