Carmarthenshire Attractions

Just one hour from the Severn Bridge along the M4, Carmarthenshire stretches from the Usk reservoir on the Brecon Beacons, to the Teifi river and to the coastline overlooking the Gower.  It has the longest, sandiest beach in Wales - Cefn Sidan Sands and the only known Roman gold mine in Britain.  There is history around every corner of Carmartheshire, it is, after all, the land of Merlin, the magician best known for his association with King Arthur.  Legend suggests that Carmarthen is the birthplace of the wizard giving the town its welsh name Caerfyrddin which means Merlin’s Fort.
Carmarthenshire is known as the Garden of Wales, there are many beautiful gardens and nature reserves to visit and it has miles of stunning coastline.

The Ffos Las Racecourse at Trimsarin 

The new £20million horse racing and equestrian sports facility opened on June 18th 2009.  It is the first new National Hunt racecourse to be built in the UK for 80 years.  It is set amid the rolling hills overlooking Carmarthen Bay and has been an overnight success.  It has state-of-the-art facilities and an impressive mix of all-year-round jump and flat racing attracting top trainers and jockeys It is just a 15 minute drive from the penthouse.

Sandy Water Park

A beautiful 16 acre lake that is a haven for all sorts of wildlife and has a resident flock of swans, it is just a few minutes walk from the penthouse.
 
National Wildlife and Wetlands Centre Llanelli  www.wwt.org.uk

Stretching over 450 acres this magnificent mosaic of lakes, pools and lagoons is home to over 600 of some of the world’s most spectacular ducks, geese, swans and flamingos.  
 

National Botanic Garden of Wales nr Carmarthen  www.gardenofwales.org.uk  

A magnificent 568 acre garden with the Great Glasshouse at its centre.  
 

National Botanic Gardens             Sandy Water Park                       Wildlife & Wetlands Centre

Aberglasney nr Carmarthen  www.aberglasney.org

Aberglasney is one of the most remarkable garden restorations in the UK, a place which has literally blossomed in the past 10 years after centuries of neglect.

Llyn Llech Owain Country Park

Coniferous woodland, dry heath and broad leafed woodland provides enjoyable walking.

Dinefwr Park and Castle Llandeilo   01558 824512

A 12th century castle and 18th century landscape park enclosing a medieval deer park.  Owned by the National Trust, Newton House stands at the heart of this 800 acre estate.

 

Newton House Dinefwr Park        Aberglasney                                 Llyn Llech Olwain  Country Park

Dolaucothi Goldmines  01558 825146

The Dolaucothi Gold Mines date back some 2000 years to a time when the open-cast gold workings were secured by the Roman army. The mines are still in a remarkable state of preservation despite being abandoned by the Roamns in AD 140. You’ll be thrilled to explore the underground labyrinth. www.nationaltrust.org.uk 
 
National Showcaves Centre for Wales Abercrave Swansea  www.showcaves.co.uk  

Great entertainment for all the family with 10 attractions on one ticket.

Gwili Steam Railway Carmarthen  www.gwili-railway.co.uk  

The Gwili Railway is a living reminder of a Great Western Railway branch line set in the breathtaking Carmarthenshire hills.

Gwenffrwd-Dinas RSPB Reserve

The Welsh Cloud forest. The air is gauzy with spray from the thundering River Towy and the plants and foliage are almost supernatural green. The velvety moss, delicate ferns and layers of lichen have made Dinas an SSSI, as have the rare birds and butterflies here, from the pied flycatcher to the silver-washed fritallary.

The Heart of Wales Railway www.heart-of-wales.co.uk 

Take the train and cruise through a land of lush rolling hills and crystal clear mountain streams as the Heart of Wales line snakes through Llandeilo and Llandovery.

Glyn-Coch Craft Centre St Clears  www.glyn-coch.com  

A family run craft centre with small farm, woodland walk and tearoom.
 
The Chocolate Factory Swansea

Tour of factory and shops. Booking is essential.
 
Merlin’s Hill Centre Abergwili  www.merlinshill.com  

Nature trails to iron-age hillfort site, farmyard heritage centre.
 
Dylan Thomas Boathouse Laugharne  www.dylanthomasboathouse.com  

Dylan Thomas and his family lived here towards the end of his life between 1949 and 1953.  Some of his best works, including Under Milk Wood, were written here.

Museums

Pendine Museum of Speed  
Carmarthen County Museum Abergwili  
Parc Howard Museum and Art Gallery Llanelli  Discover Llanelli’s past in the former
Kidwelly Industrial Museum  
National Waterfront Museum Swansea  

Castles

Carmarthenshire is home to some of the most authentic and atmospheric castles in Europe but the majestic Carreg Cennen, the ultimate romantic ruin, stands out. Perched on the edge of a 325ft cliff it has 60 mile panoramic views to the Preseli Hills in the west and the brooding Black Mountains to the south.  Other castles well worth a visit are Kidwelly (excellent audio tour), Lllanstefan, Llandovery, Laugharne, Dryslwyn and Carmarthen.