Carmarthen

Legend suggests this is the birthplace of the wizard Merlin; giving Carmarthen its Welsh name Caerfyrddin (which means Merlin’s Fort). Founded as a Roman Fort and Britain’s most westerly fortress Moridunum was situated here and the large amphitheatre is on Priory Street.

Carmarthen hosts a Farmers Market on Wednesdays and the indoor market, is an excellent place to sample locally produced delicacies such as Carmarthenshire Ham, and Penclawdd Cockles.

The remains of Carmarthen’s Norman Castle are central to the town and at the base of the castle is 18th and 19th century architecture by Carmarthen’s main shopping areas by Nott Square and King Street.  Nearby is Lammas Street a Georgian street with coaching inns and local shops.

Carmarthen is an ideal base to explore, including the gardens of The National Botanic Garden of Wales, the largest single span glass house in the world housing many endangered plant species and in contrast Aberglasney Gardens, a historical garden whose past secrets are only now being rediscovered through a restoration project of the house and gardens.  

The village of Laugharne on the Taf estuary is where Dylan Thomas wrote his play ‘Under Milk Wood’ and visitors can visit his writing shed and the boat house that over look the ‘heron priested shore’.