Carmarthenshire

Museums and galleries

Carmarthenshire County Museum

Roll back the centuries and learn about Carmarthenshire’s industrial, cultural and agricultural past at the county’s fascinating museums. These treasure houses tell the story of Carmarthenshire’s rich and diverse heritage and uncover some gems of history dating back to the beginning of time. But where to begin? Well, how about at Carmarthenshire County Museum where the legend of Merlin the Magician is still very much alive. The legendary wizard is best known for his association with King Arthur and many of the stories concerning Merlin centre around the Roman town of Carmarthen. The most famous has to be the tale of the old oak tree which stood in the centre of town for centuries. Merlin had vowed that "When Merlin’s tree shall tumble down, then shall fall Carmarthen town". The stump of the old oak can be found at the county museum, a fascinating treasure house and the perfect place to start the journey of discovery of the area’s rich heritage. Merlin’s fate is shrouded in mystery but he is believed to have been imprisoned for eternity in a cave about two miles out of town when one of his own spells was cast against him.

Parc Howard Museum

Llanelli has an intriguing past of its own. Explore the town’s industrial past and discover how Llanelli’s earned its reputation as the tinplate capital of the world at Parc Howard Museum, an impressive building set in beautiful parkland.

There’s more of the county’s industrial past to be discovered at Kidwelly Industrial Museum, the only museum dedicated to the interpretation of the tinplate industry in general and specifically the individual processes involved in making tinplate.

Wool was historically the most important industry in Wales and the National Wool Museum in Drefach Felindre pays tribute to the textile trade by taking you on a most extraordinary journey through time.

Moving into the 20th Century and Pendine’s Museum of Speed is home to a wonderful collection record breaking vehicles and racing memorabilia. At the heart of this dramatic building overlooking the beach is the story of the many attempts to break the land speed record. And don’t miss Carmarthen Town Museum a delightful gallery which interprets the history and development of Carmarthen town.

Don’t forget - entry to all authority run museums is free.

(Museums Map »)