It's Welsh Valentine's Day! Celebrate St Dwynwen's Day

Jan032024
It's Welsh Valentine's Day! Celebrate St Dwynwen's Day

So, the Welsh know a little thing or two about love. They have their own special hug, a cwtch, and their very own Valentine's Day. Dydd Santes Dwynwen or St Dwynwen's Day is celebrated every year on 25th January. Find love in Wales this St Dwynwen's Day!

St Dwynwen's Day 2024

Celebrate Welsh Valentine's Day on Thursday 25 January 2024. It's a day of love! Why wait until February when you can wish your partner 'dwi'n dy garu di' (I love you) a few weeks earlier?

The Saint Dwynwen Story

The St Dwynwen's Day story is a sad one. The Welsh patron saint of lovers lived during the 5th Century, and legend has it that she was the most attractive out of her 23 other sisters. Her father, King Brychan Brycheiniog, had arranged for her to marry a prince, but she fell in love with a local called Maelon Dafodrill. She was so upset that she could not marry the man she loved that she ran into the woods to weep and begged God to make her forget him. Once asleep, she was visited by an angel who carried a potion designed to erase her memory and turn Maelon into a block of ice.

God then gave Dwynwen three wishes. She wished for Maelon to be thawed; her second wish was that God met the hopes and dreams of true lovers, and the third was that she should never marry. All three were granted, and Saint Dwynwen devoted herself to God to mark her thanks.

St Dwynwen's Day History

It is said that Dwynwen became a nun and founded a convent on Llanddwyn Island, a beautiful spot in west Anglesey, North Wales. A well at the church became a place of pilgrimage, and it was believed that the fish that lived in there could foretell if their relationship would be happy. The remains of the castle are still visited to this day.

Anyone can cuddle, but only the Welsh can cwtch!

Cwtch, what does it mean? 

The word cwtch is the closest thing to the English equivalents of 'cuddle', 'snuggle' and 'hug'.  However, it has a deeper meaning for the Welsh. Traditionally the cwtch was a cupboard or cubbyhole where the coal was stored. It was a private, concealed, safe place - which could also be a respected connection in two people's hearts. It is one of the nation’s favourite words and symbolises that warm feeling that only closeness can create.

 

Happy St Dwynwen's Day! 

The Welsh translation is Dydd Santes Dwynwen Hapus!


St Dwynwen's Day Food

Taste of Wales Afternoon Tea

Treat your loved one to a Welsh-themed afternoon tea, served daily between 1pm-5pm. The menu includes finger sandwiches, scones, bara birth, Welsh cakes, other sweet treats, and unlimited servings of tea or coffee.

Upgrade to include a gin and tonic, cocktails or even bottomless Prosecco. Gluten-free and vegan options.

From £19 per person

More information


Romantic Dinner for Two

Thomas Restaurant is truly an intimate setting. As evening descends, the low lighting and fairy light-lit windows will help set the atmosphere. 

Dine from the table d'hôte menu, where you can choose from a selection of starters, mains and desserts. 

3 courses for £25

More information


Valentine’s Day Offer Cardiff

14 February 2024 | 6pm - 9.30pm

Get together for a romantic night out. In Thomas Restaurant, enjoy the Valentine's Day Dinner special offer menu which includes a 3-course dinner and a peach bellini cocktail.

£30 per person

More Valentine's Day Offers


Cocktail Dining Experience

The Valentine's meal in our Cardiff Bay restaurant, Thomas, will be from the set menu, where you can choose a starter, main and a dessert.  

The cocktail experience also includes 3 cocktails of your choice, per person, from the cocktail menu. Including espresso martini, margarita or raspberry caipirinha.

£50 for per person

More information


St Dwynwen's Day Gift Vouchers

If you are working and can not celebrate Valentine's weekend, or if you want to plan ahead, our gift experiences include:

  • 3-course Sunday lunch
  • Weekday or weekend bed and breakfast
  • Luxury overnight stay
  • Afternoon tea - including vegan and gluten-free

Full list of gift vouchers


Explore Cardiff with a Romantic Break

A romantic break is an ideal way to celebrate St Dwynwen's Day or Valentine's Day in Cardiff. Book one of our spacious bedrooms, equipped with everything for a night away. Plus, there's free parking and WiFi, electric car charging and complimentary gym access.

From £67 per night

More information


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