The only Welsh Prime Minister

Conwy Castle, Llandudno and Colwyn Bay by Hefin Owen

One tiny village has a hidden political history. Llanystumdwy has a population of less than 2,000 but it happened to be the place where David Lloyd George, the Prime Minister who led Britain to victory in the First World War, grew up and learned many of his fiercely liberal principles. His grave is set in a wooded valley.

Visit the castles of Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech – all World Heritage Sites – for a glimpse of the visions of impenetrability Edward I once had for the landscape.

Victorian promenades

Llanberis Lake Railway, Snowdonia Mountains and Coast by chippy1920 From soil to sand, saunter along the shore at Rhyl and Prestatyn to follow in the footsteps of Victorian fun-lovers. Prestatyn is North Wales’ oldest established resort, and both areas became extremely fashionable during the mid-19th century, although you can find their most gripping stories several hundred years before then.

Prestatyn Castle was famously built by Henry II in 1157, turning it into a vital strategic landmark during Norman times. It lasted, alas, a mere ten years before being razed by the Welsh, but you can still see its remnants within the town the king once used as a garrison. The railway lines which once passed along here carried minerals from the quarries – try theLlanberis Lake Railway if a trip on the tracks takes your fancy – and Ty Siamas, in Dolgellau, is also worth a visit to imagine the sounds of ancient Wales. This is where to discover the story of Welsh folk music, set in a market building built in the 19th century. It’s been a grain store, dance hall and political meeting centre, apparently founded by the first musician to come up with a triple harp in Wales. Raise a toast to him in the town where the country’s inaugural folk festival took place.