Today happens to be St Dwynwen’s Day – the Welsh patron saint of lovers (Santes Dwynwen) and equivalent of England’s St Valentine’s Day celebrated on February 14th. The story goes that St Dwynwen was quite unlucky in love and resolved to pray for true lovers to have better luck than she did! St Dwynwen founded a convent on Llanddwyn off the west coast of Anglesey where a well named after her became a place of pilgrimage after her death in 465 AD. Remains of St Dwynwen’s Church can still be seen to this day.
As 25th January is becoming increasingly more popular in Welsh culture and celebrated even more so in recent years, it got us thinking about the most romantic places within easy reach of our seven Wales based caravan parks. Take a look below and add yours in the comments!
- The Beach Caravan Park, Llanddulas
Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias Bistro
Treat your loved one to the best seasonal food down the road in Colwyn Bay at Bryn William’s seaside bistro, bar and cafe. Choose from the set menu or a la carte with dishes including Confit Lamb, Salmon Arancini and Chocolate Orange Mousse! To celebrate St Dwynwen’s day, a Welsh harpist will be serenading diners from 7pm. Book to avoid disappointment!
The Valentine Inn
If you prefer a pint or two, the aptly named Valentine Inn just opposite the entrance to the caravan park is a great place to cosy up in front of the fire, and you won’t have far to walk home!
- Maenan Abbey Caravan Park, Conwy Valley
Cadair Ifan Goch
For those that love walking together, the view point that looks down over Maenan and the rest of the Conwy Valley is a fantastic vantage point for pictures and romantic moments. You’ll be able to see Snowdonia and the River Conwy from high above the trees!
Bodnant Garden
A flower lover’s paradise – the National Trust’s Bodnant Garden is a delightful day out and only five minutes up the road from Maenan Abbey Caravan Park. Take a walk through their specially designed Winter garden at the moment featuring beautiful colours and scents. With acres upon acres to explore, why not treat each other to a romantic afternoon tea in the tea room afterwards?!
- Craiglwyd Hall Caravan Park, Penmaenmawr
Penmaenmawr Beach
Great for sunset walks along the beach with views out towards Llandudno’s Great Orme and Puffin Island in the Menai Strait, this is a great walk down from Craiglwyd to the coastline. Why not pick up some fish and chips from Penmaenmawr and share them down on the beach?!
Conwy Mountain
Take the Sychnant Pass from Conwy and walk up over the Conwy Mountain – you won’t be disappointed! With views out over Penmaenmawr and over towards Anglesey, it’s a stunning scenic activity for the day. It’s also just a short walk from the park through the village of Dwygyfylchi where you can stop at The Fairy Glen pub on the way if you and the other half fancy a drink enroute.
- Ocean Heights Caravan Park, Pwllheli
Nant Gwrtheyrn
If turquoise sea and tumbling cliffs are more your scene, you’ll love Nant Gwrtheyrn over on the northern coast of the Llyn Peninsula. Here you’ll find the Welsh Language and Heritage Centre which is located in the village of Llithfaen. There’s a fabulous cafe that makes wonderful roast dinners if you’re looking for a weekend meal out and the views towards Nefyn are simply stunning on a day of sunshine with a coffee.
Portmeirion
Discover the Italianate village of Portmeirion, just outside of Porthmadog. Built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975, Portmeirion is a fitting scene for a romantic day out in a magical village. It’s pretty enough to have served as the locations for many a film and television show, most notably, the 1960s show ‘The Prisoner’. Take a walk through the Gwyllt, a 70 acre sub-tropical forest with miles of trails, hidden lakes and coastline views. For the adventurous there’s also a woodland train ride. With a number of eateries there’s plenty of choice for dinner or a drink on the Dwyryd Estuary.
- Green Pastures Caravan Park, Abersoch
Ty Coch Inn, Morfa Nefyn
Voted as one of the world’s best beach bars, the Ty Coch at Porthdinllaen is a must visit whilst exploring the Llyn Peninsula. With a great menu and fantastic views, it’s a great place to spend an afternoon and watch the sun go down. The pub also puts on regular music nights so check before you go, to see what’s on!
Caffi Porthor, Whistling Sands
You’ll find Whistling Sands at Porthor near Aberdaron. So called because of the squeaking sand as you walk across it, this one would be a good day out for those who enjoy the natural habitat. It’s a great beach for surfing, kayaking or bodyboarding so active couples will love this one. Dry off afterwards with a piece of cake in Caffi Porthor, the National Trust on site cafe.
- Dinlle Caravan Park
Llyn Padarn
Head off along the A55 towards Llanberis and just before you reach the town you’ll come across Llyn Padarn Country Park – an 800 acre park which provides many trail walks and magnificent views of the Snowdonia mountain range from ‘the lone tree’ vantage point. It’s a spectacular location for some paddle boarding or photography.
Dinas Hill Fort
A little closer to the park, why not venture out for an evening picnic at the top of Dinas Dinlle hill fort?! It commands stunning views of the Llyn Peninsula and those all important, romantic sunset scenes!
- Valley View Holiday Park
Lake Vyrnwy
Situated 18 miles from Valley View is the fairytale setting of Lake Vyrnwy where you can leave behind the hustle and bustle of the towns and cities and escape to one of Wales’ most extraordinary locations. With views of the Victorian dam and tower along with waterfalls and woodlands aplenty, the striking scenery and impressive lake scene offer lots of romance and relaxation opportunity!
Montgomery Town
Based on two hills near the River Severn, Montgomery Castle stands on a rocky outcrop high above the town with 360 degree views far and wide. At just 13 miles from Valley View, it’s a great day out where you can also visit ‘The Checkers’ kitchen for the best in French cookery in a relaxed and informal, comfortable Michelin Star setting.
If we’ve inspired you to have a romantic day out with your loved one this St Dwynwen’s Day, don’t forget to share your #mytlpdays photos with us on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages! If you’re in need of some inspiration on which of our lovely caravan parks is best for you, request a call back from one of our friendly team today…
