Posted on 11/01/2017 by David
If a proposal is on the cards for you in 2017, where better to pop the question than in the heart of North Wales….and why wait until St Valentine's Day to make your romantic feelings known?
Tell your loved one dwi'n dy garu di (I love you) on the 25th of January - St Dwynwen’s Day.
The legend of love…
The Welsh equivalent of St Valentine’s Day comes from the sad legend of Dwynwen, a beautiful Celtic princess who lived during the 5th century. The prettiest of all the King of Wales's 24 daughters, Dwynwen was deeply in love with the handsome Maelon Dafodrill, however her father had already betrothed her to another and he refused to give his consent.
Brokenhearted, Dwynwen ran to the woods and begged God to make her forget her love for Maelon. That night an angel visited her, leaving a potion to erase her memories of Maelon and turn him to ice.
A proposal is a statement of love and adoration like no other, so it deserves a bit of magic, and the landscapes of North Wales provide the perfect backdrop for your special moment.
To help inspire you, here are 5 romantic places to get your pulse beating a little faster, sure to help you win the heart of that special someone.
Ynys Llanddwyn - a lovers' pilgrimage
This small island off the coast of Anglesey is where Dwynwen founded a convent having decided to devote her life to God in thanks for granting her tragic wish. The remains of the church can still be seen today.
After Dwynwen died, she was declared the Welsh Patron Saint of Lovers and, ever since, the island has been a place of pilgrimage for young Welsh lovers.
Locals believe the church well is home to sacred fish that can predict whether couples' relationships will succeed. Are you brave enough to take the test? Seek out Dwynwen’s holy well, scatter breadcrumbs in the water, then lay a handkerchief on the surface. If the hankie is disturbed by the sacred fish, your lover will be faithful!
Llanddwyn Island forms part of the Newborough Warren National Nature Reserve. It's a beautiful spot in any weather; the dunes, mudflats and saltmarshes of the reserve are home to a wide range of wildlife and rare plants.
Criccieth – coastline, castles and cocktails
Situated on the south side of the Llyn Peninsula, Criccieth boasts incredible views across the bay. An ancient hilltop castle, a charming seaside town and long walks along a dramatic stretch of Welsh coastline - you'll fall in love with your surroundings as well as each other!
As the day draws to a close, head to Dylan’s Restaurant for a meal and fabulous cocktail. Watch as the sun sets behind the castle on the headland - that's a perfect moment served up for you, right there!
Bodnant Garden – a picture perfect proposal
This historic garden is a timeless classic. You may think it's cliché seeing it on yet another Top 5 list, but rest assured, the expanse of this beautifully-kept Victorian garden means there's a special place for everyone at Bodnant Garden.
Go in search of the Yew Dell, the waterfall, the boathouse at the Far End or the tranquil lily pond – you’ll be spoiled for choice searching for the perfect spot to propose!
Many couples choose to get married here too and it’s easy to see why. It is a very special place nestled away in the Conwy Valley and, whatever the season, there's always something new to discover.
Tan y Bwlch – steamy romance
200 years of history makes a trip on the Ffestiniog Railway a unique experience. The world’s oldest narrow gauge railway travels 13 ½ miles between Porthmadog and the mining village of Blaenau Ffestiniog, giving you the chance to experience travelling on a steam train in an original carriage (travel First Class for an extra special treat).
The trains run from the coast before making the ascent into Snowdonia, clinging to the sides of mountains 700ft above sea level. Along the way, you will travel through the timeless Welsh landscape, passing by shimmering lakes, misty fields and brooding forest.
Alight at Tan y Bwlch Station and take the lakeside woodland walk which brings you to the beautiful house and gardens of Plas Tan y Bwlch. From the terrace, you will be left breathless by the spectacular view of the Vale of Ffestiniog - seize your chance to get down on one knee in epic surroundings!
Portmeirion – igniting passion on the Welsh Riviera
The unmistakable atmosphere of Portmeirion captivates visitors time and time again. Recently voted one of the Top 500 places to visit in the world, Sir Clough Williams-Ellis’ Italianate village sits on the banks of the Dwyryd Estuary against the dramatic backdrop of the Snowdonia mountains.
Wander the streets of the village, soak up the majesty of the formal gardens or just lose your self in acres of wild woodland. You'll soon understand why Portmeirion has been inspiring writers, TV and film producers for decades. Why not write your love story in this magical setting too?
A cosy cottage made for two...
Treat the special person in your life to a short break in one of our cottages and you’ll be sure to steal their heart. And, when better, than on the most romantic day in the Welsh calendar?
Pop the question to your cariad (sweetheart) in one of North Wales’ beautiful places and the memories you make will last a lifetime.
Images courtesy of © Crown copyright (2013) Visit Wales, all rights reserved.