Carmarthen Things to Do

4 more images

The UK release on 25 9/09 of Jon Amiel’s Film “Creation” which I look forward to seeing, is reviving awareness of another scientist - Monmouthshire born Alfred Russel Wallace. In a couple of previews I have seen of the film he is referred to as a largely or utterly forgotten pioneer in the field of evolution and the origin of species. But he is certainly not forgotten or neglected at the National Botanic Garden of Wales where a whole garden is dedicated to him and his work.
A man of much learning and many talents Wallace worked in the south Wales area both as an engineer and an architect before devoting himself to science and botanical research, concentrating on evolution and natural selection.
There was intermittent contact between Wallace and Darwin but the latter was shocked to receive from Wallace a copy of the findings he proposed to publish - which so closely mirrored Darwin’s own theories. Their two papers were presented to the London Linnaen Society in 1858 ; the following year Darwin published -On the Origins of Species.
Afterwards Wallace continued his own research, travelling extensively and concentrating on biodiversity and geography.

4 more images

Carreg Cennen castle is a fabulous castle that sits high on a craggy hill overlooking the Brecon Beacons national park and Black Mountain.
A short walk from the carpark will bring you to the old farmyard and buildings that house a tea room and shop where you pay the entrance fee, then a walk up the hill you have to go up a steep slope with no path to reach the castle.
Like the great castles built in North Wales by Edward I it consists of an inner and an outer ward.
The castles Inner ward and dominant gate house is it's earliest part.
Extra protection was given to the inner ward by a barbican consisting of a stepped ramp along the edge of the ditch, leading to a square tower in front of the gatehouse which had a drawbridge, portcullis and door.

A great feature of this castle is a cave, consisting of a long gallery at first it then runs into the hill by about 45 meters, you can explore it but you will need a torch and it can be quite slippy so good shoes and free hands are essential.

4 more images

After a walk around Llandeilo we went to the National trust park were Dinefwr Castle is. You can park all day for £2 and if you have the time you could spend all day here just walking around the lovely country park and exploring the castle ruins and the magnificent country house that was built to replace the castle.

It is a good 30 minute walk from the carpark to the castle and it is up hill most of the way. The path takes you through some lovely blue bell woods before it opens out at the top of the hill to the castle which like nearby Carreg Cennen has some great views of the surrounding country side.
The castle is free to enter and although not massive it is still impressive with it's great circular keep and curtain walls parts of which date from the long struggles with the Anglo-Normans. The castle was the seat of Lord Rhys, Prince of South Wales.

4 more images

The ancient ruin of Dinefwr Castle is managed in partnership, between the National Trust, The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, and Cadw. It has panoramic views of the Towy valley and water meadows. Since 1775 the castle, Newton house, gardens, woods and deer park have been integrated into a vast and beautiful landscape.

There are footpaths through the park leading to the castle and bog wood and access to Castle . The footpath leading to the Castle is a little steep at the beginning but the views once you are there are out of this world. During our visit in May we were rewarded with the sights and smells of a carpet of bluebells in the woods leading to the castle.

Entrance to the Castle is free but there is a small charge for use of the Car park near the National Trust Visitor Centre.

4 more images

Dinefwr Country park is situated just a few miles from the market town of Llandeilo. Here you'll find many waymarked footpaths taking you through the acres of glorious countryside, past the fallow deer herd and if you're lucky you'll find some of the rare white cattle which roam the park.

Dinefwr Country park has some great historical buildings for you to explore too; Newton house and Dinefwr Castle to name but a few.

There are some great waymarked walks around the Park, details of which can be found at the Visitor Centre in the main car park.

4 more images

This Castle has got to be one of the most fascinating of all the Welsh Castles. It sits high up on a huge limestone crag in the Cennan Valley rewarding those who reach the top with the most fantastic views of the beautiful Camarthenshire countryside.

There is a lovely visitor centre, Cafe and shop at the foot of the path leading to the Castle. A short uphill walk along the waymarked path will take you to the foot of the hill on which the Castle sits. There is no path leading to the Castle, just an uphill scramble - avoiding the sheep poo!! A little effort will reward you with outstanding views combined with a great Castle. One unique feature of Carreg Cennan can be found in the South-East corner - a cave for you to explore! Be sure to take a torch but beware the cave is steep, dark, damp and can be a bit slippery in places :-(

The visible stonework of this Welsh Castle is entirely of English creation. It's Welsh predecessor, probably built by the Lord Rhys in about 1197 has been entirely swallowed up. Since then the Castle has caused many battles between the Welsh and English, passing from one to the other over the centuries. By the mid fifteenth century the Castle was the property of the Duchy of Lancaster and governed, by Gruffydd ap Nicholas. After the defeat of the Lancastrians in 1461 at the battle of Mortimer's Cross and Gruffydd's sons had to surrender the Castle to Yorkist control and orders were given to dismantle the buildings. This was clearly not carried out very well, the Castle is now in the care of CADW (Welsh historic Monuments).

4 more images

Llandeilo is a picturesque market town situated in the County of Carmarthenshire. The town is surrounded by glorious Countryside and if you're lucky while driving in this area you'll catch a glimpse of a Castle or two high up perched high up on the hills.

Llandeilo town has some great historic buildings, small independant shops and some lovely traditional local pubs on the high street.

You can't miss the attractive medieval tower of St Teilo's Church as you enter the town. The church building as seen today was completed in 1850. The churchyard and the site on which the church stands have a much longer history, and date back to the sixth Century.

Just two miles away from the centre of town you will find the Dinefwr Country Park where you'll find Newton House (National Trust property), Dinefwr Castle and acres of wonderful countryside, walking trail and deer herd.

1 more image

Theatr Botanica - a "cinema in the round" was specially built to show films in 360°. You can sit down for twenty minutes or so and be immersed in a series of beautiful images and sound as you learn more about 'The Planet of Plants'.
Respite from the heat on hot, summer days, a warm place to spend some time on winter days!
Film times are displayed on the board outside the theatre - there are usually 4 showings a day.
If your time is limited and you want to plan what to see in the Garden it might be a good idea to ring for showing times before your visit (01558 667148/9) or enquire at the Ticket Office on arrival.