Our tips for a wonderful stay in...
Llanelli Waterside
One of Wales’ most dramatically re-energised locations in recent years, the town of Llanelli and the area’s breathtaking coastline are on the crest of a wave. Huge investment has seen the development of world-class sporting facilities, accessible and super-healthy outdoor pursuit opportunities and eye-catching improvements to traditional delights such as vast sandy beaches, rich forestry, eating out opportunities and family fun offerings. Highlights include the ancient Kidwelly Castle, the world-renowned Cefn Sidan Sands at Pembrey Country Park, the championship-standard Machynys Peninsula Golf and Country Club and Europe’s top new bespoke rugby stadium, the £23m Parc y Scarlets.
Among our best...
Afternoon tea
'Llwyn Hall Country Hotel'
It’ll be the most civilised tenner you ever spend. Taking afternoon tea embraced by the burgundy walls and stained glass windows of Llwyn Hall is like journeying back to the most polite couple of hours in Victorian society. You’ll enjoy sandwiches, scones, Welsh cakes, bara brith, cream cakes, gateau and all the fine tea and Italian coffee you can manage. It’s such a period piece that you’ll dream the trifle is being served by Helena Bonham Carter.
Where - Llwyn Hall Country Hotel, Erwlas, Llwynhendy, Llanelli.
01554 777754
www.llwynhall.co.uk
Castle banquet
'Kidwelly'
Centuries apart these two treasures may be - but together they are heavenly. The Stephens’ Bakehouse corned beef pasties come resplendent in dramatic puff pastry casings. They taste especially divine when devoured 15 minutes’ stroll away and straight from their crisp white paper bags on a bench in Kidwelly Castle, one of Wales’ greatest fortresses. This well preserved structure dates back around 740 years - and is doubly fine with a Stephens’ custard slice.
Where - Stephens’ Bakehouse, Causeway Street, Kidwelly, and Kidwelly Castle, Castle Street, Kidwelly, SA17 5BQ.
Bakery, 01554 890305
Castle, 01554 890104.
www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
Cinematic rail halt
'Ferryside'
How long before they make a movie here? Travellers from Llanelli to the south and Carmarthen to the north all step onto a platform to be clobbered by the salty sea smells. Stroll off Platform 2 and you’re yards from Ferryside’s long sandy beach, with the gaping mouth of the River Towy before you. Directly opposite is the ancient low-slung community of Llansteffan, its hill-top castle guarding the coast. Weary scriptwriters: Head for the trackside Ferry Cabin café/restaurant.
Where - Ferryside Railway Station, Eva Terrace, Ferryside, SA17 5TD.
0845 606 1660
www.traveline-cymru.info
Cycle stop
'Millennium Coastal Park'
You can stand your Harley Davidson tourer outside a neon-lit diner on Route 66 if you like; we prefer our two-wheelers less oily, rather more quiet... and propped against a chunky sea wall overlooking the swelling Loughor Estuary. Our 10 miles of purpose-built seaside cycle track offer great views over expansive sands, sweeping tides and broad, smooth shoreline. Sweaty leathers not required; ice lollies essential. We find cider flavour the most rewarding.
Where - Millennium Coastal Park - Llanelli to Pembrey.
01554 777744
www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk
Dad’s golf haven
'Final hole, Pembrey Pitch’n’Putt'
It comes just when you’re starting to hit your stride - a hole all to yourself (and the smirking family, but you’re used to them anyway). Cocooned by towering pines, Pembrey’s ninth is a hidden gem; you need its privacy because the previous eight holes have cheekily exposed your lack of practise. Now, take a deep breath, focus on the final 80 yards... and ping the sweet spot. Go on, you Ryder Cup tiger!
Where - Pembrey Country Park.
01554 833913
www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk
Fresh air chips
'Burry Port'
Time your visit to Burry Port for the in-rush of the tide. Park near the shops, buy chips from one of several excellent fish shops around Station Road and take a 10-minute stroll to the harbour. Don’t stop, head for the stumpy and particularly cute white lighthouse 150 yards along the pier. Carry on another 50 yards, snuggle into a stone windbreak surrounded by sea, unfurl the chip bags, breathe in the briny... and enjoy!
Where - Burry Port, near Llanelli
Revitalisation
'Monks Health Club and Spa'
The names say it all - deep tissue muscle massage, coconut rub and milk ritual wrap, lime and ginger salt glow. You may well drive up the long, airy approach to Monks at Llanelli’s Machynys Peninsula Golf and Country Club but you’ll surely glide away. Relaxation in the health club’s spa pool, aromatherapy room, scented steam retreat and revitalising sauna can be followed by coffee in the brasserie. Roomy wooden balconies overlook an immaculate, rolling golf course and an ever-changing seascape.
Where - Monks Health Club and Spa, Nicklaus Avenue, Machynys, Llanelli, SA15 2DG.
01554 744888
www.machynys.com
Sporting icon
'Parc y Scarlets'
It’s 12 inches long, seven inches wide and it’s covered in mud. Yet this grubby rugby ball signifies a beating heart of a sports-mad county. An evocative museum exhibit at Llanelli’s fabulous new Parc y Scarlets stadium, it was the final ball kicked at the town’s historic Stradey Park when 129 years of rugby ended there in 2008. Now the world-famous Scarlets are settled into their new home complete with this small but exquisite museum-cum-shop.
Where - – The Ken Jones Museum and Shop, Parc y Scarlets, Pemberton, Llanelli, Carms, SA14 9UZ.
01554 783932
www.scarlets.co.uk
Wildlife odyssey
'National Wetland Centre Wales'
Armed with a splendidly robust waterproof map and chunky wooden paddle, here’s a chance to relive a childhood of creeping up on those who least expect it. Instead of approaching on tiptoe, however, here you’re crouched in a shapely canoe, cutting through gently rippling waters bordered by golden reeds. And the unsuspecting isn’t a snoozing granny, it’s the local orange tip butterflies, warblers, emperor dragonflies and water voles. Keep quiet though - it’s part of the canoe code.
Where - National Wetland Centre Wales, Llwynhendy, Llanelli, SA14 9SH.
01554 741087
www.wwt.org.uk
© 2010 Carmarthenshire County Council.