Discover Carmarthenshire

Views, walking and relaxation

"A childhood favourite that has stayed with me is Dryslwyn Castle. Rising majestically from the verdant green floodplain of the Towy Valley, this spot offers breathtaking views for miles - the ancient cottages, farmhouses and hamlets that dot the countryside and high on a hill the distant Paxton’s Tower. If you walk up an appetite, a short stroll away is the Fig Tree Restaurant where you can enjoy a feast fit for an old Welsh king."
Terence Evans, aged 44

"My favourite walk is up to the summit of Banau Sir Gar where you can look down towards the Gower Peninsula and Worms Head on a clear day. It’s also a favourite of the Doctor Who cast who I bumped into filming an episode up there on a snowy winter’s day."
Gareth J Williams, aged 28

"As a Swiss Valley boy myself I don’t mind admitting to a bit of local bias but I think the Swiss Valley Reservoir (or also known as Cwm Lliedi Reservoir) is one of the most under-rated attractions in Carmarthenshire. Ideal for a leisurely stroll with the dog, a spot of fishing, some bird watching or catching tadpoles with the little ones followed by a picnic."
Craig Thomas, aged 31

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"My favourite spot is on the Betws Mountain, the viewpoint just past the Scotch Pine Bar and Restaurant. On a clear evening, just as the streetlights turn on, you can pick out the shapes that the lights make in the Amman Valley below - there’s definitely a rabbit and a pterodactyl."
Gemma Price, aged 25

"For stunning views of Carmarthen Bay, I think the walk from Marros is unbeatable. Start at Marros Farm, which is also a great camping spot, and walk to the beach, taking you past limestone quarries. Walk along the beach (as long as the tide is out), see the fossilized forests and climb the rocks as you round Telpin point to see the rock pools before heading on to the pub in Amroth. The return journey takes you along the coastal path past Top Castle hill fort and back to Marros with its ancient church."
Richard Griffith, aged 53

"There’s a stop on the coastal path which goes round Marros is unbeatable. Start at Sir John’s Hill in Laugharne which has some of the best views in the county. Local landowner Bob Stevens has kindly provided a resting place. Sit on Bob’s bench and enjoy " Chairs from Bob, View from God". On a sunny day there’s no better spot to be - guaranteed!"
Dan Pearce, aged 53

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"The views from Lanybri are something to behold, first comes Laugharne and Dylan Thomas' boathouse with the estuary sprawled before it, followed by Ferryside clinging to the slope and Cefn Sidan beach stretching around the coast and finally Lundy Island off to the far right. Seeing the sun over this spot makes any walk an absolute treat."
Huw Lodwick, aged 30

"The one place I stop every time I pass is Nantgaredig Bridge spanning the Afon Tywi River. That bridge has a magnetic pull for me along with every other local fisherman or visiting angler. No one with an interest in fishing can cross that bridge without checking to see if the Sewin (seatrout) have arrived."
Barry Hale

"My favourite place in the whole of Carmarthenshire is atop Mynydd Llanllwni and Mynydd Llanfihangel Rhos-y-Corn in the Cambrian Mountain range. This is designated a "Special Landscape Area" and special it is! The awe-inspiring views extend across Pembrokeshire to the Preseli Mountains, from Ceredigion to Cardigan Bay in the West and Snowdonia National Park in the North, across Carmarthenshire down to Llansteffan, and out to Mynydd Du and then to the Brecon Beacons in Powys to the East. Dotted with free-roaming ponies and sheep, with many cairns and drovers paths marking its ancient history, the heathered moorland secretly hides a diversity of wildlife. If Carmarthenshire is the "Garden of Wales", then this is the wild part of the garden."
Lyn Morris, aged 56

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"On a beautiful sunny day, you can’t beat a walk in Cwm Rhaeadr near Cilycwm. And the best bit is the wonderful view of Cwm Rhaeadr Waterfall, where the crystal clear Welsh water cascades over a high crag right down to the valley floor."
Rhys Anthony

Best beaches

"The eight mile stretch at Cefn Sidan Beach is a match for any beach I have seen in the UK or abroad. It’s the beach my children first experienced and loved collecting shells. From eating an ice-cream in winter on the sand to removing a jellyfish from my dog’s mouth, whatever I’m doing here it always puts me in a good mood."
Huw Parsons, aged 52 years

"Pendine Beach has been my favourite place as far back as I can remember. With 7 miles of sand, there’s space for sunbathers as well as sand yachting and kiteboarding. On its day Pendine can deliver awesome waves for surfing (but we’re trying to keep that a secret!)"
Sam Palmer

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Amazing activities

"Llansteffan Beach is my top swimming spot - with the castle as a backdrop on a warm summer evening, there really is no better place to be. Top it off with fish and chips on a bench complete with views over the estuary to the picturesque village of Ferryside and you’ve got my idea of a perfect night."
Lousie Rozhon

"My favourite activity in Carmarthenshire has to be a beach ride on Pendine sands. There is no better feeling than galloping through the waves with the wind in your hair."
Elinos Waters, aged 26 years

"Brechfa in Carmarthenshire has some of the best mountain biking trails in the UK. The last time I did the Gorlech Red Trail, I was literally on a high for days. With long steady fire road climbs, flowing descents and Berms and Table tops along the way, it’s a dream ride. And if like me, you don’t have a head for heights, you can always take the "chicken run" on the way down."
Hywel Davies, aged 34 years

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"For an awesome, adrenalin pumping mountain biking trip, you have to got to Cwm Rhaeadr. A free flowing single-track into the forest takes you over rocky outcrops and through the trees and once you get stuck in, you really have to concentrate to stay on the track as you round corners to discover ramps, jumps and massive drop offs."
Rhys Anthony

Best places to visit

"My favourite place is the Llanelli Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre. It’s is full of exotic species that can be hand-fed all year round. In the summer you can enjoy the wilder areas of the centre on a canoe safari and in winter watch the wildlife from the warmth of the café with a mug of hot chocolate."
Christine Abbott, aged 26

"During the months of February March and May the woods along Trecor Lane in Ferryside are transformed into a carpet of white snowdrops and then bluebells. The colours are amazing, especially when the sunlight shines through the woodland."
Diane Thomas, aged somewhere the other side of 30

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"I like to recharge the batteries with a trip to Cennen Castle near Trapp. After a relatively shirt walk you feel uplifted with views as far as the eye can see. There are picnic areas and a rustic café with a wide window looking out onto the fields and you can take the kids to see the ducks and peacocks at the farm next door."
Annie Swistak, aged 59

"Aberglasney Gardens is a place we locals are really proud of. It has evolved over the last 10 years with the same fluid motion of spring moving into summer. I’ve been there on the busiest day of the year still managing to find the unmistakable peace that offered inspiration to the poet John Dyer when he lived here."
Bryony Wiffen

"Llansteffen Castle in my opinion is the best castle ever! It stands protectively above the village commanding stunning views up the Tywi to the Taf and beyond. There’s a circular walk that takes you from Llanstaffen via Llanybri and at various points you will see glimpses of my castle. Sunrise, sunset, high tide, low tide - always beautiful."
Janine Bowen, aged 46

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"Biking down the "Old Rail Track" past Pontyates with a backpack and sandwiches makes you feel like you are one of the Famous Five. Discover wildlife, parks, ponds, streams and the most beautiful sunsets anyone can imagine."
Ajmal Rafique, aged 39

"My favourite place is the Adventure Playground at Pembrey Country Park that Mammy and Daddy take me to. I enjoy taking my bucket and spade and digging holes in the sand like a JCB. I love running around and going up and down the slides and most of all sliding down the poles like Fireman Sam. Mammy always brings a packed lunch which I share with the squirrels."
Anouska Baxter on behalf of Owain Baxter, aged 3

"If pushed into selecting just one favourite place in Carmarthenshire I’d pick Burry Port Harbour. I’ve always seen this as west Wales’ best kept secret. Apart form the obvious picturesque qualities of the place, the smell of sea air and the gentle ‘clink-clank’ of harboured boats, it’s a place steeped in history with huge vessels that used to come and go - including the "Friendship" which carried Amelia Earhart into Burry Port. Sitting on the harbour puts life into perspective."
Rob Jenkins, aged 51

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Best bites, pubs and shopping tips

"If I had to choose one food to eat for the rest of my life it would be cake, and if I had to eat cake from one place for the rest of my life it would be Heavenly in Llandeilo. The experience starts waiting in queue outside with the anticipation of what gems await, then turning the corner into the cosy shop with cakes and ice cream laid out like a jewellery box of edibles. There’s only one bad thing about Heavenly - that’s having to choose just one piece of cake!"
Christine Hopkins, aged 32

"My favourite place is Llanelli Market Hall, I love the hustle and bustle of people going about their daily business. It’s like stepping back in time to another era where people take their time shopping, bumping into friends for a chat and taking an interest in what’s going on all around. It might not be the biggest indoor market in Wales but it must be the friendliest."
Judith Watkin, aged 52

"Nothing beats sitting by the log fire in the Plash Inn in Llanfallteg, listening to the locals put the world to rights. It’s a listening pub, no music, no TV, just good chat and ale."
Len Saunders, aged 57

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"A leisurely stroll round Llyn Llech Owain lake is the perfect way to get in tune with nature, but the best bit about it is the cafe at the end which serves a heart warming hot chocolate and delicious cake."
Rhian Davies, aged 26

"One of my absolute favourite places to eat is The Halfway Inn, on the road between Nantgaredig and Llandeilo. Fine local welsh produce and a truly warm and homely feel and friendly staff. I can’t fault the place."
Geraint Scales, aged 23

"Set at the foot of the Brecon Beacons amid castles and country houses, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome at The Plough in Rhosmaen. With amazing views over the Towy Valley from the terrace (perfect for a cheeky sun downer before dinner) and traditional fayre like Penclawdd Cockles and Laver Bread, this hidden gem is a proper Welsh treat for your tastebuds!"
Lowri Jones

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Heavenly Events

"For a simply unbeatable family experience, you have to visit the Llanelli Wetland Centre in June for their annual Duckling Days. Kids get to go behind the scenes to meet the fluffy little ducklings on a special 45 minute tour of the hatchery and duckery - just watch as their eyes light up with delight." Sarah Owen, aged 31 years

"If you’re looking for a magical day out in Carmarthen, you can’t beat the annual Merlin Festival. With street entertainment, live traditional music, re-enactors and much more, this unique celebration brings the town's history to life."
Sian, aged 32 years

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