Carmarthenshire

Gwili Steam Railway

Explore the charm of steam travel at the Gwili Steam Railway whether it evokes a nostalgic smile or captures the fascination of young children, the sight and sound of a coal-fired steam engine never fail to captivate. Located just outside Carmarthen town, this heritage steam railway offers a 5-mile journey (round trip) alongside the scenic Gwili River. Immerse yourself in a bygone era, where life moved at a gentler pace...

Laugharne Castle

Set low by the estuary of the Taf, Laugharne Castle is still dramatic with its red stone walls. The Normans chose a site that could be reinforced from the sea when they arrived just after 1100. In the centuries of war, it fell to the lord Rhys in 1189, to Llywelyn the Great in 1215 and to Llywelyn the Last in 1257. The Norman lord, Guy de Brian, was captured...

Llansteffan Castle

Llansteffan Castle is situated high above the Towy estuary, and an especially good view can be seen from the Carmarthen train. A Norman castle established after 1100, and it was insecure for generations. The de Camville lords gradually rebuilt it in stone but lost it to Llywelyn the Great in 1215 and Llywelyn the Last in 1257. The castle was neglected after 1309 and fell to Owain Glyndwr in 1403...

view of llyn briallen from above the lake

Llyn Brianne

The Llyn Brianne dam is the highest dam in the UK at 300ft above sea level, situated north of Llandovery on the borders of the counties of Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Powys. The dam did not exist until the early 1970’s, when the river Tywi (Towy), which rises in the Cambrian mountains just 6 miles above Llyn Brianne, and other waterways were dammed to create Wales’ second-biggest reservoir by water volume,...

Dryslwyn Castle

This medieval castle is on a promontory hilltop above the Towy Valley, near the more substantial ruins of Dynefwr Castle. It probably dated to the mid-thirteenth century and was previously linked to the Welsh princes and the kingdom of Deheubarth in the 12th century, including Rhys ap Gruffudd. The first known castle consisted of a round tower, ward, curtain wall, and great hall, later known as the King’s Hall. Rhys...

Moriath Glass

Moriath Glass is a hideaway studio in West Wales that sells colourful and bespoke fused glass made by the owner Moira. Moira specialises in glass landscapes and jewellery made on-site at the studio. The studio is open by appointment throughout the year but does some spontaneous open days each week. The open days are posted at the beginning of each week on the website and social media so please check...

Newcastle Emlyn Castle

The time-worn remains of the castle at Newcastle Emlyn are to be found on a picturesque, grassy site overlooking a loop of the River Teifi. The Castle dates from the 13th Century, was strengthened in the 14th century, was then badly damaged in the 15th century and ruined in the Civil War when the walls were destroyed. The gatehouse, added in the 14th Century and the south tower are what...

Pendine Sands

Pendine sands is a flat 7 mile long beach in Carmarthen Bay and is well known as the site where Malcolm Campbell and J.G. Parry-Thomas set the world land speed record five times between 1924 and 1927. The beach stretches from Gilman Point in the west to Laugharne Sands in the east. It is a sandy, straight beach backed by a belt of sand dunes and there are clear views...

Diane Mathias Fine Art

Diane Mathias, a local artist, has an art studio and gallery situated in the beautiful Teifi Valley, in the centre of the village of Henllan, near Llandysul, Ceredigion. Diane paints atmospheric scenes around Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire in oils and pastels. Her subjects include many of the most tranquil places that surround us, yet in our busy lives, we may pass by, unnoticed. Diane Mathias also exhibits in local galleries,...

National Botanic Garden of Wales

Set in the beautiful Carmarthenshire countryside, the Garden is a fascinating blend of the modern and historic.Here you’ll find an inspiring range of themed gardens, the world’s largest single-span glasshouse, play areas and a national nature reserve, all set in a Regency landscape which provides the stage for a packed programme of events and courses throughout the year. The garden boasts an amazing collection of over 8000 different plant varieties,...