Croeso Newsletter

"Croeso" is the name of our quarterly e-newsletter. It's also the Welsh word for welcome.

Each edition has destination info, travel tips and deals, contests and promotions.

Here's a sample of the content from the Autumn Edition:

Croeso

Autumn is a beautiful time to visit Wales. Start in Swansea to follow the footsteps of Wales’ greatest poet, and greatest character, Dylan Thomas. Add on a few days to roam through 800-year-old castles, sink into a soothing spa, stroll a romantic beach, ride a red railway and play golf on great courses, in every corner of the country
Greetings

Reading through this quarter’s “Spotlight On” article brought back many fond memories. In fact, I have just returned from a trip to Wales where I climbed Conwy town walls. If you go to North Wales and have the time, visit Denbigh, where you can pick up the keys for the town walls from the castle keeper. The thrill of having the walls all to yourself is like something from a novel.

Traveling to Wales during the winter months offers huge benefits. It is quieter and the weather is mild, and it also offers fantastic value for money. To give you an idea of some of the winter savings possibilities, I have selected a few examples for our Contests and Promotions section below.

I’m looking forward to my holiday break with my family in the Brecon Beacons in December. Perhaps I will see you there. Wishing you all a fabulous holiday season. Hope to see you in Wales.

Alexandra Marr
Wales Marketing USA
Visit Wales
Spotlight On: Castles in North Wales

Turrets and keeps…towers and moats…our tiny country lays claim to an amazing 641 castles, some in superb condition, all illustrating our rich, and sometimes bloody, history.

Medieval Europe comes to life through these structures, when festivals surrounding Wales’ King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, medieval days events or battle reenactments whisk visitors back through the centuries in a matter of seconds. These buildings and ruins are fun to visit any time of year, offering equal fascination to history buffs, kids and folks who simply love to be taken into another time and place. Use five popular North Wales castles as a frame for a tour of Europe’s most dramatic and pristine countryside

Drive yourself, or if you’d prefer to relax while on the road, there is a simple and affordable alternative. The Bangor-based Country Lane Tours, headed by expert guide Idwal Jones, will do the driving for you, arrange your hotels and provide lively narration every step of the way.

Click to read on…
First Person

My journey to Wales was really a trip to learn about my roots. I knew I had Welsh ancestry, and in 2005 I took a Welsh language course here in the US. When I found out about a week-long Welsh course in the town my ancestors came from, my husband and I booked it. Then we found an old book by Roger Thomas called Journey Through Wales, which gives great information about the “real” Wales—not just the tourist areas. After reading that, we realized we needed more than a week. So, we created a three-week itinerary and flew to Wales.

It was the most incredible trip I have ever taken. First, the people were so warm. I couldn’t believe the hospitality! Anything we needed, all we had to do was ask, and someone was there to help. The Welsh people went above and beyond politeness everywhere we went. Second, we loved the history that surrounded us. I was amazed by how close you can get to monuments, castles, and historical places.

One minute I was standing in Caernarvon Castle and the next minute I was in a local sandwich shop, talking to the Welsh owner about his beloved homeland. I loved the way people were so willing to tell us how they felt about their country. Finally, I was overwhelmed by the connection I felt with my ancestry. We climbed a mountain that had ancient Celtic homesteads on top. We walked down a market street in a town where my great great grandfather once walked.

As an American, I wanted to see where the family “came from”, but much more than that I made a connection with a people who treasure their past, but also have a strong modern culture. Thank you to the people of Wales for the warm “croeso”.
Kaley B.

Do you have a story to share about your visit to Wales? We'd love to hear it. And if it shows up in a future issue of Croeso we'll send you a $25 gift certificate as a token of our appreciation.

Tell us your story.
Travel Ideas: Dylan Thomas Country

”They have rejected me now, but in years to come, the name Dylan Thomas will echo from shore to shore. Only I won’t be alive to hear it!”

Dylan Thomas, who was born and lived out his life in South West Wales, knew his own worth. He remains one of the most frequently read and quoted literary figures of the twentieth century and is widely hailed as Wales’ greatest poet. Below we frame a three-day, two-night journey that will take you to some of the most scenic places in Wales—locations that inspired Thomas’s poetry. Start in Swansea, the country’s “second city.” Then move on to the tiny village of Laugharne, where he completed some of his greatest work, and finish with a drive round the dramatic Gower Peninsula, the first region in Britain to be designated an “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.” To help you on your way, we’ve provided recommendations for good food, accommodations, and area highlights. We’ve even directed you to regions where several stars were born.

DAY ONE

Start in the port city of Swansea, “the lovely, ugly town” where Dylan Thomas was born in 1914. The Dylan Thomas Centre on Somerset Place is a good first stop.

Click to read on…
A taste of Wales: Golf Tours

Wales is known for its abundance of challenging, affordable and easy-to-book golf courses. In fact, golf lovers can do a complete tour of the country, playing eighteen holes at a number of key courses along the way. Start with the best—the course at Celtic Manor Resort —located in Newport, not far from Cardiff. This top-of-class course is set to host the Ryder Cup in 2010.

Southerndown Golf Club, just outside Bridgend in southeast Wales, offers well-priced rounds, and the nearby Royal Porthcawl Golf Club allows you to golf overlooking the Atlantic. Heading north, you will find more spectacular ocean views from every hole at the reasonably priced, 26-hole Nefyn & District Golf Club.

Castle lovers will enjoy a round at Conwy Golf Club on the North Wales coast (the club will host the Ryder Cup Seniors Open in 2008), and at Royal St. David’s Golf Club , a traditional links course next to historic Harlech Castle. Finally, heading east, you can play a delightful eighteen holes at the Vale of Llangollen Golf Club, where green fees start at an affordable 25 pounds. To learn more about golfing in Wales visit www.golfasitshouldbe.com.
Contests and Promotions

Enter our special autumn contest, and you may win the DVD and book Stardust by Neil Gaiman.

We’re curious about what length you think is the best length for a trip? Tell us how long you like your vacations to be (of course we know that “endless” might be the best answer), and you may win the DVD and book Stardust, by British writer Neil Gaiman, who has been hailed as one of the top ten living post-modern writers. Part of the film of Stardust, which he has called “a fairy story for adults,” was filmed in Llyn y Fan Fach, Carmarthenshire, Wales.

To enter, just answer the question below:

When you travel, how many days do you typically book?
Click here to answer The Contest is now Closed
View the official rules for complete details. The Contest is now Closed

There's no wrong answer, but you must be a Croeso! subscriber to enter. Also, so we can notify you if you are a winner please add walesinfo@visitbritain.org to your address book. Otherwise when we notify you the email may get trapped as junk mail.

CONGRATULATIONS TO Helen Selander of Park City, UT, the winner of our gourmet Halen Môn sea salt! To find out who won the Stardust book and DVD, read the next issue of croeso!

Special Offers

The TYF Eco Hotel in St David’s will offer two-for-one stays this winter. B&B accommodation starts from just £30 for two. Please mention Croeso when booking. These offers may no longer be available.

Portmeirion, in North Wales will feature a winter Champagne Mini Break for £95 per person. Accommodations will be in the best available room or suite in the Hotel, Village or Castle from Sunday through Thursday nights. The offer includes champagne, candlelit dinner and full Welsh breakfast.* These offers may no longer be available.

If you enjoy fine dining, stay at the award-winning Drawing Room in Mid Wales this fall and get the second night free, saving £100 per stay.* These offers may no longer be available.

*Check the hotel websites for further details and terms and conditions.
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