LOCATION
Also known as the Garden of Wales, Carmarthenshire is not just home to our National Botanic Garden but also houses Aberglasney Gardens - Wales equivalent to the Lost Gardens of Heligan only on not quite such a large scale.
Both Gardens attract growing numbers of visitors and are both well worth a visit. As well as being interesting from a plants and planting view between them they also host a wealth of events spanning many months of the year. Other notable Gardens (which only open by appointment or on specific dates) are Gelli Uchaf near Llandeilo, Pant-y-Fedwen near Drefach Felindre, Talardd at Golden Grove and Glyn Bach near Clunderwen in the west of the County.
Carmarthen is the Counties Principal Town and is the Counties second largest Town with a population of just under 16,000 (as of Jan 2014) and serves a large community of farmland surrounding its edges. The Town originated from a Roman settlement and a Roman amphitheatre remains just off Priory Street. The Town lays claim to being the oldest in Wales.
Some 16 miles east of Carmarthen is the popular and picturesque Town of Llandeilo, head here for some quirky shops and a visit to Carreg Cennen Castle - probably the most dramatically placed castle in Wales. Also at Llandeilo is the Dinefwr Country Park and Castle.
As well as being home to some lovely inland countryside, Carmarthenshire also has a good coastal stretch which is home to Cefn Sidan beach. At 8 miles long it is Carmarthenshire's largest beach and is very popular at all times of the year. During the summer, the golden sand is dotted with families enjoying the sunshine, but due to its size you can always find a quiet spot. Behind the beach is Pembrey Country Park and Forest which affords lovely walks as well as a toboggan run, dry ski slope, giant adventure playground and 8 wildlife trails - enough to keep the most energetic of youngsters happy for at least a few hours.
At Cefn Sidan's most westerly point, you can see the inlet to the River Taf which flows past the Town of Laugharne. Once home to Dylan Thomas - one of Wales' most renowned poets. His writing shed and a museum devoted to his life exist in the Town. Whilst visiting - try The Cors Restaurant on Newbridge Road for a quirky meal out and the ruined castle is also worth some investigation.
Some 6 miles west of Laugharne will bring you to Pendine. Here during the 1920's land speed records were broken on a regular basis by drivers such as Malcolm Campbell and J.G. Parry-Thomas. There is a Museum of speed here if you wish to find out more about Pendine's place in motoring history.
Woodland Lodges
Allt Esgair, St Clears
Carmarthen, SA33 4LF
01994 230814