Often referred to as the Garden of Wales, the county of Carmarthenshire offers visitors breath-taking views of its mountain ranges, historic and wildlife laden forests, combined with an expansive coastline with beaches and seaside resorts. The county is one of the oldest in existence and this is evidenced in its many castles and historical attractions, giving Carmarthenshire a unique combination of heritage and natural beauty spots. Read more
Deep in the heart of West Wales on the Pembrokeshire/Carmarthenshire borders, The Hideaway sits on a peaceful smallholding surrounded by beautiful countryside with views of the Preseli Hills. The one bedroom cottage is perfect for couples who want to feel like they are escaping but stay within reach of favourite places including the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Gower Peninsula, Towy Valley and the Brecon Beacons National Park, as well as St Clears, Cardigan and Carmarthen. Tourist board rating: 3 Star
In an elevated position in beautiful Welsh countryside near Carmarthen in the Towy Valley, this spacious self catering holiday lodge is perfect for large families or groups, and is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts (great walking, cycling, fishing and birdwatching). It is also a good base for exploring the many attractions of Wales including Brechfa Forest with its superb mountain bike trails, and the Brecon Beacons National Park. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Beautifully presented and full of charm, this welcoming Welsh cottage dates back to the 15th century and enjoys a beautiful quiet location close to the town of Carmarthen in the picturesque Towy Valley. Lots of attractions close by including the National Botanical Garden of Wales, Oakwood Theme Park and the medieval house and gardens of Aberglasney. The coast and Brecon Beacons National Park are also within easy reach by car, and there are an abundance of outdoor adventures to enjoy on the doorstep. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Perfect for couples, friends and singles, this cosy comfy garden annex provides a good base for exploring West Wales and its many attractions. Sitting on the outskirts of the picturesque village of Llanfynydd (with pub), the annex affords beautiful views and a lovely countryside setting from which to relax. Great outdoor activities and within easy reach of Carmarthen, the Brecon Beacons and the coast.
A dog-friendly holiday cottage nestling in a beautiful tranquil valley on an organic dairy farm in West Wales. Enjoy a slice of country life in this haven for wildlife with lovely walks and plenty of peace and quiet. Centrally located Penyrallt Fach Cottage is ideal for relaxing or visiting the beaches, mountains and numerous attractions of Wales with Pembrokeshire, Cardigan Bay, Carmarthenshire and St David's all within driving distance for a day trip out.
The perfect coastal retreat for two in the picturesque Welsh village of Llansteffan, sitting on the sandy shores of the Tywi Estuary. Special both in terms of its romantic charm and character and the stunning location, this hidden gem is a must for anyone who wants to getaway from it all, relax, walk and enjoy sea air. Two pubs within walking distance and fabulous coastal and estuary walks on the doorstep.
Ty Log ("Log House", in Welsh) is a contemporary log cabin in a peaceful location with fantastic views and accessible accommodation for up to five guests in two bedrooms. It is part of a former working farm and guests have access to six acres of landscaped grounds which include ponds and a sensory garden. The cabin is less than two miles from Llangain and the Tafarn Pantydderwen pub, four miles from the coast at Llansteffan and only five miles from the ancient town of Carmarthen. The Gower, Pembrokeshire Coast and Brecon Beacons National Park are all within an hour's drive. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
How can you resist a glamping experience like this! The owners of the Ceridwen Centre have lovingly converted a vintage, 1964 Leyland double-decker bus into a unique self-catering holiday experience that has space for up to six people. The Ceridwen Centre is a mile from Drefach Felindre and the Tafarn John y Gwas pub, although you don't have to go that far for a drink or a cooked meal, as the site has excellent facilities. A great choice for those looking for a little fun, walking, cycling, fishing and exploring this beautiful part of Wales.
The Ceridwen Centre is a fantastic venue in the beautiful Teifi Valley. They offer a variety of accommodation sleeping between 2 and 19 people, including this environmentally friendly 'glamping' pod that was built in a flower meadow using recycled material, and sleeps two people in a large double bed. Fun and with a hint of country romantic charm, Caban Bach Eco Pod is ideal for couples seeking a peaceful escape and sits within 40 acres of organic farmland with a mountain bike centre, licensed cafe and on-site shop selling local produce and crafts (plus Welsh ice-cream!). Close to beaches, waterfalls, friendly towns and villages, and the stunning River Teifi, Ceridwen Centre is just perfect for discovering everything magical about Wales.
The owners of Bwthyn Creigiau have turned a former Georgian piggery into a beautiful holiday cottage that sleeps six people in three bedrooms. Original beams and stone walls have been brought into the 21st- century with triple glazing and underfloor heating, and the family have used their experience to create a space that feels like home but which is accessible and wheelchair-friendly. The cottage is just outside the village of Llangain and a short drive from both historical Carmarthen and the Twyi Estuary and beaches, with the Gower and Pembrokeshire also accessible for a day out. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Everyone will love Ceridwen. The spacious house sleeps 19 people and is part of the award-winning Ceridwen Centre, where a combination of accommodation ranging from bunk houses to a converted double-decker bus can cater for up to 60 people. The 40-acre site is in the beautiful Teifi Valley, surrounded by miles of footpaths and cycle routes, and within reach of the stunning beaches of Cardigan Bay. There is ample space for everyone whether you are celebrating a milestone occasion or enjoying a fun get-together with your extended family and friends.
With miles of footpaths, mountain bike trails and sweeping country roads perfect for biking or touring, exploring the area around The Byre is a pleasure. The dog-friendly cottage sleeps four guests in three bedrooms and is perfect for couples and families who want somewhere peaceful and comfortable to stay in Mid-Wales. The cottage is close to the Brecon Beacons National Park and within easy reach of Swansea, The Gower and the West Wales coast, yet only five miles from the market town of Llandovery. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Tucked away in a quiet corner of the Carmarthenshire countryside, a short drive from Cefn Sidan beach, Pembrey Country Park and the shops and markets of Carmarthen itself, Barn Owl Cottage offers lovely accommodation for up to six people to stay in three bedrooms. There is a ground floor double bedroom and wet room, and guests have a large private garden as well as access to 15 shared acres of land which includes a river.
Three self-catering cottages sleeping 2-9 guests independently in the heart of Carmarthenshire at the Western Edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Breathtaking views, miles of cycling and walking trails on the doorstep in the Crychan Forest, games room with pool/table tennis/games and a laundry room. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
If you dream of breathing in fresh country air, walking on the beach and exploring sites both ancient and beautiful, a holiday at Pencwm Farmhouse could be precisely what you are looking for. The traditional Welsh farmhouse has been sympathetically modernised to make it comfortable without losing any of its unique charms. It sits on 14 acres with views of the nearby Preseli Hills, and is within easy reach of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and gorgeous beaches like Mwnt, Poppit Sands, Aberporth and Tresaith. With space for up to 12 people and two dogs, and the option to hook up a towing caravan or pitch a tent for others to join you, Pencwm Farmhouse is ideal for large families or groups of friends.
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For literary fans, the county has played an important role in 20th century poetry as it was home to Dylan Thomas who penned numerous poems in addition to screenplays in his short life. The poet often referred to the county as his inspiration for much of his work and for a time he lived in a small boathouse overlooking Carmarthen Bay.
Although the area is often associated with its beautiful rural landscapes, there are numerous beaches on its coastline too. Pendine beach is perhaps the most dramatic in the county and to the west you can view ragged cliffs and rock pools overlooking the water below, whilst the east is characterised by long stretches of sand and dunes. In fact, the beach was used as preparation for D-Day as parts of its makeup resembled Normandy. Carmarthenshire retains a healthy active and outdoor lifestyle and for enthusiasts of the great outdoors then it is one of the best places in Wales to visit. You can mountain bike around the wooded and mystical Brechfa Forest, raft or canoe down its various fast flowing rivers, horse ride along its windswept beaches and fish along its coast.
For nature lovers the country really is one of the most attractive around. The Brecon Beacons National Park extends into its borders and offers numerous trekking and relaxed walking routes. From deep gorges, rugged carboniferous limestone and hidden caves, the park is full of surprises and natural wonders.
Some of the oldest castles in the whole of the UK and Europe can be found in the county. Carreg Cennen Castle features an underground passageway and spooky caverns, whilst the whole area is steeped in Arthurian legend. Carmarthenshire Museum is set in a 13th century house in Abergwili and features relics and information from throughout the county’s history, including a section of tree rumoured to be associated with the mythical Merlin.
Carmarthenshire also has its own culinary significance. Sewin, salt marsh lamb, laverbread (made from seaweed) and Carmarthen Ham are all specialities of the area and should definitely be tried in some of its numerous old age pubs and restaurants.
The county of Carmarthenshire manages to include a diverse range of different activities and interests within its borders. It is one of the most beautiful places in Wales and has inspired many people in numerous walks of life. For outdoor enthusiasts then you can find countless activities set amongst the stunning landscapes and the county has a deep sense of history with its castles and links to the mystical Middle Ages. From long stretches of coastline to rolling valleys, Carmarthenshire can boast to offering something for all tastes in the south of Wales.
