Ann-Marie's Guidebook

Places worth a visit.

Llandeilo

LLANDEILO is right on your doorstep, literally and is rapidly getting a reputation for its quality and quirkiness of independent shops and is a very enjoyable place to spend an afternoon or two. It is particularly carving a niche for interiors and antique shopping. Start in King Street (across the road from St Teilo’s church). Don't miss: PEPPERCORN - An amazing kitchen shop full of treasures and cooking mod cons to rival John Lewis. TOAST - This stylish clothing brand began its high street life here before growing into the UK-wide brand it is today. As well as the latest range, you can also shop previous seasons in one of the few Toast outlet shops. EVE’S TOY SHOP - The perfect little toy shop for kids. The toys are just lovely, so much so that I wish I was a kid again! They are hand-picked for their quality, educational value and age appropriateness. There is a very thoughtful Brio table for keeping toddlers entertained, and the owner is just lovely. Others think so too – this place won best independent Toy Shop in the 2017. INDIGO HILL - Is a real favourite. It has gorgeous clothing, jewellery and handbags. This little shop is right next to the Cawdor Hotel and is definitely worth a visit. EMILIA ROSE - Another lovely little clothing boutique offering some of your favourite brands such as White Stuff, Seasalt, Lily and Me, Weird Fish, Mistral, Marble, Capri, Crew clothing, Robell, Earth Squared and more. CHESS - Sells quality men’s clothing including shirts, jeans, jackets, knitwear, polo shirts, and more. Brands include Farah, Dario, Guide London, Lish Mash, Remus, Jockey and more. MARI THOMAS JEWELLERY - situated in the old Castle hotel. Mari is an award winning jeweller and is one of the few artists to win both the coveted Gold medal for Craft and Design and the Craft and Design Award at the National Eisteddfod - the highest accolades in Wales. The jewellery is absolutely exquisite. THE LITTLE WELSH DRESSER - Beautiful Welsh homewares and Annie Sloane paint suppliers, plus furniture upcycling workshops. They have seen recent success at the Wales Independent Retail Awards winning Bespoke Retailer of the Year. CRAFTS ALIVE - Browse a wonderful collection of locally produced products and homewares. THE WORKS ANTIQUE CENTRE - An expansive treasure trove of antiques from over 55 sellers, the largest centre of its kind in South West Wales. Shop here for Welsh antiques including dressers, vintage Welsh ceramics, and tapestry blankets. DAVIES & CO. - is our new very bespoke shop which is down by the station. It’s perfect for some very unusual bits of furniture and once you’ve browsed the extensive range then downstairs is the perfect restaurant/coffee shop. It’s very on trend. EAT AND DRINK: GINHAUS DELI: Gin + deli + coffee - Tucked on this quiet pedestrian lane in the centre of town, this is popular with locals and tourists alike. There are some outside tables for warmer days and you can often enjoy live music if you time things right. Browse the famous wall of gin where you can sample from 240 gins from 46 different countries. 1 Market Street, Llandeilo, SA19 6AH HEAVENLY: they make their own chocolate and artisan ice cream resulting in exquisite chocolates, the perfect flavour of ice cream and gifts. Try the hot chocolate (involving plunging a ball of pure chocolate into hot milk) in their opulently decorated cafe after a lovely walk in PENLAN PARK. PENLAN PARK has spectacular views over Llandeilo and has it’s very own Bandstand. The walks are fantastic and takes you over to Dinefwr Park and up the castle if you like a ramble. It is dog friendly and perfect for a picnic. THE CAWDOR HOTEL: The landmark Cawdor occupies a handsome strawberry jam red Georgian building dating from 1765. Expect excellent food in the restaurant and bar where there is a cosy open fire. Hang out in the exotically painted courtyard with pretty lights on a warm spring or summer evening with your choice of tipple. MARYELLENS@139 Located alongside the historic St Teilos church Maryellens is an independent coffee shop with a difference. Alongside home baked goodies and own blend coffee they sell freshly baked organic bread, Welsh cheeses and milk in glass bottles. They also stock a wide range of free from foods, fine foods and sell local ice cream. THE HANGOUT - just outside of town - Beechwood Industrial Estate SA19 7HR - A quirky little cafe that serves food and drink using locally sourced ingredients. Well worth a visit, breakfasts are a must. Opening Times: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm; Sat & Sun 9am-4pm 01558 823535 Public Houses include THE WHITE HORSE, THE SALUTATION INN with lovely beer garden to the rear, the HEN VIC & THE WHITE HART.

97 íbúar mæla með

Llandeilo

97 íbúar mæla með

LLANDEILO is right on your doorstep, literally and is rapidly getting a reputation for its quality and quirkiness of independent shops and is a very enjoyable place to spend an afternoon or two. It is particularly carving a niche for interiors and antique shopping. Start in King Street (across the road from St Teilo’s church). Don't miss: PEPPERCORN - An amazing kitchen shop full of treasures and cooking mod cons to rival John Lewis. TOAST - This stylish clothing brand began its high street life here before growing into the UK-wide brand it is today. As well as the latest range, you can also shop previous seasons in one of the few Toast outlet shops. EVE’S TOY SHOP - The perfect little toy shop for kids. The toys are just lovely, so much so that I wish I was a kid again! They are hand-picked for their quality, educational value and age appropriateness. There is a very thoughtful Brio table for keeping toddlers entertained, and the owner is just lovely. Others think so too – this place won best independent Toy Shop in the 2017. INDIGO HILL - Is a real favourite. It has gorgeous clothing, jewellery and handbags. This little shop is right next to the Cawdor Hotel and is definitely worth a visit. EMILIA ROSE - Another lovely little clothing boutique offering some of your favourite brands such as White Stuff, Seasalt, Lily and Me, Weird Fish, Mistral, Marble, Capri, Crew clothing, Robell, Earth Squared and more. CHESS - Sells quality men’s clothing including shirts, jeans, jackets, knitwear, polo shirts, and more. Brands include Farah, Dario, Guide London, Lish Mash, Remus, Jockey and more. MARI THOMAS JEWELLERY - situated in the old Castle hotel. Mari is an award winning jeweller and is one of the few artists to win both the coveted Gold medal for Craft and Design and the Craft and Design Award at the National Eisteddfod - the highest accolades in Wales. The jewellery is absolutely exquisite. THE LITTLE WELSH DRESSER - Beautiful Welsh homewares and Annie Sloane paint suppliers, plus furniture upcycling workshops. They have seen recent success at the Wales Independent Retail Awards winning Bespoke Retailer of the Year. CRAFTS ALIVE - Browse a wonderful collection of locally produced products and homewares. THE WORKS ANTIQUE CENTRE - An expansive treasure trove of antiques from over 55 sellers, the largest centre of its kind in South West Wales. Shop here for Welsh antiques including dressers, vintage Welsh ceramics, and tapestry blankets. DAVIES & CO. - is our new very bespoke shop which is down by the station. It’s perfect for some very unusual bits of furniture and once you’ve browsed the extensive range then downstairs is the perfect restaurant/coffee shop. It’s very on trend. EAT AND DRINK: GINHAUS DELI: Gin + deli + coffee - Tucked on this quiet pedestrian lane in the centre of town, this is popular with locals and tourists alike. There are some outside tables for warmer days and you can often enjoy live music if you time things right. Browse the famous wall of gin where you can sample from 240 gins from 46 different countries. 1 Market Street, Llandeilo, SA19 6AH HEAVENLY: they make their own chocolate and artisan ice cream resulting in exquisite chocolates, the perfect flavour of ice cream and gifts. Try the hot chocolate (involving plunging a ball of pure chocolate into hot milk) in their opulently decorated cafe after a lovely walk in PENLAN PARK. PENLAN PARK has spectacular views over Llandeilo and has it’s very own Bandstand. The walks are fantastic and takes you over to Dinefwr Park and up the castle if you like a ramble. It is dog friendly and perfect for a picnic. THE CAWDOR HOTEL: The landmark Cawdor occupies a handsome strawberry jam red Georgian building dating from 1765. Expect excellent food in the restaurant and bar where there is a cosy open fire. Hang out in the exotically painted courtyard with pretty lights on a warm spring or summer evening with your choice of tipple. MARYELLENS@139 Located alongside the historic St Teilos church Maryellens is an independent coffee shop with a difference. Alongside home baked goodies and own blend coffee they sell freshly baked organic bread, Welsh cheeses and milk in glass bottles. They also stock a wide range of free from foods, fine foods and sell local ice cream. THE HANGOUT - just outside of town - Beechwood Industrial Estate SA19 7HR - A quirky little cafe that serves food and drink using locally sourced ingredients. Well worth a visit, breakfasts are a must. Opening Times: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm; Sat & Sun 9am-4pm 01558 823535 Public Houses include THE WHITE HORSE, THE SALUTATION INN with lovely beer garden to the rear, the HEN VIC & THE WHITE HART.

Dinefwr kastali

Llandeilo has its very own castle that’s in walking distance from the town. Ramble up to enjoy spectacular views along the Tywi valley from the medieval castle ramparts. the views are truly amazing. It’s situated in DINEFWR PARK, where you can also visit the very impressive NEWTON HOUSE, owned by the National Trust. This magnificent mansion provides an atmospheric circa 1912 experience and is definitely worth a wander around. Exhibitions on the first floor tell Dinefwrs story and inspires you to explore the castle and park. You can also go for beautiful walks and visit nature at its best, you may even spot a deer or two around its expansive grounds, such a beautiful scene. See the ancient white cattle (famously visited by Prince Charles in 2017) and then stop off at the tea room for a lovely warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate. If you are lucky enough to get the timing right – enjoy the bluebell show throughout the historic CASTLE WOODS. Later in the year there is the Dinefwr Food Festival which is usually around the month of June and then the wonderful Festival of the Senses later in November.

94 íbúar mæla með

Dinefwr kastali

94 íbúar mæla með

Llandeilo has its very own castle that’s in walking distance from the town. Ramble up to enjoy spectacular views along the Tywi valley from the medieval castle ramparts. the views are truly amazing. It’s situated in DINEFWR PARK, where you can also visit the very impressive NEWTON HOUSE, owned by the National Trust. This magnificent mansion provides an atmospheric circa 1912 experience and is definitely worth a wander around. Exhibitions on the first floor tell Dinefwrs story and inspires you to explore the castle and park. You can also go for beautiful walks and visit nature at its best, you may even spot a deer or two around its expansive grounds, such a beautiful scene. See the ancient white cattle (famously visited by Prince Charles in 2017) and then stop off at the tea room for a lovely warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate. If you are lucky enough to get the timing right – enjoy the bluebell show throughout the historic CASTLE WOODS. Later in the year there is the Dinefwr Food Festival which is usually around the month of June and then the wonderful Festival of the Senses later in November.

Þjóðgarðurinn í Wales

THE NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDEN OF WALES is set in the beautiful Carmarthenshire countryside and right on our doorstep. The garden is a fascinating blend of the modern and historic. Here you’ll find an inspiring range of themed gardens, the worlds largest single span GLASSHOUSE, the BRITISH BIRD OF PREY CENTRE, a TROPICAL BUTTERFLY HOUSE, play areas and a national nature reserve, all set in a Regency landscape which provides the stage for a packed programme of events and courses throughout the year. With 400 acres for you to explore, Waun Las National Nature Reserve is an enchanting mosaic of flower-rich meadows, evocative woodlands, waterfalls and cascades. Over the past five years, we having been restoring this landscape for your enjoyment, well-being and next adventure. Historic features have been unearthed, restored and renewed. Pathways, bridges and lakes have been reinstated to bring you closer to nature. Find out more about this exciting restoration project! There is also a newly refurbished coffee shop to enjoy and a little gift shop and garden centre.

197 íbúar mæla með

Þjóðgarðurinn í Wales

197 íbúar mæla með

THE NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDEN OF WALES is set in the beautiful Carmarthenshire countryside and right on our doorstep. The garden is a fascinating blend of the modern and historic. Here you’ll find an inspiring range of themed gardens, the worlds largest single span GLASSHOUSE, the BRITISH BIRD OF PREY CENTRE, a TROPICAL BUTTERFLY HOUSE, play areas and a national nature reserve, all set in a Regency landscape which provides the stage for a packed programme of events and courses throughout the year. With 400 acres for you to explore, Waun Las National Nature Reserve is an enchanting mosaic of flower-rich meadows, evocative woodlands, waterfalls and cascades. Over the past five years, we having been restoring this landscape for your enjoyment, well-being and next adventure. Historic features have been unearthed, restored and renewed. Pathways, bridges and lakes have been reinstated to bring you closer to nature. Find out more about this exciting restoration project! There is also a newly refurbished coffee shop to enjoy and a little gift shop and garden centre.

Aberglasney garðar

Aberglasney House and Gardens was made famous by the BBC TV series ‘A Garden Lost in Time’ which followed its restoration. Today it is quite simply one of Wales finest gardens. 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 which along with the fully restored ground floor of Aberglasney grade ll listed mansion. Aberglasney has been an inspiration to poets since 1477. They also have Arts and Crafts exhibitions, gardening workshops and various festivals. The Victorian Christmas weekend is a must where they serve mulled wine and mince pies whilst you can browse the beautiful stalls and listen to live music played by various small bands.

100 íbúar mæla með

Aberglasney garðar

100 íbúar mæla með

Aberglasney House and Gardens was made famous by the BBC TV series ‘A Garden Lost in Time’ which followed its restoration. Today it is quite simply one of Wales finest gardens. 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 which along with the fully restored ground floor of Aberglasney grade ll listed mansion. Aberglasney has been an inspiration to poets since 1477. They also have Arts and Crafts exhibitions, gardening workshops and various festivals. The Victorian Christmas weekend is a must where they serve mulled wine and mince pies whilst you can browse the beautiful stalls and listen to live music played by various small bands.

Pembrey Country Park og strönd

Pembrey Country Park is well worth a visit as it consists of 500 acres of parkland and the award winning Cefn Sidan beach spanning 8 miles. The park contains visitor attractions such as the ski slope, toboggan ride, adventure play areas, miniature railway and mountain bike trails.

101 íbúar mæla með

Pembrey Country Park og strönd

101 íbúar mæla með

Pembrey Country Park is well worth a visit as it consists of 500 acres of parkland and the award winning Cefn Sidan beach spanning 8 miles. The park contains visitor attractions such as the ski slope, toboggan ride, adventure play areas, miniature railway and mountain bike trails.

Þjóðar Showcaves Miðstöð fyrir Wales

Wales' best kept secret for 315 million years! The National Showcaves Centre for Wales in the Brecon Beacons National Park is one of Wales' top attractions. Discover and explore the twisting passageways and great caverns. The 3 different caves Dan-yr-Ogof, Cathedral Cave and Bone Cave each offer a unique underground experience. In DAN-YR-OGOF you walk through the beautifully decorated passageways for just under 1 kilometre; in CATHEDRAL CAVE you walk through its enormous caverns, carved out millions of years ago, and at the end of this cave experience the excitement of walking behind the 40 feet high waterfalls that cascade around you in the ‘Dome of St Paul’s’, an atmospheric end to a truly wonderful cave; and in BONE CAVE learn why 42 human skeletons were buried here, and how our ancestors used caves all those years ago. Explore one of the world’s largest award-winning DINOSAUR PARKS – see over 200 life-sized dinosaur models, and get up close and personal with some of the monsters from millions of years ago! Dare you face the terrifying Tyrannosaurus Rex that could swallow 230kg of meat in a single bite? Meet the massive Brachiosaurus weighing more than 15 elephants, and wonder at the strange and unusual crest on the Tsintaosaurus’ head! With so many dinosaurs on site, will you find your favourite…? THE SHIRE HORSE CENTRE offers the excitement of the 2 covered children’s play areas, the farm yard area, and why not make friends with the gentle giants – the Shire horses who are waiting to say hello. IRON AGE VILLAGE Include the Iron Age village, museum, and stone circles, and you have plenty to see and do for all ages, and for those who may want a break, there is a Coffee shop, and the Rock and Dinosaur shop to enjoy.

133 íbúar mæla með

Þjóðar Showcaves Miðstöð fyrir Wales

133 íbúar mæla með

Wales' best kept secret for 315 million years! The National Showcaves Centre for Wales in the Brecon Beacons National Park is one of Wales' top attractions. Discover and explore the twisting passageways and great caverns. The 3 different caves Dan-yr-Ogof, Cathedral Cave and Bone Cave each offer a unique underground experience. In DAN-YR-OGOF you walk through the beautifully decorated passageways for just under 1 kilometre; in CATHEDRAL CAVE you walk through its enormous caverns, carved out millions of years ago, and at the end of this cave experience the excitement of walking behind the 40 feet high waterfalls that cascade around you in the ‘Dome of St Paul’s’, an atmospheric end to a truly wonderful cave; and in BONE CAVE learn why 42 human skeletons were buried here, and how our ancestors used caves all those years ago. Explore one of the world’s largest award-winning DINOSAUR PARKS – see over 200 life-sized dinosaur models, and get up close and personal with some of the monsters from millions of years ago! Dare you face the terrifying Tyrannosaurus Rex that could swallow 230kg of meat in a single bite? Meet the massive Brachiosaurus weighing more than 15 elephants, and wonder at the strange and unusual crest on the Tsintaosaurus’ head! With so many dinosaurs on site, will you find your favourite…? THE SHIRE HORSE CENTRE offers the excitement of the 2 covered children’s play areas, the farm yard area, and why not make friends with the gentle giants – the Shire horses who are waiting to say hello. IRON AGE VILLAGE Include the Iron Age village, museum, and stone circles, and you have plenty to see and do for all ages, and for those who may want a break, there is a Coffee shop, and the Rock and Dinosaur shop to enjoy.

Carreg Cennen kastali

Carreg Cennen is officially the most romantic ruin in Wales as voted by readers of Countryfile magazine. Perched on a great limestone crag nearly 300ft above the river Cennen, the dramatic silhouette of Carreg Cennen dominates the skyline for miles around and commands stunning views over the Carmarthenshire countryside.

106 íbúar mæla með

Carreg Cennen kastali

106 íbúar mæla með

Carreg Cennen is officially the most romantic ruin in Wales as voted by readers of Countryfile magazine. Perched on a great limestone crag nearly 300ft above the river Cennen, the dramatic silhouette of Carreg Cennen dominates the skyline for miles around and commands stunning views over the Carmarthenshire countryside.

Lake Country House Hotel

If you have a special occasion to celebrate then hop on the HEART OF WALES TRAIN in LLANDEILO and stop at LLANGAMMARCH WELLS, walk along the river to the stunning LAKE COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL & SPA where they serve beautiful afternoon teas and lunches. The grounds of the hotel are stunning and the country house is luxurious. It’s definitely worth a trip. Do watch the train times though as they are rural and therefore don’t run throughout the day. If you just fancy a train journey the THE HEART OF WALES LINE is a spectacular rural railway between Swansea and Shrewsbury. The seven days/week train service is operated by Transport for Wales. Much loved by day trippers and walkers, the line also provides a vital transport link for lively rural communities and towns across Mid Wales and the Borders. The Heart of Wales Line links to major and urban routes across the UK Network via Crewe, Shrewsbury, Craven Arms, Llanelli, Swansea and Cardiff. The railway crosses two impressive VIADUCTS at Knucklas and at Cynghordy and goes through six tunnels, including one on the magnificent run up to SUGAR LOAF. Over 30 stations are served by the line, some of which are request stops. Trains along the Heart of Wales Line call at all stations linked to the fantastic new long distance walking trail. If you love walking, why not hop on a train and walk from one station to the next along the Heart of Wales Line Trail! The Heart of Wales Line runs through dramatic scenery of mountains, forests, wild rivers, green meadows and pretty towns and villages across Shropshire, Powys, Carmarthenshire and the City and County of Swansea. There is a limited but regular train service along the line operated by Transport for Wales.

Lake Country House Hotel

If you have a special occasion to celebrate then hop on the HEART OF WALES TRAIN in LLANDEILO and stop at LLANGAMMARCH WELLS, walk along the river to the stunning LAKE COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL & SPA where they serve beautiful afternoon teas and lunches. The grounds of the hotel are stunning and the country house is luxurious. It’s definitely worth a trip. Do watch the train times though as they are rural and therefore don’t run throughout the day. If you just fancy a train journey the THE HEART OF WALES LINE is a spectacular rural railway between Swansea and Shrewsbury. The seven days/week train service is operated by Transport for Wales. Much loved by day trippers and walkers, the line also provides a vital transport link for lively rural communities and towns across Mid Wales and the Borders. The Heart of Wales Line links to major and urban routes across the UK Network via Crewe, Shrewsbury, Craven Arms, Llanelli, Swansea and Cardiff. The railway crosses two impressive VIADUCTS at Knucklas and at Cynghordy and goes through six tunnels, including one on the magnificent run up to SUGAR LOAF. Over 30 stations are served by the line, some of which are request stops. Trains along the Heart of Wales Line call at all stations linked to the fantastic new long distance walking trail. If you love walking, why not hop on a train and walk from one station to the next along the Heart of Wales Line Trail! The Heart of Wales Line runs through dramatic scenery of mountains, forests, wild rivers, green meadows and pretty towns and villages across Shropshire, Powys, Carmarthenshire and the City and County of Swansea. There is a limited but regular train service along the line operated by Transport for Wales.

Oakwood Theme Park

Whether it’s an adrenaline-fuelled experience or a magical adventure, Oakwood Theme Park has thrills for all. Based in the heart of Pembrokeshire, South Wales, Oakwood boasts fun for the whole family – toddler friendly rides, fast thrills and spills (including the UK’s favourite wooden roller coaster – Megafobia) and spooky Halloween events, late night riding seasons, food & drink, FREE comfy dog kennels (so every member of the family can come along).

222 íbúar mæla með

Oakwood Theme Park

Canaston Bridge

222 íbúar mæla með

Whether it’s an adrenaline-fuelled experience or a magical adventure, Oakwood Theme Park has thrills for all. Based in the heart of Pembrokeshire, South Wales, Oakwood boasts fun for the whole family – toddler friendly rides, fast thrills and spills (including the UK’s favourite wooden roller coaster – Megafobia) and spooky Halloween events, late night riding seasons, food & drink, FREE comfy dog kennels (so every member of the family can come along).