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Articles	Experience the Garden of Wales on a trip to Carmarthenshire Friday, 12, Mar 2010 12:00 Wales has a varied landscape that caters for many different kinds of holidaymaker - and a trip to Carmarthenshire might be the best option for those looking to experience all of this diverse terrain in a single area. The region is known as the Garden of Wales and for good reason - it is home to golden beaches, forests as old as time itself, gentle green countryside and some awe-inspiring mountain scenery. As such, Carmarthenshire is a popular choice for those looking for ideas for scenic UK short breaks. Carmarthenshire: the facts Located in western Wales, Carmarthenshire has a history stretching back to the Stone Age. It officially became a county in the 16th century, when Henry VIII's Act of Union came into effect. The region includes a section of the Welsh coast and stretches inland, following the course of the River Tywi - which helps to explain Carmarthenshire's particularly green and fertile landscape. Some of the main towns in Carmarthenshire include Carmarthen, Llanelli, St Clears, Newcastle Emlyn and Llandovery. To the north and east lie the county's mountains, while the southern part of the region is where it meets the sea. With so many different types of terrain contained within Carmarthenshire's county limits, visitors on UK holidays to the region will be spoilt for choice when it comes to activities and attractions. What to see in Carmarthenshire As befits an area known as the Garden of Wales, there are plenty of parks and gardens to take in on UK walking holidays in Carmarthenshire. The National Botanic Garden of Wales in Llanarthne is a must-see. As well as being home to numerous Welsh species of plants, it also harbours flora from around the world and the biggest single span glasshouse to be found anywhere on the planet. Aberglasny Garden, meanwhile, is likely to appeal to history lovers thanks to the fact that it contains a restored Elizabethan and Jacobean cloister, while the Millennium Coastal Park along the shore could be perfect for family holidays. Part of the Brecon Beacons National Park also lies within Carmarthenshire's limits, boasting some wonderful scenery and walking trails to suit all experience levels. Other attractions in Carmarthenshire include castles such as the 13th century Carreg Cennen Castle and its eerie natural cave, the 11th century castle in historic Kidwelly, and Dinefwr Castle in Llandeilo. Carmarthenshire County Museum is a must-visit for those fascinated by the legend of Merlin the wizard, while the Parc Howard Museum in Llanelli, the National Wool Museum in Drefach Felindre and the Museum of Speed in Pendine offer further insights into Welsh history. Literature lovers will want to visit Laugharne, a source of inspiration for poet Dylan Thomas and a popular destination for fans of the film The Edge Of Love, which was based on Thomas's life. What to do in Carmarthenshire As Carmarthenshire has such a diverse landscape, there is much to do for those interested in UK activity holidays in the region. Walking and cycling are great ways to take in the county's gorgeous views, while those seeking something a bit more active can indulge in pursuits such as mountain biking, canoeing, white water rafting, kayaking, surfing, horse riding, abseiling, caving and sand yachting, among other things. At the gentler end of the scale, keen golfers can take advantage of a number of nine and 18-hole courses around the county, including the challenging Garnant Park. There's great fishing to be had in Carmarthen Bay, particularly when it comes to sea trout and salmon, as well as at various sites along the River Tywi. If you prefer to observe rather than join in the action, Carmarthenshire is home to Llanelli rugby team the Scarlets and the Ffoslas Racecourse near Trimsaran. Keep the kids entertained in Carmarthenshire Holidaymakers taking the kids along with them on their UK holidays in Carmarthenshire can breathe a sigh of relief - there is plenty here to keep young ones fully occupied for the duration of their stay. The National Wetland Centre should be one of the first ports of call for those with kids who love animals, while families holidaying by the seaside should make the time to visit Pembrey Country Park, which has a huge range of activities for both adults and children and a plethora of nature-themed attractions. Meanwhile, there are many scenic picnic sites dotted around the county - so if your holiday is a particularly sunny one, make sure you take the chance to enjoy the good weather with an outdoor lunch.

Experience the Garden of Wales on a trip to Carmarthenshire

Friday, 12, Mar 2010 12:00

Wales has a varied landscape that caters for many different kinds of holidaymaker - and a trip to Carmarthenshire might be the best option for those looking to experience all of this diverse terrain in a single area.

The region is known as the Garden of Wales and for good reason - it is home to golden beaches, forests as old as time itself, gentle green countryside and some awe-inspiring mountain scenery.

As such, Carmarthenshire is a popular choice for those looking for ideas for scenic UK short breaks.

Carmarthenshire: the facts

Located in western Wales, Carmarthenshire has a history stretching back to the Stone Age. It officially became a county in the 16th century, when Henry VIII's Act of Union came into effect.

The region includes a section of the Welsh coast and stretches inland, following the course of the River Tywi - which helps to explain Carmarthenshire's particularly green and fertile landscape.

Some of the main towns in Carmarthenshire include Carmarthen, Llanelli, St Clears, Newcastle Emlyn and Llandovery.

To the north and east lie the county's mountains, while the southern part of the region is where it meets the sea.

With so many different types of terrain contained within Carmarthenshire's county limits, visitors on UK holidays to the region will be spoilt for choice when it comes to activities and attractions.

What to see in Carmarthenshire

As befits an area known as the Garden of Wales, there are plenty of parks and gardens to take in on UK walking holidays in Carmarthenshire.

The National Botanic Garden of Wales in Llanarthne is a must-see. As well as being home to numerous Welsh species of plants, it also harbours flora from around the world and the biggest single span glasshouse to be found anywhere on the planet.

Aberglasny Garden, meanwhile, is likely to appeal to history lovers thanks to the fact that it contains a restored Elizabethan and Jacobean cloister, while the Millennium Coastal Park along the shore could be perfect for family holidays.

Part of the Brecon Beacons National Park also lies within Carmarthenshire's limits, boasting some wonderful scenery and walking trails to suit all experience levels.

Other attractions in Carmarthenshire include castles such as the 13th century Carreg Cennen Castle and its eerie natural cave, the 11th century castle in historic Kidwelly, and Dinefwr Castle in Llandeilo.

Carmarthenshire County Museum is a must-visit for those fascinated by the legend of Merlin the wizard, while the Parc Howard Museum in Llanelli, the National Wool Museum in Drefach Felindre and the Museum of Speed in Pendine offer further insights into Welsh history.

Literature lovers will want to visit Laugharne, a source of inspiration for poet Dylan Thomas and a popular destination for fans of the film The Edge Of Love, which was based on Thomas's life.

What to do in Carmarthenshire

As Carmarthenshire has such a diverse landscape, there is much to do for those interested in UK activity holidays in the region.

Walking and cycling are great ways to take in the county's gorgeous views, while those seeking something a bit more active can indulge in pursuits such as mountain biking, canoeing, white water rafting, kayaking, surfing, horse riding, abseiling, caving and sand yachting, among other things.

At the gentler end of the scale, keen golfers can take advantage of a number of nine and 18-hole courses around the county, including the challenging Garnant Park.

There's great fishing to be had in Carmarthen Bay, particularly when it comes to sea trout and salmon, as well as at various sites along the River Tywi.

If you prefer to observe rather than join in the action, Carmarthenshire is home to Llanelli rugby team the Scarlets and the Ffoslas Racecourse near Trimsaran.

Keep the kids entertained in Carmarthenshire

Holidaymakers taking the kids along with them on their UK holidays in Carmarthenshire can breathe a sigh of relief - there is plenty here to keep young ones fully occupied for the duration of their stay.

The National Wetland Centre should be one of the first ports of call for those with kids who love animals, while families holidaying by the seaside should make the time to visit Pembrey Country Park, which has a huge range of activities for both adults and children and a plethora of nature-themed attractions.

Meanwhile, there are many scenic picnic sites dotted around the county - so if your holiday is a particularly sunny one, make sure you take the chance to enjoy the good weather with an outdoor lunch.

Visit Wales

Experience the Garden of Wales on a trip to Carmarthenshire