Wales
When a country’s border is predominantly coastline, it’s no wonder there is a fascinating coastal heritage bursting with myths and legend. You’ll find pirate trails (think ‘Black Bart’ the designer of the skull and crossbones or Captain Henry Morgan) and plenty of ancient castles to explore. Hear tales of wizards and dragons told in one of the oldest living languages in Europe. The Welsh language is spoken by 20% of the population and is seen, with English, on all signs. The landscape is dotted with places connected to one of Britain’s most enduring legends – King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.
You’ll eat regally too in gastropubs and country cafés as Welsh chefs serve up regionally-sourced produce - abundant seafood, tender Welsh lamb, dry-aged black beef and a delicious array of cheeses. Along the stunningly beautiful Pembrokeshire coast there are many seaside pubs where fresh fish, mussels, scallops and shrimp can be savoured with harbour views. Kayak with the seals or go dolphin spotting.
Venture inland through mountainous landscapes and national parks to discover heritage rail lines, steam trains and adventure activities intertwined with Wales’s slate-mining past. Explore the heart of Wales with a choice of gentle walks, the wildest being Glaslyn Nature Reserve where you can see moorland birds, red kites and falcons, or a walkers’ paradise in Snowdonia National Park. Let’s not forget Cardiff, a vibrant, cultural city with deep roots in the past and where literary legend Roald Dahl was born.