Wales

Among those individuals is Tyrone Holmes, who was appointed Wales’ new defence coach after three years in the same role with Scotland.

Lynn says he has been very impressed with the South Africa-born former flanker and expects to see a “big improvement” in that area, especially with Holmes being full-time.

“It’s what we will be needing to be competitive,” said Lynn, who admits his side were “bullied off the park” in their World Cup opener against Scotland.

Brython Thunder coach Ashley Beck will attempt to revive Wales’ stale attack, while Exeter Chiefs head coach Steve Salvin will be working with the forwards on an interim basis.

“It’s new voices, new faces and big energy,” said Lynn.

“What we’re going after is that consistency, every coach who’s coming in is making sure that we are following the process.

“I want us to be more hard-working, competitive, and when you’re in those competitive games and you find those winning moments, those game-changing moments, that’s where I feel this team can grow.”

Cardiff boss Corniel van Zyl said: “We are really pleased that Alex has decided to continue his journey at Cardiff, particularly on the back of such an impressive season so far, most recently with Wales in the Six Nations where he put in some big performances.

“He has been brilliant for Cardiff during my time at the club. It is very clear that he really cares about the club, his team-mates and the people we represent.

“On the pitch, he clearly has an all-in mentality. He puts his body on the line, is very versatile and has an all-round game where he can make an impact on both sides of the ball.”

Mann, 24, has been an important part of Steve Tandy’s Wales side, having been selected in all nine of his XVs this season – hooker Dewi Lake is the only other player to match that.

The former Wales Under-20 captain made a statement performance in Wales’ 27-17 defeat by Ireland in Dublin when he set a Six Nations record by making 33 tackles.

His display earned the praise of Wales assistant coach Dan Lydiate, who said: “He is some talent and is a young man with a hell of an engine who reads the game really well on both sides of the ball.”

“Playing for Wales is the highest honour you can get when you are a player and it’s the same when you are a coach,” said Beck.

“To be asked by Sean to join the set-up for the Women’s 2026 Six Nations is a real privilege and I am excited by the challenge of coaching at Test match level.

“Having worked with a host of the players in the Celtic Challenge, I know the talent we have in Wales and the challenge for the players is to believe they can compete at this level.”

Wales kick off their Six Nations campaign at home to Scotland at Principality Stadium on Saturday, 11 April.

There was a spiritual pull for Bellamy returning to Wales.

Born in Cardiff, he spent most of his playing career outside of his homeland, representing the likes of Liverpool and Newcastle.

As a coach, Bellamy followed Vincent Kompany to Anderlecht and Burnley, describing his time with the now Bayern Munich boss as an “education”.

The former Manchester City team-mates remain good friends and speak frequently, but Bellamy felt it was time to become a head coach in his own right when his country came calling.

Despite only being an assistant to Kompany at Burnley, Bellamy took a substantial pay cut to take charge of Wales.

This, however, was a job like no other. As well as the obvious emotional ties, Bellamy had unfinished business.

He never got the chance to play at a major international tournament but, as head coach, he aims to put that right by qualifying for this summer’s World Cup.

“You always have that buzz of chasing something, like I want qualification, I want to be at major tournaments,” Bellamy says.

“But how do we do it? I’ve got loads of flaws, but the team needs to play with intensity, play with balls.

“As long as you have belief, that’s the motivation. That’s why you do so much work, why you look at opposition.

“As a footballer for Wales, I didn’t really feel belief, I just felt hope. Italy [when Wales won 2-1 in 2002 in a European Championship qualifier] was different because we took the game to them. We were brilliant but there weren’t many nights like that.”

Bellamy scored the winning goal when Wales last faced Italy in Cardiff, a momentous occasion at a sold-out Millennium Stadium.

The teams will meet again if they win their respective World Cup play-off semi-finals on Thursday, with the final to be played at Cardiff City Stadium the following Tuesday.

Much like Bellamy himself, Welsh football is unrecognisable from that memorable night 24 years ago.

Having been absent from major tournaments since the 1958 World Cup, Wales not only qualified for Euro 2016 but reached the semi-finals in France, three years after Bellamy retired.

They followed that by getting to the knockout stages at Euro 2020 and then qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.

Bellamy wants to build on that success – and take his country to new heights.

“Euro 2016, that moment was like, ‘We are here’. That gave belief and I want to carry that on,” he says.

“We do punch well above our weight but that’s where we want to be. We need to do it continuously. I like expectations.

“This is what it takes to be a Wales player. To wear this shirt, these are the qualities you have to have. I believe we have a chance to consistently be at major tournaments.”

With that, Bellamy turns back to his laptop. The cursor hovers over files labelled ‘Italy’ and ‘Northern Ireland’ – Wales’ potential play-off final opponents – and then back to ‘Bosnia’.

Whether or not Wales get to the World Cup this summer, it will not be down to a lack of preparation.

Morgan missed the first four rounds of the URC after suffering a calf problem on his return from the Lions’ tour to Australia.

The flanker came off the bench in the draw against Dragons at Rodney Parade in October and then went off to Wales duty.

“The guys that have been playing while Jac has been injured have done a terrific job, but it’s always brilliant when you bring a Lion back into your environment and selection,” said Jones.

“It’s good for the competition for places and competitiveness around training. He has added a great energy to the environment, on and off the field.”

This weekend’s fixture against Benetton would be Morgan’s first game since it was confirmed that he will leave Ospreys for Gloucester along with Dewi Lake in the summer.

Jones believes the forward from Brynaman will be determined to finish with a flourish.

“He has put a lot into the Ospreys over the time he has been here, physically and emotionally,” said the head coach.

“We want the whole thing to end on a really positive note. I can’t see anything other than a fully-focused, excited Jac Morgan wanting to go out on a high, and as a team we definitely want to do that.”

Callender was co-captain for last year’s two-Test series against Australia – leading the side to a historic first win Down Under – and the World Cup in England.

The 25-year-old overcame an ankle injury to feature in the tournament but then needed surgery after Wales’ early exit.

She returned for Harlequins at the end of January and it is believed to be a fresh injury and not a relapse.

Williams, who made her Test debut against Ireland in 2023, shared the captaincy duties and has been chosen as the leader for the Six Nations.

Lynn said: “Kate Williams has the respect of the whole squad, and her leadership skills means she will be Wales captain for this Six Nations campaign.”

Wales lost all five games of last year’s championship, condemning them to a second Wooden Spoon on the bounce.

Standing in Tintern Abbey, you can feel the magic that has given this small Monmouthshire village on the banks of the Wye and its famous ruin such an outsized place in culture. JMW Turner, Gainsborough and Samuel Palmer are just some of the artists who have captured this landscape, and Wordsworth and Tennyson famously wrote poems inspired by Tintern. But it was Allen Ginsberg’s Welsh Visitation and his “clouds passing through skeleton arches” that came to mind while I sheltered from a cloudburst in the abbey’s nave. It’s a vast and fascinating site, and seeing it through sheets of rain as the sun went down was really special.

Ginsberg was here in the 1960s, following in the footsteps of the Romantics. But Tintern’s fame came thanks to its inclusion in travel writer William Gilpin’s 1782 book Observations on the River Wye. Gilpin’s writing about the “picturesque” – landscapes that inspired art through their rugged beauty – was so popular in the late 18th century that the Wye Tour was created to meet tourist demand, one of the first package trips in British travel history.

Tintern has been a destination ever since for literary travellers – though there are also many hillwalkers and canoeists who love the geography as much as the aesthetics of the area. So it’s interesting that the Royal George, the beautifully renovated coaching inn that has recently reopened in the village after a two-year refurbishment, takes local history and craft as its inspiration rather than leaning into the area’s national reputation.

A building has stood on the hotel’s location since the 16th century – it was originally the village forge owner’s home – but the renovation has opened under the name the Royal George because that’s what local people have always called it. The name comes from the warship HMS Royal George, which sank in Portsmouth in 1782, drowning hundreds on board in one of Britain’s worst maritime disasters. Timbers salvaged from the wreck were supposedly used in the construction of the inn, which opened in 1829. Camilla Kelly, the designer behind the refurbishment, found a ship’s bell which bears the insignia of another George, this one HRH George VI, which is now used to call last orders in the hotel bar

There are exposed paving flags and beams that date back to the 1600s as well as charmingly wonky walls and low ceiling beams but, unlike many hotels that aspire to the rustic, shabby chic vibe currently popular for a country stay, the Royal George is smart and very well put together. In its 20 bedrooms and dining rooms there is some vintage furniture – Kelly grew up in nearby Abergavenny with parents who worked in antiques shops and markets – but it’s the beautiful blankets and textiles made at the celebrated Pembrokeshire Melin Tregwynt mill, the metalwork art by local blacksmith and sculptor Mark Lumley, and the ornaments from Baileys Home, a destination shop for interiors fans that’s just up the road in Bridstow, that define this place.

It’s clearly a formula that’s proving popular with local people as well as visitors. At dinner time in the nautically named Upper Deck restaurant, there were families from the surrounding area who had come for a celebration meal. The pub dining room – the Lower Deck, of course – was full of local people including young parents sharing a plate of chips with their kids, as well as out-of-towners. It’s a testament to the quality of the food, which is really, really good.

Most dishes use ingredients from local farmers, growers and foragers and there are excellent and imaginative vegetarian options. Sunday lunch during my stay included a magnificent brie parcel as a special. Apparently, a local cheesemaker had brought in a particularly nice sample and chef Gareth Hope couldn’t resist adding it to the menu. I’d also recommend trying the Welsh wines – especially the sparkling Velfrey and the White Castle pinot noir.

Hope is particularly grateful that the George has become a pub for local people. At Christmas time, one of those dreaded courier delivery photos flashed up on his phone, of a parcel dropped in an unrecognisable doorway. Unfortunately, this parcel contained £450 worth of caviar for the Christmas menu. Hope shared his misfortune with the bar’s regulars and, after seeing the photo, one of them jogged off into a storm, reappearing with the caviar 20 minutes later.

It’s probably worth noting, with all this talk of fine food and furniture, that the Royal George isn’t as expensive as it sounds, with mains in the Lower Deck starting at £14 and a night in a garden room from £135.

If you want to walk off some of this lovely food, the 5-mile Angidy trail is an interesting journey through Tintern’s often overlooked industrial history. Before the abbey ruins turned it into a tourist attraction, the village was famous for its iron wire, and in 1600 the wireworks here were the largest industrial enterprise in Wales. The remains of the furnaces, waterwheels and workers’ cottages are dotted along the Angidy valley and among the hazel trees and larches on the forested hills. The ruins of St Mary’s church – built in the 13th century by the Cistercian monks for their lay tenants, but on a religious site dating back to the 5th century – will never rival the abbey, but the tombstones of the old industrialists – including one shaped like a wine cooler – are impressive, and there is a great view from the graveyard down to the Wye.

For a different but equally pleasurable excursion, go to the previously mentioned Baileys Home. The homeware store, owned by designers Mark and Sally Bailey, is massive. The showrooms fill not just a barn but also a cowshed, stable, granary and loft with a mix of antiques, vintage pieces and handmade furniture. You can browse smithy-made coat hooks and soap made from organic sheep’s milk for under a tenner, or try the bespoke sofas for size.

Inside or out, this is a very special corner of Wales. It may have found fame as a muse for visiting artists, but if you come here, don’t forget to look for the other stories told by the landscape.

Accommodation and dinner was provided by the Royal George in Tintern, which has doubles from £135, room only

It’s the perfect place if you like a combination of adventures and chilling out, taking in the gorgeous scenery.

A historic market town in the UK is definitely worth a visit this spring, as there’s so much to see and do there. It’s ideal for adventure seekers, and those who just want to walk around, eat good food and chill out.

Tregaron is one of Wales’s oldest market towns. It’s home to independent retailers, coffee shops, and the elegant Y Talbot, a grade II-listed hotel, pub, and restaurant, positioned right in the town square’s centre.

From here, you can embark on an exhilarating road trip along a former drover’s track that showcases hairpin turns through wild terrain.

The Abergwesyn Pass is a 20-mile single-track route stretching from Llanwrtyd Wells to Tregaron. Along this isolated road, you’ll encounter a notorious stretch called “The Devil’s Staircase”, reports Wales Online.

This appropriately named portion of the Abergwesyn Pass features hairpin curves and sharp climbs that aren’t suited to anxious motorists.

For adventurous drivers, you’ll love tackling one of Wales’ most isolated countryside regions, encountering sheep, gnarled trees and rocky formations along the way. It’s extremely steep, reaching a maximum gradient of 20.1%, and cuts through thick woodland towards miles of expansive, barren valleys, providing a descent that will push your brakes to their absolute limits.

Drive carefully and enjoy the scenery as you meander through the wilderness of the Cambrian Mountains, where you could potentially encounter nobody throughout your entire journey. You can also tackle this route by bicycle if your legs are ready for the test.

As well as the Abergwesyn Pass, Soar y Mynydd, Wales’ most isolated chapel, is worth the detour. This modest, whitewashed church was constructed in 1822 to minister to an extremely dispersed community of farmers.

Wandering through this tranquil location, you could easily assume the chapel has been deserted for years. Actually, visiting preachers travel from across Wales to hold services in Welsh.

It’s a serene spot for a picnic, as there’s often nobody else there.

Llyn Brianne Reservoir also deserves a stop to witness an enormous dam. You might be surprised to learn that this striking stone-built dam is Britain’s tallest, rising 91 metres (300 ft) above the River Tywi.

Containing an incredible 64 million cubic metres of water at almost 300 metres (990 ft) above sea level is a remarkable engineering achievement. Building work began in October 1968, with the dam constructed from crushed rock, larger stone, and clay sourced from the surrounding area.

After dark, it becomes a stargazing hotspot in the Cambrian Mountains, making it an excellent location for astrophotography.

Further south, beyond Llyn Brianne reservoir, lies the amazing RSPB Gwenffrwd-Dinas reserve. The reserve encompasses vital habitats of oak woodland, wet alder woodland, and scrubland, all defined by heavy rainfall and swift-flowing rivers.

These conditions are ideal for woodland birds, whilst also offering the perfect environment for significant lichens and bryophytes. Whether you begin or finish the route at Tregaron, you should make time to discover this small Welsh-speaking town. Here, you’ll discover a livestock market, the Tregaron Red Kite Centre and Museum, and locally sourced food and cask ales in a beautifully converted 16th-century Welsh inn.

Y Talbot is an independently owned hotel and Michelin Guide-listed restaurant with 2 AA Rosettes. This charming boutique hotel radiates a ‘cosy country inn’ atmosphere with its slate floors and inglenooks.

The location is said to be the final resting place of a circus elephant which perished in 1848 and lies beneath what is currently Y Talbot’s beer garden.

The establishment, run by head chef Dafydd, who trained under Marco Pierre White, showcases regional ingredients, including lamb, beef, and cheeses sourced from the Teifi Valley, fish from Milford Haven, and shellfish from Cardigan Bay.

Close by, you’ll also discover a neglected Welsh abbey where princes lie buried. Strata Florida Abbey near Tregaron is a remarkable location in Wales where history, royalty, and spirituality meet.

Established in 1201 by white-robed Cistercian monks, this hallowed ground was formerly among medieval Wales’s most vital religious and cultural hubs.

It also serves as the burial site of numerous Welsh princes, including the renowned Llywelyn the Great, who famously convened a council here to guarantee his son Dafydd’s position as the legitimate successor to the Welsh throne.

The Abbey was established as a major institution serving the indigenous population of Wales and Western Christianity through its affiliation with the pan-European Cistercian Order of Monasteries.

The carved west doorway into the Abbey remains standing in isolation and provides an eternal vista down the nave towards where the high altar formerly stood.

You can still see some of the decorated tiles that would have adorned the church floors, along with elaborate carvings throughout the site.

Wrexham striker Kieffer Moore has been ruled out of Wales’ World Cup play-offs with a hamstring injury.

The 33-year-old had been a major doubt since sustaining a tendon split during the FA Cup defeat against Chelsea earlier this month.

Having missed subsequent Championship matches against Hull City and Swansea City, Moore is not expected to return to action until April.

That means he will be unavailable for Wales’ World Cup play-off semi-final against Bosnia-Herzegovina on 26 March and, if they win that game, their play-off final against Italy or Northern Ireland five days later.

“Kieffer’s not going to be right for the internationals, which is a blow for him and for Wales,” said Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson.

“He’s got this tendon injury which he feels OK with, but he’s shown up on the scan and it’s one of those injuries that, up to 80-85% you’re fine, but if you extend beyond that you make yourself susceptible to muscle injuries.”

Wales continue to play fixtures amid off-field turmoil, with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) not budging on their plan to cut from four men’s professional teams to three.

Tandy and captain Dewi Lake have had to be the face of Welsh rugby and have conducted themselves impeccably.

The hooker will have played his last Ospreys game before a summer move to Gloucester when the Wales squad link up again in the summer.

“That was a performance we have built towards and this group deserves it massively,” said Lake after the win against Italy.

“We have gone through a lot of emotionally tough things recently, whether that is on the field or off it.”

It remains a cause for concern as Wales build towards the World Cup, with Scarlets and Ospreys on a Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA) that expires in the summer of 2027.

Tandy’s squad next take to the field against Barbarians at Twickenham in June before three Nations Championship fixtures in July against Fiji, Argentina and South Africa.

By then the WRU will have held an extraordinary general meeting, with chair Richard Collier-Keywood facing a vote of no confidence, while there is also a legal battle with Swansea Council over the future of Ospreys.

Tandy has created a positive environment for his players after outlining his approach before the campaign.

“If they’ve got something to share, if they’re seeking more clarity or anything they want to talk about then we have to be open,” he said.

“One thing we can’t do is run away from it or pretend it’s not happening.”

Tandy has allowed his players to grow in their Vale Resort bubble and will aim to keep taking everything in his stride in the summer.

The 13th-century National Trust castle features the UK’s largest private collection of South and East Asian artefacts and Britain’s best baroque terraced gardens

Nestled close to the English-Welsh border, in the town of Welshpool, stands a genuine fairy-tale fortress which appears straight out of a storybook and provides a vibrant splash of colour against its sprawling green backdrop.

Built in the 13th century, this mediaeval stronghold is brimming with stories and continues to evolve, much to the delight of those who visit.

For the perfect day spent appreciating historic architecture, discovering a different heritage and exploring the most spectacular of gardens, Powis Castle is the destination to seek out.

Its most recent ownership belonged to the same family, who resided in the castle from as early as the 1570s – the Herbert family. This continued until the castle and its grounds were handed over to the National Trust in 1952 by the 4th Earl of Powis.

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One TripAdvisor reviewer said: “This site is stunning. I was blown away by how picturesque the place is.”

Another wrote: “This place really exceeded my expectations. The interior is super detailed and interesting, with some spectacular pieces of furniture.

“The gardens are truly beautiful on a lovely warm hillside and some stupendous giant yew trees. Has to be seen.”

History

The heritage of this fortress stretches back hundreds of years, encompassing numerous owners, as the property expanded and transformed, whilst preserving its original character throughout.

However, it all started in the 13th century when a Welsh prince, Gruffudd ap Gwenwynwyn, established some independence. When he and the remainder of his direct lineage died in 1309, leaving no male heir, the castle passed to an heiress called Hawise. She then married Sir John Charlton from Shropshire.

The fortress came under attack during this period from Hawise’s uncle, who was trying to claim the lordship he believed he was entitled to instead of her, but was unsuccessful.

In response, they chose to repair the damage and constructed two imposing drum towers on either side of the castle’s west entrance. Charlton’s descendants remarkably remained lords of Powis for more than 100 years, until no male heir could be found.

Consequently, in 1421, the castle was split between two daughters, after which the fortress entered a sharp decline, desperately needing restoration following years of abandonment. Before long, it was taken over and lovingly rebuilt before being leased to the Herbert family.

Most significantly since that time, one of the most substantial changes occurred when the Clive family introduced what is now recognised as the Clive collection. A collection teeming with South and East Asian artefacts exhibited in the castle, and the largest private collection of its kind in Britain.

Clive Collection

What makes this fortress particularly unique is its fascinating array of artefacts housed within it. Originally assembled by two generations of the Clive family, comprising Robert and his son Edward, who had wed Henrietta Herbert, the daughter of the 1st Earl of Powis.

The collection was assembled during Britain’s colonial rule of India, when these artefacts were removed from their country of origin and brought to the castle, starting in the 1800s. Today it houses more than 1,000 pieces originating from South and East Asia.

According to its website, visitors can expect to discover an extensive array of ivories, textiles, statues of Hindu deities, decorative silver and gold, weapons and ceremonial armour.

Naturally, this remarkable collection carries with it a troubling past, one which connects the castle to a proprietor who played a role in the invasion of India. Robert Clive was directly employed by the East India Company, which sent armies to both invade and subjugate India.

In doing so, they exploited the nation financially and profited from the natural resources it possessed. This contributed to establishing the British Empire’s presence within India and, consequently, secured a lifetime of riches and prosperity for Clive, which is evident in the castle’s magnificence.

Gardens

Beyond the striking castle itself, the true highlight of the estate lies in its grounds and immaculately-maintained gardens. Part of its impressive display of flowers, plants and trees is attributed to the captivating hedging that encircles the castle.

It covers up to 8,500 square metres of the estate, with the yett, tumps and top terrace contributing an extra 7,000 square metres to that figure. And with this comes some extreme-gardening methods adopted by the National Trust to guarantee it stays in impeccable condition.

To put that into perspective, it states that one skilled gardener can spend up to 10 weeks annually working at height, using a hydraulic cherry picker to trim and sculpt the towering hedges. That represents just one element of these magnificent gardens.

What makes them particularly remarkable is their Italian-influenced design dating back to 1680. The gardens at Powis Castle are regarded as the finest surviving example of a baroque terraced garden in the entire country – blending both Italian and French influences.

Without a National Trust membership, it costs £18 for entry to the castle and gardens for an adult, excluding gift aid. Meanwhile, children will be charged £9, while families can choose a family ticket for a reduced price.

It’s worth noting that ticket prices are reduced during off-peak periods of the year.

Believed to be one of the country’s most haunted houses, the stunning castle offers guided tours, grade I listed gardens and even bed and breakfast stays

A genuine reflection of Wales‘s magnificent historic landmarks, this castle certainly deserves its place amongst the ‘must-visit’ destinations topping everyone’s travel lists.

Nestled peacefully in the stunning Conwy Valley, the castle sits within the foothills of Snowdonia and is frequently described as one of Britain’s finest Tudor houses.

Fortunately for visitors, the impressive Gwydir Castle welcomes the public from April to September three days weekly to discover its splendour through guided tours.

Originally built as the grand ancestral residence of the influential Wynn family, it was first built in the 15th century. Today it holds grade I listed status after previously falling into a state of disrepair.

While the castle is celebrated for its beautiful peacocks wandering the grounds, it’s equally notorious for its eerie ambience.

Gwydir is thought to be amongst Wales’s most haunted properties, though this hasn’t deterred royal visits over the years, with King Charles making a return in July 2018, then as Prince of Wales, two decades after his earlier visit.

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Restoration

By 1994, the property had languished in a derelict state for years and desperately needed some serious attention, which was provided by its new owners, Peter Welford and Judy Corbett.

Though restoring this historic building has been far from straightforward, it’s a project to which they have essentially devoted their lives.

The restoration remains an ongoing endeavour, but the achievements so far have been remarkable, with the project funded almost entirely from their own pockets, apart from a modest grant from Cadw.

The work has been methodical yet painstaking, carried out with such dedication and devotion by its custodians that visitors can now appreciate the results.

This remarkable journey included repurchasing what was legitimately theirs and returning it to where it truly belonged – crucial architectural elements from the original dining room.

The fireplaces, wood panelling, and doorframes were removed and transported overseas after being purchased by William Randolph Hearst, the renowned newspaper tycoon.

Yet in 1995 they discovered Gwydir’s missing dining room features, languishing in a storage facility unused by the Metropolitan Museum in New York.

Following extensive negotiations and 75 years in America, they were finally restored to their rightful place at Gwydir Castle. To commemorate this restoration triumph, the Dining Room wing was officially reopened by King Charles himself in 1998, whilst he served as Prince of Wales.

Present day

Visitors aren’t limited to simply exploring the grounds – they can actually lodge in its magnificent accommodation, which provides a bed and breakfast service. What’s more, the property can also be booked for weddings and special occasions.

What truly enables visitors to fully appreciate the venue, however, is through its guided tours, which are available for groups of 15 people or more.

The attraction opens between 11am and 4pm, and is currently welcoming day-trippers at an entry fee of £12 for adults and £5 for children.

One recent guest described their visit to the castle on TripAdvisor, writing: “Without doubt anyone visiting this castle would be amazed by the history of the site and the surrounding grade I listed gardens beautifully kept.

“They also have beautiful peacocks roaming free all around the castle and are fantastic to watch.”

Another visitor said: “Absolutely fabulous! Highly recommend. The house is lovely, and the gardens are terrific. The period furniture throughout the house is beautiful. A lovely revisit of a special holiday after so many years.”

Those passionate about horticulture will delight in the outdoor areas, which hold the prestigious distinction of being among Wales’ only grade I listed gardens, effortlessly combining influences from the Renaissance, Tudor, and Stuart eras. During their visit, nature lovers can spot yew trees, Cedars of Lebanon, and wisteria alongside numerous elegantly crafted fountains scattered throughout.

A further visitor added: “This beautifully restored 17th-century castle is a hidden gem that deserves to be much better known. The house and gardens are magical. They also have holiday accommodation, but it is a perfect day-visit.”

Safia Middleton-Patel, Mia Ross, Mared Griffiths and Carrie Jones – who is still only 22 – were the four players drafted into the side in Llanelli this weekend, with Olivia Clark, Gemma Evans, Angharad James and Ffion Morgan making way.

While goalkeeper Middleton-Patel and Ross – who was deployed as one of three centre-backs – were part of a defensive unit who did not have that much work to do, Jones impressed in a central midfield role.

But it was Griffiths, the Manchester United youngster who is currently on loan at Sunderland, who took most of the plaudits.

“She’s got it all,” Wilkinson said after Montenegro were hammered 6-1 in Llanelli.

“And she’s far from the finished product, which is very exciting for all Welsh people I’d imagine.”

Griffiths, sporting the number 10 shirt which was worn so often by Fishlock, scored Wales’ third goal, which was handed to her on a plate following an error by Montenegro keeper Ajsa Kala.

But there was nothing gift-wrapped about Griffiths’ second of the afternoon, which was Wales’ only goal during a second half in which Montenegro sat deep and defended with much more conviction than they had in the first period.

Fed by Jones, Griffiths had the composure to round the onrushing Kala before stroking the ball home with her left foot.

For a moment, Ireland threatened to run off into the night.

After Jacob Stockdale ended his five-year wait for an international try, Ireland celebrated a second try against Wales just 10 minutes into Friday’s Six Nations game when Jack Conan crashed over.

But the home support’s excitement at the possibility of a thumping turned to frustration when the try was ruled out for Tom O’Toole’s knock on.

It set up a nervy night for Ireland when their post-England euphoria was quickly forgotten as they set about keeping a stubborn and spirited Wales side quiet.

In their record away win over England, Ireland ruthlessly built up a 22-0 lead before the hosts replied.

On Friday, though, a hard-hitting Welsh defence stopped the hosts from building an insurmountable advantage.

And when asked for his observations, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell was quick to both praise Wales after they provided his side a more uncomfortable examination than England last time out.

“I actually thought Wales did fantastically well to stay in the game,” he said.

“Like Caelan [Doris, Ireland captain] said, if it goes to 14 points, it’s a different game you’re looking at, but they played tough, they hung on in there and kept it close on the scoreboard. I thought they were tremendous tonight.

“It was a proper Test match and for us to come away with a bonus-point win, we’d certainly take that with how the game unfolded, because it was a different game to the game that we played last time round.

“In regards to, we weren’t playing rugby on the front foot because of how well they defended, I thought they were excellent in contact and set-piece.”

It used to be Wales’ players and coaches winding up the Irish in Dublin.

Trimble himself was left on the floor by Shane Williams in Wales’ Triple Crown victory in 2008 as the wonder wing scored the crucial try at Croke Park.

Four years later, Trimble was left flailing at a rampaging Jonathan Davies who sprinted away to cross for two tries in the 2012 victory that set Wales onto a Grand Slam.

Wales and Ireland’s relations in the past have been spicy, mainly in Warren Gatland’s first stint in charge as head coach.

Gatland, a former Ireland coach, stated the Welsh players disliked the Irish players the most in 2009, while you would often see the likes of Mike Phillips, Liam Williams and Gethin Jenkins scrapping with Paul O’Connell, Rob Kearney and Ronan O’Gara.

That edge has disappeared in recent years.

It has not been helped by Ireland’s dominance of this contest, with Wales having not won this fixture since 2021 and not tasting victory in the Six Nations in Dublin since 2012.

The rivalry is crying out for some attitude.

Wales captain Dewi Lake provided a bit of that by saying he believes his side can beat their opponents on Friday, while attack coach Matt Sherratt has predicted they can give their Irish opponents a scare.

Those are bolder sentiments that some Welsh supporters are crying out for.

Others prefer a more understated approach and head coach Tandy is deliberately more cautious in his messaging.

Understandable, maybe, as he faces his eighth match in charge with six defeats and a one-point win against Japan marking his reign so far.

Asked whether he believes this squad can go to Dublin and win, Tandy replied: “We are at the point where we can go there and be competitive.

“That’s where it is. If we are competitive and bring large parts of what we did against Scotland, then I think we’ll be in the game to get the result we all want.”

Tandy was later again asked whether Wales can believe they can win. His response?

“I absolutely believe in this group,” said Tandy. “I believe in what we’re building and the players believe to and have grown in confidence.

“We’re starting to understand more about what’s needed. I believe we will have a competitive performance on Friday night.”

Whether a competitive showing is enough to give credence to talk of a mini Welsh revival remains to be seen.

One thing is for certain, Lake, Tandy and the loyal travelling Welsh supporters will hope nobody is laughing at this Wales side after they have performed at the home of Irish rugby on Friday night.

James has not played since the Switzerland win because Seattle Reign’s National Women’s Soccer League campaign ended in November, although she was involved in pre-season before joining up with Wales last week.

James also struggled for game-time after returning to her club following Euro 2025.

Even so, the 31-year-old says she is in a good place as she prepares to win her 140th cap.

“I worked so hard in the off-season to make sure that I’m ready for Wales and Wales always comes first in my eyes,” James said.

“So if I knew that I had to be ready for this game, I’ll make sure that I am at the best I can be for this game.”

When asked about her lack of minutes for Reign in the autumn, James added: “I think there’d be something wrong if I didn’t think about it.

“Do I want to play more football? Of course I do. And am I going to push to play more this year? Yeah, I am.

“So I’m in a good place and hopefully I can go back and hit the ground running after two games here with Wales.”

Owning the smallest house in Britain comes with its fair share of history and responsibility, but the owner’s ancestor only bought it for a mere £20

Year in, year out, tourists flock to this seaside village to see what is known as Britain’s tiniest home, and day in, day out, its owner is still in shock at just how much attraction it continues to gain.

Jan Tyley inherited the little red house in Conwyn, Wales, from her mother’s cousin back in 2015, and over 10 years later, she is heading up a small business that continues to boom, all thanks to its unusually small size.

Measuring just 72 inches wide and 122 inches high, it holds the official World Record of being the smallest house within the British Isles – a phenomenon that draws in roughly 50-60,000 visitors each year.

The origins of the place sit way back in her family, when her great-great-grandfather bought it in 1891 as a letting property with a sitting tenant. Jan shared: “He was called Robert Jones, and the sitting tenant was called Robert Jones, which has created a lot of confusion over the years.”

Tenants of the past

Robert, the tenant, was a six-foot-three fisherman who was living there up until 1899, when the local council decided that it was not, in fact, a house fit for human habitation.

“I’m 5’7″, and I have to duck to go in, and I frequently forget to come out again,” Jan joked. “So you can imagine what a sore back he must have had.”

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There was no toilet, but instead a shared toilet with the cottages beside it, and so, they threatened to tear it down.

Disheartened and unsure what to do, the landlord was chatting to his friends at the pub, one of whom was the editor of the North Wales Weekly News, Roger Dawson, who suggested it may be the smallest in the country. This led them on a wild pursuit in which they travelled across the UK measuring numerous houses, after advertising the quest in newspapers.

In turn, the council agreed for it to stay put, but that nobody could actually live in it. “So being the enterprising chap, um, my great-great-grandfather said, ‘Well, I’ll turn it into a tourist attraction,'” Jan explained. In May 1900, it became a tourist attraction, and the family never looked back.

The building remains dressed as it was when it was last lived in in 1900, Jan confirmed. Unfortunately, being open to the public has meant they have seen a few items go missing over the years.

While it’s bursting with humorous stories and tales of those who once lived in this tiny abode, the reasoning for them inhabiting such an uncomfortably small space is a lot darker.

“It’s a real testament to the shortage of property in Conwy and how people wanted to live in a house of their own, because sadly the alternative was a poorhouse,” Jan explained.

“When Robert Jones, the last tenant, had to move out, that’s where he ended up. He was in the poorhouse, and sadly that’s where he died. So that’s why, although it’s tiny, people didn’t have a problem living there.”

During the 18th and 19th centuries in Wales, poorhouses were institutions designed for the less fortunate, with conditions made to be ‘prison-like’ in a bid to deter those in financial need from seeking help. Inhabitants were forced into rigid, segregated and often unsanitary living conditions, and so while the cottage was small, it was somewhere people could call their own.

According to records, there was shockingly a family of six all living within the tiny home – a mum and dad and four children. The little one’s beds were believed to be hammocks, which hooked on to the walls and sat in between the beams.

The house today

While the property remains in Jan’s hands, and with no looming threats from the council anytime soon, it continues to be a tourist attraction.

However, the one shift she has noticed in recent years is a rather unusual request, not from landlords or the council, but from YouTubers hoping to immerse themselves in the 1800s experience and share it online.

“I’ve had lots of YouTubers who say, ‘Oh, can we stay the night?’ and they think they’re the first one to think about it. Except, I probably get three or four of them a year.”

Although the house is closed during the winter, from March it is open seven days a week, from 10am right up until 4pm, and Jan has a team of people helping to keep the whole thing running.

“I have a team of eight lovely ladies who do the shift. So, we have two shifts a day. I take my turn on the door as well, but I live about half an hour’s drive away.”

Originally, Jan was living in Oxford, but after inheriting the property, she moved closer to the North Wales spot to take on its wealth of responsibilities.

But for her, it seems a worthwhile decision. She said: “It never ceases to surprise me how many people come to see it each year and from all over the world, which is amazing.

“I’m still amazed at how many people do come through our doors. We probably could get more if we were bigger, but then that wouldn’t be the point.”

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Rhian Wilkinson intends to continue rotating her goalkeepers during Wales’ Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

Wales kick off their bid to reach the 2027 World Cup in Brazil when they face the Czech Republic at the City Stadium in Uherske Hradiste on Tuesday.

Wilkinson has regularly switched between her two frontline keepers, Olivia Clark and Safia Middleton-Patel, during her time as Wales head coach and says that approach will continue.

“Both of them have performed for Wales but I don’t feel either of them really grabbed the jersey yet and so I try not to make it [so] that it’s a combative environment,” Wilkinson said.

“They know before they come in which games they’re going to be playing, so I try to tell them that you have just got to perform in your game.

“If they can do that consistently, they’ll grab the number one, but I do not feel one of them has taken that number one role yet.”

This location offers breathtaking views which are out of this world (quite literally) and it’s not a long trip either as it’s located in the UK. So have you been here before?

Searching for your next adventure? While some days out demand preparation so are fully prepped, this travel destination requires little fuss and is perfect for a Sunday hiking trip.

Not only does this location boast stunning views, it’s also otherworldly (quite literally) as one hiker claimed it resembles “just like Mars”. Conor, an avid adventurer, recently ventured to Parys Mountain, situated in Anglesey, which depending on where you are in the UK, is a few hours away, especially if you’re craving a change of scenery. The Welsh island is renowned for its coastline and historic landmarks.

The content creator, known as Conor_Hikes, recently shared the spot with his 20,500 TikTok followers.

He stated: “A must do hike in the UK! This is Parys Mountain, located in Anglesey. It was once known as the Copper Kingdom, and it was once the world’s largest copper mines! This place really does look like Mars.”

How to get there:

If you’re travelling from London, it’s around 5 hours by car. Those from Bristol are looking at 4 hours in the car, while cities up north like Liverpool are just 2 hours away from the location.

Of course if you’re in Wales, it’s a lot more local for you. According to Conor, there’s complimentary parking if you enter the postcode LL68 9RE into your satnav.

What to do there:

Once you arrive at Parys Mountain, there’s a 4km circular trail available for hiking. The otherworldly terrain is ideal for rambling, photography and discovery.

Visitors can wander around the copper mine, soak up the views of Snowdonia and discover the nearby Copper Kingdom exhibition.

People could also venture through the “moon-like” landscape which Conor praised in his TikTok video. Routes vary from a 45-minute shortcut to a 90-minute main circuit.

The paths showcase spectacular, colourful rock formations in hues of orange, yellow, and purple.

For nature enthusiasts, the site is home to wildlife including skylarks, meadow pipits, and choughs.

Just bear in mind it’s advisable to wear pack walking boots due to the loose, rocky and uneven ground.

There’s no facilities or cafés on the mountain, but the nearby Copper Kingdom Centre in Amlwch offers historical background and amenities.

And if you want to maximise your visit, late summer is perfect for witnessing purple heather in blossom. However, the trails remain accessible throughout the year.

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