Santes Dwynwen Day

Santes Dwynwen’s Day is the Welsh patron saint of lovers, celebrated in Wales on the 25th of January.

But who was St Dwynwen?

Legend has it that Dwynwen was the most beautiful of the 5th Century King Brychan Brycheiniog 24 daughters living among the Brecon Beacons.

As Dwynwen blossomed into a young woman Maelon Dyfodrull a prince from the north met and fell in love with Dwynwen. She loved him too, but Brychan had already someone else in mind for an arranged marriage for his daughter and objected to the union. Dwynwen ran away afraid to disobey her father but Maelon pursued her and became very angry when Dwynwen refused to marry him. Dwynwen prayed to God to be released from her love and after falling asleep an angel appeared with a magic potion for Dwynwen to drink. On drinking the potion Dwynwen’s memory was erased of her love and Maelon was turned into ice. God then granted Dwynwen three wishes.

Her first wish was that Maelon be thawed; her second that God help her meet the hopes and dreams of true lovers; and third, that she should never marry. All three were fulfilled, and as a mark of her thanks, Dwynwen devoted herself to God’s service for the rest of her life. She wanted to spend her life helping anyone who was in pain through love.

So she travelled around Wales with her sister Cain and brother Dyfnan preaching and establishing many Christian settlements.

She 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 465AD. Visitors to the well believed that the sacred fish that lived in the well could foretell whether or not their love would be fulfilled. The cult of Dwynwen has endured over the centuries and people have always made pilgrimages to Llanddwyn especially if they had troubles with love, to pray to Dwynwen and visit her holy well.

There are still the remains of the church and they hold a service each year. Watch this brief film of the Island. As part of the Anglesey Coastal Path, Llanddwyn is a popular place for a walk.

So why wait until St Valentine’s Day to make proclaim your love when you can say ‘dwi’n dy garu di ‘(I love you) a whole three weeks earlier?

Many local businesses have special cards and gifts to celebrate this special day so why not treat your loved one this January? Book a table in your favourite place and beat the valentine day rush. We have shared some ideas below of ways to  romantically celebrate in North East Wales.

North East Wales has a stunning landscape.  With unspoilt scenery for long walks, picturesque towns and plenty of places for a meal or drink, it’s a really romantic area. Take a romantic ride to Corwen on Llangollen Railway while you’re there. It’s a wonderful way to take in the picturesque Dee Valley. Have lunch at the Grouse Inn with its beautiful views over the River Dee before your return ride. Or for a more sustainable travel why not hire a bike from E beics Llan E Bikes.

Take yourselves ‘off-grid’

Having some alone time is easy in the The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB.  There is so much to explore, you won’t even have time to search for 4G. There are endless walks amongst the wildlife,  ancient hillforts and incredible views give way to the Dee Valley’s rich cultural and industrial heritage.   Not just some of the most beautiful landscapes in daylight, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB have some outstanding dark sky locations where the wonder of the natural night skies can be experienced. We believe our dark skies are worth protecting that’s why we are on a mission to gain official status from the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) What could be more romantic than gazing at the stars together? Or take your camera and catch the sunset at the  picturesque Point of Air lighthouse on Talacre Beach.

Huts in the hills

If you’re looking for a little alone time together, escape to a quaint countryside lodge or self-catering cottage in the Welsh hills. Somewhere like Cwt Bach, set on a working farm on the hills of Denbighshire a cosy Sheperds Hut overlooking rolling. With walks such as Pen y Pigyn in Corwen on your doorstep and dramatic views around every corner it will be a holiday to make memories.

Rev up the romance in a castle

Just a short trip from the northern coast and the island home of St Dwynwen (the Welsh patron saint of lovers), a real legendary experience awaits. Head to the Grade II Victorian Bodelwyddan Castle Hotel for an adults only get away. Set in a beautiful woodland estate (perfect for romantic walks), there’s also a spa and indoor heated swimming pool.

Find a quiet dune in Gronant

The North Wales coast has plenty of beautiful beaches. Many areas of the coast here offer quiet, tranquil spots for lovebirds to sit and ponder. Gronant Dunes are set amongst grassy verges with viewing platforms to watch the coastal wildlife. You may not be the only lovebirds as this is North Wales’ only breeding colony for Little Terns.

Wrap up warm and join your companion to watch the sunset along the coastline or have a meal with a view at 1891 restaurant in Rhyl.

Treat them to a stay at Tyddyn Llan

Whisk your lover away for a romantic weekend in one of Wales’ top small boutique hotels.   Tyddyn Llan in Llandrillo has much to offer a romantic – think champagne, or a romantic cocktail and a delicious  award winning dinner menu. If you fancy  recreating a bit of Wuthering Heights whilst you are there take a walk on the nearby wild Berwyn Mountains.