Wales, one of the countries belonging to the United Kingdom, puts its own touch on the island’s cultural map. Those who love epic works, such as “The Lord of the Rings”, or the “Dark hedges Game of Thrones“, will be familiar with the view of the green meadows, the foggy weather and of course the majestic medieval castles. These castles were inhabited by nobles and are built in an amphitheatre style; usually points of strategic importance, many of which adorn the Welsh land. We will wander in a country where the meaning of myth and legend is directly intertwined with the inhabitants’ daily lives, in a stunning setting of geographical and cultural beauty.
The country
It may be part of the United Kingdom, but as with all the countries on the island, Wales, which borders England, is clearly influenced by English customs and has its own crucial local tradition. English is the primary spoken language, but it is estimated that about 22% of the total population, numbering around 3 million, speak Welsh, which is the only language, especially in rural North and West Wales.
The country, which is not called Wales in the local dialect, but as Cymru, extends to just over 20,000 sq km, mainly lowlands, including an extensive coastline, low-lying mountains, beautiful meadows, and forests, which are home to many animals, birds and plants. The Welsh countryside has played an essential role in shaping the country’s cultural identity and economy, with agriculture, animal husbandry and logging. Also, most of the images we have from the meadows of the area include many sheep, which could be characterized as a trademark thing of the countryside.
Of course, a state belonging to the United Kingdom could not have remained unaffected by the Industrial Revolution, when a large part of the working population was employed in mines or factories. Clearly influenced by Celtic culture, a fact that is reflected in music, architecture, manners, customs and everyday life in general, Wales has a remarkable tradition inextricably linked to its glorious, often legendary past.
Urban Wales and transportation
With an impressive red dragon as its emblem, Wales combines colours and traditions from all over Great Britain. The province may offer opportunities to escape from everyday life against the backdrop of a fairytale past, in beautiful natural surroundings or impressive and well-preserved medieval castles, but its smaller or larger cities also have their charm.
The capital of Wales since 1955 is Cardiff, which is also the largest city in the country with a population of about 335,000 citizens. In terms of transportation and access to Wales, the country’s only major international airport is approximately 19 km from Cardiff’s centre, with emphasis on both the extensive rail network and the three ports that can offer easy access for a Ireland road trip.
Naturally, the road network, which connects the regions of Wales and provides direct communication with England, plays a key role. The main thoroughfare that crosses South Wales is the M4, which in addition to its largest cities, connects the country directly with London. The A55 runs along the north coast, connecting with the north-west of England, Chester, while the A470 is the motorway that connects the largest city in the South, Cardiff, with Lantudno, which is the largest city in Wale’s north.
This means that your journey to Wales is safe and comfortable, allowing you to visit all those magical parts of the country, discovering its well-hidden secrets. By renting a car from Cardiff’s city and choosing one of the above roads, you can really visit every corner of Wales with no hassle. See Enjoy Travel for example, a Cardiff-based car rental company that can provide you with a wide variety of cars at the most affordable prices on the market for optimal mobility in the UK.
In conclusion, Wales is a unique, possibly expected, proposal for a trip abroad, which can satisfy every visitor. Those who are fans of the British way of life, local traditions and are familiar with the hazy, typically British weather will find the ideal destination in the vast, foggy and endless roads of Wales.
