What to do on Santes Dwynwen Day
Celebrating with a special someone this year? North Wales is a seriously romantic place to cosy up with your significant other.
St Dwynwen’s most famous saying is ‘nothing wins hearts like cheerfulness’ so spread a little happiness with our suggestions for a romantic day:
1. Visit Llanddwyn Island
Llanddwyn is beautiful year-round but, as the place where Dwynwen lived out her life as a nun, there’s no better time to visit and relive her story.
Walking hand in hand along wild Newborough Beach with mysterious Llanddwyn in the distance is a really special experience.
The sloping, sandy beach is fringed by a scented pine forest that forms part of Newborough Nature Reserve. It’s home to a colony of red squirrels and the world’s biggest raven roost. Ravens might not be the loveliest of birds but they mate for life, which is pretty romantic in our book.
Walk out onto the island and follow one of the many paths that criss-cross the headland. At the centre you’ll find the atmospheric ruins of St Dwynwen’s Church, the exact spot Dwynwen is said to be buried.
Wander where your feet take you: seek out hidden coves dotted with dozing seals, see the semi-wild ponies that sometimes graze here and visit the old lighthouse with its magnificent views out across Caernarfon Bay.
And if your love life needs a nudge perhaps you could say a prayer at Dwynwen’s Cross or see your romantic future in Dwynwen’s Well (apparently a pair of enchanted fish will oblige)?
There’s a really magical feeling to the island and we guarantee you’ll leave feeling the love.
2. Pamper pals
A spa day is the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the company of your loved one and there are a great selection of relaxing retreats in North Wales.
For great views of Snowdonia and the Conwy Valley, head to Bodysgallen Hall and Spa near Llandudno. This secluded and luxurious country house has an excellent spa and a range of spa days and treatments for an intimate and relaxing special treat.
The Deganwy Quay Luxury Spa boasts jaw-dropping views of the Conwy Estuary and a great selection of treatments including a ‘Winter Escape’ spa day for two, perfect for couples.
Stations Leisure Spa at the Waterloo Hotel in Betws-y-Coed has a tempting thermal spa to unwind in, plus a selection of indulgent beauty treatments.
For serious St Dwynwen’s brownie points, why not make a weekend of it and combine your spa treat with an overnight stay?
3. Light my fire
Some thrill-seeking couples get their kicks out of pushing the boundaries. If it’s adrenalin that stokes your fire, North Wales is the ideal place to bring your partner in crime.
Nothing says ‘I love you’ quite like a red boiler suit… if you’re looking to seriously impress your loved one! Soar over an abandoned slate mine at high speed at Zip World in Snowdonia. It’s a unique way to declare your love and will certainly create a memory that lasts a lifetime!
Want to learn some rad new skills? Try the Adventure Park Snowdonia for some adrenaline fuelled indoor experiences with extreme slides, yes they are suitable for adults and will leave you feeling like you’ve been swept off your feet.
Dydd Santes Dwynwen commemorates a timeless story of love lost and is the perfect excuse to cosy up and have a ‘cwtch‘ with the one who makes your heart flutter. Even if you don’t do anything else, be sure to wish the one you love a ‘Dydd Santes Dwynwen Hapus’ (you never know she might just be listening).