Known affectionately as the “Garden of Wales”, Carmarthenshire is a largely agricultural county in south-west Wales. It has been inhabited since prehistoric times and once formed part of the Kingdom of Deheubarth, with the remains of medieval castles and hill forts still dotting its countryside today.
Things to do in Carmarthenshire
Whether you want to discover the Roman origins of Carmarthen or escape to the wild landscapes of Brecon Beacons, there’s something to inspire all travellers in Carmarthenshire.
Sightsee in Carmarthen. Translating from Welsh as “Merlin’s Fort”, Carmarthen lies on the banks of the River Towy in the heart of Carmarthenshire. At the Carmarthenshire County Museum, you can learn about the town’s role as the capital of the Celtic Demetae tribe before exploring the 12th-century ruins of Carmarthen Castle. Arts, crafts and food are available at Carmarthen’s indoor market while contemporary regional artists are showcased at the Oriel Myrddin Gallery.
Visit the National Botanic Garden of Wales. Home to the world’s largest single-span greenhouse, the National Botanic Garden of Wales is nestled in the village of Llanarthney and showcases plants from around the globe. Stroll through the Double Walled Garden established from the ruins of Middleton Hall and admire the impressive collection of Welsh apple tree varieties. Adjacent to the garden lies the native wildflower meadows and pastures of the Waun Las national nature reserve.
Soak up the views from Carreg Cennen Castle. Perched atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the River Cennen are the ruins of Carreg Cennen Castle, which is believed to have been established as an Iron Age fort. It features six uniquely-shaped towers, a chapel and a hall, as well as the King’s Chamber with its beautifully carved stone fireplace. From the castle, there are magnificent views of Brecon Beacons National Park.
Getting around Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshire is around 30 minutes’ drive from Swansea and 1.5 hours from Cardiff Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Trains connect from London to the Carmarthen railway station while the Gwili and Teifi Valley heritage railways traverse the historic Carmarthen and Cardigan Railway. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around Carmarthenshire.