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production_coordinator · Feb 25, 2006, 10:18 PM

I'm off to northern Wales for a week and was wondering if anyone could give some tips regarding meals, drinking (specifically beer), culture, laws, etc. etc. so I don't seem like such a tourist. I'm also looking for things that you simply must experience when in Wales.

I'll post my images upon my return.

willed · Feb 26, 2006, 08:08 AM

Where are you from? I mean, if you're English there are probably less things you should have to learn about the culture than if you're American.
Can't say I know too much about Northern Wales myself, and I'm not sure if there is an awful lot there! Thought I'd give the thread a bump though.

Mastrap · Feb 26, 2006, 08:27 AM

Originally Posted by willed

I'm not sure if there is an awful lot there!

I've been to Wales twice, but it was shut both times.

moodymonster · Feb 26, 2006, 08:47 AM

I only went once, it was cold.

Don't make any jokes about sheep shagging, they have a reputation (founded or unfounded) for it.

SimeyTheLimey · Feb 26, 2006, 08:47 AM

I may be going back to Wales this year myself. I have a cousin who lives in Wrexham. North Wales is the real Wales. South Wales is mostly English.

The reason is all those hills, which makes North Wales very pretty. If you are into hiking, it is a great place to go. A couple of other things you could do is ride the Ffestiniog railway. It's a steam train that goes out of Portmadog and it takes you through some beautiful countryside. Fairly nearby is also Portmeirion. It's an interesting place, especially if you are a Prisoner fan.

Just over the border in England is the city of Chester. It's worth going to.

production_coordinator · Feb 27, 2006, 08:25 AM

SimeyTheLimey,

I'm both a hiker, and have plans to take the Ffestiniog railway (I'm a bit of a train nut).

To respond to others: I'm an American... and have never been to Europe in my adult life (anything pre 21 IMHO, doesn't really count as I was more of a "tag along." Anything of interest regarding culinary delights? I'm also very interested in good ales.

Mastrap · Feb 27, 2006, 08:34 AM

The BBC has a good website, detailing food and booze in North Wales.

demibob · Feb 27, 2006, 08:36 AM

iv hiked in the brecon beacons several times in the past few years. Its more mid wales than north but its still fairly hilly. Good luck on your trip and i hope the weather is good to you. Last time we were there it was windy and rainy almost the whole time.

ajprice · Feb 27, 2006, 08:49 AM

I live in Wrexham. Go to Ffestiniog, go hiking, its good if your into that (I'm not). If you learn any Welsh (you won't really need to as its mostly English speaking), remember this one - Twll Din Pop Saes (A**eholes to all Englishmen).

wdlove · Feb 27, 2006, 09:43 AM

I wish you all the best on your trip to wales. Will look forward to your report about the trip. production_coordinator, please post some pictures,

skalie · Feb 27, 2006, 10:28 AM

This would not be a good fortnight to talk to a Welshman about Rugby.

demibob · Feb 27, 2006, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by skalie

This would not be a good fortnight to talk to a Welshman about Rugby.

Or an Englishman for that matter.

Oisín · Feb 27, 2006, 01:27 PM

Originally Posted by ajprice

I live in Wrexham. Go to Ffestiniog, go hiking, its good if your into that (I'm not). If you learn any Welsh (you won't really need to as its mostly English speaking), remember this one - Twll Din Pop Saes (A**eholes to all Englishmen).

And if you pass by Llanfairpwllgwyngogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogo goch, make sure to take pictures of the sign at the train station.

Plus, of course, some of the valleys going up through the country are just breathtakingly beautiful to hike through.

Doofy · Feb 27, 2006, 02:51 PM

Second Portmerion.
Second Chester.

Also, get yourself up Snowdon.
And don't forget there's a few nice castles in that neck of the woods.

production_coordinator · Feb 27, 2006, 06:20 PM

Originally Posted by Oisín

And if you pass by Llanfairpwllgwyngogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogo goch, make sure to take pictures of the sign at the train station.

Plus, of course, some of the valleys going up through the country are just breathtakingly beautiful to hike through.

Yep, we are stopping there!

GREAT STUFF, keep er' coming!

moonmonkey · Feb 27, 2006, 08:55 PM

Went to wales by accident once while driving to London from Manchester.

Happily driving along only to see a "Welcome to Wales" sign at the side of the road.

Nearly crashed the car.

SimeyTheLimey · Feb 27, 2006, 09:53 PM

Originally Posted by production_coordinator

Anything of interest regarding culinary delights?

Leeks. Welsh Rarebit. Lamb.

Have I missed anything?

Fothb · Feb 27, 2006, 11:49 PM

If I was in Wales, I'd probably want to check out the Ty Nant Spring Water bottling plant. I love the stuff.