|
|
About Wales
The main highlight of Wales is its beautiful countryside and spectacular castles.Wales is the perfect place for walking, with the several national trails and hundreds of kilometres of magnificent coastline. There are also many other popular outdoor activities, which include climbing, trekking, rafting, riding, bird watching, and swimming. The best way to explore the countryside is to stay in a village in one of the national parks and explore the surrounding countryside. Some of the best National Parks to stay are Brecon Beacons National Park, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and Snowdonia National Park. If you decide to base yourself at Snowdonia, it is easy to visit some of the stunning medieval castles that were built by Edward 1. Probably the most worth while is Conwy. Some other great castles include Caernarfon, Beaumaris and Harlech, all of these are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage List sites.
|
Culture
A major Welsh tradition is the eisteddfod. Traditionally the eisteddfod was a contest involving poetry and music. There are three major eisteddfods in Wales today. Welsh religion consists of Protestants, Christians, Anglicans, Baptists, Methodists and Congregationalists. The one thing that makes Wales stand out amongst the rest of Britain is the survival of Welsh language. Welsh is an Indo-European language, from a Celtic offshoot. However, these days only about 20% of the population, speak Welsh. Welsh food is not particularly well-known, but it does exist. The leek, is the national symbol, and you'll also find laverbread (a mixture of seaweed, oatmeal and bacon served on toast), rarebit (cheese on toast with the added flavour of mustard and beer) and Glamorgan sausages, a meatless delight made from cheese, breadcrumbs, herbs and leek.
|
Local_Currency
The British currency is the pound sterling (£), with 100 pence (p) to a pound. One and 2p coins are copper; 5p, 0p, 20p and 50p coins are silver; the £11 coin is gold-coloured; and the new £2 coin is gold and silver-coloured. Like its written counterpart the world pence is is usually abbreviated and pronounced ‘pee’.
Notes (bills) come in £5, £10, £20 and £50 denominations and vary in colour and size. You may also come across notes issued by several Scottish banks, including a £1 note which are legal tender on both sides of the border. If you have any trouble getting them accepted in England and Wales, ask a bank to swap them for you.
|
Transport
There are no domestic flights in Wales. There are buses available, however they are fairly infrequent. Wales has some fantastic train lines, both mainline and private. Apart from the main lines along the north and south coasts to the Irish ferry ports, there are some interesting lines that converge on Shrewsbury. The lines along the Cambrian coast and down the Conwy valley are exceptionally attractive. Probably the best way to get around is by car. You can use the M4 and A55, which makes travelling quick and easy.Travelling around Wales by bike is also very popular, although the hilly terrain is really only suitable for experienced cyclists. Most towns have at least one shop where you can hire a bike for a day. Although, you are rarely allowed to take bikes on trains during rush hour.
|
Visa_Information
Visas are generally not required for western countries, however we suggest that you check with your local consulate or embassy as a visas vary from country to country.
|
|
