Darganfod lleoedd newydd
Explore the Area
Discover Carmarthenshire
From our peaceful location in the stunning Tywi Valley you’ll find plenty to explore, and lots of events and activities from foraging for fungi, to festivals of literature, music, food and even sheep to monster truck racing!
We are a stone’s throw from Bannau Brecheiniog (Brecon Beacons) a walkers haven - and there are picture-perfect ancient castles nearby, trails and stunning scenery for cyclists and bikers, family days out, inspirational gardens, including the National Botanic Gardens of Wales, miles of coastline bordered by the fabulous Wales Coast Path and pretty, historic local market towns with dozens of unique shops and places to eat.
Beaches
From Under Starry Skies it’s a hop and a skip to Pembrokeshire, the Gower, the Carmarthenshire or Ceredigion coast…Where will you go first?
Take your pick…
So whether you want to just wow at the giant steep craggy cliffs and sea bird colonies, delve into incredible rockpools, experience the wellbeing benefits of sea swimming and surfing, or just simply laze about in the sun, you are truly spoilt for choice. (Pictured right - one of our favorites and nearest beach - glorious Llansteffan) near Carmarthen.
The coastline of West Wales is blessed with numerous beautiful sandy beaches, coves and bays - many of which are award winning. And some of our local ones like Laugharne - spiritual home of poet Dylan Thomas - pictured left, have a castle and a beach! All of our beaches link up to the Wales Coast Path, so for those with restless feet there is always more to explore.
We are perfectly placed in rural Carmarthenshire to be able to reach the coastline of the Gower, Pembrokeshire, the Carmarthenshire AND the Ceredigion coast within an hour, and we have some of the most fabulous beaches in the world here in Wales.
Our Favourite Beaches
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![A group of Highland cattle grazing on a grassy hill overlooking a coastal beach with mountains in the background, under a partly cloudy sky.]()
Bae Rhossili Bay
The Gower boasts some of Britain’s most breathtaking beaches, including Rhossili Bay (1.5hrs drive). Three miles of golden sand, voted into the top four of Britain’s Best Beach by TripAdvisors Travellers’ Choice for four years running AND was the first beach to be awarded Britain’s Best Beach for two years in succession! Visit at low tide and cross the causeway to Worms Head where you may spot seals and sea birds.
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![Aerial view of a castle on a green hillside overlooking a wide, sandy shoreline and estuary with patches of water and sand banks, and a cliff with a grassy top in the distance. Blue sky overhead.]()
Traeth Llansteffan Beach
Just past Carmarthen is Llansteffan beach & estuary (1hr drive). Walk along the beach at low tide and climb up to explore the castle, or follow the path from the main car park when the tide is in. Fabulous longer and shorter walks up to and around the castle on the headland which is awash with wild garlic and bluebells in the Spring.
Enjoy fish and chips from Florries cabin (open seasonally, call 07805 685004 to check! Llansteffan Castle Car Park, Llansteffan. SA33 5JG )
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![Sunset over the sea at a sandy beach with a few people walking, waves gently lapping the shore, and a hill in the background.]()
Parc Penbre Pembrey Park
Further south in Carmarthenshire is Pembrey Country Park (1hr drive). Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Gower Peninsula and overlooking the coastal scenery of Carmarthen Bay, Pembrey Country Park has something to offer everyone including 8 miles of golden sands at Cefn Sidan beach, bike hire, horse riding, dry slope skiing, playgrounds, miniature steam railway and Wales’ longest toboggan run!
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![Colorful seaside town with pastel buildings along a sandy beach and a large rock in the water, under a cloudy sky.]()
Dinbych y Psygod - Tenby!
Venture into Pembrokeshire to find the popular seaside town of Tenby (1hr 10mins drive) with its bustling shops, cafes and wine bars. North beach and South Beach are both completely gorgeous, wide expanses of sand, and boat trips out to picturesque Caldey Island run regularly over the Summer. Just along the coast path is popular Saundersfoot (1hr drive), with beautiful walks west along the coast path from the beach.
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![Scenic view of a winding river flowing through a lush green valley with a sandy beach, hills, and partly cloudy sky.]()
Three Cliffs Bay
Welsh: Bae y Tri Chlogwyn Three Cliffs Bay (1hr 15mins drive) A beautifully wild beach, backed by sand dunes and salt marshes. The bay takes its name from the three sea cliffs which jut out into the bay. A winding river flows through the valley, overlooked by an ancient castle, making for a stunning backdrop.
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![Mwnt beach in Ceredigion looking inwards with sand and cliffs.]()
Mwnt
Mwnt (1hr 25mins) is a particularly beautiful beach. A little off the beaten track, the sandy cove is reached down lots of steps from the National Trust car park on the cliffs. It’s a lovely beach for families as it’s quite sheltered. Children love playing in the little stream which winds its way down to the sea.
The tiny church atop the cliffs is well worth a visit and dolphins can often be spotted from these clifftops.
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![A sailboat on water with green, tree-covered hills and houses in the background, and a blurred inflatable object with a red and black design in the foreground.]()
New Quay - Cei Newydd
New Quay (1hr 5min drive) is a sweet little town where you can join boats to dolphin spot. New Quay is well known for its picturesque houses, fish and chips, ice cream and lovely delis and cafes.
In the summer months head into Cardigan to enjoy food at the popular Pizzatipi (check their website for seasonal opening times).
Walks
This is walkers country. Stride out from our site or venture further afield - from lush valleys to rushing river walks, waterfalls, stunning mountain lakes, and ancient ruins… Here are are some of our favourite places to walk locally.
Llyn y Fan Fach (30 mins drive)
Steeped in folklore and myths, the Lady of the Lake is still believed to exist in this breathtaking lake. A gentle hour’s walk from the car park to the lake, or you can take the more strenuous, stunning 3 hour loop. Stop in nearby Myddfai Visitor Centre to warm up with hot chocolate and find out about the physicians of Myddfai. If you’re in the area at 2 or 3pm, watching the kites being fed at the Red Kite feeding station, Llandeusant is well worth a trip. Please note, bring cash and check on daily availability.
RSPB Gwenffrwd Dinas, north of Llandovery (30 mins drive)
A beautiful walk around the RSPB Gwenffrwd/Dinas Nature Reserve. Half of the recommended route is over rough terrain, but the remainder is accessible to most visitors. The boardwalk section gives good access to Alder woodland, beyond the boardwalk are ancient Oak woodlands and the upper River Tywi. During the walk you’ll find Twm Sion Cati’s cave (the Welsh Robin Hood). We love this walk and the tranquility of this place.
Talley Abbey, lakes & woods (10mins drive)
Walk up through beautiful, peaceful woodlands from where you can view the two lakes and remains of Rhys ap Gruffydd’s 12th century Cistercian abbey. Roughly a 5km loop, quite steep walking in places. For a refreshing drink on your way back, pop into the tiny, award winning Cwmdu Inn, a community-run pub and shop the size of your front room and full of character (check opening hours!).
Four Waterfalls Walk, Ystradfellte (1 hr drive)
Four stunning waterfalls, Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clud-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr and Sgwd yr Eira, each with their own character, flow through narrow, wooded gorges cutting through the lower reaches of the Brecon Beacons, fed by the frequent, year-around rainfall. Four of the largest and prettiest can be viewed along a 5.5 mile, partial loop hike, the Four Falls Walk, near Ystradfellte, towards the west side of the national park. Walk is moderately challenging, please wear appropriate footwear!
Cwm Rheadr near Llandovery, (20 mins drive
Cwm Rhaeadr means “valley of the waterfall”. You can enjoy views of Carmarthenshire’s highest waterfall (Pistyll-Rheadr) on the Waterfall Walk (4km) or choose the more gentle 1.5km woodland walk. There is also a short accessible woodland trail and a mountain bike trail for experienced riders (red trail, 6.7km) , along with picnic benches near the car park.
Y Garn Goch Iron age hill fort, near Llangadog (20 mins drive)
Circular trail of about 4km running through rugged common land with stunning view of the Tywi Valley. Y Garn Goch (the red cairn) is the remains of an Iron Age fort. We love it up here, you may spot wild ponies and hear skylarks, but quite often no one else walking!
Family Days Out
Fabulous days out for children and grown ups...
For families…
Dinefwr Park Llandeilo (15 mins drive) National Trust property, beautiful walks and special family based activities during school holidays.
The National Botanic Garden of Wales (30 mins drive) has plenty for families, often with special activities through school holidays.
Colby Woodland Garden, (1 hr drive) run by the National Trust. Lovely woodland walks and great cafe. Enjoy the walk down to Amroth beach (about a 10 min walk), where you can dip your toes in the water, go crabbing in the rockpools or enjoy fish and chips or an ice cream.
Folly Farm near Tenby (1 hr drive) is a great day out, with farmyard and exotic animals, old fashioned funfair and adventure playgrounds.
Heatherton World of Activities near Tenby (1 hr drive) is a pay-as-you-play all weather activity park with loads to try, including archery, treetops trial, adventure golf, paintballing, go karts, body zorbing and more.
The Dinosaur Park, Tenby (1 hr drive) has a great dinosaur trail and plenty of rides, along with indoors and outdoors playgrounds and maze.
Manor Wildlife Park near Tenby (1 hr drive) is home to many exotic animals. Meet lemurs and wallabies in the ‘walkthroughs’, visit the Valley of the Apes or African village. There are also playgrounds and a climbing wall.
Unmissable Castles
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Castell Dinefwr Castle
Dinefwr castle, Llandeilo, built in 877, sits in a Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve alongside 18th century National Trust owned Newton House. The picturesque grounds were landscaped by Capability Brown and enclose a medieval deer park. Plenty to do here, including exploring the boardwalk, pond dipping for families or a bite to eat in the National Trust run cafe.
15Mins drive
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Castell Carreg Cennen Castle
Carreg Cennen Castle, Trapp, Llandeilo. The Rough Guide to Wales calls Carreg Cennen ‘the most magnificently sited castle in Wales’. Constructed high on a cliff in 1248, it has its own natural cave. Take a torch to explore! Cafe serves delicious cawl (traditional Welsh broth) and a range of great lunches. There is a beautiful walk from the cafe down to the river.
30mins drive
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Castell Llansteffan Castle
Llansteffan Castle overlooks Carmarthen Bay at the mouth of the River Tywi. Park in the beach car park and walk up from the shore. The views are great and when the tide is out you can explore the beach coastline to the west. There’s a little cafe by the car park, great fish and chips from Florries’ cabin (open seasonally) and a little playground just by the beach.
The Inn at the Sticks also serves great food.
1hr drive
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Castell Dryslwyn Castle
Dryslwyn Castle, ruins of the 12th century castle sit high on a hill by the Tywi river. Free to visit, with picnic benches by the river, beautiful views along the Tywi valley. Like all our local castles it has a fascinating history - as the scene of a significant conflict and siege between Welsh and English forces in 1287.
Finish off with a visit to popular Wrights Food Emporium in nearby Llanarthne.
25mins drive
From thrill seekers…
Mountain Biking & Motorbiking
Adam is a keen MTB rider and is always happy to suggest local trails.
Brechfa Forest (35mins drive)
The Gorlech Trail (designed by Rowan Sorrell) is made up of three big climbs and descents stretching over its 19km. More progressive riders can test their skills on the fearsome but thrilling features of the black graded Raven Trail! In contrast, the Derwen Trail is the starting point for families and novices and a great introduction to mountain biking. Unwind after your ride at the nearby Black Lion pub, Abergorlech, where you’ll find a friendly welcome and great food.
Cwm Rheadr (20mins drive)
The Red graded trail runs through a small piece of Forestry Commission land approx 5 miles north of Llandovery just outside the village of Cilycwm. The trail may only be 6.7 kilometres long but it boasts enough wow-factor to make it well worth the trip! Cwm Rheadr means ‘Valley of the waterfall’ and you will see the beautiful falls on your ride.
Hafod Trails Bike Park (20 mins drive)
Whether you're at the start of your mountain biking journey or an experienced rider looking to progress, newly opened Hafod Trails offers something for everyone. All trails are accessed by a super-efficient uplift service, with easy to load trailers taking you right to the top, so it's all downhill from there! Located on the edge of Brechfa Forest in the hills of Carmarthenshire, Wales.
A visit to this area is not complete without a day at Bike Park Wales. Here you’ll find an incredible network of trails for riders of all abilities. Swooping, bermed runs, tight gnarly rock sections, jump trails, drop offs, a pump track and even a family specific loop. Book ahead for the uplift.
If road riding is more your thing, there are some amazing routes in the area. Both the Tour of Britain 2025 and the Tour de France 2027 will pass through Llangadog as part of the UK Grand De’Part.
The Tywi Valley Path runs along the old railway line between Carmarthen and Llandeilo through the Tywi Valley. This route is being brought back to life as a major leisure and visitor attraction. Currently the section form Nantgarredig to Carmarthen is open and soon the whole 16.7 miles traffic free path will be accessible, bringing you to nearby Llandeilo (15 mins drive).
We’re also thrilled to find we are just a short ride away from the incredible Trans Euro Trail - a cultural dirt road adventure for motorbikes from deep within the Arctic Circle to the doorstep of Africa….and back!!
To trill seekers..
There is plenty of great bird watching in the area.
Highlights include Dinas RSPB reserve north of Under Starry Skies near Llandovery (35mins drive). Allow around 2 hours for the nature trail.
The Red Kite feeding centre at Llandeusant (25mins)
Sit in the specially built hide only feet away from diving birds and observe them competing naturally for the meat provided by the feeding centre.
Around 50 birds may be seen gathering before the feed, soaring high into the sky until they start diving onto their food. In addition to Kites, Buzzards and Ravens may also join in. Birds start to circle before 3pm, which is when they are fed. Bring cash and check ahead for seasonal opening.
Gardens to visit
The National Botanic Garden of Wales (30mins drive)
With over 500 acres there is plenty to see and do, including the Great Glasshouse (the world’s largest single-span glasshouse, designed by Norman Foster). Explore the recently restored parkland and Waun Las Nature Reserve and the Gruffalo Trail. Also home to The British Bird of Prey Centre with its impressive daily flying shows.
Aberglasney Gardens (20mins drive)
One of Wales’ finest gardens, pictured right. A renowned plantsman’s paradise with a unique Elizabethan cloister garden at its heart, Aberglasney offers the opportunity to explore more than 10 acres of magnificent gardens along with the fully restored ground floor of Aberglasney’s Grade II listed mansion.
Parc yr Esgob Bishops Park (30 mins drive)
The former residence of the Bishops of St Davids for 5 centuries, now home to Carmarthenshire Museum with the gardens recently restored by Tywi Gateway Trust. Walled garden (open as advertised), specimen trees, new Bishop Jenkinson entrance garden and Cafe. Meadow walks and views of Bishops Pond, a SSSi. Links up with new Tywi Valley Cycle Path.
Gelli Aur Golden Grove Country Park (20 mins drive) Picturesque deer park surrounding near derelict Grade II* mansion and stable block, recently re-opened arboretum with important specimen trees. Historic walled garden and terraces surrounding house not currently accessible. Cafe and wonderful views of the Tywi Valley.
Our Local Villages
Ein Pentrefi Lleol…
We actively support and promote local businesses as part of what we do, and there are some beautiful and unique little villages surrounding Llwynbwch as well as attractive historic market towns a bit further away.
Here are some of our highlights….
James and Tilla Waters are studio potters based in the village. The studio isn’t open to the public but you can browse their beautiful work online and see how it is inspired by the local landscape.
Nellie and Eve is the name of a local natural yarn business (not open to the public). Helen is a spinner who also dyes yarn with plant-based dyes. These beautiful yarns are loved far and wide, not just locally. She also runs workshops which are worth looking out for.
Rural Kind are a young couple, Mike and Nia who have a studio for making their bags and accessories in the old school (Hen Ysgol Fach) in the village. They are also refurbishing the school as a home. They aren’t open to the public but it’s worth looking online at their quality, crafted bags made from waxed canvas, leather and brass.
Llansadwrn village is less than a mile on foot via footpaths and just under 2 miles to drive there. It’s a very small village with a friendly pub (The Sextons Arms please note, only serving drinks, no meals), church, field, playground and community space (The Reading Room) and also some interesting micro businesses dotted around on farms. The village has a lovely sense of community and visitors are given a warm welcome if you go for a stroll on the footpaths or quiet roads. It’s mainly a sheep farming village, but you’ll also see cattle, horses, pigs and alpacas if you look hard enough…
Llansawdrn
Cwmdu is 4 miles from Under Starry Skies and is even smaller than Llansadwrn but only in size! This unique place was given a new lease of life over 20 years ago when the National Trust purchased the terrace of cottages in the village, giving the lease to the community to run the pub and the shop. The community has gone from strength to strength and they do a great job running this award winning traditional Welsh pub, with weekly Saturday night food events and several festivals throughout the year in their adjacent field. You won’t find anywhere else like it.. all the info on their website or Facebook page.
Talley is 4 miles from Under Starry Skies and is home to the remains of the beautiful Talley Abbey which is free to visit. Talley also has a nice forestry for great walks with lovely views.
Llangadog is 3 miles from Under Starry Skies and is a busier place with 2 local pubs that serve food as well as a church, Post Office, grocers, a brilliant butchers, and Y Castell, a friendly cosy pub serving delicious local food for lunch and supper. Llangadog is right on the edge of The Brecon Beacons National Park so there are great walks near here (such as the iron age hill fort Garn Goch) as well as on the local common where the River Sawdde flows through before it meets the River Towy.
Picturesque and historic local towns…
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![A winding rural road through a lush, green valley with a small river and forested hills under a clear blue sky.]()
Llandovery
Llandovery is 7 miles from Under Starry Skies in the other direction to Llandeilo along the A40. It is a quintessential old Drovers town with a market place, a castle ruin, colourful shops, a Visitors Centre and some large old pub/hotels for great food. It is also a gateway to the Brecon Beacons National Park and a great place to get a real sense of the history of Carmarthenshire, especially the role the Drovers played and how the very first bank was started in the town (the Black Ox Bank which became Lloyds Bank).
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![Colorful houses on a hillside above a stone bridge over a grassy field, with green trees and a blue sky.]()
Llandeilo
Llandeilo is 8 miles from Under Starry Skies and is an attractive small market town with beautiful views of the surrounding hills and the Twyi valley. It is home to the National Trust’s Dinefwr with stunning paths, a castle ruin, Newton House and a great café! Llandeilo itself is a picturesque place crammed with interesting, independent shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs and galleries. It’s an easy place to potter around, have lunch, go for a walk and relax.
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![A view of a sandy beach with a large rock formation in the water, colorful seaside houses on a hill, and boats in a harbor under a partly cloudy sky.]()
Dinbych y Psygod - Tenby!
Venture into Pembrokeshire to find the popular seaside town of Tenby (1hr 10mins drive) with its bustling shops, cafes and wine bars. North beach and South Beach are both completely gorgeous, wide expanses of sand, and boat trips out to picturesque Caldey Island run regularly over the Summer. Just along the coast path is popular Saundersfoot (1hr drive), with beautiful walks west along the coast path from the beach.
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![Scenic view of rolling hills and green farmland under dark, cloudy sky.]()
Carmarthen
Carmarthen is 23 miles from Under Starry Skies and the largest town in the county with a university, hospital and county museum. It is the oldest town in Wales so you’ll find a lot to explore as well as high street shops, retail parks, local markets, galleries and fantastic cafes and restaurants.
Places to eat
Our top picks….
We are lucky to have some great places to eat locally!
Please note that our local pub the Sexton’s Arms, in Llansadwrn village, offers a very warm welcome, bar drinks, but does not serve meals.
Llandeilo
Lolfa Call in for a variety of freshly prepared brunch, lunch, coffee and homemade sweet treats. Onsite chefs take their inspiration from Lolfa Carmarthen and bring locally sourced and fresh food to the menu every day.
Pitchfork and Provision Welsh Craft Bakers and Gourmet Deli Food Producers, Pitchfork and Provision is an independent artisan bakery and café situated in the heart of Llandeilo Carmarthenshire.
Diod The place for a paned (cuppa) and cake. Locally sourced, comfort food in the heart of Llandeilo, providing a relaxed scandi Welsh vibe.
Cawdor The Cawdor kitchen serves fresh seasonal produce sourced, whenever possible, from farmers and local suppliers, and they offer a lounge menu and a la carte.
Heavenly Chocolate Emporium is definitely worth a visit for delicious and unusual ice cream flavours - made on site! A lovely, quirky cafe selling award winning ice cream and chocolates.
Llandovery
The Bear Inn is a wonderful former pub turned restaurant serving delicious Thai food and modern British classic pub menu, with gourmet burgers and hot dogs, and a great vegetarian and vegan menu too!
Penygawse Tea Rooms does delicious lunches, cakes and afternoon tea.
The Castle serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and has a friendly bar.
The Kings Head does good pub meals in a traditional setting.
More Top Picks nearby…
Wright’s Food Emporium (25 mins drive, Llanarthne) is a local gem!
The Forest Arms (30mins drive, Brechfa) is a cosy, welcoming pub serving good food. Combine with a walk in Abergorlech forrest (see mountain biking)
Cofio Lounge Carmarthen from the Lounges chain, great food in this popular & friendly place!
Pizza Tipi, Cardigan (check for seasonal opening hours) Eat woodfired pizza in a yurt by the river Teifi.
Plum Vanilla Cafe, Narberth Delicious food including great thalis and sushi.
The Harbourmaster, Aberaeron offers good food in beautiful Aberaeron.
Wake up to nature
