STAGE 1 - Laugharne
Tap into the eternal and tormented soul of Dylan Thomas
The modernist poet who would later inspire the “beat generation” was born in the coastal city of Swansea, but the most sought out place to visit in Wales related to Dylan Thomas is the Boat House in Laugharne. Transformed, nowadays, into a heritage centre, this is the house where the author wrote his final, and most famous, work “Under Milk Wood”.
Stay at The Corran Resort & Spa, an old farm complex converted into a laid-back, sophisticated, charming hotel, set in a fitting poetic location. The poet’s fans will easily recognize his portrayal of Laugharne here, the “timeless, mild, beguiling island of a town”.
STAGE 2 - St David’s
Explore the mountains that inspired Raymond Williams
The Black Mountains, a natural border with England in the south east of Wales, were the childhood home of several Welsh authors. It’s quite likely that such an environment has inspired a lot of their work, but probably not as deep as it did for Raymond Williams. A walk or a hike through this region should help you to feel the inspiration for his 1989 work in two volumes, “People of the Black Mountains”.
Soak up literature in arty St David’s
Waldo Williams was one of the leading Welsh language poets of the twentieth century. He was also a notable pacifist, anti-war campaigner, Quaker, and Welsh nationalist. His poetry shows many influences, from William Wordsworth to traditional Welsh cynghanedd. His single volume of poetry Dail Pren (Tree Leaves) was published in 1956 and was left as a source of healing for his beloved country.
Stay at Twr-y- Felin Hotel, St Davids. Taking inspiration from its surroundings, this is a truly special hotel. With commissioned art on the walls and artisan skill applied to each of the no-expense-spared rooms, you can soak up the magic.
WHERE TO STAY
Twr y Felin Hotel
St Davids, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire
STAGE 3 - Cardiff
Channel the superpowers of the imagination of Roald Dahl
The famous author of “Charles and the Chocolate Factory” had us believing in dreams, lucky golden tickets, and running rivers of chocolate. Aren’t we all part Charlie Bucket at heart? Born in Llandaf, Roald Dahl was baptised at the Norwegian Church on Cardiff Bay. To keep momentum going in the realm of literary creativity and imagination, pay a visit to this former sailors church transformed into a renowned cultural venue in 2011. This year, Wales is celebrating Roald Dahl’s centenary, you can view the programme of events here.
Stay at the Holm House, a boutique hotel and spa overlooking the sea, eclectic and almost as playful as Dahl’s children’s books. With twelve unique bedrooms, it fuses a modern touch with a traditional atmosphere.
WHERE TO STAY
Holm House
South Wales, Cardiff, Penarth
STAGE 4 - Abersoch
Take a trip to legendary Bardsey Island
Bardsey Island has been used as a literary retreat and provided inspiration for novelist, singer-songwriter and musician Fflur Dafydd who was an official writer-in-residence here. At just thirty-eight Fflur has achieved a lot. She is the first female author to have won both the Prose Medal and the Daniel Owen Memorial Prize and won the Oxfam Hay Emerging Writer of the Year Award in 2009. Known as the island of 20,000 saints, Bardsey Island is situated just 2 miles off the charming Llŷn Peninsular in North Wales and an inspiring day trip.
Stay at Porth Tocyn, a coastal retreat near the charming seaside town of Abersoch. The hotel sits on a bluff high above the coast. The food is sensational and very well-regarded by in-the-know locals, and the rooms are sumptuously appointed.
WHERE TO STAY
Porth Tocyn
Abersoch, Llyn Peninsula, North Wales, Wales