Attractions in and around Carmarthenshire, South Wales

Carreg Cennen

There are few castles in Wales , or in Europe for that matter, which can boast a more spectacular location than Carreg Cennen. Its ruins crown a precipitous crag in a secluded corner of the Brecon Beacons National Park . Carreg Cennen, its origins shrouded in obscurity, is the ultimate romantic ruin. The existing stronghold, ingeniously adapted to its rocky hilltop, dates from around 1300. A visit to the castle is an adventure, not least for the sight of the breathtaking 100meter/325foot cliff on which the castle is perched and the dramatic trek through the passageway cut into the cliff face, which leads to a natural cave beneath the fortifications. Voted by readers if the Western Mail as ‘Building of the Millennium’.

Tea room

Dinefwr

At the heart of Welsh history for a thousand years, Dinefwr took shape in the years after 1775, when the Medieval castle, Newton House, gardens, woods and deer park were integrated into one vast and breathtaking landscape. Footpaths through the park lead to the castle, bog wood and beech clumps and have outstanding views of the Towy Valley . Access to Castle woods and Dinefwr castle are through the landscaped park. There are fallow deer and rare white park cattle.

Tea room in Newton House

Kidwelly

Kidwelly castle is one of Wales ’s best kept secrets. It represents a vision of medieval times more complete than many of its better known contemporaries. The castle is remarkably well preserved, a chronicle in stone of the evolution of medieval military architecture.

Gift shop

Llanstephan

Sited at the mouth of the River Tywi, this Norman Castle was built in the 12th century to provide coastal protection for the local population. Many battles have been fought in the grounds. The main remaining feature is the 3-storey gatehouse on the north side of the castle. The estuary and foreshore provides good walking, especially at low tide. It should be noted the access for the disabled is difficult due to the steep incline of approach lane and footpath.

Paxtons Tower

A folly, built allegedly in memory of Lord Nelson in the early 1800's, overlooks the village of Llanarthne , and the Tywi valley. It is a short walk from its free car park. Maintained by the National Trust, the surrounding hill top is grazed by a local flock.