8 Don’ts of Wales – Things You Should NEVER Do in Wales!
Wales is a small country, but it has plenty to offer, such as castles, countryside, mountains and more! If you’re thinking of visiting Wales, check out these 8 don’ts of Wales – and be sure NEVER to do them if you visit!
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Contents:
Why Visit Wales?
Why visit Wales? Wales has so much to offer- beautiful scenery, picturesque villages, and a rich cultural heritage. Wales has hundreds of miles of stunning coastline, rolling hills, and mountainous regions, making it a great destination for hikers and climbers alike.
There are also plenty of historical sites to explore, from the castles of Edward I to centuries-old churches and a wealth of museums. If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, Wales is the place to go. From friendly locals to fine Welsh cuisine, a visit to Wales is sure to be an unforgettable experience, so make sure to brush up on your Wales knowledge by reading this fantastic Wales travel guide.
What is Wales Famous For?
What is Wales famous for? Wales is well known for many things, such as its picturesque scenery of rolling hills and coastline, its unique Celtic culture, and its distinctive language. It is one of Europe’s six Celtic nations, and its unique history and culture remain very much alive today. Wales is famous for its dramatic castles and stunning castles.
The country is also known for its literature, including the works of poet Dylan Thomas, as well as its music, art, and theatre. Wales is also renowned for its national sports, especially rugby – so if you’re a rugby lover, be sure to head to Wales!
Lastly, the country is well known for its gorgeous countryside and villages, making it an ideal spot for outdoor activities such as walking, biking and water sports.
8 Don’ts of Wales – Things You Should NEVER Do!
1. Don’t Ever Criticise Wales
Welsh people are fiercely proud of their country, and tourists should remember this when visiting. The Welsh people are passionate about their homeland, from its history to its culture and language. They also take great pride in their hospitality and warm welcome to visitors. Tourists should be mindful not to comment negatively about the country or its people, as this could cause offence and maybe even an argument.
Tourists should be respectful of any local customs or traditions and ask for help with any local customs if needed. Wales is an amazing place with a unique culture and heritage, and tourists should celebrate this rather than criticise it.
2. Don’t Call Someone Welsh – English
One of the most important don’ts of Wales is to know that it is never acceptable to refer to someone Welsh as English. Wales has its own distinct cultural heritage and identity, and by using the term English, it implies that the Welsh culture is somehow inferior to the English culture.
Welsh is a distinct Celtic language, and hundreds of thousands of people in Wales still speak it today. People in Wales are very proud and unapologetic about their identity and should never be made to feel that it is in any way inferior to English culture.
3. Don’t Forget to Download Offline Maps
Before travelling to Wales, it is essential not to forget to download offline maps beforehand. Although some parts of Wales may have phone signals, many areas are remote, and signal can be unreliable or non-existent. By downloading offline maps before travelling to Wales, you can ensure that you’ll still be able to navigate, even if you lose signal.
Having an offline GPS is invaluable when travelling in remote areas of Wales, so make sure you download them before you go. It will also save on data roaming charges, so you can enjoy your trip without the worry of receiving an expensive phone bill!
4. Don’t Rely on your Phone
Similar to the point above, when travelling in Wales, it’s important to remember not to always rely on your phone’s connection. Wales is a notably rural nation, with hundreds of miles of countryside, and the signal can be unreliable. This means that if you want to make use of navigational apps or look up information about your location, you may be unable to do so, even if your phone service is otherwise fully functioning.
To avoid disappointment, bring along other navigational means (such as a map), and make sure to have a backup plan if your phone’s signal fails. Furthermore, GPS isn’t always accurate, so be sure to read the instructions for the place you’re visiting beforehand.
Additionally, there are lots of hidden gems that you will be able to come across in Wales that don’t always come up on your phone. Make sure to ask locals for their recommendations, and just turn your phone off and explore a bit!
5. Don’t Forget that Shops Close at 4 pm on Sundays
When visiting Wales, tourists should be aware that shops typically close at 4 pm on Sundays. While this is standard throughout the UK, it is important to remember that Wales is a largely rural society and a country of small shops and villages rather than big cities and shops. This means that those looking to shop in the evening will find many places already closed.
After 4 pm, shops are generally not open for business until the following day. Tourists should bear this in mind, as it may affect their plans, and should make sure to plan their itinerary accordingly – but luckily, there should always be a shop like Spar which may be open past 4 pm.
6. Don’t Bother Learning Welsh
Usually, when visiting another country, it’s always good to know some phrases of the language; however, when visiting Wales, it is generally unnecessary to bother with learning the Welsh language, as almost everyone speaks English.
Although some words are similar to English, Welsh is its own distinct language, and it can be difficult to pick up even when staying in Wales for an extended period – I have friends who attended school in Wales, where learning Welsh is compulsory, and they’ve told me that they don’t remember any of it and have never used it.
7. Don’t Use the Term Sheep Sh*ggers
The absolute most essential don’ts of Wales is that tourists should never use the term “sheep sh*ggers”. This term is considered deeply offensive to many Welsh people and shows ignorance of the historical and cultural context of the culture.
Wales has a long history of cattle herding, and this term reduces their proud agricultural heritage to a crude joke. It is deeply disrespectful and serves only to perpetuate stereotypes about the Welsh population – so just don’t do it!
8. Don’t Forget to Bring Good Shoes
When travelling in Wales, it is essential not to forget to pack a pair of comfortable shoes. With its rural countryside, rolling hills, and dramatic mountain ranges such as the Brecon Beacons, Wales offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Whether you are a keen hiker or just making weekend escapades, it is crucial to bring a good pair of shoes that will provide support and grip. You should also make sure to dress appropriately for the weather, as Wales can be notoriously muggier and wetter than other parts of the UK. With a good pair of shoes, you’ll be ready for anything Wales throws at you.
Wales FAQ
In English, the name, Wales, comes from an Anglo-Saxon word meaning ‘foreigners’. The Welsh name for Wales is Cymru, which is derived from the word ‘Cymro’, meaning ‘Welsh-man’.
Wales is an extremely friendly place. Many locals in Wales love to speak to each other and help out anyone who needs it.
Most places in Wales take card. However, it is useful to have cash – especially as many people sell items like eggs on the side of the road.
Don’ts of Wales – Conclusion
After reading this post, you’ve hopefully learned about some of the most important don’ts of Wales. Are there any don’ts of Wales that surprised you? Do you know any don’ts of Wales that haven’t been mentioned but think they need to be? If you need any help or advice, then feel free to contact me. If you liked this post and would like to continue reading some more similar posts, then check out these:
