Stretching between Carmarthen Bay in the south and the western Beacons and Cambrian Mountains in the north, Carmarthenshire encompasses a variety of landscapes. Castles, trails, wetlands and coastline offer different perspectives: explore the region through its history, enjoy the outdoors, or combine nature and cultural experiences. The castles are a striking place to start, each telling its own story through its setting and architectural remains.
Castles and traces of the past
Carreg Cennen Castle stands on a limestone crag almost 300 feet (90 m) above the River Cennen. Visitors can explore a natural cave and a vaulted passage cut into the rock face. There is a short 1.6-mile (2.5 km) circular walk and a longer 3.7-mile (6 km) route. Both pass through ancient woodland, follow streams and include a section of the Beacons Way. This makes it possible to experience the castle and trails as different aspects of the same outing.
At Llansteffan Castle, the roughly hewn stone walls tell the story of its origins in the late 12th century. They also enclose an Iron Age promontory fort that was occupied around 600 BC. The steep climb to the entrance takes about 15 minutes. Dryslwyn Castle offers a different historical perspective: founded in the 13th century on an isolated hill in the Tywi Valley, it was an important seat of the ancient south Welsh kingdom of Deheubarth. There is also a steep climb from the lower car park.
Laugharne Castle combines two massive medieval stone towers with the remains of a Tudor mansion in a 19th-century ornamental garden. Beyond the gatehouse, there is step-free access for wheelchair users and pushchairs; however, access may change depending on maintenance or safety conditions. At the Dolaucothi Gold Mines, you can learn about the only known Roman gold mine in Britain. Three different underground guided tours are available and must be booked. The surrounding Dolaucothi Estate also has 25 kilometres of walking trails.
Trails on different scales
The 13-mile Tywi Valley Path is a walking and cycling route through the Tywi Valley, connecting Carmarthen and Llandeilo. In addition to cyclists and walkers, it is open to users of mobility aids, powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The Heart of Wales Line Trail can be combined with a train journey: you can walk one way and take the train back. Check train services and trail conditions in advance.
For comparison, the 67-mile section of the Wales Coast Path in Carmarthenshire runs from Amroth in the west to Llanelli in the east. Its length and endpoints set it apart from the Tywi Valley Path: here, a long coastal route contrasts with a 13-mile connection through the Tywi Valley.
Coast, wetlands and gardens
Pembrey Country Park covers 500 acres of parkland and also includes eight miles of Cefn-Sidan Beach. An artificial ski slope, toboggan runs and bike hire add more activities to the parkland. Millennium Coastal Park offers sweeping views of the Gower Peninsula. For a different kind of nature experience, WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre encompasses more than 450 acres of wetlands on the shore of the Burry Inlet. It has visitor trails, bird hides and interactive exhibits, including accessible trails. Check current access and facilities before your visit.
The National Botanic Garden of Wales covers more than 500 acres, including Waun Las Nature Reserve, and has visitor trails. Its botanical themes include endangered plants from California, Australia, the Canary Islands, Chile, South Africa and the Mediterranean. Dinefwr offers another blend of nature and landscape: the area is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a National Nature Reserve. The parkland contains trees estimated to be more than 700 years old, providing a habitat for lichens and insects.
Museums, markets and local produce
The National Wool Museum traces the Welsh wool industry from raw material to finished cloth. This includes the manufacture of clothing, shawls and blankets that were sold in Wales and around the world. The Museum of Land Speed tells the nearly 100-year history of land speed records at Pendine Sands and combines large exhibits, such as the racing car Babs, with interactive displays. The poet lived with his family at the Dylan Thomas Boat House from 1949 to 1953; today, personal belongings, photographs and exhibitions explore his life and creative work.
Markets and Larder Trails also offer a taste of local produce. Carmarthenshire operates covered markets in Carmarthen and Llanelli, as well as weekly outdoor markets in Carmarthen, Llanelli, Ammanford and Llandeilo. Check market times before you travel. The Carmarthenshire Larder Trails include coffee roasters, cheese producers, vineyards, drinks specialists, butchers and delicatessens. The Eastern Larder Trail highlights Welsh craft beers, coffee from small-batch roasters and locally made gelato.
If you’re looking for hotels in Carmarthenshire, first choose the focus of your trip: castles and history, trails, nature, or museums and markets.
Discover more destinations: Llandeilo, Llandybie, Laugharne, Newcastle Emlyn, Cynghordy, Llanelli, St. Ishmael, Carmarthen, Llanegwad, Talley, Kidwelly, St Clears, Llangyndeyrn, Llangadog, Llangunnor, Llanarthney, Cwmdu, Llandovery, Nantgaredig, Burry Port, Ferryside, Brechfa, Pencader, Garnant, Whitland, Cross Hands, Llanwrda, Myddfai, Llanddarog, Glanaman, Ammanford, Gwynfe, Felindre, Pontyberem, Henllan Amgoed, Hendy, Cilycwm, Llansadwrn, Bancyfelin, Upper Brynamman and Rhandirmwyn.
For the main travel guide: Wales.
