8 Reasons Why You Should Never Go to Wales
When most people (and especially most Americans) plan their first trip to the UK, a handful of destinations usually end up on their itinerary: London, Stonehenge, maybe Oxford, Edinburgh, the Scottish Highlands, and perhaps a hop over to Dublin since it's so close.
I don't know of very many people who add Wales to their first UK itinerary.
In fact, it took me more than five visits to Britain before I finally spent any mentionable amount of time in Wales. Everyone knows about London, and Scotland does a great job of marketing itself to tourists. Wales, on the other hand, largely gets overlooked.
But I get it. Because there are so many reasons why you should never go to Wales.
First, watch this video from Wales:
Why you should never visit Wales*
Reasons why you should probably never plan a trip to Wales include…
1. Castles, castles, castles
Wales has a ridiculous number of castles – over 600 of them, in fact, which leads many people to call the country the “castle capital of the world.” That seems a bit excessive, doesn't it? I mean, does a small country like Wales really need THAT many castles?
Many of them are in ruins now, and a few are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Seems like a lot of upkeep, if you ask me.
And, really, who wants to drive around and see a castle on nearly every hilltop? Doesn't that get old after a while?
2. All the legends
Wales has a lot of legends associated with it and its history, from dragons to magic swords to holy drinking vessels.
The legend of Merlin, for example, was based on the Welsh legends of the wizard Myrddin Wyllt, and many historians argue that King Arthur isn't a myth at all, but instead a real figure from Welsh history (though perhaps not actually a king). There's the mystery surrounding the Nanteos Cup, too, which many believe to be THE Holy Grail.
But c'mon, Wales. No need to be putting fairy tales in peoples heads.
3. Old language
Go home, Wales: your language is drunk.
The Welsh language is an old one – it dates back thousands of years, in fact, and is likely the oldest language in Britain. And yet the language has changed little despite so many millennia passing. It's still ridiculously difficult to speak (well, for us non-Welsh, at least), and don't even bother trying to read signs in Welsh. It's just futile.
This is seriously a place name in Wales:
It means “The Church of Mary in the hollow of the white hazel near the fierce whirlpool and the Church of Tysilio by the red cave.”
Yes. For real. It's one of the longest place names in the world.
If the place names aren't silly enough, Tolkien also based one of his versions of the Elvish language (Sindarin) on Old Welsh. So yes, it's so strange-sounding and old that it was actually the basis for a made-up fantasy language.
4. The scenery
Wales has all sorts of scenery, from rolling hills (that they call mountains) to crashing coastlines. The roads through some of this scenery are twisting and so narrow that two cars literally can't pass one another. And they're often littered with sheep.
The combination of these two things will probably mean that you'll stop a lot when driving and you'll be late to everything.
And then there are the beaches, which are far too empty and clean compared to ones you'll find elsewhere in Europe. Some have even won awards and stuff, which kind of just makes it feel like Wales is showing off.
5. Adventure sports
People in Wales are a little crazy.
Not only do they do things like surfing and whitewater rafting in frigid mountain water, but they also like to fly down mountainsides on bikes, hurtle over old quarries on zip lines, and even invented a sport that combines swimming, coastal hiking, and cliff jumping in a sport the Welsh have dubbed “coasteering.”
I know of New Zealand as an adventure-crazy country, but Wales may be just as insane when it comes to inventive (and abundant) ways to hurt yourself.
RELATED: 7 Epic Adventures to Have in North Wales
6. Adorable towns
Little Welsh towns – like the ones you'll find in Snowdonia – are unbearably cute. With old stone buildings and cozy low-ceilinged cafes and pubs, it's just too much.
Dial back on the quaintness, Wales. Seriously. You're going to leave people very disappointed when they visit other villages after these.
7. Welsh humbleness
People in wales are far too humble. Whereas in Scotland they are quick to tell you what a town or loch or island is famous for, in Wales you almost have to force it out of the locals.
They also don't like to brag about their famous Welsh residents (like Tom Jones and Roald Dahl) or about cool accomplishments (they built the first traffic suspension bridge) or fun facts (Wales is home to a 4,000 year old tree!).
Stop being so darn sheepish, Wales! (I mean, I know you HAVE lots of sheep, but you don't need to act like them.) A little bragging every once in a while will do you good.
8. Not a lot of tourists
Lastly, since most tourist to the UK go to places like London and Edinburgh, you'll find many parts of Wales virtually devoid of any tourists. You can walk into a pub in many small cities and find only locals speaking Welsh (who will give you a strange look when you start speaking English).
Even the touristy places still feel very quiet.
It's a real shock after visiting so many other parts of the UK where you just find busloads and busloads of tourists.
*I don't hate Wales, folks
To address all the angry people leaving comments on this post… of course I don't actually hate Wales!
In case my snarkiness didn't come through, let me state it plainly: this entire post is written tongue-in-cheek.
These are all reasons why you SHOULD visit Wales. I think Wales is an amazing part of the UK, and I'm frankly baffled over why more people don't visit.
With all the castles, beautiful scenery, outdoor adventure, and the fact that there aren't a ton of tourists, there's really no denying that Wales is a great destination.
I only spent a handful of days in northern Wales, but it was long enough for me to conclude that Wales is very special (and I'm definitely not saying that just because I have a Welsh surname…).
In fact, I think my next trip to the UK might be JUST a trip to Wales!
Who's ready to plan a trip to Wales?
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*Note: I was a guest of Visit Wales and Visit Britain on this trip, but all opinions – along with replies to all nasty comments left by people who haven't actually read this post – as always, are 100% my own.
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. She has traveled to more than 60 countries on 6 continents from her home base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and thoughtful travel through the US, Europe, and rest of the world. Amanda only shares tips based on her personal experiences and places she's actually traveled!
I’m not expecting you to change the post, or cause you to be less ‘creative’ or ‘fun’ however I just believe that when your mocking or joking about a whole country (and a very patriotic one at that!) that you should be more empathetic and careful with your selection of words and topics. I understand that you probably went through a lot of trouble to do this, but on the contrary I still think that some of the things were unnecessary and therefor a bit far.
Please, be quiet. From a proud Welshman.
Great article, you need to visit the south. Waterfall country, the Gower, and the Pembrokeshire coastal path
I’m sorry but I believe that as a person from wales that this is an absolute outrage. You’re telling people not to come to wales, wales gets so much of its money from tourism and this will cause a lot of people not to come. You’re complaining about wales being good, and if it were bad you would you would pick on that and be bullying towards that to. Personally I believe that this could be classed as racist as you are making us feel ashamed of our heritage and country!
Ummm… did you even read this post, or did you just see the title and leave this comment? If you read the post, you’ll know it was written tongue-in-cheek and is actually a love letter to Wales! I love Wales and think it’s a great destination!
if you think that this is a great destination then why didn’t you entitle it with something that was actually to do with the piece? and as a fluent welsh speaker we do take pride in our language and calling it ‘drunk’ is really offensive. how would you feel if someone wrote this about where you live, a place you take pride in and a place you love
Well, this is my blog and I’m allowed to take creative license with my content and have fun with it, like I did here. I’m from the US, so I’m quite used to reading negative things about my own country. (Though, again, this post isn’t actually negative! It’s written with sarcasm and is meant to be humorous – I’m sorry that you don’t get it, but I won’t be changing the post.)
Cerys, “I’m sorry but I believe that as a person from Wales that this is an absolute outrage.” You are making it seem like the Welsh are stupid and humourless.
Enjoyed the article. Next time you must visit the beaches of Gower!
cheers
Christ Carys get a bloody grip! Its obviously written in good humour and your being chopsy is more likely to put people off visiting Wales than this article is! Wales is literally one of the friendliest nations on earth and you’ve just done a right job on us there with your whinging!
I’m Welsh and found the article charming and funny. I could definitely tell it was tongue in cheek from the first paragraph, but calling the Welsh language “drunk” is kinda offensive. Perhaps people from the South don’t get as offended and aggressive as people from the North do when someone mocks the language, idk, but in the North we learn Welsh as babies and are raised to respect and be proud of the language and we’re taught the despicable things that happened to Welsh people who spoke Welsh not even 80 years ago.
We’re already told that our language is shit, makes no sense, looks like someone ran across the keyboards, looks like a drunk person wrote it, and to have someone (even jokingly) shit all over such a beautiful language that has endured centuries of the English government trying to eradicate it, is disgraceful.
I myself have 1 quarter welsh blood in me. I would love to see all the castles and definitely for an American it is a culture shock for those coming from big cities to explore a more quiet rural setting. From the sound of it the preservation of their language, culture and landscape makes it impressive for those who want a holiday that’s different to your typical tourist swamped experience. The fact that its so medieval is impressive. It has been shadowed by England for so long!
Despite my tongue-in-cheek approach to this post, I really loved Wales and agree with you – it’s special and impressive!
Wow! I would love to visit Wales! Absolutely gorgeous!
I’m only a year late reading this, but I spent two weeks in Wales last month on my first UK trip – intentionally! It was not enough time. One week in Snowdonia and another just south of Brecon Breacons. Each time I stayed in one of those stone houses in a quaint, small town like you mentioned. I was surprised Welsh was spoken so much since I’d just come from Belfast and Gaelic is not commonly heard there. People keep telling me to start a travel blog and I’m too nervous to do it. It’s such a passion of mine.
I really loved Wales, too, and can’t wait to go back and explore a lot more next time!
To be 100% percent honest Wales is a shit holiday destination. But a amazing place to live , I can only think of 3 places better to live and that’s Canada , North Usa and New Zealand. We have some beautiful county side , we are bilingual since we speak welsh and English ( English south and welsh in the valleys/north )
But tbh we have nothing to do what so ever.
Great place though.
I don’t think you give Wales enough credit! I had a great time in northern Wales, and found lots to do! So much so that I already know I need to go back in order to do/see more. Check out everything there is to do just in northern Wales: https://www.dangerous-business.com/2016/10/7-epic-adventures-north-wales/
I am going to be in the UK in September. Unfortunately, most of our time is already scheduled, but we want to take a day trip from London to Wales. We won’t have a car, so will have to take a train and walk or find transport once we are there. Do you have a suggestion for where we should spend our so very short time in Wales?
To be very honest, a day trip to Wales from London using public transport isn’t going to allow you much time in Wales at all! If you’re going to do it, I would probably take the train to Cardiff. It’s about 2 hours one-way, which would allow you about half a day to explore Cardiff.
Great article about Wales Amanda. Looks like you missed out on the south western part – you should definitely add it to your itinerary for your next visit.
Yes, I was mostly in the north during this trip – but I definitely plan to return!
Hey
I came across your site while researching Southeast Asia as myself and my girlfriend are travelling there soon. I then stumbled this post and loved it, plus being welsh made it an ever better read for me. It’s really nice to see wales being recognised by fellow travellers. Thank you, and also your information on Southeast Asia have been very helpful.
Happy to be able to help, Callum – and even happier that you enjoyed this post! I had fun writing it, and had even more fun in Wales!
Love this post.
I have lived in Wales for 15 years now and lucky to have some beautiful places just up the road. Brecon Beacons is a must. If you come to Wales you can not leave without walking up Pen Y Fan and going up Snowdonia.
There are so many quaint places to visit as you can see from the pictures. From Tenby to Saint David@s soooo many.
There is so much to see and as an English person living in Wales after all this time I can still not pronounce half of the street names.
Also never ever had chips and cheese until I came here. Now I am addicted. 🙂
There are definitely lots of places that I’d love to visit next time!
I didn’t make it to Wales until my *third* visit to the UK. We took a train from London to spend the day in Cardiff, including a visit to the Doctor Who Experience, which was great fun.
You’re completely right, though- Wales is less flooded with tourists than the other places I went within the UK, and it’s all quite pretty. Great post!
I still haven’t been to Cardiff – definitely on my “next time” list!
This is a great blog post. Love the reverse psychology thing you’ve got going on.
Been to Wales a few times and have to agree that it’s a pretty special place.
It’s fun to write things from a slightly different perspective sometimes – glad you enjoyed the post!
Yup, looks pretty awful…I hope I never end up there! 😉
I know, right? It would just be pure torture.
‘Love your post.
I’m a British person, and I’ve been to Wales a few times. It really is quite lovely, and you’re right, not even English people tend to visit ‘cos it’s in our backyard type of thing lol! I actually visited Wales more, now that I actually live in Germany!!
However, the seaside is amazing, the hills roll, the people are humble, and the national parks are fantastic!
Wales definitely has a lot going for it, and I was really happy to discover just how lovely it is!
Wales is so special. I actually went on my first trip to Britain 16 years ago, but I haven’t been back since and that’s just a sad oversight on my part. Got to go back now!
It really is special – I hope to return soon!