It’s that time of year again around St Dwynwen's Day, which is considered by some to be the most romantic day of the year in Wales. Sort of like a Welsh Valentine's Day, people send cards to each other, reminding their loved one what makes them special.
And it got me thinking: if I had to write a love letter to Wales, or make a list of what me and so many other people love about living here, what would be on it? For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter
It had always been a dream of mine to live close to a beach. I’m originally from Sheffield, which is a varied, creative city full of things to do, but it’s also one of the most landlocked places in the UK. In Wales, being nearer the sea and closer to mountains, you get a different sense of freedom and possibility. And nothing else has disappointed either, so here are just a few things I fell in love with when I made the move:
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1. Hidden gems
I feel like people who live in Wales are constantly re-discovering everything that the country has to offer. The pandemic forced us to explore what is on our doorstep, and if you are someone who loves meeting new people and going to new places, then Wales has so many hidden gem spots which are incredible, which, if they were located near London, would be teeming with tourists 24/7. Recently, I visited Dunraven beach, which was like a slice of Cornwall but less than an hour away from Cardiff.
2. Quirky towns and villages
The UK is known for charismatic, cutesy villages in places like the Peak District and the Cotswolds, but I definitely think more people should be talking about the ones here in Wales. My favourite has got to be Merthyr Mawr, which is full of thatched cottages and surrounded by stunning countryside. And the next one on my bucket list is the old fishing village of Solva, which has a picturesque harbour and was recently named among the most beautiful villages in the UK. Try WalesOnline Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features.
3. Sense of community
When I moved to Wales, although it was great to be near the sea, it has been the people who have turned it into somewhere that feels like home. People are open, and will go out of their way to make you feel welcome or help you out with something. And there are some amazing initiatives here which ignite that feeling of community in ways that you’d never expect. I’ve been lucky enough to speak to people who have made real change and effort to bring people together, from a son who was grieving for his dad who inspired hundreds of men to start talking about their mental health, to people at a workshop who do carpentry to improve their wellbeing — and some of the conversations I’ve had have reshaped the way I’ve understood how easy it is for communities to thrive, even in a digital age.
4. Amazing wildlife
It’s still surreal when I hear people talking about spotting things like dolphins so close to home. And over the summer, there was even a shark spotted popping out of the water. We all know that Wales is home to some diverse species, including puffins on Skomer Island and dolphins in Cardigan Bay, so if anyone is on the fence about moving to Wales and loves seeing a range of animals, I can guarantee that you won’t be disappointed.
5. A vibrant music scene
The music scene hits differently here, especially when it's outdoors. Over the summer I was lucky enough to see some incredible performances. But seeing the Lumineers with a summer sunset and Cardiff Castle as their backdrop was a moment that I definitely won’t be forgetting, and not something I ever would have experienced in England. I’ve also heard some great things about the Green Man Festival, where you can enjoy live music, art installations, and immerse yourself in nature.
6. Stunning coastal walks
Of course, it would be wrong not to mention one of the most drawing factors of Wales: the beaches and gorgeous coastal walks along the Wales Coast Path, with stunning views of the sea and rugged cliffs. I don’t think people realise just how stunning Welsh beaches are until they spend time here, and see how many stretches of coastline will make you feel like you're on a tropical island, rather than in the UK.
7. Delicious food
Welsh food is undeniably great. The traditional dishes like Welsh rarebit and bara birth have become an absolute must-have since moving here, but I feel like there’s a big emphasis on enjoying home-cooked food and good quality meals. And you’ll find them not just in the cities, but often in rural locations or smaller towns, where there are so many incredible restaurants, gastropubs and modern coffee shops, serving an endless range of food available no matter what kind of dietary requirement you have.
8. The buzzing atmosphere and love for sport
People’s passion for sport in Wales is infectious, and there’s nothing like Cardiff on the day of a Wales rugby game. The city comes alive with a sea of dedicated fans, the streets are alive with the excitement of people gathering to support the team. I remember the first time I walked through the centre on a match day: pubs and bars were buzzing, people were singing on the high street and people just looked so happy to be there.
9. The range of things you can do
It’s always fun to try new things, and if you live in Wales I do think there’s plenty of opportunity to push yourself out of your comfort zone. From trying out some of the world’s best ziplines to canyoning, there’s pretty much something for everyone.
10. Sustainability
Wales was named one of the best places to visit in the world in 2024 by Lonely Planet, and was recognised for leading the way in sustainability. It’s also one of the first countries in the world to have sustainability written in its government legislation. There is a huge emphasis on using renewable energy and Wales generates twice as much electricity as it uses. Like other places, there is still a long way to go before we can say that we all make a conscious effort every day to make Wales a more sustainable place to live and work, but it feels slowly like more conversations are being had about how we can feasibly create a low carbon future.
