St Dwynwen’s Day 2026: So, the Welsh know a little thing or two about love. We have our own special hug, a cwtch, and our very own Valentine’s Day. Dydd Santes Dwynwen | St Dwynwen’s Day is celebrated every year on 25th January. Why wait until February when you can wish your loved one “dwi’n dy garu di” (I love you) a few weeks earlier?
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Happy Saint Dwynwen’s Day!
The Welsh translation is Dydd Santes Dwynwen Hapus
Table of Contents
Who was St Dwynwen?
St Dwynwen’s Day History: The St Dwynwen’s Day story is a sad one. The Welsh patron saint of lovers lived during the 5th Century.
St Dwynwen’s Day Message – Her love story
Legend has it that St Dwynwen was very pretty and the most attractive of her 23 other sisters. She lived in what is now the Brecon Beacons National Park. Her father, King Brychan Brycheiniog, had arranged for her to marry.
However, she fell in love with a local prince called Maelon Dafodrill. She was so upset that she could not marry her beloved that she ran into the woods. Weeping, she begged God to make her forget him. Once asleep, she was visited by an angel who carried a potion. It was designed to erase her memory and turn Maelon into a block of ice.
God then gave Dwynwen three wishes. Firstly, she wished for Maelon to be thawed. Secondly that God would meet the hopes and dreams of true lovers. Lastly, she should never marry. All three were granted, and Dwynwen devoted herself to God to mark her thanks.
History says that Dwynwen became a nun and founded a convent on Llanddwyn Island. It is a beautiful spot in west Anglesey. A well at the site became a place of pilgrimage. It was believed that the fish that lived in there could foretell if a relationship would be happy. The remains of the castle are still visited to this day.
Visit North Wales
Llanddwyn Island in Anglesey is a magical place. Technically, not really an island, as it is attached to the mainland, but this is not passable in a high tide. It has rolling dunes, large rock outcrops and a mixture of historic buildings. You also get incredible views of Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula. The name Llanddwyn means “The church of St. Dwynwen”.
Also on the island is The Lighthouse, constructed in 1824 and later enlarged in 1846. It was officially in use until the 1970s, although it had long been an unmanned, automated structure by this time.
Want to see more of North Wales?
On the west coast of Wales, near Snowdonia National Park, is the seaside resort of Barmouth. With miles of clean, sandy beaches and historical roots, including Henry Tudor, the Titanic, and the National Trust’s founding.
Perfect for walking, outdoor activities and good food and drink, there are plenty of things to do in Barmouth. Or Colwyn Bay offers more than meets the eye.
Discover The Seven Wonders of Wales
Did you know that Wales has its own Seven Wonders? These are the seven most iconic and historic landmarks that have defined the country’s rich heritage and culture. These wonders have a unique story and significance and are worth visiting.
Stay in North Wales
North Wales has a wide variety of places to stay, including self-catering cottages, camping in a field, bed and breakfast, guest houses and hotels.
National Trust Holidays
National Trust Holidays offers a selection of holiday cottages, campsites and bunkhouses set in spectacular locations. Sleeping 2 – 12 guests, they have everything you need for a night away, from kitchen facilities to cosy gardens to relax in during warmer weather.
Sykes Holiday Cottages
The award-winning business has cottages across the UK, and the ones in Barmouth are beautiful. From cosy lodges with traditional woodburning stoves to contemporary accommodation with a hot tub. With all the amenities you could need, including parking, WiFi and many dog-friendly places, check out Sykes Holiday Cottages.
🐾 Dogs welcome
Best Western Hotels
There are three Best Western Hotels across Wales. Cae Mor. Every Best Western hotel is individual and crammed full of its own personality. From big comfy beds, fresh linen sheets and free WiFi. Some of the hotels in Manchester have parking which charges a small fee. Check out their special offers.
Haven Holidays
There are three-holiday parks to choose from in North Wales; Greenacres in Porthmadog, Hafan y Mor in Gwynedd and Presthaven in Prestatyn. You’ll be thrilled with your Haven Holiday. With a choice of caravans and lodges and plenty of leisure facilities.
Britannia Hotels
Britannia Hotels are all over the UK. The hotel offers excellent value for money in Llandudno with spacious en-suite bedrooms, TVs, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Complimentary WiFi sessions are included as well as low-cost parking. Even pets are allowed to stay for a small additional charge.
Dwynwen loves your pets, too
Incidentally, as well as being the Welsh patron saint of lovers, Dwynwen is also the patron saint of sick animals. So, if your best fur-friend is unwell, you could try praying to St Dwynwen before calling the vet.
I love travelling with my sidekick, Ivan. He enjoys a staycation more than I do! We share our adventures, of things to do in Cardiff, what we eat in dog friendly restaurants in Cardiff and what we buy in the dog friendly shops in Cardiff.
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 or in two people’s hearts. It is one of the nation’s favourite words and symbolises that warm feeling that only closeness can create.
A cwtch is not just for your significant other. You can cwtch with your friends, family or even your pets – we’re not picky! To me, cwtch is the best word ever!
How to celebrate St Dwynwen’s Day?
Whether it’s acknowledging the day with a simple I love, a token gift like a bunch of flowers or a (big) bar of chocolate, Welsh Valentine’s Day is the ideal day to celebrate. You can also create your own St Dwynwen’s Day traditions.
St Dwynwen’s Day Gifts
If your plus one is a travel lover, check out this list of gifts for travel lovers. From travel gadgets, clothing, or bags, t is full of things that are actually useful.
Scratch off Map of Wales
This is one of the best presents I’ve ever had! I’m a Cardiff girl and love to travel. But it has also made me think of how much Wales I have seen. I am now working my way through the scratch-off map of places to visit in Wales. It has 24 towns, cities and national parks. The A3 map comes with a frame and is only £22.
National Trust Membership
A National Trust membership allows you to visit over 500 houses, gardens, parks and castles in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. (Plus, free or reduced entry in National Trust Scotland). Locally I often visit Dyffryn Gardens or Tredegar House. Further into Wales, I’ve used my membership to explore Penrhyn Castle, Chirk Castle, Errdig and Powis Castle.
Check out all of my National Trust reviews!
Carrie Elspeth Welsh Jewellery Makers
Wales is a land of rugged beauty, ancient traditions, and a rich cultural heritage. One designer who has masterfully captured the essence of Wales in her creations is Carrie Elspeth. The Seren Collection stood out to me. Seren in Welsh means star, so the bracelet, necklace and earrings are a dazzling celebration of the night sky. Plus, they’re handmade in Wales!
St Dwynwen’s Day Food
Get 50% off food
If you love food and drink, do you have a Tastecard? You get 25% off the food bill or two meals for the price of one. There are over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. There are independent and chain restaurants to choose from and various cuisines. There’s also 40% off cinema tickets and 50% off days out, such as Alton Towers, Sea Life and Drayton Manor. Get a 60-day free trial here:
Welsh Food in Cardiff
From a mouth-watering lamb cawl to a Welsh-inspired pizza, Cardiff is overflowing with authentic dishes and modern interpretations.
Loving Welsh Food Tour
Explore the city’s culinary delights and get a taste of Welsh culture, learning about local flavours. It’s food you will remember!
Valentine’s Day in Wales
Valentine’s Day Celebrations in Cardiff
Here’s a guide to make your Valentine’s Day in Cardiff truly special. Cardiff is ideal for a memorable occasion.
Romantic Activities for Couples to do in Cardiff
Cardiff has something to offer every type of couple, from picturesque parks to cultural landmarks.
Alphabet Dating Ideas in Cardiff
Alphabet dating, known as ABC Dating, is a creative and fun way for couples to add variety to their date nights.
FREE Visit Cardiff Checklist & Guide
Get your FREE Visiting Cardiff Checklist and Guide with over 25 pages full of travel tips, how to get around, places to visit, food and drink, shopping, parks and green spaces, some Welsh phrases and a travel itinerary.
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