How the tiny UK village called Bethlehem suddenly lost all its Christmas tourists
THERE'S a town in Wales that shares its name with Jesus's birthplace and until recently, it attracted plenty of December visitors thanks to its festive postcode.
Set in Carmarthenshire, the tiny Welsh village was a magnet for tourists looking to send their Christmas post with a unique twist.
Up until the 19th Century, the village was known as Dyffryn Ceidrich.
But when the village's chapel was named Bethlehem, the Welsh town decided to adopt the name too.
In previous years, Brits from all over the country would visit the town in December to post their winter parcels with the quirky Bethlehem postmark.
But over the years the number of residents and tourists both declined, with the post office, pub, and school all being forced to close.
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Once the post office closed, the distinctive Bethlehem postmark also disappeared so there was less of a draw for tourists at Christmastime.
The tiny Welsh town now has just 150 residents who often gather in the village hall, which is a vital hub for the community.
While the town itself doesn't have many tourist attractions, there are several other activities nearby.
Set on the western side of the Brecon Beacons National Park, Y Garn Goch is an Iron Age Fort.
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While the hilltop forts are no longer standing, visitors can spot the remains of the once-bustling community.
There's a small car park at the bottom of the hill where visitors can park their car before climbing to the top.
Meanwhile, Dinefwr, a historic house and nature reserve, is just a 20-minute drive from Bethlehem.
The large estate is home to a 17th-century manor house, 800 acres of parkland, as well as Dinefwr Castle, a 12th-century fortress.
Entry into Dinefwr costs £9 for a full-paying adult, and £4.50 for a child.
Because of the town's limited public transport links, the best way to reach the tiny village is by car.
Bethlehem is a 50-minute drive from Swansea, and a 90-minute drive from Cardiff, the Welsh capital.
There are several overnight accommodation options along Bethlehem Road.
One of those is Melin Tregib, where prices start from £79 per night, based on two people sharing a room.
And there are other options further afield too, including The Plough Hotel & Restaurant and Llwynhelig Manor Bed & Breakfast.
And this isn't the only place that has strong Christmas ties, an abandoned village in Ireland is said to be the burial place of Father Christmas.
, which is now a working farm and heritage site, is home to 27 buildings including an old courthouse, a woolen mill, and a brewery.
Meanwhile, Christmas Common in Oxfordshire also has a festive name too.
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It's also home to one of the country's best Christmas tree growers and has a particularly Christmassy-sounding church.
Meanwhile, tickets for London's Winter Wonderland have already gone on sale too.
