Rather than flowing over the top of the British Isles as usual, the Jet Stream’s current positioning to the South has brought the rainiest summer that the United Kingdom has had in decades (and let’s face it we normally get quite a bit), and I am frequently reading a stream of distressed, weather-related Facebook updates from the sunny comfort of my Swedish wooden cabin. Comments such as, “We’re going to take the kids to school in a boat today!”, “When will it stop raining?”, and “Will we ever get a summer again?” .
Until finally this week when the tide turned. Or rather, the jet stream shifted and the British Isles finally saw some decent weather.
As my visit to Wales coordinated perfectly with this turn of fortune, I have been lucky to see Britain at its very best; and despite Wales’ long-standing reputation for being wet and miserable, in reality it harbours some of the most dramatic and beautiful scenery in Britain.
Here are my TOP FIVE reasons to visit Wales.
Dramatic Coastline
Wales may not have pristine white sands, or turquoise waters; but the beauty of the coast comes from the undulating hills, high cliffs, caves, and rugged rocks. Even the steely gray water churning as it makes its tumultuous journey towards the shore is magnificent.
Green Hills
William Blake may have extolled the virtues of ‘England’s green and pleasant land’ in the poem Jerusalem, but Wales is, in fact, just as green and pleasant. One of my favourite things about flying home is looking down out from the plane window at how colourful Britain is. There really is nowhere else quite like it.
Ancient Castles
You can’t go far in Wales without coming across a castle of some kind. Some are still intact, while others crumble over time like this ruined Norman castle at Ogmore in South Wales.
Cottages and Stone Walls
I am always amazed by British stone walls, and by how the builders can take stones of different shapes and sizes, and fashion them into straight lines – sometimes without the use of anything to bond the stones together (although there is in the picture above). I have never seen walls like this anywhere else in the world, but they are everywhere in Wales.
Beautiful Beaches 
Cool and rainy Welsh summers are not alluring for people looking for a beach holiday, but Wales still has some gorgeous beaches for those rare sunny days. Rocks, shingle, and cold water might be off-putting for some, but that’s what makes a Welsh beach so interesting. Not to mention the rock pools where you can observe all manner of sea-life up close.
Would you like to visit Wales? Leave a comment below, or if you enjoyed the post then please share 🙂
I have found Wales to be one of the most spectacular places on the planet. Great scenery, great pubs and great people! HOpe to get back there some day soon.
Jonathan Look, Jr. recently posted..My Night in Zapatista Country
It really is a beautiful country. If only the weather was always good enough to enjoy it! You are right about the pubs though – perfect for those rainy days too 🙂
These photos are stunning!!
Terri recently posted..[VIDEO] Female Expat in Saudi Arabia – It’s Not That Bad
Thank you! I am really focusing on improving my photography at the moment so I really appreciate comments like this 🙂
I’d like to make it to Wales one day. I meant to make a little day trip there during my last two visits to London, but alas, the city sucked me in and I ran out of time yet again!
Audrey recently posted..WANTED for Illegal Dumping
Yes, you should definitely visit. If you have time, try to spend longer there and travel around the whole country. Wales is very different to England is some respects.
The photos are lovely, and I’ve been meaning to visit Wales for a long, long time. I can’t imagine the beaches are swimmable but that photo is stunning!
Charu recently posted..How I Feel About Retouched Photographs
Thank you very much for the compliment! I hope you get to visit Wales one day, because it really is beautiful. Some people do swim in the sea, but it is way too cold for me!
I was in Penarth over the summer, and didn’t find it very pretty. The south west near Fishguard and St David’s is stunning.
Alex recently posted..Why You Should Visit Wales
No, Penarth isn’t really that pretty looking – it’s very industrial and is Cardiff’s back yard! My sister lives there, I wonder if you saw her around!
Having grow up on the Welsh border, I spent many childhood holidays on the north Wales coast and Snowdonia. It is indeed stunning and keep meaning to re-explore. Your post has inspried me to at least do a bit of reasearch. Thanks:)
Kitty Blake recently posted..Where to buy tea in London: East India Company
I also have many memories of childhood holidays on the North Wales coast and Snowdonia – we possibly crossed each other’s path a few times! It really is a beautiful part of the world.
Thanks for the comment 🙂