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Wales Online
30-05-2025
- Wales Online
9 enchanting wedding venues in Wales to book in 2025
All of the following businesses have paid to feature in this article. When it comes to wedding planning, the venue is arguably the most important element. Luckily, Wales is blessed with an abundance of incredible options - from historic manors nestled in lush landscapes to more modern spaces with panoramic views. We've put together a handy guide of places that can help you hold your dream wedding in Wales, whether it's a grand celebration or an intimate gathering. Take a look below to discover the perfect backdrop for your special day… Manor Park Country House (Image: Manor Park Country House) Grade II-listed building Manor Park Country House seamlessly blends traditional elegance with modern style, offering all the features and amenities needed for an unforgettable wedding celebration. Enveloped by 12 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and showcasing exquisite architecture, it can provide the ideal setting for your special day. The dedicated team at Manor Park ensures every detail of your wedding is meticulously handled from start to finish, offering comprehensive planning services for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies. With extensive experience in hosting multicultural weddings, the team are well-versed in various customs and traditions, ensuring the smooth execution of Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, and other cultural ceremonies. Get in touch to discover how Manor Park Country House can make your wedding dreams come true. Where to go: Clydach, Swansea, SA6 5NR Find out more: Visit or call 01792 846 999 Llechwen Hall (Image: Llechwen Hall) Nestled in six acres of stunning hilltop countryside, Llechwen Hall is a real romantic retreat, offering magnificent panoramic views of the Cynon valley below for those all-important wedding photographs. The hotel has something for everyone with multiple event spaces, 44 beautiful bedrooms, delicious food, and an experienced wedding team ready to guide you every step of the way. Enjoy the views from the incredible glass-panelled Garden Marquee, and don't forget to check out the beautiful 'Jail House' with its stone walls, original oak beams, and full wraparound balcony for a unique ceremony experience. Where to go: Llanfabon, Nelson, Pontypridd, CF37 4HP Find out more: Call 01443 742 050 or visit De Courceys Manor (Image: De Courceys Manor/Morgan James Media Ltd) Imagine saying 'I do' at De Courceys, an exclusive country haven in South Wales where romance meets five‑star flair. Host your ceremony in the beautiful Secret Garden, relax in the chic gin lounge, and dine on handcrafted menus bursting with seasonal flavour from outstanding 'foodie' chefs. The night before, unwind with your closest friends in the Pamper and Prep Suite - hot tub bubbling, champagne chilling - and wake just steps away from the aisle. With boutique cottages for guests and a family team famed for perfection, every moment is uniquely yours. Dates vanish quickly; book your private tour today and claim the setting your love story deserves. Where to go: Tyla Morris Avenue, Pentyrch, Cardiff, CF15 9QN Find out more: Visit Fairyhill (Image: Fairyhill) Hidden within the heart of Gower, Fairyhill is an iconic Georgian Grade II house that combines traditional charm with modern luxury. The exclusive wedding venue sits amongst 24 acres of breathtaking grounds, with rolling lawns, a terrace, and beautiful outdoor ceremony area. Fairyhill is completed by the spectacular modern glass K Room reception space - the name of which was inspired by the kaleidoscope effect the room creates - with uninterrupted views of the woodland estate. With accommodation for up to 70 people, Fairyhill also hosts regular weekend showcase events so you can discover its wonders for yourself. Where to go: Reynoldston, Swansea, SA3 1BS Find out more: Visit or the Instagram page, call 01792 391468, or email enquiries@ Sant Ffraed House (Image: Sant Ffraed House) Set in the Usk valley, discover a Grade II listed country house contrasted by the modern design of the glass K Room, all nestled amidst a 14-acre grand estate. Sant Ffraed House has become renowned as one of the most exclusive and luxurious wedding venues in Wales. The exclusive, light-filled spaces boast unparalleled views of the countryside, accommodation for between 50-60 guests, a Mayfair style bar, outdoor terrace, and stunning ceremony room. Check the website for regular weekend showcase events, so you can discover the venue's magic with your own eyes. Where to go: Llanvihangel Gobion, Abergavenny NP7 9BA Find out more: Visit or the Instagram page, call 01792 391468, or email enquiries@ Pencoed House Estate (Image: Pencoed House) As you journey down the tree-lined drive and arrive at Pencoed House's striking arched entrance, it's clear you've reached somewhere truly special. Once home to royal descendants, this historic estate dates back to the early 1400s, built by Welsh noble Jevan ap David. Some believe its pointed Gothic arch hints at monastic origins. Today, it stands as one of Glamorgan's oldest properties, nestled in the tranquil South Wales countryside. Pencoed House Estate offers a magical, bespoke setting for your wedding day - perfect for those who've always dreamed of a fairytale celebration in a timeless and enchanting location. Where to go: Llantrisant Road, Capel Llanilltern, Cardiff, CF5 6JR Find out more: Visit The Maes Manor Hotel (Image: The Maes Manor Hotel) Situated in the heart of the Welsh Valleys, high on Maesrudded Hill, The Maes Manor Hotel boasts spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. If you're dreaming of hosting your wedding in a venue which will provide memories for you to cherish forever, the Maes Manor Hotel prides itself on being a hotel with a personal touch, alongside its beautiful ballroom which holds up to 180 guests. The team also have the style and expertise needed to help make your special day unforgettable. To start planning your dream wedding, get in touch - your enchanted journey begins here. Where to go: Maesrudded Lane, Blackwood, NP12 0AG Find out more: Visit or call 01495 220011 Ty Newydd Country Hotel (Image: Ty Newydd Country Hotel) Nestled within three acres of beautifully landscaped gardens on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, The Ty Newydd Country Hotel offers a serene and secluded setting. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, the hotel possesses a tranquil country ambience, blending natural beauty with timeless charm - making it an idyllic place to hold your wedding. It offers bespoke, competitively priced wedding packages designed to suit your requirements, alongside lovely photo opportunities, including a secluded footbridge, a traditional swing, and a picturesque wishing well - perfect for those unforgettable moments. In addition to private function rooms and a restaurant, the 28-bedroom hotel has a private bridal room available for added convenience and comfort on the special day. Where to go: Penderyn Road, Hirwaun, Aberdare, CF44 9SX Find out more: Visit Tall John's House (Image: Tall John's House) Set in the beautiful Brecon Beacons, Tall John's House is a breathtaking 'blank canvas' wedding venue. Offering exclusive weddings for up to three days, the historic manor provides a stunning backdrop for both grand celebrations and intimate ceremonies. Exchange vows in romantic gardens or the magical stone barn, tailored to your vision, and enjoy luxurious accommodation including the Manor House, B&B, and charming self-catering cottages which ensure a memorable stay for you and loved ones. With no corkage packages and personalised service, every detail is crafted to perfection. Where to go: Off B4560 Llangasty Tal-y-llyn, Brecon Beacons National Park, Brecon, LD3 7PX
The Verge
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Verge
Keita Takahashi returns with the whimsically weird To a T
From the worm-like character stretching to the length of the planetary system in Noby Noby Boy, to the tiny Prince hoarding a spherical mass of objects and even buildings in Katamari Damacy, the heroes of Keita Takahashi's games reflect the creator's whimsical vision. To a T is yet another Takahashi title that fits that playful tradition, well, to a tee. The protagonist is a young teen, aptly named Teen, whose body is permanently stuck in a T-pose. But while they may be able to wiggle their fingers a little or move their wrists to reach out for an item, their elbows are woefully nonexistent. That's okay, though! Like most of Takahashi's games, To a T is also a heartwarming tale about self-acceptance. Prep, an indie pop band from England, even composed an infectious, chirpy theme song for the game about already being the perfect shape, no matter what you look like. In a world where elbows are very much an accessory to daily life, Teen has to go through some pretty unconventional routines due to their irreversibly stiff arms. For one thing, Teen can't put on clothes, use the toilet, or even dry their face on their own. Even walking down the street can be a little cumbersome, since their outstretched arms mean they may inadvertently slap their hands into another passerby. Fortunately for Teen, they have a trusty sidekick — a dog named Dog — who's more than eager to help them navigate these tasks. Take washing your face, which can initially be an unfamiliar affair. As Teen, you'll need to twist your upper body, reaching your hand toward the tap — one that's uniquely designed for Teen's predicament — and lower your head, so the stream of water spurts upward to your face. Then, you'll hold your position until your face is clean and free of persistent eye boogers. Brushing your teeth is another fiddly routine. This is done by reaching for a toothbrush with a particularly long handle, getting Dog's help in squirting a bit of toothpaste on it, and then scrubbing your teeth until they're squeaky clean. But these activities aren't designed to be tedious; you aren't carefully calibrating every small movement like you would in physics games like Bennett Foddy's QWOP and Getting Over It. Instead, these are simply different sorts of routines you'll need to get used to. When your arms are resolutely perpendicular to your body, these activities are just all in a day's work. They're also genuinely joyful, even if the movements can appear superfluous. Rinsing your mouth is a matter of wriggling the analog stick or direction keys and then pressing another button to spit the water out into the sink. But you can also shake your head while doing that, so that your spit will trickle out like a meandering, miniature waterfall. Using the toilet allows you to mash several buttons, just so you can listen to Teen huffing and grunting as they go about their business behind closed doors. There's really no point to doing so other than giggling at these sights and sounds, but it's such a delightful way of prodding at the game's inherent silliness. That's the beauty behind To a T — it has zero pretensions about the kind of game it's trying to be. In fact, To a T later informs you that you can skip any of these routines if you like. Want to eat breakfast without brushing your teeth right after? If you can tolerate seeing green gunk stuck on your teeth for the rest of the day, go right ahead. The game isn't going to penalize you for skipping teeth brushing for a day — or two. To a T is chockful of such diminutive joys. Breakfast consists of cereal and flavored milk every day, such as chocolate, matcha, and mango, and there's a small thrill in discovering what these mixtures would taste like to Teen. In one meal, Teen commented that the cereal tasted like rubbery tires, and in another it was an explosion of strange, candy flavors. Regardless of the taste, they welcomed every mouthful of these sugary treats with gusto. Exploring the neighborhood, particularly on weekends, feels especially liberating, as your day is seemingly filled with endless possibilities for fun. Eateries offer minigames in the form of speed-eating contests, as you devour a giant corn on the cob and even hailstorms of ice cream. There are coins to collect and discover among the shrubberies and rooftops, new shops to look at, and fascinating locales — from a lighthouse to a magical mushroom forest — to get lost in. Even attending school was an adventure, even though Teen was largely reluctant to head to class in his first few days due to relentless bullying, a problem that does get resolved. Eventually, Teen discovers an innate talent for flying. By spinning on their toes like a ballerina, they gain the ability to traverse higher grounds. This skill does have a bit of a learning curve, however. As it turns out, flying isn't particularly intuitive, and it took me several tries to get my feet off the ground. But as with most gimmicks in To a T, failing isn't really that big of a deal-breaker. You're free to wander around town however you prefer, be it flying, running, or riding a unicycle. As you delve deeper into the game, To a T spins an increasingly ludicrous-yet-charming tale, one that Takahashi himself has referred to as being rather 'stupid' in an interview. Having finished the game, I can attest that one of its final moments is, indeed, almost irredeemably nonsensical. Yet it also made me crack a really wide smile, something I haven't done while playing games in a while. Playing and making games amid a politically fraught climate may seem frivolous, and this is an issue that Takahashi mentioned he was struggling with when he was working on his previous game, Wattam. But To a T 's central message of acceptance, and of finding joy in life's smallest moments, feels like a salve for these trying times. At the very least, its positivity gave me the impetus to keep trudging on — hopefully it'll do the same for you, too. To a T launches on May 28th on the PS5, Xbox, and PC.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Bob Anthony Parkway relocation project plans move forward
RIDGELAND, Miss. (WJTV) – Plans are moving forward to relocate Bob Anthony Parkway. The Northside Sun reported environmental assessment, design and construction plans are expected to be completed by mid-summer 2025. The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District (PRVWSD) a $2.8 million grant in September 2020 to use for planning the project. Bob Anthony Parkway is the section of Spillway Road that is located near the Ross Barnett Reservoir. Mississippi governor declares 2025 Hurricane Prep Week PRVWSD leaders told WJTV 12 News in 2022 that there are no issued with the roadway physically, but leaders said the road is near frequent construction and recreational activities, which could pose as a safety concern for drivers and citizens nearby. The project consists of moving both roadways off the dam and relocating them downstream in the wooded areas below. Moving the existing roadways on the dam will also create the an opportunity for the roads to be turned into recreational facilities. Currently, each roadway has a bicycle lane adjacent to it. Once the road is moved, cyclists won't have to worry about drivers speeding past them. All proposed relocations for the roadway are parallel to the south from 150 to 400 feet from the dam in the area. The anticipating cost for the project is estimated at $150 million. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Washington Post
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Georgetown Prep rolls to seventh straight IAC golf title
The Interstate Athletic Conference golf championship at P.B. Dye in Ijamsville, Maryland, was a shotgun start, which meant the scores arrived in a steady afternoon stream after a round on the famed architect's tricky greens and tough lies. But when the score for Georgetown Prep junior Liam Chalfant was posted, the matter was all but settled. Playing out of the No. 4 spot for the Little Hoyas, Chalfant carded a 2-over 74 on the hilly layout to claim the individual title and fuel Prep's seventh consecutive IAC title.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Golden Apple Award: Paul Baltzer, Cathedral Prep
It could be history that taught this week's Golden Apple Award winner what it takes to be a great leader in the classroom. Erie's Cathedral Prep is where we found this week's Golden Apple teacher. Paul Baltzer is a graduate of Albion's Northwestern High School, Edinboro University, and has been teaching for 12 years, the last decade at Prep. The Golden Apple Award is in its 34th year of honoring teachers. So someday receiving it was sort of on Mr. Baltzer's professional bucket list. 'It's one of those things where in the back of my mind I've always wanted to have the recognition and today's the day,' Mr Baltzer said with excitement. His students said Mr. Baltzer has an immense passion and dedication to teaching history in ways that make it compelling and enjoyable. To do that, the Golden Apple winner said school is never out, even for the teacher. 'You should keep trying, never give up, you're always improving. It's one of those things, even 10 years here, I'm always improving and trying to build up my knowledge base, how I'm delivering my material and just kind of like never giving up. Always working trying to reach the students,' he said. This week's student nominator said Mr. Baltzer has changed his perspective on school, creating an environment where he can truly learn and grow. 'Mr. Baltzer has always been like really engaging with us. He's taught us in ways I've never been taught before. He's been able to help me understand the material which hasn't happened in a lot of my classes,' said Jacob Miles, a Prep junior. A university professor who teaches teachers to teach gave Mr. Baltzer high marks. 'He's creating not only a positive learning environment but a sense of community. That's important all through the grades but especially when you get into like 11th and 12th grade because he's preparing these students to become better citizens,' said Mary Jo Melvin PhD, PennWest University. National math textbook company Big Ideas Learning of Erie once again rewarded this week's Golden Apple winner. 'It's Mr. Baltzer's relationship with the students that give them the comfort to learn more. And that's really what's opening up their world to all the thing the school offers,' Damon Finazzo, a spokesman for Big Ideas Learning said. Big Ideas Learning presented Mr. Baltzer with a check for $250. The school year is quickly coming to a close, but if you'd like to see your favorite teacher be recognized with a Golden Apple award, you can Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
