Known as the 'Garden
of Wales', Carmarthenshire is dominated by lush green valleys and
gardens, as well as a beautiful coast, with the Millennium Coastal
Park - 20km of coastline
with a walking and cycle path - overlooking the Gower Peninsula in
the south.
Among its 500
acres of parkland, the Pembrey Country Park near Kidwelly has eight
miles of sandy beach, while further west is Carmarthen Bay where the
pretty village of Laugharne - well known for being the birthplace
of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas - is situated. You can visit the Dylan
Thomas Boathouse for an insight into the poet's life, or the medieval
remains of Laugharne Castle that overlook the village.
Within the lush
Tywi valley that stretches between Camarthen and Llandovery are both
the National Botanic Garden of Wales and the gardens of Aberglasney.
Set in 568 acres of countryside, the Botanic Gardens have an array
of plants from different continents, although the garden's centrepiece
is its great glasshouse.
The beautiful
gardens of Aberglasney are now in the process of restoration after
being abandoned for centuries; their attractions include a serene
Cloister Garden and an amazing 18th century Yew Tunnel.
As well as sweeping
countryside and scenic coast, Carmarthenshire has many sites of historic
interest. Just outside the village of Pumsaint in the north, you can
take an underground tour of the Roman Gold mine at Dolaucothi, while
near the attractive town of Llandeilo are the beautiful ruins of the
medieval Dinefwr Castle.
The spectacular
13th century Carreg Cennen Castle, perched majestically on a huge
crag, is a formidable sight. Commanding fantastic views over the surrounding
green valleys, the hike up to the castle is well worth it. In the
15th century the castle was damaged during the Wars of the Roses,
but its ruins are still atmospheric, and beneath the site lies a natural
limestone cave that can be reached by a vaulted passage on the edge
of the cliff.
