Carmarthenshire West Wales

Carmarthenshire is known as the 'Garden of Wales' and it boasts truly diverse landscapes. From spectacular mountains, rolling landscapes, secluded ancient forests to the vast expanses of golden sandy beaches it has everything.

Talacharm Lose yourself in the solitude of the vast green countryside, follow the course of picturesque rivers and visit the stunning locations of our castles. The river Towy is famous for its salmon and sea-trout fishing. There is a wealth of wildlife in the area, including the occasional red-kite.

People visit Pembrey Country Park for many different reasons, some to enjoy the freedom to wander around 202 hectares of glorious parkland and some to take advantage of one of the cleanest and nicest beaches in Wales. Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Gower Peninsula and overlooking the coastal scenery of Carmarthen Bay, the Park had been transformed into one of Wales’ top visitor attractions providing a unique blend of coast and countryside. Included in the park are a dry ski slope, toboggan run, pitch and put golf course, crazy golf, cycle track (and bike hire), nature trail and a miniature railway.

After 3 years and a £76 million investment Carmarthen town has been re-developed to a stunning new blend of old eclectic traditional and new convenience contemporary shops including Europe's first Sony 3d digital cinema, also at Pembrey Park there is a new Go Ape , which is a climbing / adventure park operated by a national company who have several other go ape attractions throughout the country. The castle remains are a focal point and facilities have been improved for visitors. Merlin is said to have lived nearby as did King Arthur of the legend. The area is steeped in history and myth and forms an ideal central location to explore the history and countryside of South West Wales. Carmarthen's County Museum is located in the old Bishops' Palace at Abergwili and is a few minutes drive from the town centre. There is plenty of free parking and easy walks in the ground of the old Palace. The museum has undergone many improvements to bring it more into line with what visitors expect and it is well worth a visit. The County Museum also has other buildings, Parc Howard at Llanelli, The Museum of Speed at Pendine and an Industrial Museum at Kidwelly.

Dylan Thomas Country

Dylan Thomas was one of the greatest writers from Wales and a giant in the 20th century. The most renowned in a school of Anglo-Welsh writers that flourished during that period. Set in a cliff overlooking the glorious, 'heron priested' Taf Estuary the Dylan Thomas Boathouse offers a fascinating visit including memorabilia, interpretation, bookshop and tea-room.

Carmarthenshire is the ideal venue for an activity holiday. Whether you're looking for the most extreme adventure or a more leisurely activity break, we have it all. The county's green rolling hills and scenic coastline were made for great golf - and put together with the region's wide variety of courses, more and more enthusiasts are discovering the world-class golf on offer here in Carmarthenshire - the Garden of Wales. In addition, Carmarthenshire offers many other activities... from cycling along country lanes to horse riding along the coast and from walking in the Brecon Beacons National Park to fishing in peaceful surroundings. From quad biking through muddy tracks to mountain biking along world-class forest trails...experience it all in Carmarthenshire.

Llansteffan has an ancient history. The present castle dates from the 12th century whilst the church also has its roots in Norman times. Nowadays, Llansteffan is well atuned to modern living. However, the area retains a peaceful charm, whether you are watching the tide come in on Llansteffan beach or exploring the National Trust's countryside trails The village has several shops, including a post office and two pubs, both of which serve hearty food. 'Yr Hen Dafarn' (The Old Tavern), is a further restaurant of some renown attracting diners from far afield to try its exciting menu.

Pendine is a village in Carmarthenshire lying on Carmarthen Bay. Its the perfect place to get away from it all and take a relaxing break. There’s plenty going on in Pendine throughout the summer, for example the annual music festival that attracts bands from around the country. Pendine is best known for Pendine Sands, where Malcolm Campbell and J.G. Parry-Thomas set the world land speed record five times between 1924 and 1927. The beach stretches for seven miles and is well worth the visit.

The volunteer run Gwili Steam Railway is the only steam standard gauge railway operating in South West Wales. The first train ran in Easter of 1978 using one coach pulled by a Peckett 0-4-0 called Merlin, since then it has developed into one of the principle tourist attractions in Carmarthenshire. The Gwili Railway is a living reminder of a Great Western Railway branch line set in the breathtaking Carmarthenshire hills. The trip down memory lane starts at Bronwydd Arms Station and the steam train follows the route originally taken by the Carmarthen to Aberystwyth line to a delightful halt at Danycoed.

Selection of Attractions in Carmarthenshire

Dylan Thomas Boathouse, Laugharne
Pembertons Chocolate Farm, Llanboidy
National Botanic Garden - The Garden of Wales, Llanarthne
Gwili Steam Railway, Bronwydd
Towy Fishing - Fishing Clubs on the Towy
Oriel Myrddin - Art Gallery, Carmarthen
Kings Street Gallery - Art Gallery, Carmarthen
Country Park , Pembrey