On January 25th, Wales celebrates its very own version of Valentine's Day - St. Dwynwen's Day. St. Dwynwen was a Welsh princess who was unlucky in love, so God granted her three wishes, one of them being that God help all true lovers. To show her appreciation, Dwynwen became a nun and established a convent on Llanddwyn, an island off the coast of Anglesey. Now, the Welsh celebrate a day of love and romance every year on January 25th in her honour.
Bridgend County is the perfect place to celebrate St. Dwynwen's Day with a romantic getaway. Here is our list of the top 5 things to do in Bridgend to keep the romance alive…
1. Stay at the Great House Laleston
Believed to have originally been a gift from HRH Queen Elizabeth I to the Earl of Leicester, this building is now a beautiful hotel that provides a charming getaway for couples to unwind. Great House Laleston can provide the perfect accommodations this St. Dwynwen's Day, whether you wish to wine and dine in the award-winning Leicester's Restaurant or pamper yourself with a spa day.
2. Go horse riding on the beach
For a romantic journey along the coast of Wales, try horse riding. The trek winds through rivers and vast sand dunes, before reaching the peaceful waters of Newton Beach. Boasting stunning views of different natural environments, this unforgettable experience is truly a unique way to appreciate the natural beauty of Bridgend.
3. Explore Ogmore Castle and the sand dunes at Merthyr Mawr
Built in the early 1100's, Ogmore Castle once guarded a strategic fording point but now stands in ruins, offering a magical glimpse into Bridgend's history. Stepping stones from the castle allow one to walk in the footsteps of those who lived centuries ago and lead towards the nearby Merthyr Mawr sand dunes, where the stunning natural views are sure to be unforgettable.
4. Commission something special at Ewenny Pottery
For those who appreciate arts and crafts, Ewenny Pottery is the perfect place to commission a one-of-a-kind gift for your loved one to show them how special they are. As the oldest established pottery in Wales, Ewenny Pottery hand-makes each piece of earthenware pottery, ensuring it is high quality and that no two pieces are exactly alike.
5. Take a romantic stroll through Parc Calon Lan, Blaengarw
This small park located at the top of Garw Valley was established on land previously tarnished by the local coal industry, but now exists as a pretty setting for you and your loved one to take a stroll. Parc Calon Lan is home to interesting sculptures and provides scenic lakeside paths and bike trails, along with forest and mountain walks. After exploring, warm up with a cup of tea or coffee at the Visitors Centre.