Sarah Christopher
02 January 2025
Often referred to as the Welsh St Valentine’s Day, the 25th of January is also known as St Dwynwen's Day where love and devotion are celebrated. This day honours St Dwynwen, a 4th-century Welsh princess whose legend is deeply intertwined with the island of Ynys Llanddwyn (Llanddwyn Island). Located just off the coast of Anglesey, this picturesque island is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and historical significance.
The ruins of St Dwynwen's Church stand as a testament to the saint's enduring legacy, attracting visitors from far and wide. As the tide recedes, a causeway emerges, allowing visitors to explore the island's tranquil shores, as well as experience the romantic atmosphere that has inspired countless Welsh love stories.
Thinking of exploring this beautiful tidal island as part of your St Dwynwen’s celebrations? Anglesey is a wonderful destination to visit during any season; so, whether you’re planning a quiet escape at the start of the year, or a bustling break in the summer, we have a collection of cottages, brimming with romantic retreats.
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St Dwynwen’s Day FAQs
When is St Dwynwen's Day?
St Dwynwen's Day is celebrated on 25 January each year.
Who is St Dwynwen?
St Dwynwen was a 4th-century Welsh princess with a tragic love story. She is also the Welsh patron saint of lovers.
What is the history of St Dwynwen?
St Dwynwen was a Welsh princess who lived in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park in the 4th century. She was the most beautiful of the 24 daughters of King Brychan Brycheiniog. King Brychan had arranged for her to marry a prince but she had already fallen head over heels in love with a local boy named Maelon Dafodrill. Maelon was incredibly upset and so Dwynwen prayed to God for help. An angel visited her and gave her a potion to help her forget her love but it also turned Maelon into a block of ice.
God granted Dwynwen three wishes: that God would help all that truly loved each other, that Maelon would be thawed, and finally that she would never marry. To show her thanks for her wishes being granted, Dwynwen became a nun and set up a convent on Ynys Llanddwyn.
Why is St Dwynwen's Day celebrated in Wales?
Similar to St Valentine's Day, St Dwynwen's Day is celebrated exclusively in Wales as a day of love and romance. It's the perfect occasion to express your affection for all of your loved ones.
How do you say ‘Happy St Dwynwen's Day’ in Welsh?
In Welsh it’s ‘Dydd Santes Dwynwen Hapus’ which is pronounced ‘Dith Sahn-tess Dwin-wen Hah-pus’.
How to celebrate St Dwynwen’s Day
St Dwynwen's Day is a time for celebrating love and romance. Many choose to exchange cards and gifts, as well as traditional Welsh lovespoons, which are intricately carved wooden spoons often given as tokens of love. The day also offers a unique opportunity to explore some Welsh traditions as well as the local landscape.
Visit Bannau Brycheiniog National Park
Why not plan a visit to the stunning Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (Brecon Beacons), which is the birthplace of St Dwynwen. It’s such a gorgeous landscape to enjoy as a couple, particularly if you’re lovers of the great outdoors. Here, you can explore breathtaking landscapes, hike through ancient forests and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this unique location.
Visit Ynys Llanddwyn, Anglesey
Perhaps one of the most fitting trips you could do is escape to the idyllic island of Llanddwyn itself, where you can explore the ruins of Santes Dwynwen's Church, which has sat on the tidal island for some 400 years. A pilgrimage for lovers, legend says that the princess carved a hazlewood heart there to grant wishes of true love. A tranquil location, here you can wander along the scenic coastline and enjoy breathtaking sunsets.
Enjoy a romantic holiday in Wales
Those planning a romantic holiday will be hard-pressed to find a more perfect destination than Wales for their break; it offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, historical charm and tranquillity. Discover scenic coastal paths, sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs, perfect for romantic walks and picnics, or explore the pretty countryside with its lush green fields and charming villages, an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Top romantic cottages for St Dwynwen’s Day
Island Hide, Anglesey | Sleeps 2
Enjoy a peaceful escape at this unique one-bedroom shepherds' hut, nestled on a picturesque alpaca farm in Anglesey, close to the tidal island of Ynys Llanddwyn. Boasting stunning views over Cors Ddyga Wetlands Reserve, this delightful retreat is the perfect hideaway for couples seeking relaxation, countryside walks, and coastal adventures.
After a day of exploring, unwind in the cosy living and sleeping area, complete with a wood burner and comfortable double bed. Enjoy romantic meals at the breakfast bar or dine alfresco on the outdoor kitchen patio, surrounded by breathtaking countryside views.
The Mallard, Brecon | Sleeps 2
Escape to a secluded haven in the heart of the Brecon Beacons. This charming shepherds' hut offers a romantic getaway for two, nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes and starry dark skies. It’s the perfect base for exploring the Welsh countryside.
Relax in the cosy living area, complete with a wood burner, and enjoy a romantic meal prepared in the well-equipped kitchen. For the ultimate indulgence, take a dip in the private hot tub and let your stresses melt away. With endless opportunities for hiking, fishing – and stargazing – this idyllic retreat offers the perfect romantic escape.
The Coach House, Gower | Sleeps 2
Enjoy the spectacular drama of a break by the coast and wake up to the sound of crashing waves and breathtaking sea views at this romantic retreat in Langland Bay. A stylish, modern apartment, it offers the perfect escape for couples seeking a coastal getaway. Unwind on the private balcony, taking in the stunning panorama of the bay.
After a day of exploring the golden sands or hiking along the dramatic clifftop paths, return to your attractive apartment to prepare a delicious meal in the sleek kitchen, dine at the glass table overlooking the sea, or simply relax on the sofa and watch the waves. With its prime location, stylish interiors, and stunning sea views, this petite romantic retreat is the ideal choice for a romantic escape to the Welsh coast.
Dragon's Eye - Llygad y Ddraig, New Quay | Sleeps 2
Experience the extraordinary at this one-of-a-kind, award-winning cabin, nestled on a picturesque farm near Mydroilyn. A unique architectural gem, it was featured on the ‘Cabins in the Wild’ TV series and offers a truly unforgettable romantic retreat.
Wake up to breathtaking views through the iconic eye-shaped ‘dragon’s eye’ window and start your day with a coffee on the elevated patio. After exploring the stunning Cardigan Bay coastline, return to your cabin to prepare a romantic meal or enjoy a pizza cooked in the shared outdoor oven. Relax in the shared hot tub, cosy up by the wood burner, or simply unwind on your private patio. As night falls, turn the rotating bed to face the starry sky and drift off to sleep, surrounded by the tranquillity of the Welsh countryside.
Romantic retreats in Wales
Wales offers a multitude of romantic getaways; from the rugged beauty of the Brecon Beacons to the serene shores of Anglesey, there's a perfect spot for every couple. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat, an adventurous escape, or a luxurious abode brimming with indulgent details, our collection of romantic cottages in Wales offers it all. So, why not plan your next romantic getaway and discover the magic of this beautiful destination?
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.