Grown Ups Attractions

Laugharne is a beautiful location on the estuary where the River Taf flows into Carmarthen Bay it is made famous by the poet Dylan Thomas. He did his writing from a boathouse. 

Park at Green Banks car park SA33 4SY and then walk along the estuary below the castle to the Dylan Thomas boat house, head up the hill and return by wandering through the town. 

Browns pub/inn/restaurant is famous but always busy when we’ve been there. Near the car park we really liked Café Culture, but the Owl and Pussycat is recommended in the guidebooks which happens to be next door to The Runcible Spoon Take-Away – think about this for a minute. There is a gift shop on the square where we bought some of the pictures in the lodge. 

15 miles East 

Is just 8 miles west on the A477. There is an easy 30 minute walk from the free car park, round the castle grounds, over the bridge and past the only Tidal Mill in Wales. The large and impressive castle is a reasonable £6 for oldies. The vast number of windows suggests it is a double-glazing salesman’s dream also. 

The Carew Inn is recommended, especially the beer garden overlooking the castle in good weather. They sell beer called “bread of heaven”, the day we visited Wales were playing France on the TV so there was no doubt which country we were in. 

The shop is tiny (in fact Phil and Beth’s larder in the USA is larger) but they do stock Jammie Dodgers and plenty of chocolate and the assistant was extremely chatty. 

On the way back take a detour via Carew Cheriton (other side of the A477). A quaint village with a stream and a fortified rectory – to keep those annoying parishioners out. 

 Llansteffan on the west side, ie lodge side, of the Towy Estuary, 20 miles, 33mins. 

The shortest and quickest route is via Llanybry the narrow roads are hairy and fun, the alternative route via Llangain and Johnstown has views of the estuary. 

There are 2 decent sized and free carparks right on the front overlooking the estuary. One has toilets, unfortunately 1AW only and that is generous – could do better Carmarthenshire. 

The easy 3.5 mile walk LLansteffan and the Towy Estuary is recommended amazing the views over the estuary are nowhere else in this world. A minor diversion via the castle, which is free and totally uncommercialised, is well worth it for the photo opportunities. Walking up the spiral staircase is not for the faint hearted. 

On the other side of Towy Estuary to Llansteffan. It's  bit of a trek but can be combined with a visit to Carmarthen or Laugharne.

The passenger ferry to Llansteffan opposite looks great, it was featured on Escape to the Country. 

The train from Swansea to Kilgetty runs alongside this estuary the scenery is spectacular. 

30 miles, 40 mins. 

Must go to place to see the cathedral if nothing else and see the last place where Britain was invaded. 

The restaurant there does a superb cawl (another name for chunky soup). 

33miles, 1 hour