Its capital, Cardiff, has a revamped and revitalized waterfront, Hay-on-Wye’s festival of books is internationally renowned, Carmarthenshire has wonderful festivals and the lyrical Welsh language is enjoying a revival - Wales has culturally come into its own. Its grand scenery has always stood steadfast against the more urbanised UK. Scraggy mountain ranges scrawl across the interior, with the splendid Mount Snowdon towering above all others, and dramatic coastlines like Pembrokeshire refuse to yield to tourist tat. Instead, they offer inspired cliff walks and secluded beaches tuneful with wildlife. In Wales, even the seagulls can sing.