Carmarthen
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Carmarthen (Welsh: Caerfyrddin) is the county town of Carmarthenshire in South Wales, UK.Understand
Although the town lacks an abundance of tourist attractions, if your journey takes you past then consider taking a break here. There are some pleasant cafes, and the old town centre and its famous market are definitely worth a look. A twelfth century history book names the town as the birthplace of the wizard of Arthurian legend, Merlin. Consequently, there are a few 'Merlin' themed events and establishments in the town.
If you are coming in from Cardiff, Swansea or the Tenby area, Carmarthen will be the first place that you have the chance to often hear Welsh spoken on the street.
If you are coming in from Cardiff, Swansea or the Tenby area, Carmarthen will be the first place that you have the chance to often hear Welsh spoken on the street.
Get in
By road
From East: M4 to end, A48 the rest of the way. Parking is not exactly easy, though the car park behind the market is the most convenient for the shopping centre.By train
There are many direct trains to Carmarthen station from London Paddington though generally you will need to change at Swansea.Travel times from London are approximately 5 hours.
By bus
- National Express operate coach services to Carmarthen from Blackpool, Birmingham and London (Victoria).
- The TrawsCambria service from Cardiff Bay to Aberystwyth calls at Carmarthen.
- First Cymru have a number of services to Carmarthen from a number of towns in the area, including Llanelli.
Get around
The town centre is small enough to easily get around on foot or bicycle.
See
Carmarthen CastleThe ruins of the castle are located in the town centre.
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phone: +44 1267 228696address: Abergwili, SA31 2JGA small museum displaying a wide range of artefacts representing the county's heritage.
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National Botanic Garden of Wales
phone: +44 1558 667149address: LlanarthneThis garden was created in the new millennium and features over 100,000 plants set in a 568 acre regency park. The gardens features the world's largest single span glass house.
Do
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address: Blaenycoed Road, Carmarthen, SA336EH18 hole par 71 course.
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Gwili Railway
address: Abergwili JunctionWelsh heritage railway that operates a standard gauge preserved railway line
Buy
- Handcrafts at the market.
- The famous "Carmarthen Ham" at the Albert Rees butchers stall in the market.
Carmarthen MarketThe area around Carmarthen has been a magnet for the counter-culture since the 60s, and as a result, the town's market peddles an interesting mixture of traditional market goods and hippie hand-crafts. The market it open six days a week, though Wednesday and Saturday are market days and the best days to visit.
- Carmarthen Farmers Market, Carmarthen Town Centre, held 1st Friday of every month.
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St. Catherine's Walk Shopping Centre
phone: +44 1267 243040address: 4 Saint Catherine St, SA31 1GA
Eat
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address: 2b Jacksons LaneVery enjoyable food - fresh locally sourced and organic. Vegetarian and Vegan. Relaxed and informal atmosphere.
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phone: +44 1267 290000address: Capel Dewi
Sleep
There are some good B&Bs in a rural setting near Carmarthen as well as a number of hotels in the town.
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address: Allt y Golau Uchaf, Felingwm UchafGreat Little Places of Wales award for the Best Farmhouse Breakfast in Wales
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Dolwerdd B and B
phone: +44 1267 237222address: Trevaughan Rd., Carmarthen, SA31 3QL4 star B and B 1 mile from Carmarthen.2 rooms. Free wifi. Off road parking. Cycle storage. -
phone: +44 1267 237037address: 36 Spilman Street
Go next
- St. Clears
- Kidwelly Castle in Kidwelly is about 8 miles from Carmarthen along the A484.
- The sea-side town of Laugharne was the home of Swansea born and world famous writer Dylan Thomas, and the boat-house where many of his verses were composed is a main attraction. Laugharne is 8 miles from Carmarthen.
- Swansea and the Gower Peninsula - Wales' city by the sea is 22 miles from Carmarthen. Follow A48, M4, exit 'Swansea West'.
- The quaint market town of Llandovery.
- The spectacular Carreg Cennen Castle in Trapp near Llandeilo.