Welsh wonder

Enjoy a spring break in stunning Carmarthenshire

Why Go?

If you’re after some of the most beautiful scenery, places to visit and outdoor activities then the county of Carmarthenshire, Wales, should be top of your list. Here you’ll find everything from Welsh villages, rolling landscapes, sandy beaches, gardens and castles to keep even the most experienced explorers busy at this time of year.

Glorious gardens

One of the area’s biggest attractions in spring is The National Botanic Garden of Wales. Covering over 400 acres you’ll find nature reserves, formal gardens, fairy gardens and the newly restored Regency waterpark 
area, which now includes a large, restored lake, stunning waterfalls and cascades and a dam, all connected with bridges and surrounded by glorious woodland. Heading away from the woodland you’ll see the stunning Great Glasshouse as the centre piece of the gardens. Home to the largest collection of Mediterranean plants in the Northern Hemisphere this indoor paradise showcases some of the more unusual plants all under one roof. If you want to enjoy the wildlife then head to the onsite British Birds of Prey Centre, and watch the daily flying show of eagles, falcons, and hawks whizzing by.

Explore the area

Carmarthenshire offers stunning views and walks wherever you go, but there’s nothing like the sound of the sea and a stroll along the beach. Pendine Sands is perfect for ambling along, plus there are rock pools for the kids to play in and several cafes for a quick pit stop – or for the more adventurous there are cliffs to climb to get the heart pumping. For a flatter terrain, we headed to Llyn Llech Owain Country Park. Nature walks, bike paths and an adventure playground are situated around the main lake, which is surrounded by a peat bog. However, a network of specially constructed footpaths allows you to navigate safely.

You can’t visit the area without a trip to a castle. Just outside the market town of Llandeilo is Dinefwr Park and Castle (Cadw.gov.wales). Newton House, a National Trust mansion in the grounds, houses some wonderful exhibitions showing what life was like in the 1900s. As you walk up to the castle, you’ll pass through a beautiful nature reserve full of bluebells and old oak trees. Just ten minutes from Llandeilo is the dramatic Carreg Cennen Castle (Carregcennencastle.com). It’s a steep climb so you’ll need to be fully fuelled before heading up the hill to explore.

If you’re worn out from walking, head to Marros Riding Centre, and let the horses take the load. We opted for a trek around the local woodlands, with our guide Becki taking the lead as we headed up and down a ravine. It was all at our own speed, which is brilliant if you’re a novice. If you’re an experienced horserider, the centre offers beach rides where you can gallop along the seashore.

Quirky eateries

With so much locally produced food you’re spoilt for choice on where to eat. Lunch was great at Flows on Market St in Llandeilo (find them on Facebook). The artisan café serves homemade lunches followed up with delicious cake. Stop for coffee in Pitchfork and Provisions Cafe if you can drag yourself away from the vintage shops. One of the best discoveries is Frank’s Gelateria & Innovation Lab at Ammanford (Franksicecream.co.uk). Not only can you enjoy a delicious array of gelato from an extensive menu of flavours served in cones, tubs or with waffles and crepes, in fabulous surroundings, but you can also watch how the gelato is made – including trying new flavours, exclusive to the lab!

Where to stay

We stayed in the beautiful town Laugharne, at Gwalia House, a three-storey town house, which felt like a home from home, with its cheery décor and mod cons. The area has easy access to the whole of Carmarthenshire and has close links to the poet Dylan Thomas, including his family home The Boat House, which is now a museum and tearoom. We took the Dylan Thomas Birthday Walk, which takes you along the coastal path showcasing some of Dylan’s favourite views across the estuary, including his writing shed. Stop for a tipple at Brown’s Hotel (Browns.wales), it does a great Sunday Roast, and was Dylan’s old drinking den.

Need to know

Words: Zoe Bishop