Carmarthenshire South Tourist Information

Dylan Thomas & Caitlin Thomas at Laugharne

Situated on the waterfront at Laugharne (pronounced larn), Dylan Thomas and Caitlin Thomas' boathouse is a pilgrimage for Dylan Thomas fans. Dylan Thomas, with wife Caitlin (once lover of Augustus John) and their three children lived here towards the end of Dylan Thomas' life between 1949 to 1953. Although born in Swansea, Thomas had Carmarthenshire roots and the town, particularly the local Brown's Hotel where he knocked back a few, held a strong appeal to him.

Some of his best work, including Under Milk Wood, was written in the Boathouse - you can see his separate old writing shed with sublime views across the Taf estuary just above the boathouse. Inside the boathouse Dylan Thomas fans will be in their element! Photographs, recorded poetry readings and even his death mask are on show.

Laugharne itself has considerable charm, with old bookshops, real ale pubs, plenty of attractive Georgian architecture and it's own 13th century castle.

Dylan Thomas Boathouse, Dylan's Walk, Laugharne. SA33 4SD. Tel: 01994 427420. See the Dylan Thomas Boathouse weblink right for more details, and information on the Dylan Thomas Carmarthenshire Trail.

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Kidwelly Castle & Kidwelly

The huge Kidwelly Castle dominates the small village of Kidwelly. A Norman stronghold, the River Gwendraeth runs adjacent to Kidwelly Castle and you can wander up staircases and around the walls, and explore the remains of the chapel. Take a walk around Kidwelly Castle too on the castle trail. Kidwelly Castle is slightly elevated, offering panaoramic views of the river and surrounding South Carmarthenshire countryside.

The remains of this Welsh castle are impressive indeed. Kidwelly is a small village, so just follow signs for the castle. Free parking is adjacent, with small gift shop and toilets on-site.

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The National Wetland Centre South Carmarthenshire

Push down into the Burry Inlet just to the east of Llanelli on the south Carmarthenshire coast, and discover the superb National Wetland Centre. This wetlands centre is one of a selection across the UK, and an important site for conservation. Birds and wildlife abound, including Little Egrets and dragonfly. Check the National Wetland Centre weblink right for the latest monthly reserve report, and bird sightings.

The Wetlands face onto the Gower Peninsula - nicely sheltered. Expect to sea a host of waterfowl and waders including Great Crested Grebe, Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Oystercatchers, Spotted Redshank, Snipe and many more species. Little, Tawny and Barn Owls are also regularly spotted here.

Regular events run throughout the year including Biodiversity Weekends, Guided Walks, Green Living Fairs and Duckling Days (great one for the kids that one).

National Wetlands Centre Wales, Llanelli Centre, Penclacwydd, Llwynhendy, Llanelli. SA14 9SH. Tel: 01554 741087. The Wetlands Centre is open 7 days a week. Facilities on-site include a huge free car park, licensed restaurant, kids play area, Millennium Discovery Centre, Wetlands hides, a maze, a watervole city, a gallery, landscaped pathways, baby changing room, picnic tables and a gift shop. You can also hire binoculars on-site. A fantastic day out for all the family.

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Millenium Coastal Park, South Carmarthenshire

A great way to explore the beauty of the South Carmarthenshire Coastline is to cycle or walk along the Millennium Coastal Park Path. The park stretches fro 20 kilometres, taking in the stunning coastline along the Burry estuary and Llanelli. You can expect to see some stunning views of the Gower Peninsula too from the traffic free coastal path.

The coastal path, perfect for either cycling or walking, stretches for 22km from Pembrey Country Park all the way to The National Wetland Centre. Cycling and birdwatching are on the menu, all centred around the new Discovery Centre

A carpark is adjacent to the Discovery Centre, plus baby changing facilities, gift shop, disabled access, equipment hire, toilets and picnic areas are all on-site. The Discovery Centre, Millenium Coastal Park, Llanelli, SA15 2LF, Carmarthenshire. Tel: 01554 777744. (weblink right for details)

Visit also the Pembrey Country Park Pembrey, SA16 0EJ, Carmarthenshire. Tel: 01269 833913. This park covers 202 hectares of sublime parkland, incorporating the wild and unspoilt beaches of Pembrey (blue flag beach). Plenty of family holiday activities afoot here, including horse riding along the beach!, a dry ski slope, a toboggan run, a train ride, a kids adventure playground, pitch and putt, picnic areas and a choice of walking trails. Inside the Pembrey Country Park there are also 3 restaurants and a large visitor centre. See the One Big Garden Weblink right for details.

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