Top 5 ways to celebrate St Dwynwen’s Day in Cardiff

Valentine’s Day might be the international day of love, but here in Wales we have our very own day of romance, St Dwynwen’s Day, on January 25^th, as we are just that damn special.
 
Legend goes that Dwynwen was the daughter of an early medieval king who became the Welsh patron saint of lovers. Why not mark this particular Welsh lore by treating your loved one this January 25^th? Here are our top 5 ways to mark this day of Welsh love.
 

Have a winter picnic at Cardiff Castle (Umbrella optional)
Whisk your loved one away to this historic castle, built upon Norman and Roman ruins, for a romantic winter picnic. Stroll around the gorgeous grounds of this picturesque castle before pulling out the picnic rug and hamper. Be sure to pack flasks for of steaming tea and fill your hamper with Welsh treats. We recommend Fabulous Welsh cakes and Snowdonia cheese, served on delicious Halen Môn Sea Salt crackers.
 

Get a personalised Love Spoon
Visit Castle Welsh Crafts in Cardiff City Centre and treat your beloved to a personalised wooden lovespoon. The giving of lovespoons is a Welsh tradition that dates back to the 17^th Century and each carved symbol carries a different meaning such as ‘Lasting love’, ‘Good luck’ or ‘My heart is yours’. The store also houses the largest lovespoon in the world, so make sure you get a ‘spoon selfie’ whilst you are browsing.
 
Have Afternoon Tea at Pettigrew Tea Rooms
This cutesy tea room looks like a Pinterest account and is located in the entrance of beautiful Bute Park. You can gaze at your significant other over a tower of sandwiches and cake when you book an afternoon tea for two in this popular, cosy café. You will be served a selection of sandwiches, accompanied by hot drinks, scones and your choice of cake from their mouthwatering cabinet.
 

Have a Dinner Date at Arbennig
Make the family owned Arbennig Restaurant in Pontcanna your first choice for a romantic St Dwynwen’s Day dinner date. Relax in a cosy surroundings and feast upon a selection of beautifully cooked, homemade dishes that feature an array of local produce. Typical dinner options include Lamb rump, Cornish Hake and Saffron Arancini, but they also have a ‘Special’ St Dwynwens menu for tomorrow.
 
 

Cruise around Cardiff Bay on a boat
Take to the seas this St Dwynwen’s Day and explore Cardiff’s waterfront by boat. You can choose from a trip around the barrage and wetlands nature reserve with Aquabus, or set sail from Bute park to Mermaid Quay with The Princess Katherine, or even had a high-speed ride in a rib with Bay Island voyages. Upon disembarking treat yourselves to a Welsh ice cream at Cadwaladers, or a pint with a view at the Dock Bar & Kitchen.
 
Words by Portia Jones