Carmarthenshire: Castles, Wetlands and Coast

More than 450 acres of wetlands on the banks of the Burry Inlet are part of the WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre. Carmarthenshire stretches from Carmarthen Bay in the south to the western Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains in the north. Wetlands, gardens, coastal landscapes and historic places each offer a different focus for your trip.

Nature among wetlands, gardens and coast

At the WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre, accessible paths, observation hides and interactive exhibits complement the wetland landscape. Visitor facilities and accessibility information may change, so check before your visit. The National Botanic Garden of Wales offers a different perspective: it covers more than 500 acres, including the Waun Las Nature Reserve, and has visitor paths. Its notable plants include endangered species from six regions of the world: California, Australia, the Canary Islands, Chile, South Africa and the Mediterranean.

At Pembrey Country Park, 500 acres of parkland meet eight miles of Cefn-Sidan Beach. Facilities include an artificial ski slope, toboggan runs and bicycle hire. If you plan to use these facilities, check the latest visitor information, as individual facilities may change. The wetlands and garden paths offer nature experiences of a different kind from the combination of beach, parkland and leisure facilities at Pembrey.

Castles with different approaches

Carreg Cennen Castle stands on a limestone crag almost 300 feet (90 metres) above the River Cennen. Visitors can explore the natural cave and an arched passage cut into the rock face. There are also two circular walks at the castle: a shorter route of 1.6 miles (2.5 km) and a longer one of 3.7 miles (6 km). Both pass through ancient woodland, alongside streams and along a section of the Beacons Way. Route conditions may change; take this into account when planning your visit.

At Llansteffan Castle, the site itself tells a story of several periods: its roughly hewn stone walls date from the late 12th century and enclose an Iron Age promontory fort that was inhabited around 600 BC. The climb to the entrance is steep and takes approximately 15 minutes. Dryslwyn Castle, meanwhile, was founded in the 13th century on an isolated hill in the Tywi Valley and was an important seat of the ancient south Welsh kingdom of Deheubarth. A steep climb leads up from the lower car park. Before visiting, check access conditions, which may change due to maintenance or safety work.

In Laugharne, the castle’s striking remains consist of two huge medieval stone towers guarding the remains of a Tudor mansion in a 19th-century ornamental garden. There is easy access for wheelchairs and pushchairs beyond the gatehouse. Also in Laugharne is the Dylan Thomas Boat House, the poet’s last home: he lived there with his family from 1949 to 1953. Personal belongings, photographs and exhibits explore his life and creative work; museum content may change.

Stories, crafts and regional routes

The Museum of Land Speed charts almost 100 years of land speed records at Pendine Sands. At the museum, you can see large exhibits such as the racing car Babs, as well as interactive displays. The National Wool Museum focuses on the Welsh wool industry, from wool to fabric, including clothing, scarves and blankets that were sold in Wales and around the world. Individual trees in the parkland at Dinefwr are estimated to be more than 700 years old; they provide a habitat for numerous lichens and insects.

For walks and rides along different routes, the Tywi Valley Path offers a clear guide: this 13-mile cycling and walking route connects Carmarthen and Llandeilo. It is open to cyclists, pedestrians, users of mobility aids, and users of powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Check the latest access requirements, as specifications may change. The 67-mile section of the Wales Coast Path in Carmarthenshire runs from Amroth in the west to Llanelli in the east. The Heart of Wales Line Trail lets you combine a walk with a train journey: you can walk one way and return by train. Check train services and path conditions in advance.

Markets and local produce also give your trip a distinct focus. Carmarthenshire operates indoor markets in Carmarthen and Llanelli, as well as weekly outdoor markets in Carmarthen, Llanelli, Ammanford and Llandeilo. Locations and dates may change, so check before setting out. The Carmarthenshire Larder Trails take you across the county to coffee roasteries, cheese producers, vineyards, drinks shops, butchers and delicatessens. The Eastern Larder Trail highlights Welsh craft beers, coffee from small-batch roasteries and locally made gelato; participating shops and offerings may change.

When choosing where to stay, you can base your trip around its specific destinations: the coastal section of the Wales Coast Path runs from Amroth to Llanelli, while the Tywi Valley Path connects Carmarthen and Llandeilo.

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, Rhandirmwyn.

Go to the main travel overview: Wales.