St David’s Day in Wales. Sheep, Songs and a Proper Welsh Welcome
The first of March arrives and something shifts in Wales.
Little daffodils push through the grass and school children appear wearing red shawls and tall black hats. Someone somewhere starts singing. Probably loudly.
It is St David’s Day, our national day here in Wales. A chance to celebrate the language, the landscape, and the slightly chaotic joy of Welsh life.
And here in the Llanthony Valley, it feels rather special.
Who Was St David?
St David, or Dewi Sant as we call him here, was a sixth century Welsh saint known for living a simple life and encouraging kindness, community and care for the land.
His most famous words were beautifully straightforward.
“Do the little things.”
That message still fits rather well with life in the hills.
Lighting the fire, walking the valley and sitting quietly and noticing the sky.
The Little Welsh Things That Make This Place Special
You do not need a parade or a marching band to celebrate St David’s Day here. The best parts of Welsh life tend to be the small ones.
Daffodils Everywhere
Daffodils bloom across the valley around the start of March. They appear beside hedgerows and along the lanes like bright little lanterns.
They have become the symbol of Wales and it is easy to see why. Cheerful, if a little stubborn and impossible to ignore.
Welsh Cakes Warm From the Pan
A proper Welsh kitchen will often have a pan on the stove around this time of year. Welsh cakes are simple little rounds of flour, butter, sugar and dried fruit cooked on a griddle.
Best eaten warm with sugar dusted on top.
The Sound of Singing
Wales has a long tradition of singing. Choirs, pub songs, rugby anthems. Even the hills seem to echo with it.
You may not hear a full choir in Llanthony. You may hear someone singing while they walk the dog. That counts.
Sheep. Always Sheep.
No Welsh celebration would be complete without acknowledging the true rulers of the countryside.
The sheep
They graze the valley, wander the tracks and occasionally look mildly offended when visitors admire them too much.
Celebrating St David’s Day at Llanthony Castaway
Staying at Llanthony Castaway around St David’s Day and in Spring is a gentle way to celebrate Wales.
There are no crowds. No queues. Just the valley waking up slowly as spring begins to arrive.
You can spend the day walking along the hills above Llanthony Priory. Stop for a flask of tea and watch the clouds move across the mountains.
Back at Castaway the evening settles in quietly.
Light the wood burner and cook something simple. Sit outside by the firepit and look up at the stars.
It turns out that celebrating Wales does not require much effort at all.
A Welsh Escape Worth Discovering
Many people travel across Wales searching for somewhere peaceful. Llanthony often surprises them.
The valley sits tucked into the Black Mountains with wide skies, winding lanes and a pace of life that moves gently.
A glamping stay in Wales here feels wonderfully grounded.
Wood smoke in the air and sheep calling across the fields. A kettle always ready for another cup of tea.
It is Wales at its simplest and best.
Plan Your Own Welsh Escape
St David’s Day marks the beginning of spring and a beautiful time to visit the valley.
Whether you stay in the Railway Carriage, the Hut or the Dome, you will find:
- Cosy wood burners
- Quiet countryside walks
- Dark skies for stargazing
- Dog friendly stays
- Firepits for slow evenings
Bring a warm jumper and an appetite for Welsh cakes. Bring a willingness to slow down and enjoy the little things.
St David would probably approve. Book your next stay here.
Stay Wild!