• Understand
• Get around
• See
• Do
• Buy
• Eat
• Drink
• Sleep
• Get out

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] 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] 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] Buy

• Handcrafts at the market.
• The famous "Carmarthen Ham" at the Albert Rees butchers stall in the market.

[edit] 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] 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] 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.
• 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 - Wales' city by the sea is 22 miles from Carmarthen. Follow A48, M4, exit 'Swansea West'.
• The quaint market town of Llandovery.
• The spectacular Carreg Cennen Castle.