A super-sized sweet Valentine’s gesture...

Fri, 14 February 2025

Region’s landmarks receive mysterious tokens of love on Valentine’s Day

The region’s most iconic tourist attractions – including Cardiff’s very own Cardiff Castle – woke up to their own Valentine’s surprise this morning (14 February) in the shape of giant six-foot Love Heart sweets.

A super-sized version of the classic confectionary, famed worldwide for their cheeky romantic messages, was hand delivered to destinations across Wales and the South West. In a nod to Cardiff Castle’s central fortification, the sweet’s message declared: “For Keeps”.

The tasty tokens of love were accompanied by a mysterious letter expressing admiration for what they – and their owners and staff – do for the region.

Addressed “To Wales and the South West on Valentine’s Day” the accompanying letter declares love for the area’s stunning landscapes and the valuable social and economic role the tourism industry plays.

“We just can’t keep it in any longer,” it gushed. “We love you. Truly, madly, deeply… How could we not? You are breathtakingly beautiful. Your rolling hills, golden beaches, wild moors, and ancient towns and cities stir hearts and minds.

“It’s not just your beauty that has us smitten – it’s what you do. You are the beating heart of tourism and leisure, where visitors come to escape and explore the extraordinary. You create jobs, fuel local businesses and unite communities – you make this region irresistible.”

A source close to this publication has revealed the secret admirer to be none other than train operator Great Western Railway, who released an open love letter to the tourism industry across Wales and the South West on its social media channels.

GWR Sales and Marketing Director, Amanda Burns, said: 

“We know just how much work and effort is put in by our tourism partners that we wanted to share our love for them and reaffirm our promise to keep connecting people to their wonders. Let’s celebrate what makes this country extraordinary, and let’s ensure its future shines as brightly as its past.”

Working with iconic sweet maker Swizzels for this grand gesture, GWR hopes to underscore its love for the region and the joy of connecting people to its treasures.

Sarah-Louise Heslop, Head of Marketing for Swizzels, said:

“We are excited to see visitors to the British landmarks sharing photos with the iconic Love Hearts and their fun messages.  Love Hearts have been made in the UK for over 70 years and they remain the perfect way to ‘Share the Love’.”

Four iconic locations received an oversized Love Hearts sweet, each featuring a custom message:

• Smeaton’s Tower, Plymouth: You Shine

• SS Great Britain, Bristol: Steamy!

• Cardiff Castle: For Keeps

• Oxford Castle & Prison: Heart Stealer

Cardiff Castle Manager, Nicola Burrows, said:

“A lot has happened in Cardiff Castle’s 2,000 year history but finding a 6 foot sweet at the foot of the Castle keep is definitely something new and a brilliant Valentine’s day surprise. Cardiff is a fantastic city to visit and with so much to offer from history and culture, to beautiful green spaces to the buzz of restaurants, cafes and bars visitors can’t fail to fall in love with it – and when they step off the train they’re sure to get a warm Welsh welcome.”

Last year alone, 55 million leisure travellers relied on GWR to carry them to the South West’s attractions, a figure GWR proudly embraces as part of its ongoing commitment to the region it serves.

GWR closes the letter with a heartfelt pledge:

“We’re going to keep on making journeys greener, more reliable, and more comfortable, working with you to showcase all that you offer, inviting more people to visit, to stay longer, and return again and again.”

A Grand Love Story Premieres on TV

In the spirit of all great love stories, the letter has its own postscript. GWR is set to premiere a grand adventure celebrating the South West on primetime ITV, starring none other than the Famous Five. To find out more, keep an eye on our social channels from 3 March and share the love @gwruk

As GWR so poignantly put it: “Every great love story deserves a grand gesture.”