Ten Things That Shock Tourists About Wales Culture
Greetings from Wales! We love to help travelers prepare for their vacations, and other than telling you the best things to do, we love to share the things that will shock you upon arriving in a new destination. Today we’re sharing the top ten travel shocks of Wales culture.
Wales Culture Shock #1: The Welsh Language
Most travelers assume since they are traveling to Great Britain, that language will not be a barrier to English speakers. They do speak English in Wales, but they also speak Welsh. When you see Welsh written, it’s nearly impossible to tell how to pronounce the words, or to know what they mean. Fortunately, most of the signs are in English and in Welsh.
Wales Culture Shock #2: The Number of Castles and Ruins
There is a shocking number of castles in Wales. There are the well-known castles like Cardiff Castle, but some of the lesser known ruins are equally cool. If you are driving around Wales, allow plenty of extra time for detours to castles along the way.
Wales Culture Shock #3: Driving in Wales
You’ll probably take the M4 into Wales, but to really explore, you’ll inevitably end up on some of the backroads of Wales. The roads are so narrow, it’s shocking that they actually accommodate traffic in both directions. If you meet an oncoming car on these narrow lanes, you’ll have to look for a pull-out where there’s room to pass. Make sure you also get the GPS with your rental car; it can be a lifesaver. Distances can be deceiving, and it can take twice as long as you might expect to get from point A to point B, because of the winding, hilly roads.
Watch: Driving in the UK
Wales Culture Shock #4: The Weather in Wales
Wales is rainy, no doubt. But it doesn’t rain all the time. It’s more of a mist than a consistent downpour, so it’s not a big deal. Just realize it probably will rain during your visit to Wales, so make sure to pack a rain jacket and umbrella. Good mud boots are also a good idea as you’ll likely be doing some hiking in Wales.
Wales Culture Shock #5: Stargazing in Wales
Once the skies clear, you will be shocked at the night skies of Wales. With very little light pollution, the skies in Wales are amazing. You can see so many stars, and even the Milky Way! It even impressed our 12-year-old son, and parents know how hard it is to impress a “tween.”
Wales Culture Shock #6: The Welsh Natural Beauty
This country is gorgeous! Wales travel is not about the cities; it’s all about the countryside and the outdoor adventure. Hiking, kayaking, cycling and mountain climbing are all popular in Wales. Wales is really a nature lover’s paradise. There are also great scenic train rides to check out, and several national parks. If you are looking for a more urban experience, check out Cardiff, which is a pretty cool city in Wales.
Wales Culture Shock #7: Similarities and Differences Between Wales and England
There are many similarities between Wales and England. The cuisine is similar; you’ll see fish and chips, bangers and mash and sausages. But you’ll also see a very distinct Welsh culture that is very different from England. The language and the people are different, and there are foods specific to Wales, like Welsh cakes, laverbread and mussels. It’s definitely a unique culture, even though you won’t get a different passport stamp.
Read: Ten Things That Will Shock You About England
Wales Culture Shock #8: How Much the English Rip on the Welsh
When you start researching Wales online, you’ll be shocked at how much the English joke about the Welsh. Similar to how in the U.S. the South is often the butt of jokes, that’s the case for Wales and England.
Wales Culture Shock #9: The Starkness Between Towns
Wales once had a lot of mining, so there are many ghost towns and former mining towns that are falling apart. There’s starting to be some redevelopment, but it’s still shocking to see some dilapidated villages as you drive around Wales. Even if you aren’t in a ghost town, any town in Wales will feel like a ghost town after 6 p.m. Everything in the villages, aside from the pubs, shuts down very early in Wales, so don’t expect too much going on in the evening, unless you are in a larger town.
Wales Culture Shock #10: Welsh People
For all of the English jokes, the Welsh people are actually super kind, fun and friendly. They’re often so happy to see visitors in Wales, and they love to chat up tourists and give recommendations.
We hope these ten tips help you better understand Wales culture, and lessens the shocks you have when arriving in Wales. Have you been to Wales? We’d love to hear what shocked you; just leave a comment below! For more Wolters World travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos: