Wanderlust in Wales

I’ve never been to the southern part of Wales.
BUT I REALLY love north Wales, Snowdania, Conwy, Harlech, Dolgellau,
Corris, the little trains of Wales, etc

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https://www.everettpotter.com/2025/04/wanderlust-in-wales/

Wanderlust in Wales

Words and images by Deborah Loeb Bohren

I admit it. Most of what I knew about Wales came from British television shows like Doctor Who, The Pembrokeshire Murders, and The Indian Doctor. But after six whirlwind days in southern Wales, I realized those shows only hint at the country’s extraordinary beauty and rich culture. From Cardiff’s vibrant energy to Hay-on-Wye’s literary charm and Carreg Cennen’s medieval ruins (just one of over 400+ castles scattered across the country), Wales may be compact at less than 100 miles wide at its widest point, but it’s incredibly deep in history, heritage and things to do. Just a quick train ride from London, it’s easy to get to yet worlds apart.

My journey began in Cardiff, Wales’ dynamic capital and the only Edwardian city in the United Kingdom. At its heart stands the magnificent Cardiff Castle, an architectural marvel with Roman roots. Over centuries, it evolved through medieval fortifications and Victorian expansions, but it was the 3rd Marquis of Bute — one of the wealthiest men of his era — who transformed it into today’s lavish spectacle. Climbing the Norman keep rewarded me with panoramic city views, but the real magic lay inside the lavishly decorated family apartments. From a bathroom with hot and cold running water and a wood and porcelain toilet (rarities for the time) to children’s rooms adorned with elaborately painted nursery rhyme murals, every wall, ceiling and corner burst with carvings, stained glass, gilt and mirrored opulence.

Across from the castle I strolled through the Castle Arcade, one of the city’s iconic covered passages. Originally built to shield shoppers from the coal-filled air of the industrial era, these architectural gems are a defining feature of Cardiff. Boasting elegant glass roofs and intricate ironwork they are home to independent boutiques, artisan cafes, and specialty shops. I popped into Fabulous Welsh Cakes to see what this legendary Welsh treat was all about. One bite and I knew why my still-warm fresh off the griddle buttery traditional and chocolate chip-laden Welsh cakes were legendary and, just as the name promised, nothing short of fabulous.

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