Wrapped in Welsh Wonder

Travelling slowly and savouring the feeling of hwyl

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better”- Albert Einstein

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Today’s Newsletter Presented By

Aerial vista by drone of Carreg Cennen Castle, Brecon Beacons National Park, Carmarthenshire, Wales - Shutterstock

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In today’s email:

• Wrapped in Welsh Wonder

• Scotland’s Mythical Places

• Around the World: The Magic of Portmeirion, A Room of Opulent Wonder;

  The Places Everyone Loves in Normandy, France and a whole lot more…

• Seasonal & Special Occasions To Add To Your List

• Into Orbit: Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS makes its closest approach to Earth tonight: Here’s what you need to know

• From Social Media: Scotland is known for its stunning landscapes, and the Shetland Islands are a prime example

• Travel Grub: Nerys Howell Welsh food by season - Mince pies

• Curious Cove: 15 Things to do in Zanzibar

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Wrapped in Welsh Wonder

Experience the true essence of hwyl on your travels through Wales—a uniquely Welsh feeling of wholehearted joy and contentment that comes from being fully present. Whether you’re wandering rugged coasts, scaling mountains like Yr Wyddfa, or exploring medieval castles with the little ones, Wales invites you to savour every moment. Feel it during pony treks across the Brecon Beacons, boat trips on serene lakes, or bonding over ice cream on sun‑kissed beaches. Camping under starlit skies, with the odd summer shower prompting a joyous mud‑slide, only deepens that sense of connection. Discover hidden waterfalls, or embrace exhilarating adventures like zip‑lining and coasteering in Snowdonia. On a rainy afternoon, hwyl is found in cosy museums, crackling pub fires, or family craft sessions. It’s in shared laughter on heritage railways, in the warmth of festivals and the camaraderie of a local rugby match. Let Wales wrap you in its charm—where each breath, sight, and sound nudges you into that unforgettable state of immersive joy

The Old Lighthouse on the tidal Island of Llanddwyn, Anglesey, Wales - Shutterstock

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Scotland’s Mythical Places

Scotland is a place where history and myth share the same ground. Misty lochs, lonely standing stones, and dramatic coastlines have shaped stories of creatures, fairies, ghosts, and heroes for centuries. From the dark waters of Loch Ness to the Callanish Stones on Lewis, the landscape is full of legends that refuse to fade.

Picture yourself beside the clear blue Fairy Pools on Skye or walking the quiet paths of Doon Hill, a place long linked to the hidden world of the fair folk. Whether you take these tales literally or simply enjoy the mystery, each site carries an energy that feels older than the stories themselves

Illuminated Kelpies - Shutterstock

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Around the World

The Magic of Portmeirion

Portmeirion is a whimsical Italianate village on North Wales’ Dwyryd estuary, designed by Sir Clough Williams‑Ellis with pastel-coloured houses, a dramatic campanile, and the enchanting Central Piazza offering a “pocket of madness”

A Room of Opulent Wonder

Step into the stunning Arab Room, one of architect William Burges’s final creations from 1881, featuring a breathtaking muqarnas ceiling richly gilded and intricately decorated. Sunlight streams through Egyptian-inspired stained glass windows, refracting off crystal balls to illuminate the opulent ceiling

Wales’ Neolithic Marvel

Perched above the Dwyryd Estuary with majestic views to the Preseli Hills, Pentre Ifan is the most impressive and best‑preserved Neolithic dolmen in Wales—its massive 5 m capstone (weighing around 16 tonnes) balanced on slender uprights since roughly 3,500 BC

Climbing the Great Orme

The Great Orme Tramway is Britain’s only funicular, or cable-hauled, tramway that travels on public roads. Delighting visitors since it opened in 1902. The Tramway climbs a mile (1500m) through the Great Orme Country Park and Nature Reserve to the Great Orme’s spectacular summit

About Gigrin Farm

Located near Rhayader, Gigrin Farm offers a breathtaking daily spectacle as hundreds of wild Red Kites swoop down to feed. The feeding takes place at 3:00 PM from the end of March to the end of October. Visitors can enjoy the view from various hides, including specialist photographic ones

The Places Everyone Loves in Normandy, France

This corner of France has long appealed to British travellers, thanks to its easy distance from the UK and the sense of shared history that links both sides of the Channel. It offers that ideal balance many people look for: classic French food and gentle weather, yet without feeling completely unfamiliar. Towns here combine medieval streets, Gothic architecture, and modern life, while the countryside stretches out to meet the sea with those striking white cliffs that have inspired painters and poets for generations

Etretat France - Shutterstock

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Seasonal & Special Occasions To Add To Your List

Explore this list of seasonal activities not to be missed.

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Into Orbit

Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS makes its closest approach to Earth tonight: Here’s what you need to know

Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS will make its closest approach to Earth on Friday, Dec. 19, marking a key moment in the journey of one of the rarest visitors ever observed in our solar system

Today’s Advanced Exercise, Physics Research Benefits Earth and Space Industries

Exercise and physics research were the top scientific duties aboard the International Space Station on Wednesday advancing human health and industries both on the ground and in space

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From Social Media

Scotland is known for its stunning landscapes, and the Shetland Islands are a prime example

Travel Grub

Recipe

Nerys Howell Welsh food by season - Mince pies

Curious Cove

Wales Travel Guide & Tips Tourism Van Life Road Trip

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