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FBM HOLIDAYS

Taking you to places where there's just so much to see, do and enjoy

Combine all the come-and-go-as-you-please freedom of self-catering accommodation with a terrific location for a holiday property in Carmarthenshire and you have more than just a holiday – you have an unbeatable FBM Holiday! West and Southwest Wales is one of the most glorious regions in Britain (if not the world) for its remarkable repertoire of fabulous beaches, magnificent coast and countryside, breathtakingly beautiful hills and mountains, and a huge diversity of wildlife, which enriches land, sea and air. And these are just the wonders provided by nature! Add to this great outdoors all the man-made attractions – from shopping to skydiving – and you’d be extremely hard pushed to name an interest, leisure pursuit or holiday activity that isn’t well catered for, whatever your particular cup of tea. So the only question is, where will you find all the things you want see and do for a truly unforgettable holiday or short break? This brief FBM Holidays guide to great days out will help you find your way.

For self catering accommodation in Carmarthenshire, FBM Holidays have the holiday property specially selected for you. Just click on the map to the top left of this page to find all the self catering holiday properties available in Carmarthenshire.

GREAT DAYS OUT in Carmarthenshire

• Activities, adventure & watersports
• Attractions & places of interest

Activities, adventure & watersports

Carmarthenshire: the garden of Wales. And what a garden! Verdant river valleys tumbling into the dramatic estuarine landscapes of Carmarthen Bay and Cardigan Bay. Forested hills and mountains, steeped in legends of Merlin, King Arthur and conquering Welsh princes. Rich green pastureland rolling through mile upon mile of unspoilt countryside. And all the natural attractions of two neighbouring national parks – Pembrokeshire Coast and Brecon Beacons. Carmarthenshire is much more than a garden. It’s the promise of endless opportunities for as much action and adventure as you can possibly pack into one holiday. Or two. Or three...

Activities vary between such leisurely pursuits as fishing, golf, cycling and pony trekking to the rigours and challenges of mountain biking, quad biking, walking, horseriding, sailing and watersports. If you’re simply looking to stay in trim, leisure centres across the county provide very good facilities. And there’s one recently-developed location which combines a great choice of activities with a wonderful setting: the Millennium Coastal Park, 14 miles from end to end (Llanelli to Pembrey) featuring lakes, harbours, wildlife, marinas and activities such as offroad cycling, walking and golf. Pembrey Country Park (see parks & gardens) also offers a wide choice of activities. Here’s a brief A-Z guide to other activities in and around Carmarthenshire and where to find them.

Carriage driving. A chance to experience something different and exciting! The award-winning track is at Crychan near Llandovery.

Fishing. Choice of sea (Carmarthen Bay and Cardigan Bay), freshwater (rivers Tywi, Teifi, Taf, Gwendraeth, Amman and Loughor, and their rich estuaries) and coarse. Coracles can still be seen on the Teifi and there’s a coracle museum at Cenarth Falls, a very picturesque spot famous for its salmon.

Golf. Venues include the classic links course at Ashburnham (Burry Port) and the nearby Machynys Peninsula Golf & Country Club – the only Nicklaus-designed course in Wales – both of which enjoy stunning sea views across the Gower Peninsula. Other courses: Glynhir Golf Club, a mature parkland course near Ammanford; Carmarthen Golf Club in the Gwili Valley; Derllys Court Golf Club near Carmarthen; Glyn Abbey Golf Club near Kidwelly; and Parc Garnant Golf Club overlooking the Black Mountain near Ammanford.

Horseriding and pony trekking. With riding schools, centres and stables such as Marros Riding Centre (near Pendine) and Dyfed Riding Centre (near Cardigan) catering for all ages and abilities, there are plenty of options – from cross-country exploration of moorlands, forests and mountains to beach rides on the fabulous sands at Pembrey and Pendine.

Motorsport. Three great attractions all in one place! Pembrey’s famous racing circuit, between Kidwelly and Burry Port, is close to the many facilities of Pembrey Country Park and the 7-mile Blue Flag beach.

Mountain biking & cycling. Tests of skill, endurance and stamina include the exciting 14-mile all-weather Gorlech mountain bike route at Brechfa, north-west of Carmarthen. In contrast are easy circular day rides centred around Cardigan on either side of the Teifi, suitable for all ages and abilities and provide a leisurely, enjoyable way to explore the Teifi estuary – a haven for wildlife and a designated conservation area.

Walking. Think of walking in west Wales and three challenges spring immediately to mind: the 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path, the Brecon Beacons National Park and the 14-mile Millennium Coastal Park. Although in name the coast path ends at Amroth (close to the Pembrokeshire- Carmarthenshire border), the dramatic coastline certainly doesn’t! From Amroth you can continue to Pendine and its incredible 7-mile beach – once the venue for dare-devil attempts at the world landspeed record. The Black Mountain, on the western border of the Brecon Beacons National Park, overlooks the Carmarthenshire towns of Llandeilo, Ammandord and Llandovery. The ideal place to begin your on-foot exploration of the Brecon Beacons is the National Park Visitor Centre south-west of Brecon. Other excellent Carmarthenshire walking country includes the Brechfa Forest – but look out for rally cars hurtling along the narrow tracks!

Adventure & watersports. From its source in the remote hills above Strata Florida Abbey to its estuary at Cardigan, the River Teifi cuts a winding and very scenic route through the Carmarthenshire landscape – and in the process provides many opportunities for exciting leisure and recreation. For example: paintballing (at Cenarth, a beauty spot famous for its falls, coracle museum and great salmon fishing); rock climbing, abseiling, gorge walking, coasteering, archery, hill walking, mountaineering, raft building, caving, surfing and more (all at Llandysul Outdoor Education Centre); and canoeing and kayaking (at Heritage Canoes, Cilgerran). Also within easy striking distance of the Teifi is West Wales All Terrain Park near Cardigan (mountain boarding and other activities such as driving a hovercraft or the offroad Snowcat vehicle); TYF Adventure at St David’s in Pembrokeshire (specialists in coasteering, kayaking and other testing challenges); and Trail Rides Wales at Tregaron (motorbiking thrills and spills). Then there are the popular annual regattas and sailing events held on the Teifi estuary. See also Pembrey Country Park.

Attractions & places of interest

Arts & crafts. Studios, galleries and workshops across the county include the National Wool Museum near Newcastle Emlyn (a traditional working woollen mil and shop where you can see expert weavers at work), West Wales Centre for the Crafts at St Clears, the Myrddin Gallery (Carmarthen), and Parc Howard Art Gallery & Museum (Llanelli). Culture and visual and performing arts are also well represented throughout the year at numerous country fairs, shows, markets and music festivals. Theatres include The Lyric (Carmarthen), Miners Theatre (Ammanford) and Theatre Elli (Llanelli)

Best beaches. Carmarthenshire boasts two of Britain’s most outstanding beaches – both regularly flying the prestigious international Blue Flag award. Cefn Sidan Sands at Pembrey is the longest beach in Wales (7 miles), and the beach at Pendine (close to Amroth, Saundersfoot and Tenby) is only fractionally shorter. And also within easy driving distance of the county town of Carmarthen are the many golden sandy beaches of the fabulous Gower Peninsula, such as Three Cliffs Bay, Rhossili, Port Eynon and Oxwich Bay, plus all those within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Castles & historic sites & attractions. After William the Conqueror invaded Britain in 1066, the Normans protected their new-found gains by building a line of castles stretching west from Carmarthenshire to the Irish Sea. Of these, magnificent Kidwelly Castle is one of the finest examples in Wales and is in a remarkably good state of preservation. Nearby are Llansteffan, at the mouth of the Towy, and Laugharne at the mouth of the Taf. But possibly the most dramatic and evocative of all Welsh fortresses is Carreg Cennen Castle, perched spectacularly on a remote limestone crag high above the River Cennen in the shadow of the Black Mountain, just a few miles from Llandeilo. Other notable historic sites and attractions include Cilgerran Castle (near Cardigan), Dryslwyn Castle (near Llandeilo), Llandovery Castle, Newcastle Emlyn Castle, Dolaucouthi Roman Gold Mines (at Pumsaint), Talley Abbey (7 miles north of Llandeilo), Paxton’s Tower (a splendid architectural folly near the village of Llanarthne), and Garn Goch, the largest Iron Age hillfort in Wales, accessible from the hamlet of Bethlehem – famous for the envelope post mark it applies to thousands of Christmas cards every year.

Dylan Thomas Country. Born in Swansea, poet and writer Dylan Thomas lived in Laugharne for several years, most famously at the Boathouse on the lovely Taf estuary. The house, and the nearby writing shed to which he retreated, are now a museum of his short life and work. Opinion is divided on whether it was Laugharne or New Quay (where he also lived for a time) which provided the inspiration for Under Milk Wood. His memory and writing are also celebrated at the Dylan Thomas Centre on Swansea’s waterfront. Laugharne, a small ancient town overlooked by its medieval castle, enjoys a relaxing and picturesque setting on the estuary and is a popular visitor attraction in its own right.

Food, festivals & events. Carmarthenshire’s rich green farmland and pastures produce meat of the highest quality, notably Welsh Black beef, succulent Welsh lamb and sweet Carmarthen ham. Carmarthen Bay is also renowned for its cockles and seafood, and the River Tywi for its salmon and sea trout. These and other treats, such as award-winning Carmarthenshire cheeses, are served up at country pubs, restaurants and many other places, which pride themselves on good food and hospitality. Delicious local produce also features prominently at many events held throughout the year – from shows and fairs at the United Counties Showground, Carmarthen, to a whole variety of festivals, carnivals and sporting challenges hosted at venues across the county. Carmarthenshire even boasts its very own chocolate farm! Pemberton’s, near Llanboidy, is famed for its traditional handmade Victorian-style chocolates.

Ireland by ferry. While you’re in west Wales you can take the opportunity to go a little further west still and cross the Irish Sea from Pembrokeshire to Rosslare in County Wexford. Travel with either Stena Line (from Fishguard, in north Pembrokeshire) or with Irish Ferries (from Pembroke Dock in south Pembrokeshire). In the main holiday season it’s advisable to book your ferry travel in advance.

Museums & heritage centres.

Carmarthenshire County Museum is in a parkland location at Abergwili near Carmarthen. The many fascinating displays reveal much about a variety of subjects, including the Roman settlement at Carmarthen (known as Moridunum) during the occupation of Britain.

Gower Heritage Centre (at Parkmill on the Gower Peninsula). This family attraction is open all year round and has a water-powered corn mill with working blacksmiths, a craft workshop, pottery, coracles, puppet theatre, small animals, and play areas.

Kidwelly Industrial Museum tells of Carmarthenshire’s industrial past, and in particular how tinplate was made. Llandovery Heritage Centre. This gives an insight into local legend and wildlife. Merlin’s Hill Centre (at Abergwili near Carmarthen) is a combination of heritage centre, nature trails, farm animals and ancient hillfort site.

Museum of Speed (Pendine Sands). This small but interesting museum stands close to the beach and is home to the beautifully-restored Babs – the car in which Parry Jones suffered a fatal crash making an attempt on the world landspeed record in 1927.

National Coracle Centre (Cenarth). A designated conservation area on the River Teifi near Newcastle Emlyn, unspoilt Cenarth is a beauty spot famous for its salmon-leap falls. The centre houses the world’s largest collection of coracles – strange round fishing boats ideal for shallow water and once a familiar sight on the river.

National Waterfront Museum (Swansea). An award-winning, state-of-the-art interactive museum, which tells the story of Welsh industry and innovation.

Parks & gardens.

Aberglasney (at Llangathen near Llandeilo) is one of the finest gardens in Wales and one of the most fascinating in the UK – the subject of the BBC TV series Garden Lost In Time. Dating back to 1477, the ten acres contain an amazing variety of plants and trees, providing colour and interest all year round.

Dinefwr Park & Castle (Llandeilo) is looked after by the National Trust and is home to a medieval deer park, historic (and restored) Newton House, and Dinefwr Castle. A wooded boardwalk gives access for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Millennium Coastal Park is a breath of fresh air – a traffic-free seafront leisure and recreation area, starting at Pembrey and stretching 14 miles east along the Loughor estuary to Llanelli. Walking, cycling, golf, wildlife and first-class marina and harbour facilities are just some of the attractions. A walk in the park has never been quite like this before!

National Botanic Garden of Wales at Llanarthne is not something you’d want to mow or tend to every Sunday morning – 568 glorious acres of an 18th-century estate. Taking centre stage in this beautiful green landscape is the Great Glasshouse – the world’s biggest single-span creation of its kind and boasting a permanent computer-controlled Mediterranean climate.

Pembrey Country Park is 500 acres of forest and parkland with a very special extra feature – the magnificent Blue Flag beach of Cefn Sidan Sands. Other attractions and activities include a toboggan run, dry ski slope, train ride, pitch and putt, bike hire, horseriding trails, adventure playground, crazy golf, visitor centre and cafe.

Other parks and gardens of interest includeFarmyard Woodland Garden (Llandysul), Gelli Aur Country Park (near Llandeilo), Hywel Dda Gardens & Centre (Whitland), Llyn Llech Owain Country Park and Mynydd Mawr Woodland Park (both near Cross Hands), Norwood Gardens (near Llandysul), Swiss Valley (the local name for the Cwm Lleidi reservoirs near Llanelli), and Ynys Dawela Nature Park (Brynamman).

Railways and train travel.

Fans of railways and rail travel always find plenty to interest them in Carmarthenshire and west Wales – from regular services along dramatic scenic routes (such as between Carmarthen and Kidwelly, for much of the way hugging the shoreline of the Tywi and Gwendraeth estuaries) to preserved and narrow-gauge railways which have become very well established as family attractions in their own right.

Brecon Mountain Railway at Pant, close to Merthyr Tydfil, is within comfortable driving distance of Carmarthen and makes for a memorable day out. This narrow-gauge line takes you into the Brecon Beacons National Park alongside the Taf Fachan Reservoir. You can explore the area by stopping off at Pontiscill Station and returning on a later train.

Gwili Railway (at Bronwydd Arms near Carmarthen) is one of very few surviving standard-gauge steam railways in Wales and features a riverside picnic area.

Heart of Wales Line is a regular rail service linking Swansea and Shrewsbury – a 120-mile journey which follows the course of the River Towy through Carmarthenshire and shows you some of the most picturesque scenery in Wales, including red kite country.

Teifi Valley Railway (near Newcastle Emlyn). Awaiting you at Henllan Station is a short but very enjoyable journey by narrow-gauge railway into the lovely Teifi Valley. This was part of the Great Western Railway branch line which once ran from Carmarthen to Aberystwyth. The attractions include picnic site, crazy golf, play area and woodland walk.

Rock Woollen Mill & Craft Shop (Capel Dewi, near Llandysul). The last Welsh woollen mill still powered by a working waterwheel.

Swansea. Easily reached from Carmarthen by road or rail, this city by the sea has an award-winning Maritime Quarter, great shopping and entertainment, and a big sandy bay with all Mumbles at its southern end – the gateway to the wonderful beaches of the Gower peninsula.

Wildlife & the environment.

Apart from the many natural attractions of relaxing, stress-free rural and coastal landscapes, including an abundance of estuaries which provide rich pickings for over wintering wading birds, there are two dedicated wildlife attractions which make for excellent and informative family days out.

National Wetlands Centre near Llanelli brings you close to ducks, geese and swans from around the world. Some will even feed from your hand, much to the delight of children. This attraction is a Wildfowl & Wetland Trust centre – part of the network which naturalist Sir Peter Scott helped create when he established the first site of its kind at Slimbridge, on the Severn estuary.

Welsh Wildlife Centre (near Cardigan). This great natural attraction at the Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve, Cilgerran, has a visitor centre, bird hides, walks, a variety of wildlife trails (badger, otter, squirrel and gorge), places to picnic and an adventure playground.

Accommodation

FBM have selected special holiday properties in Carmarthenshire for your accommodation. Situated in various locations to suit whatever holiday you require, from cottages to water millls, from estuaries to rural retreats, FBM Holidays has the ideal holiday property for you in Carmarthenshire.