Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshire isn’t called the ‘Garden of Wales’ for nothing. Lush and green,
and renowned for its dairy pastures, the county is also home to many man-made gardens
too such as the stunning Norman Foster designed National Botanic Gardens, Aberglasney
and the Hywel Dda Gardens. Although it only has 50 miles of coast , there’s still
a lot to see there. Like Dylan Thomas’ boathouse in Laugharne and the wide expanse
of sand at Pendine, where early land speed records were set. It’s a mystical place
too, reputedly home to Merlin of Arthurian legend, and definitely home to some of
Wales’ finest castles.
Heart of Wales Scenic Railway
This 120 mile long stretch of track runs from Shrewsbury to Swansea with Llandrindod
Wells as its mid-point. On your way, you’ll see stunning surroundings and landscapes,
picturesque rural communities and pass through six tunnels and over seven bridges.
Black Mountain
Right at the most westerly part of the Brecon Beacons is the area called Black Mountain.
A little confusingly named perhaps as it’s not really a mountain, but a collection
of peaks clustered around a series of glacial lakes. But nonetheless, this is one
of Wales’ great centres for outdoor activities. From climbing and trekking through
to white water rafting, it’s all here. Even underground caving too.
Millennium Coastal Path
This takes in 21km of coastline along the Burry estuary near Llanelli from Loughor
to Pembrey. With the help of a Millennium Commission grant, it’s not just the coastal
path that’s been restored and beautiful natural surroundings and wildlife that you’ll
be able to enjoy. Three artists were commissioned to produce artworks and sculptures
to work in sympathy with their surroundings and provide extra interest on the way.
Llandeilo
On the edge of the Black Mountain and perched on a hilltop site, this town was once
the ancient capital of Wales. With its bridge over the Tywi and Georgian street,
it’s a charming place to visit. Nearby is Dinefwr Castle, which has grounds worked
on by legendary garden landscaper, Capability Brown.
Aberglasney
Close to the National Botanic Gardens, Aberglasney represents a great example of
a restoration project, with the gardens around the ruins of an Elizabethan country
house being returned to their former glory. At their heart is a 16th century cloister
and parapet walk and ten acres containing six different types of garden.
National Botanic Garden of Wales
This is one of Wales’s newest and most stunning tourist attractions, the centrepiece
of which is the amazing Norman Foster designed glasshouse. Set in hundreds of acres
of lovely countryside in the Tywi Valley, this is the world’s largest single span
glasshouse and creates a Mediterranean style climate for a fascinating selection
of plants from all around the globe.
Find out more the National Botanic Garden of Wales
Carmarthen
This is the ancient capital of the region and is reputedly home of the Arthurian
sorcerer, Merlin. As you’d expect there’s a lot of history to discover in this busy
market town including a Roman amphitheatre, Carmarthen Castle and a variety of old
churches and chapels. At the market, try the local delicacy Carmarthen ham – it’s
a lot like Serrano ham.
Brechfa Forest
An unspoilt village in the hills, the nearby forest is an ideal place for hiking
through, or for the more energetic amongst you, mountain biking. On your way, you’ll
find deep stream valleys, waterfalls, steep climbs and rapid descents.
Laugharne
This picturesque township with a castle, it is best known for its connections
to Dylan Thomas who spent much time here. His legacy has been lovingly preserved
here with his home being converted into a museum – the Dylan Thomas Boathouse –
with many sympathetic exhibits and displays. If you want a real Thomas experience,
the pub where he used to drink is still largely unchanged too.
Find out more about Laugharne Castle
Dolaucothi Roman Gold Mines
Going back over 2,000 years, this is the only place in the British Isles that the
Romans are known to have mined gold in and their excavations have been well preserved
over the years. Set in beautiful bucolic countryside, you can see the Roman mines
and more modern ones too. As well as going underground you can even try your hand
at a bit of prospecting.
Pendine Sands
At seven miles, this is one of the longest stretches of beach in Britain. Famously,
it was here in 1927 that Malcolm Campbell broke the world land speed record, clocking
in at 174 mph. Welsh rival JG Parry Thomas tried to top that in a car called Babs,
but tragically, was killed in the event. The Speed Museum on the sea front commemorates
these and other attempts. Nowadays, you too can drive on the sands, but only at
10mph.
Hywell Dda Centre at Whitland
Hywell Dda is a genuine Welsh hero. Whitland is the place where he convened an assembly
in the tenth century that laid down the basic structure of Welsh Law which stood
until the Act of Union in 1536. This is celebrated at the award winning Hywell Dda
Centre in the form of six separate gardens, each commemorating a different division
of the Law.