Exploring Carmarthenshire doesn’t have to cost a thing—there are plenty of free activities that let you enjoy the county’s natural beauty, rich heritage, and vibrant culture without spending a penny. From scenic walking and cycling trails to fascinating museums, castle ruins, serene beaches, and creative galleries, there’s something for everyone.
Just a heads-up: while entry is free at these attractions, some places may charge for parking—so it’s worth checking in advance.
Whether you're planning a peaceful day outdoors or dipping into local history and art, these itineraries offer budget-friendly ways to make the most of your visit.
Carmarthenshire Museum & Bishop’s Park
Step into the rich history of Carmarthenshire at the Carmarthenshire Museum, nestled in the beautiful parkland of the Tywi Valley. Once the palace of the Bishop of St Davids, this site has become known as the home of the Welsh Renaissance and is linked to the foundation of modern Welsh language and prose. The museum’s Arts & Crafts architecture and covered courtyard welcome you to explore galleries filled with treasures—from ice age fossils and Roman gold to the legendary Merlin’s Oak and medieval gravestones linked to King Arthur. Wander through recreated historic spaces like Elsa’s traditional Welsh cottage and the old palace kitchen, and don’t miss the beautifully preserved palace chapel. It’s a fascinating journey through 50,000 years of local history, perfect for curious minds and heritage lovers alike.
Castles
Discover the rugged charm of Carmarthenshire’s free-to-visit castles, each offering a unique glimpse into Wales’ medieval past. Explore the striking ruins of Newcastle Emlyn Castle and Dryslwyn Castle, or wander through the historic sites at Carmarthen, Llandovery, and Llansteffan. These castles sit in stunning landscapes—coastal cliffs, rolling hills, and river valleys—perfect for history buffs and photographers. Whether you’re climbing ancient stone walls or picnicking with panoramic views, the castles offer an unforgettable way to connect with the stories and legends that shaped the region.
Traffic-Free Walking & Cycling Routes
Carmarthenshire is a paradise for walkers and cyclists looking to explore safely without traffic worries. The Millennium Coastal Park in Llanelli offers a superb, mostly flat and well-surfaced route that stretches around 13 miles along the breathtaking Carmarthenshire coastline. Following the famous Wales Coast Path, this traffic-free trail runs from Bynea in the east to Pembrey Country Park in the west—perfect for leisurely strolls, family bike rides, or simply soaking in sea views.
Meanwhile, the Tywi Valley Path is an exciting new addition, transforming a former railway track between Carmarthen and Llandeilo into a 16-mile traffic-free trail. This scenic route traces the beautiful River Tywi through rolling countryside and picturesque villages, offering a peaceful and refreshing way to connect with one of Wales’ most stunning natural areas.
Country Parks
Llyn Llech Owain Country Park is a 180-acre nature reserve centred around a peaceful lake and rare peat bog, designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. With well-surfaced walking paths (many wheelchair accessible), a boardwalk over the bog, mountain bike trails, and a visitor centre with lake views, it’s a great spot for nature lovers and families. Nearby, Mynydd Mawr Woodland Park is a former colliery transformed into a mix of woodlands and grassland, with walking trails, picnic areas, and tracks for cycling and horse riding—perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.
Beaches
With miles of golden sands, dramatic estuary views, and safe, family-friendly shores, Carmarthenshire’s coastline is one of Wales’ hidden treasures. Whether you're building sandcastles with the kids, walking the dog along peaceful shores, or trying out coastal activities like paddleboarding, there’s a beach for every kind of day. From the vast golden stretch of Cefn Sidan with its Blue Flag status and family-friendly facilities, to the historic harbour at Burry Port and the wild, unspoilt feel of Morfa Bychan or Telpyn Point, the variety is impressive. Pendine Sands offers seven miles of dramatic coastline, famously used for land-speed records, and now a hub for adventure sports and coastal walks. Llansteffan and Ferryside offer traditional seaside charm, complete with rock pools, castles, and even a scenic river ferry crossing. Meanwhile, Llanelli Beach and the Millennium Coastal Park provide accessible paths and wide-open spaces ideal for walking, cycling, or simply relaxing by the sea.
Cenarth Falls
Located at Carmarthenshire’s western border, the charming village of Cenarth is home to the picturesque Cenarth Falls, a series of small waterfalls on the River Teifi. This unique spot sits where Carmarthenshire meets Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. Overlooking the falls is the National Coracle Centre, celebrating the traditional woven boats once used here for fishing sea trout. A peaceful walk starts at the 18th-century Cenarth Bridge, following an elevated wooden path along the river and through woodland. Visitors often hope to see the famous salmon leaping up the falls on their journey to spawn—a truly special natural spectacle.
National Wool Museum
Located in historic Cambrian Mills in Dre-fach Felindre, the National Wool Museum celebrates Wales’ once-thriving wool industry. Follow the fascinating journey from fleece to fabric on self-guided trails, explore exhibitions about cloth-making and fashion, and try traditional skills like carding and spinning. The museum is set in restored listed mill buildings, highlighting the village’s nickname as the ‘Huddersfield of Wales’ for its role in wool production, offering a hands-on and educational experience for all ages.
Llyn Brianne Reservoir
Set nearly 300 metres above sea level in the Cambrian Mountains, Llyn Brianne is Europe’s largest stone-built dam reservoir, holding over 64 million cubic metres of water. Created in the early 1970s by damming the River Tywi and nearby waterways, it is South Wales’ biggest lake by volume. The dam also hosts a hydroelectric power station. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, fishing, stargazing, mountain biking, and walking trails around the lake and surrounding forestry, making it a stunning destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Markets
For lively atmosphere and great bargains, Carmarthenshire’s traditional markets are hard to beat. Carmarthen Market, with a history spanning over 800 years and roots dating back to Roman times, is a food lover’s paradise offering some of the finest local produce in Wales. Inside a bright, airy hall, you’ll find stalls bursting with fresh meats, fish, cheeses, baked goods, and colourful fruits and vegetables. Alongside food, the markets also feature a variety of crafts, antiques, fashion, and speciality shops including butchers, fishmongers, delicatessens, cafés, and even hairdressers. Friendly traders provide warm welcomes and plenty of good-natured banter, making a visit here not just a shopping trip but a social experience. Llanelli Market offers a similarly diverse selection of stalls, showcasing local artisan products and daily essentials. Whether you’re hunting for unique gifts, enjoying a hearty meal, or simply soaking up the lively atmosphere, these markets offer a fascinating window into Carmarthenshire’s rich heritage and vibrant present.
Parc Howard Museum
Explore Llanelli’s heritage and innovation at Parc Howard Museum, a stunning former mansion set in beautiful gardens. The museum features exhibitions on local inventions—like the world’s first spare wheel (the Stepney) and the founder of Specsavers—plus interactive galleries such as the Imaginarium, where play and creativity come to life. With renovated spaces showcasing painting and pottery, Parc Howard is a family-friendly venue full of history, imagination, and community spirit.
Dylan Thomas Birthday Walk
Follow in Dylan Thomas’s footsteps with the 2-mile birthday walk he wrote about in his famous poem, ‘Poem in October’. Starting from the photogenic Dylan Thomas Boathouse overlooking the estuary, the route takes you past Laugharne Castle, along Railsgate Pill, and up to St John’s Hill. Enjoy spectacular coastal views of the estuary, Gower, Caldey Island, and beyond, plus wildlife and informative boards about Thomas and the area.
Paxton's Tower
Perched on a hilltop near Llanarthney in the Towy Valley, Paxton’s Tower is a striking Neo-Gothic folly built between 1805 and 1808 as a memorial to Admiral Lord Nelson. Likely designed by Samuel Pepys Cockerell, this 200-year-old tower offers panoramic views over the valley and stands as a grand historic landmark. Visitors can explore the tower, admire its unique architecture, and enjoy the peaceful surrounding countryside.
RSPB Gwenffrwd-Dinas Nature Reserve
Nestled in the heart of mid-Wales, RSPB Gwenffrwd-Dinas is a stunning woodland reserve alive with wildlife and natural beauty. Wander through ancient oak and alder forests, where carpets of bright bluebells and lush green lichens create a magical atmosphere. The reserve’s steep valleys and fast-flowing rivers feed into the River Towy, providing ideal habitats for a variety of birds including Red Kites, Pied Flycatchers, Redstarts, Wood Warblers, and Buzzards. The Celtic rainforest-like Atlantic Oak Woodland supports rich populations of mosses and lichens, while upland grasslands and wildflower meadows add to the diversity of the landscape. Grazing keeps the woodland open and the bluebells thriving. With rugged paths and breathtaking scenery, Gwenffrwd-Dinas is a must-visit for birdwatchers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to experience Carmarthenshire’s wild heart. Just remember to wear sturdy footwear and take care on the steeper trails.
Talley Abbey
Founded in the 1180s by Rhys ap Gruffydd, known as ‘The Lord Rhys’, Talley Abbey is a captivating medieval ruin set beside tranquil twin lakes. It was the first and only Premonstratensian abbey in Wales, home to the ‘White Canon’ monks named for their distinctive white habits. Though never fully completed due to limited funds, the abbey’s impressive church tower still stands almost intact, offering a glimpse into the ambitious vision behind this historic site. Unlike the wealthier Cistercian abbeys across Wales, Talley’s more modest ruins provide a peaceful and evocative setting steeped in history and natural beauty.
Burry Port Lighthouse & Beach
Discover the charming seaside town of Burry Port, nestled along the Loughor estuary and rich in industrial heritage. The town gained global fame in June 1928 when Amelia Earhart’s seaplane, Friendship, landed here after her historic transatlantic flight—a feat commemorated by the Amelia Earhart Gardens and a Grade II-listed monument on the harbourside. The iconic Burry Port Lighthouse, standing since 1842 on the west breakwater, once guided ships safely to this important coal-exporting dock and now serves as a beloved landmark for the local yacht club. Stroll along the picturesque harbourside, enjoy stunning views across to the Gower Peninsula, and watch sailboats gently bobbing in the marina—an ideal spot for a leisurely wander with an ice cream in hand. Sandy beaches on either side of the harbour welcome dogs year-round, making Burry Port a favourite for families, locals, and visitors seeking fresh sea air and scenic relaxation.
Cwm Rhaeadr Forest
Tucked away in the tranquil Tywi Valley near Cilycwm, Cwm Rhaeadr Forest offers a peaceful escape into nature with something for everyone. Its name means “valley of the waterfall” in Welsh, and the Waterfall Walk leads to breathtaking views of the highest waterfall in Carmarthenshire. The forest features a mix of towering conifers and native broadleaved trees, with bluebells carpeting the woodland floor in spring. There’s a short, accessible woodland trail perfect for a gentle stroll, while experienced mountain bikers can take on the challenging red-grade bike route—a thrilling 6.7km loop that’s well worth the detour from the main trails at Brechfa. Whether you're here for a scenic walk, a quiet picnic, or an adrenaline-filled ride, Cwm Rhaeadr delivers natural beauty in every season.
Galleries
Carmarthenshire is a haven for art lovers and craft enthusiasts, with galleries and craft centres showcasing the work of talented local makers—perfect for browsing or picking up something uniquely Welsh. From ceramics and glass to jewellery, textiles, and original artworks, you’ll find inspiring pieces that reflect the county’s landscape and culture. Many galleries feature rotating exhibitions, working studios, and artist-led spaces where browsing is always welcome. Whether you're seeking inspiration or a meaningful memento, exploring these creative spaces offers a relaxed, art-filled way to spend a day.
Black Mountain Centre
A true hub of the community, the Black Mountain Centre in Brynaman offers a warm welcome to visitors and locals alike. Drop in for free teas and coffee at the weekday Warm Hub (2–5pm), enjoy a chat, board games, or just relax in the cosy Community Café. The centre also hosts a range of free social groups and activities, alongside a part-time library, internet access, and helpful tourist information—perfect for planning your next stop in Carmarthenshire.