There is a wealth of scenic towns, villages, parks and castles to visit around this area. Many have fascinating histories mingled with myths of the ancient peoples of Wales. We hope the following information and links will help you get the most out of your visit and enable you to plan a rich holiday experience.
Castles
Carmarthenshire has several ancient castles all of which are open to the public. The following are all within 20 minutes drive of the Cottage Inn.
- Carreg Cennen (SN667194) is perhaps the most spectacular. It sits precariously on a high rocky crag. Dating back to the 13th Century it affords superb views of Black Mountain to the South and the Towy valley to the North. An added attraction, especially for children, is the dark cave that runs deep underneath the castle.
- Dinefwr castle (SN612217), just 10 minutes from the Cottage Inn, overlooks the river Towy. The castle is thought to date from the 9th century and is one of the most important castles in Wales, once having been the seat Welsh rulers of Deheubarth, the medieval principality of southwest Wales. The castle is in the grounds of Dinefwr Park, where you can also find Newton House (NT), a deer park and ancient woodlands.
- Dryslwyn (SN554223) castle overlooks the meandering Towy river and probably dates from the 13th century. Offering excellent views of Paxtons tower (19th century folly) to the South West and Carreg Cennen to the West the castle was once used by the famous Welsh nationalist Owain Glyndwr.
Parks and Gardens
There are numerous parks and gardens within easy reach of the Cottage Inn including the National Botanic Gardens of Wales (5 miles) and the nationally renowned Aberglasney (1.5 miles).
- The recently restored ancient gardens of Aberglasney (SN581222) are a delight for the horticulturist or historian. One of the few remaining Jacobean garden structures still to be found, the visitor can explore it's pools, parapets, arcades and tunnels as well as discovering some of the rare and exiting plants. Don't miss the ancient Yew tunnel!
- The National Botanic Gardens of Wales (SN522183) is an international centre of conservation and research. The gardens have numerous attractions including the world's largest single span greenhouse, a Mediterranean Garden, and the Wallace garden honouring famous Welsh botanist Alfred Russell Wallace. Do not miss the exhibition featuring the physicians of Myddfai.
- Gelli Aur (SN595197) Country park of 60 acres including arboretum, nature trails, deer park and visitor centre built around a baronial mansion (not open to the public). Contact 01558 668885
- Dinefwr Park (SN615225) is an 18th century landscaped park with nature reserve, bog wood and deer park surrounding the carefully restored Newton House (NT). Home to the ancient herd of Dinefwr White Park cattle. Events and tours held March to November.
Towns and Villages
- Llandeilo was once the county town of Carmarthenshire and its architecture reflects this. Perched above the river Towy its historic streets have a variety of shops, art galleries and eating places. Dating back to the 5th century, it was named after the 5th century Saint Teilo. Built on a hill, access from the South is by an elegant stone bridge. At the top of the hill is the beautiful park of Dinefwr. Learn more about Llandeilo.
- Carmarthen The origins of the Carmarthen go back to the time of the Roman conquest of Wales when a Roman military fort was established in around 75 AD. First mentioned by the famous Greek astronomer Ptolemy around 140 AD, this thriving Roman town even had an amphitheatre, part of which still exists today. Sited next to the river Towy (tidal here), by medieval times it had become a thriving port. According to legend the wizard Merlin was born here and the name Carmarthen is derived from Caerfyrddin meaning 'fort of Merlin'.
- Lady of the Lake According to legend the Physicians of Myddfai were the descendants of the Lady of the Lake, a beautiful fairy who arose from the depths of the nearby Llyn y Fan Fach, married a local shepherd boy, and set up home on a farm near Myddfai. The Lady eventually returned to the depths of the Lake but before she disappeared forever she instructed her three sons in the arts of healing and medicine and showed them where to collect the herbs which then, as now, grew in profusion in the area.
Activities
Situated on the border of Brecon Beacon National Park the Cottage Inn is the ideal base for a wide range of outdoor activities from walking or cycling to fishing or golf. To the South is the rugged and unspoilt Black Mountain, to the East and West the beautiful Towy valley.
We hope the following links will help you make the most of your visit to Carmarthenshire;
- Bird watching
Dinas RSPB Reserve
www.kitecountry.co.uk 01550760276 - Canoeing
Heritage Canoes 01559 371235 - Fishing
Fishing Federation 01558 650788 - Gliding
Black Mountains Gliding Club 01874 711463 - Golf
Llandovery (9) 01550 720315, Cradoc Golf Club (18) 01874 623658, Brecon Golf Club (9) 01874 622004 - Horse Riding /Pony Treking
Five Saints Riding & Treking Centre 01558 650580, Cantref Riding Centre 01874 665223, Llangorse Climbing & Riding Centre 01874 658272, Cae Iago Riding Centre 01558 650303 - Indoor rockclimbing
Llangorse Climbing & Riding Centre 01874 658272 - Indoor Swimming Pools
Llandovery 01550 721649, Llandeilo 01558 823634 - Bi-ped-Cycles (Brecon) routes 01874 622296
- Railways
- Heart of Wales Railway 01597 826674
- Gwilli Steam Railway 01267 230666
