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Carmarthenshire and The Gower
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Carmarthenshire and The Gower
Nestling within the idyllic countryside of Carmarthenshire are many places of natural interest including the National Botanical Gardens of Wales and the Llanelli Millenium Country Park. At the heart of the country is the ancient township of Carmarthen. This former Roman stronghold has a fascinating history and is reputed to be the birthplace of Merlin - wizard and counsellor to King Arthur. Carmarthen has a bustling shopping centre and holds a busy market on Wednesdays. The town offers a theatre, museum and amphitheatre and is conveniently located with easy access from the M4.
The quaint medieval township of Laugharne, located twelve miles west of Carmarthen, is steeped in history and is situated overlooking the mouth of the Towy estuary. Laugharne offers a number of restaurants and quaint pubs and, of course, a visit to Dylan Thomas' Boathouse, where he wrote many of his famous works, is a must. The magnificent 12th century Laugharne Castle is located in the centre of the village and occupies an idyllic setting overlooking the waterway.
Pendine, located a few miles west of Laugharne boasts a fabulous 7 mile sandy beach, as well as a number of gift shops and restaurants. The exciting Museum of Speed recalls Pendine's days of fame when the world land speed record was attempted on Pendine Sands.
The pretty village of Llansteffan is situated at the mouth of the Towy estuary and has a delightful sandy beach. Its well-preserved medieval castle enjoys a spectacular setting overlooking the estuary towards the Gower peninsula.
The village of St Clears, located ten miles west of Carmarthen, is a traditional market village full of Welsh character. Visit its quaint shops located on the High Street, where it is common to hear the Welsh language spoken. Whitland stands on the River Taf, fourteen miles west of Carmarthen between the borders of Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire making it the ideal base to explore both counties.
Llanelli and Millennium Quay area
Llanelli is an attractive town on the mouth of the river Loughor and is the home of the famous Scarlets rugby team. New developments are taking place in the town to create a multi screen cinema, arts theatre and ten pin bowling. Millions of pounds are also being spend on the town centre shopping area in addition to a proposed new stadium for the Llanelli Scarletts rugby team. The town has many attractions, which include the following:
The Millennium Coastal Park The coastal park spans 20 kms of coastline from Loughor to Pembrey, offering views of the Gower peninsula and traffic free cycling and walking along the stunning coastal path. There are activities for everyone from cycling to bird watching to walking to sailing as well as the newly opened Discovery Centre.
Places to visit
Located at the site of the former Kidwelly Tinplate works, the first tinplate works here was founded in 1737. The museum houses an important collection of industrial machinery including the tinplate works own machinery along with a history of the area and the industrial heritage of the area.
The museum is open during June - August and admission is free. Car parking and toilets are available.
One of the finest gardens in Wales set in the picturesque Tywi valley. As well as the wood and gardens within Aberglasney there are also regular events, courses and art exhibitions held throughout the year. The garden and shop are open every day except Christmas day (the shop is accessible without paying an admission to the gardens). Opening times: April - September 10am - 6pm, October - March 10.30am - 4pm. Admission prices: Adult £5.90, OAP £5.45, Child under 16 £3, Family (2 adults & 2 children) £16
A designated local nature reserve of dunes, grassland and salt marsh between Pembrey Old Harbour and Pembrey Country Park. A great area for walking on trails and cycling on surfaced paths.
An ideal place for a walk and to view the stunning location and lighthouse. This harbour is currently being developed by the Millennium Coastal Park and will eventually be a floating harbour complete with gardens, the only marina in Carmarthen Bay.
A large country park, near the village of Pembrey. The park consists of some 520 hectares of land of which 202 hectares are open to the public. The coastal areas of the park have numerous sandy beaches and the inland areas of the park contain a number of visitor attractions: Cycling - the park is a good venue for cycling and there are a number of tracks which you can follow. The park is also accessible via the Millennium coastal path and the Celtic Trail. Pembrey Ski Centre - there are two artificial ski slopes within the park, one for skiing and one for snowboarding. Courses in skiing and snowboarding are also available.
The 500 acre reserve is located 1 mile east of Llanelli. The centre is one of nine-wetland nature reserves managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust a nature conservation charity. One of the endangered species protected at the centre is the little Egret. Over 60,000 birds return to the reserve to over winter.
One of Llanelli's most historical properties, the house is an early 18th century Georgian townhouse. It is currently in a poor state of repair but has recently been purchased by the town council, who have plans to completely restore the house for civic and public use.
An Anglo-Norman Castle over looking the town of Kidwelly and the River Gwendraeth which was created as a defence against the Welsh, the castle fell to the Welsh several times in the 12th century. Site exhibition and audio tour available along with gift shop, parking and toilets. Admission fees: Adult £2.90, Concessions £2.50, Family £8.30.
National Botanic Garden of Wales
Located approximately 10 miles north of Llanelli this is the first national botanic garden to be created in the new millennium. It houses several import plant collections, unique to not only Wales but to the rest of the world. The garden's variety of lakes, streams, marsh, woodland, meadows and formal gardens provide a habitat for a rich variety of plant and animal life.
Events in the area
Many events are held in and around Llanelli throughout the year which include:
Welsh International Open - a competition of the World Bowls Tour - February
Llanelli half marathon - March
Llanelli Triathlon - May
Kidwelly Carnival and Air show - July
Wales Ladies Championship of Europe - golf tournament - August
Into the Future Festival - educational event about the environment and technology - August
Llanelli Big Day Out - pop music event - August
Llanelli Beer Festival - Official CAMRA event - August
Llanelli Christmas Carnival - November
The Gower Peninsula covers an area spanning 16 miles by 7 miles wide and was one of the first places to be designated an area of outstanding natural beauty. A large part of the Gower is owned by the National Trust and the area has many ancient sites, standing stones, superb surfing beaches, coastal walking and numerous outdoor activities. Many of the beaches continue to receive Blue Flag status and Green Coast awards year after year, showing that they have clean water and high quality facilities.
Some of the best coastal walking is found on the Gower Peninsula especially around the Rhossil and Worm's Head area. You can also walk the three small bays of Langland, Caswell and Pwlldu then on to Three Cliffs Bay. Another area for coastal walking is the Rhossili stretch which has a visitor centre where you can pick up information on local wildlife, in particular birds. Rhossili Bay is 3 miles long with a sandy beach and superb coastal walking, surfing and hang-gliding; it is also a great area for bird watching.
The Gower's beaches are very popular for water sports such as windsurfing, surfing and kite surfing. If you enjoy surfing then Langland Bay, Caswell Bay and the northern end of Rhossili Bay are recommended spots.
Oxwich Nature Reserve is a freshwater reserve with some salt marches situated close to the sea along with woodlands, dunes and a large variety of birds. Above Oxwich Bay sits the remains of Oxwich Castle, dating back to the 16th century.
Gower Heritage Centre is an award winning educational and tourism location providing an insight into the history and culture of The Gower. The centre houses a rural life museum, tourist information point, craft centre and for children a small animal farm and an adventure play area. The buildings housing the centre were once a water powered corn mill built over 800 years ago by William de Breos, a knight from Normandy in France. The mill is one of the oldest 'toll mills' in Wales, it was given this name because local farmers had to bring their crops here for grinding. Over the last 15 years these derelict buildings have been renovated to house the Heritage Centre.
The interior of the Gower Peninsula has some interesting ancient sites including King Arthur's Stone, a 25 ton Quartz boulder situated just above the village of Reynoldston. It is a climb up to see the stone but once there, on a clear day, you will have panoramic views of the whole of the Gower Peninsula.
Weobley Castle was originally built in the early 14th century with additions made in the 15th century when it was held by Sir Rhys Ap Thomas. This is one of the few surviving fortified manor houses in Wales and sits on the low lying northern coast of the Gower Peninsula. The castle houses an exhibition on its history and other ancient monuments on the Peninsula.
Gower Coast Adventures offer boat trips along the coast where you can see marine wildlife including seals and birds and learn about the fascinating local history. The trips available are:
Port Eynon to Worms Head - Approx 2 hours round trip,
Mumbles to Three Cliffs Bay - Approx 1 hour 40 mins round trip,
Mumbles to Worms Head - Approx 3 hours round trip,