10 Reasons to Visit Carmarthenshire

Carmarthenshire's lush and rolling landscape. Photo: Under The Thatch

The Carmarthenshire is Wales' green heart. Fertile and with a rich heritage, there are a wealth of green activities here, in the 'Garden of Wales' and we've put together a list of our ten favourites, as well as travel information and the best places to stay.

1) The moorlands of the Amman Valley: With its scenery of ancient oak woodlands, deep river gorges and high, open moorlands, the Amman Valley is compellingly Welsh and breathtakingly beautiful. Named after the Amman river that snakes through the land, the valley still displays its coal trade heritage with chapels dotted throughout and in the town of Ammanford's architecture. 
>> Nearby Accommodation: Llwyn-Dryssi, Llanllwni Mountain, West Wales

2) Llanelli Wetland Centre: In this National Wetlands Centre, committed to protecting the wetlands and part of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT), there are over 450 acres of lakes, lagoons and pools filled with endangered birds, as well as resident and wild mammals. While at the Llanelli Wetland Centre, visit the water vole city and in warmer weather, discover the site by canoe.
>> Nearby Accommodation: Nant-y-Bargoed, Carmarthenshire, Wales 

Castles and ruins are dotted along Carmarthenshire's coast. Photo: Drover Holidays3) Millenium Coast Path: On the Burry Estuary’s coastline is ten miles of stunning scenery and the Millenium Coast Path. This path will take you along this rolling coastline, offering unforgettable views of the Gower Penisual, the first area in the UK to be designated as of ‘outstanding natural beauty’ and even a Water Park with a peaceful lake.
>> Nearby Accommodation: Penyrallt Fach Cottage, Camarthenshire, Wales 

4) The Castles of Towy Valley: Red Kites soar over Towy Valley, a rich green landscape of gold mines, myth and historic castles. Find here the magnificent Dynevor, Carreg Cennen and Dryslwyn castles, ruins stepped in tradition and legend. Take an 8 day self-guided tour of the Brecon Beacons and finish off with Towy Valley.  
>> Featured Holiday: Towy Valley 8 day Walking Tour

Quaint, cosy welcoming cottages, make Carmarthenshire a home away from home. Photo: Under The Thatch5) Mountain biking in the Brechfa Forest: The hushed Brechfa Forest, filled with oak and ash trees, offers some of the areas most adventurous and scenic mountain bike trails. The trails range from easy to challenging, with sweeping descents past the trees to leisurely peddling through these woodlands.
>> Nearby Accommodation:  Henllys Lodge, Llandovery, Wales 

6) Gypsy Wagons: Perfect boltholes for those looking to explore the Carmarthenshire’s romantic side, traditional gypsy wagons mean star gazing and log fires. This Welsh Gypsy Waggon in the Towy Valley provides terrific views of some of West Wale’s finest farmland and offers the best of rustic comfort with its gas burner and grill, hot tube and big, fluffy bed.
>> Featured Accommodation:  Welsh Gypsy Waggon, Carmarthenshire, Wales

7) National Botanic Gardens: Cultivating for the next generation, the National Botanic Gardens is pleasantly disorientating, offering an incredible display of Mediterranean plants with 560 acres of beautiful countryside filled by over 8000 different varieties of plants. There are also themed gardens, educational areas and plenty of resources to make the gardens as family-friendly as possible.
>> Nearby Accommodation: The New Room at Mandinam, Carmarthenshire, Wales

Waking up to birdsong. Photo: The Coach House8) Llandeilo:  Llandeilo is a small market town surrounded by hills, woodland and dales. Still a rural town at heart, it offers not only a range of delightful eating places and smart shops, but unparalleled views of the Tywi valley. Be sure to explore St Teilo, a 13th church whose tower is still intact or the Dinefwr Castle.
>> Nearby Accommodation: The Coach House, Carmarthenshire, Wales

9) White-water canoeing on the River Teifi: Yr Afon Teifi, or the Teifi River, is Wales’ longest river. Both wild and beautiful, this waterway is perfect for intense white-water canoeing with its fast runs, roaring waterfalls and heart-stopping drops. Few rivers can match the experience.
>> Nearby Accommodation: fforest camp, Pembrokeshire, West Wales 

10 ) Ceredigion Coast: A mix of sandy dunes and sea caves, with a healthy dose of cliff-top paths, Ceredigion Coastal 60 mile sea trail is not just a chance to see postcard perfect scenery but is also where you have the highest chance of seeing a dolphin in the UK. Take a Ceredigion Coast Path 5 Day Walking Holiday to fully experience whit rich and naturally rich coastline.
>> Featured Holiday:  Ceredigion Coast Path 5-Day Walking Holiday, Wales

How to Travel to Carmarthenshire

By train: There is a regular service from most major stations to Carmarthen. From London Victoria, the journey takes just over 4 hours and from Birmingham New Street, roughly 3 hours.
>> Book your train tickets to Carmarthen here.

By coach: There is a regular coach service to Carmarthen, from London Victoria, Bristol and from Newport. From London Victoria, the journey takes roughly 5 hours and 30 minutes; from Bristol, 3 hours and 2 hours from Newport.
>> Book your coach tickets to Carmarthen here.  

Taking a 'quick' rest in the hammock before setting off to explore some more. Photo: The Coach House