Visitors seeking inspiration for places to visit in Wales with a literary and cultural connection can explore this new story map of Wales to uncover hidden treasures and popular landmarks: from haunted castles and tragic love stories; to mysterious monsters and heroic rebels.
Mapped under 10 themes — Watery Worlds, Battles, Living Language, Folklore and Tradition, Sacred and Spiritual Landscapes, King Arthur, Childhood, Ghosts, Boots and Bread, and Rebels — each category highlights dozens of places attached to captivating stories and legendary figures, poetry, folklore and myths, including places to eat, drink, explore and stay. Visitors can select places of most interest from the map or themes, and they’ll be sent an itinerary by email — plotting their own literary adventure.
Land of Legends has been developed by Literature Wales, with funding from Visit Wales. Showcasing the best of Welsh literature, culture, and myths right in the places which created and inspired them, Land of Legends takes you on a magical journey to the heart of who we are, and the stories and characters which made us.
The initiative forms part of Literature Wales’ wider literary tourism offer. For more information, contact 029 2047 2266 / post@literaturewales.org
Land of Legends was made possible through consultation with Wales’ wider cultural, environmental and tourism sectors. We would particularly like to thank the following for their contribution, help and support:
With special mention to:
Further reading on content featured in Land of Legends:
- The Welsh Academy Encyclopaedia of Wales by John Davies, Nigel Jenkins, Menna Baines & Peredur I. Lynch (eds.) (University of Wales Press, 2008)
- The Literary Pilgrim in Wales: A Guide to Places Associated with Writers in Wales by Meic Stephens (Gwasg Carreg Gwalch, 2000)
- The Welsh Fairy Book by W. Jenkyn Thomas (Abela Publishing, 2010)
- South Wales Ghost Stories: Shiver Your Way from Newport to Pembrokeshire by Richard Holland (Bradwell Books, 2013)
- North Wales Ghost Stories: Shiver Your Way from Wrexham to the Llyn Peninsular by Richard Holland (Bradwell Books, 2013)
- Welsh Folk Tales by Peter Stevenson (The History Press, 2017)
- A Dylan Odyssey by various (Graffeg, 2015)
- Holy Places of Celtic Britain by Mick Sharp (Cassell Illustrated, 1997)
- Wales in 100 Places by John Davies & Marian Delyth (Y Lolfa, 2017)
- The New Companion to the Literature of Wales by Meic Stephens (ed.) (University of Wales Press, 1998)
- Wales at Water’s Edge Jon Gower & Jeremy Moore (Gomer, 2012)
- The Library of Wales Series (Parthian)
- A History of Wales by John Davies (Penguin, 1994)
Further content is available through:
Content © Literature Wales
Design © Kutchibok
Graphic illustration © Pete Fowler
Unless otherwise stated, photos © Crown Copyright (Visit Wales and Cadw)
Brand photo © Sarah Vining
All content on Land of Legends is copyright to Literature Wales, unless otherwise stated. This website is offered as a guide only. Literature Wales takes no responsibility and accepts no liability for any loss, damage or injury that may occur while visiting the places referenced on this website. It is the visitor’s responsibility to ensure that they have the right of access to the locations listed and adhere to any relevant codes of conduct and laws. Literature Wales advises all visitors to the sites listed to wear appropriate clothing and footwear and check weather conditions before heading out.