From Arthur’s Stone to St. Govan’s Chapel, West Wales is home to countless mythical hotspots. Here are a few of the best destinations for those looking to add a little magic to their visit to West Wales!
Cardigan Bay
The largest bay in Wales, the coast of Cardigan Bay is home to seaside resorts, farmland, and numerous beaches. According to legend, the bay was once the location of the now-sunken kingdom of Cantre’r Gwaelod, which lay between Ramsey Island and Bardsey Island in the heart of the bay.
There are various myths associated with this kingdom, but one popular story is that a well-maiden neglected her duties and allowed the well to overflow, thus flooding the land. Described as ‘Welsh Atlantis’, the supposed site of Cantre’r Gwaelod is deeply connected to the mythology of west Wales.
Pentre Ifan, Nevern
Built over 5000 years ago, Pentre Ifan is the largest and best preserved dolmen in Wales. This burial site is believed to be a portal to the Otherworld, where the veil between the living and dead is thin.
It is also a Druidic centre, and associated with fairies. Pentre Ifan is older than England’s Stonehenge, with rivalling mythical energies. Our range of Pembrokeshire holiday cottages serves as the perfect base for magical walks to the dolmen.
St. Govan’s Chapel
Dating back to the 13th century, this chapel lies on the already mythological ground of the cliff that it was built on. St. Govan was said to be a hermit monk who guarded the cliffs. As the original legend goes, he had a golden bell, which was rung to warn of invaders. One day, bandits stole the bell, only to be sunk by angels, who also encased the bell in stone, so it couldn’t be stolen again.
New myths have emerged over the years, but this chapel on the cliffside is a highly mythical place. Down the supposedly ‘uncountable’ steps of the Pembrokeshire cliffside, this chapel is close to our Bosherston holiday cottages.
Llyn y Fan Fach
Slightly outside of West Wales, Llyn y Fan Fach (which means ‘little lake of the peak’) is a lake in the west of the Brecon Beacons National Park associated with the ‘Lady of the Lake’ legend. As the legend goes, a lady arose from the lake and was married to a young shepherd, on the condition that he would never strike her three times.
When he broke this promise, she had to return to the lake, but sometimes returned to help her sons, who would become famous doctors, known as the Physicians of Myddfai. This magical lake is centred between the mountains of the national park, and is a good destination for those who enjoy long walks, being situated within the park. Our picturesque Carmarthenshire holiday cottages are located near the Brecon Beacons National Park, making this lake easier to access.
There are countless places in West Wales to explore if you are looking for mythical experiences on your visit. From its lakes to chapels, the area is deeply enriched by its folklore and myths. And with an extensive selection of equally enchanting properties, you’re in for a magical stay!
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