Wales is one place on our doorstep that many are still yet to explore. With this in mind, we wanted to bring you ten facts you possibly didn’t know about the land of the rolling hills, home to the red dragon, to see if we can tempt you into a Welsh exploration this year.
So, whether you’ve already booked your summer staycation or you’re looking to book a holiday parks UK static caravan or lodge break for later in the year, here are ten facts that might persuade you to look at visiting Wales this year…
- Did you know… Wales is home to six cities?
That’s right, Wales is home to not one, but six cities – Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, Bangor, St Davids and St Asaph.
- Did you know… Wales is home to The Royal Mint?
The Royal Mint at Llantrisant creates over five billion coins each year, for not just the United Kingdom, but 60 countries in total.
- Did you know… the town with the second longest name in the world is located in Wales?
The Welsh village, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, is home to the second-longest name in the world. Although a bit of a mouthful to say, the town’s name means ‘St Mary’s Church in the Hollow of the White Hazel near a Rapid Whirlpool and the Church of St Tysilio near the Red Cave’.
Can you pronounce Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch?
- Did you know… there are possibly more sheep in Wales than you think?
Wales is famous for being the home of green and luscious rolling hills and home to a few sheep here and there. But, in actual fact, Wales is home to nearly 10 million sheep! They have more sheep than people in Wales.
- Did you know… the population of Wales?
There are 3.1 million people that call Wales, home.
- Did you know… there are more than 100 castles to be found in Wales?
In actual fact, there are more castles per square mile in Wales, than there are anywhere else in Europe. Wales has 427 castles within its lands. You’ll find some still standing in one piece, whilst others are ruins and structures that were never fully finished.
Do you think you could visit all 427 on your trip?
- Did you know… it’s one of three countries in the world to have a dragon on its flag?
Wales is known for its iconic red dragon, but did you know there are only two other countries in the world that also feature a dragon on their flags? These countries are Bhutan and Malta.
- Did you know… Dobby’s grave is in Wales?
If you’re a bit Harry Potter fan, you might be surprised to know that the iconic movie scene where the loyal house elf, Dobby, dies, was filmed at Freshwater West beach in South Wales. Today, fans of the franchise visit Dobby’s grave and pay tribute to a much-adored character.
- Did you know… Wales is home to three national parks?
If you love to explore the nature around you whilst on holiday, you could venture around Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and/or Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
- Did you know… You can walk the entire Welsh coastline?
Stretching 870 miles, you could walk the entire length of the Welsh coastline, which passes through 12 counties. However, at a brisk walking speed, it would take you seven weeks to complete, or three months for an average walker.
