What makes Wales feel like, well… Wales?
Is it the castles—more than 600 of them scattered across the landscape? The breathtaking 870-mile Wales Coast Path, the only one of its kind in the world? Or maybe it’s the stories—the myths, the battles, the poets and bards who spoke in hushed tones of fire-breathing dragons and Arthurian adventures?
These are the questions I found myself asking while working on The Little Book of Welsh Landmarks, the new paperback edition of one of my earliest books, which is published today. (For clarity, this is the updated paperback – not to be confused with the outdated hardback edition!)
In many ways, this book is a companion to my very first, The Little Book of Welsh Culture. That one explored Wales’ arts and traditions—music, film, visual arts, theatre. This one takes us off the beaten track, uncovering the places where those stories come to life—from the golden sands of Gower to the snowy peaks of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).
Welsh Landmarks: More Than Just Beautiful Places
Some of these places are truly epic, dominating the landscape with their grandeur. Others are small and unassuming, easy to overlook. But what makes them special isn’t just how they look—it’s the stories they hold.
The Power of Welsh Castles
Take Caernarfon, Conwy, Harlech and Beaumaris—among the most stunning medieval castles in the world. But scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll find tales of conquest, rebellion, and centuries of history carved into stone. These fortresses are more than relics of the past—they’re a window into Wales’ complex and often turbulent history.
A Poet’s Humble Sanctuary
Then there’s Dylan Thomas’s writing shed in Laugharne—as humble a space as you could find. And yet, within those four walls, he wrote Under Milk Wood and so much more. Would it feel the same without the words he left behind? Probably not. Some places become significant not because of what they are, but because of the stories that unfold within them.
The Connection Between Welsh Landmarks and Storytelling
Places don’t just exist—they mean something because of the narratives attached to them. And that’s true far beyond Wales’ landscapes. The best brands, businesses, and creative projects thrive on the same principles. People connect to stories. That’s what makes them care.
That’s something I’ve always been drawn to—how storytelling connects us to places, ideas and each other.
If you love Welsh history, heritage, and the stories behind iconic landmarks, I think you’ll enjoy this book.
👉 Get your copy of The Little Book of Welsh Landmarks here
What’s Your Favourite Welsh Landmark?
One of the challenges of writing a “little” book is that there’s never enough space for everything. So, I’d love to hear from you—what’s a place that’s always stuck with you, and why? Get in touch!