Things to do in Carmarthenshire

Culture and heritage

Carmarthenshire is a county of verdant landscapes, ancient castles and golden sands. Laugharne - described as “nowhere like it anywhere at all” by Dylan Thomas – from where The Boathouse and Writing Shed overlooks wonderful views of the Taf estuary. Carmarthen is a town of contemporary culture yet where Arthurian legend and Roman heritage combine. And Carmarthenshire’s stunning beaches have played their part in Welsh history – Burry Port was where Amelia Earhart landed her flight across the Atlantic in 1928; and land speed records where set on the splendid eight miles of Pendine Sands. Visit Carmarthenshire County Museum, set in parkland in the glorious Tywi valley, for the perfect place to soak up the history, myth and legend.

Attractions

Llansteffan Castle perched on a hill, overlooking a long sandy beach, offers stunning views across the Tywi River towards Ferryside, where Carmarthen Bay Ferries run daily sailings. A short bus ride north of Carmarthen, the Gwili Railway will take you back to the golden age of steam. Kidwelly Castle rises above the river Gwendraeth – a sight to behold on a misty morning. The National Botanic Garden of Wales is set in over 500 acres of beautiful Carmarthenshire countryside – get 50% off garden entry when you travel by train and bus. Llanelli Wetland Centre is a wildlife paradise and only a short bus or cycle ride from Llanelli train station.

Food and drink

Carmarthen and other towns such as Kidwelly and Pembrey offer many contemporary dining choices, including fresh fish from Carmarthen Bay or local Welsh lamb. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Carmarthenshire’s scenery with a brunch or sunset picnic outdoors – there’s beaches and countryside galore to savour. Foodies will love the Ferryman Delicatessen in Laugharne, a great spot to put together your own waterside picnic of Welsh goodies (don’t forget the Welsh cake). Pack your cutlery from home and find your own idyllic spot with Discover Carmarthenshire’s Perfect Picnic Guide.

Beaches and outdoors

With some of the finest sandy beaches in Europe, coastal adventures await in Carmarthenshire. There’s the longest beach in Wales at Cefn Sidan within Pembrey Country Park, award-winning Pendine, Ferryside with its very own train station, Llansteffan across the Tywi River and the ultimate hidden gem at Scott’s Bay – discover these and more with the Carmarthenshire guide to beaches, coves and coastline.

Find out more at DiscoverCarmarthenshire.com

What is the main station for Carmarthenshire?


Carmarthen station is located just across the Tywi River and a short walk to Carmarthen town centre. Direct GWR trains to Carmarthen train station run from a number of stations including Llanelli, Swansea, Cardiff Central, Bristol Parkway, Swindon, Reading and London Paddington.

Regional train services to Carmarthen run from Milford Haven, Fishguard Harbour, Pembroke Dock and Tenby, as well as Manchester Piccadilly.

How many GWR train services run to Carmarthen?


Mondays to Fridays there is a daily, direct GWR service each way between London Paddington and Carmarthen all year round. On Sundays there are three daily, direct GWR services. During GWR’s summer timetable, there are three or four ‘summer Saturday’ services each way between London Paddington, Bristol Parkway, Swansea and Carmarthen, with onward connections for Pembrokeshire.

How can I get around Carmarthenshire by public transport?


As well as stopping at Carmarthen station, GWR train services also call at Llanelli, Pembrey & Burry Port, Kidwelly and Ferryside. Once you have arrived, there is an extensive bus service covering the whole area so it’s easy to travel sustainably to and around Carmarthenshire's coastline and countryside using the excellent public transport network. A PLUSBUS ticket will give you a day’s unlimited bus travel around Carmarthen or Llanelli and can be bought online as an add-on to your train ticket. The West Wales Rover bus ticket is great value and allows you to go as you please on multiple buses throughout the day across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion – just buy on board the first bus you want to use. And for the ultimate travel ticket for a Wales staycation, the Explore South Wales Pass is great value allowing four days travel within an 8 day period by train and on selected bus operators.

Cheaper train tickets to Carmarthenshire

Looking to find the best deal on your Carmarthenshire train tickets? Take a look at our money saving ticket options before you buy – you might miss a bargain!