Carmarthen
From Wikitravel
Carmarthen (Welsh: Caerfyrddin) [1] is the county town of Carmarthenshire in South Wales, UK.
[edit] 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 center and its famous market are definitely worth a look. A twelfth century history book names the town as the birth place of the wizard of Arthurian legend, Merlin. Consequently, there are a few 'Merlin' themed events and establishments in the town.
[edit] Get in
[edit] By road
From East: M4 to end, A48 the rest of the way. Parking is not exactly easy, though the parking lot behind the market is the most convenient for the shopping center.
[edit] By train
There are some direct trains from London, though generally you will need to change at Swansea
[edit] Get around
The town center is small enough to easily get around on foot or bicycle.
[edit][add listing] See
- Carmarthen Market. The 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 handcrafts. The market it open six days a week, though Wednesday and Saturday are market days and the best days to visit.
- Carmarthen Castle [2]. The ruins of the castle are located in the town center.
- Carmarthen County Museum, Abergwili (1.5 miles east of the town on the A40) [3]. Tel: +44 1267 228-696. A small museum displaying a wide range of artifacts representing the county's heritage. Open: Mon – Sat 10AM – 4.30PM
[edit][add listing] Do
- 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.
[edit][add listing] Buy
- Handcrafts at the market.
- The famous "Carmarthen Ham" at the Albert Rees butchers stall in the market.
[edit][add listing] Eat
- Caban Y Dderwen, 11 Mansel Street (five minute walk from the market). Tel:+44 1267 238-989 - cafe type meals - good prices and freshly made.
[edit][add listing] Drink
- Caban Y Dderwen, 11 Mansel Street (five minute walk from the market). Tel:+44 1267 238-989 - good coffee and mouth-watering cakes.
[edit][add listing] Sleep
There are some good B&Bs in a rural setting near Carmarthen.
[edit] Get out
- Kidwelly Castle in Kidwelly is about 8 miles from Carmarthen along the A484. [4]
- Middleton, the National Botanic Garden of Wales [5].
- 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 Coast [6] - Wales' city by the sea is 22 miles from Carmarthen. Follow A48, M4, exit 'Swansea West'. See also Swansea Bay for more on the surrounding area.
- The quaint market town of Llandovery.
- The spectacular Carreg Cennen Castle [7].
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