History, heritage and traditions

An impressive history Wales has gathered with a fair few traditions added along the way. Historic castles, Roman forts right on through to traditional recipes and celebrations.

A castle on a hill surrounded by countryside with mountains in the background.

Visit our UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Wales

Find out how to make the most of your visit to each of the four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Wales.

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© Hawlfraint y Goron / Crown Copyright

castle with dramatic sky and coast in background.

Discover the myths and legends of Wales

Here’s our guide to where to discover the best myths and legends in Wales.

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Discover our story

View of Beaumaris Castle across moat.

Royalty and Romans: Wales has an incredible history

Brutal invasions, castles, myths, legends and industrial works; the story of Wales is captivating.

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An illustration of St David.

Five facts about Saint David

Here’s five facts you might not know about the greatest figure in the Welsh Age of Saints, St David.

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View of Bardsey Island from land.

Welsh links with the Arthurian legend

Discover the Welsh places linked with King Arthur. Plan your own early medieval adventure.

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Two Welsh Dragons lit up in the dark.

Discover the stories of people from Welsh folklore and history

Find out about a cast of legendary names from Welsh folklore and history.

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Daffodils in foreground with a blurred out building in the background.

Epic ways to celebrate St David’s Day

Why we celebrate St David's Day on 1 March and some interesting ways to join in the festivities.

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Exterior of an old stone pub.

Drink in the history of these intriguing Welsh pubs

Poet and author Rhys Iorwerth shares his favourite Welsh pubs with an intriguing tale to tell.

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Mighty castles

A picture of Caerphilly Castle's central island from the North.

Is Wales the castle capital of Europe?

With over 400 castles, wherever you go on holiday in Wales, you won't be too far from one to visit.

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View of Cardiff Castle, South Wales

Cardiff Castle: an all-action attraction!

From the gargoyles on the castle walls to secret tunnels, Cardiff Castle is brought vividly to life.

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A grassy area within a large castle.

Caernarfon's military might

Discover an ancient Celtic town with a Roman barracks and imposing medieval castle.

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A ruined castle grounds and walls looking out over water.

Find out what's different about these castles…

Looking for castles with strange stories behind them? Here are a few of our favourites.

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Close up of tomb stone

Wales and the USA

There are many ties between Wales and America you can discover across Wales. Find out more.

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Criccieth Castle on top of a hill from afar, with the sea in the background and houses in the foreground.

Follow in the footsteps of the princes of Gwynedd

After the Romans the princes of Gwynedd ruled. Here’s a tribute to Wales’ greatest warlords.

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North Wales

Discover Wales' heritage in one of our many museums

A red locomotive inside the museum at Rhyl Miniature Railway.

Mad for museums in Wales

Wales has over 90 accredited museums, ranging from industrial heritage, to textiles and fine art.

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An industrial steam engine and wagon displayed in a window fronted museum.

Discover our seven National Museums

For Welsh history and culture, our seven, free entry National Museums take some beating.

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Discover the people and local history of Wales

Journey through Welsh history at the smaller, specialised museums across Wales.

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Coal wagon displayed at a museum.

Discover our maritime and industrial history

Several Welsh museums tell the stories our shoreline communities and industrial heritage of Wales.

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Displays of artefacts at National Museum Wales.

Enjoy virtual exhibitions from Welsh museums

Take in some wonderful Welsh art and culture by going on a virtual visit to these museums.

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A stage at a festival in a field.

Your guide to the biggest Welsh music festivals

Feed your mind, body and soul at one of the dozens of music festivals taking place across Wales.

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© Hawlfraint y Goron / Crown Copyright

A sign on a post that says Wales Coast Path.

Shwmae - and welcome to Wales!

We answer everything you ever wanted to know about the Welsh language but were afraid to ask.

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Traditions

Llanfair PG sign at railway station, with name in full.

Poetry in motion - discover the language of Wales

Learn about the origins of the Welsh language and how it's still thriving today.

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three female walkers on a hill in the countryside, with bluebells and a tree.

Find your roots and trace your family tree

Discover sources of information and genealogy tours to help you trace your Welsh family history.

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Tours

Signpost on coastal path looking over water.

10 short Wales Coast Path walks through history

Ten walks along the Wales Coast Path taking in castles and places of Welsh history and heritage.

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Top down aerial shot of Dolbadarn Castle, Snowdonia.

Heritage and sightseeing

Hear fascinating stories from the past at the best of our Welsh castles, monuments and museums.

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steam engine with carriages passes lake.

Heritage railway heaven

Wales is home to some of the most famous narrow gauge and miniature gauge railways in the world.

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© Hefin Owen

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