Carmarthen

Travel Guide
Photo by Steve Ponsford
Carmarthen is said to bethe oldest town in Wales, and has an incredibly rich history, dating back topre-Roman times. The county town ofCarmarthenshire, it sits on the River Towy, eightmiles north of beautiful Carmarthen Bay and itsfamous beaches. With an abundance of historical sites, an extremely diverseshopping experience, and pubs and restaurants galore,Carmarthen is a place you will remember for a longtime after your visit.

Sport in Carmarthen

Typical of many Welsh towns,Carmarthen has a strong sporting tradition, withtwo rugby union teams, Carmarthen Quins andCarmarthen Athletic, and a rugby league team, CPCBears. The town also boasts its own football team,Carmarthen Town FC, and an athletic team,Carmarthen Harriers. There are two golf courses inthe town, while Carmarthen Leisure Centre offersfacilities for a wide range of sports, including swimming, tennis, squash,gymnastics and martial arts. Carmarthen Park alsooffers sporting facilities, most notably a cycling velodrome that has been incontinuous use since its opening in 1900.

Shopping in Carmarthen

From small independent traders to major high streetchains, cobbled medieval streets to modern shopping centres,Carmarthen offers an enticing mix of old and new. Takeyour time to explore the winding lanes and alleys of the old town and itscharacter-filled selection of independent shops, or visit St. Catherine’s Walkand Merlin’s Walk for a more contemporary shopping experience. In the towncentre, Guildhall Square, Red and Blue Streets, Lammas Street and Dark Gate areall brimming with shops and cafes nestled in amongst historicalbuildings.

Food and Drink in Carmarthen

Carmarthen has arestaurant or cafe to please every palate, from traditional Welsh cooking tothe most exotic international cuisine. For traditional fare little can beatenjoying tasty dishes in the local pubs whilst sampling a selection of locallybrewed beers. You should make a point of visiting Carmarthen Market, whichdates to Roman times, and offers an excellent selection of localproduce.

Things to See and do in Carmarthen

At one time a Roman fort, named Moridunum, the towntoday has one of the few remaining Roman amphitheatres. CarmarthenCastle was built on the site of a Norman castle that was  destroyed in 1215.

Carmarthen was one of thefirst medieval walled towns in Wales, and features many other historicbuildings and monuments, such as the Guildhall, Picton Monument, St. PetersChurch, Carmarthen Bridge and Pont King Morganbridge.

You can learn aboutCarmarthen’s fascinating history at theCarmarthenshire County Museum in Abergwili, a shortdrive or bus ride from the town centre. Set in beautiful gardens, and featuringartefacts from every time period, from mammoth bones to Roman coins, Welshdressers and local pottery, it is well worth a visit.

If you follow the river a few miles to the south toCarmarthen Bay you will find several famousbeaches to explore, such as Pendine Sands and Cefn Sidan, and also come acrossthe superbly preserved Norman castle at Kidwelly.

Visit Carmarthen

With a heritage to rival anything in Wales, a hugevariety of shops, restaurants and pubs, and an idyllic surrounding countryside,this medieval town offers an unforgettable experience.

The Ivy Bush Royal Hotel By Compass Hospitality
The Ivy Bush Royal Hotel By Compass Hospitality
3 out of 5
11 Spilman Street, Carmarthen, Wales
The price is S$118 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
S$118
includes taxes & fees
26 Nov - 27 Nov
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Carmarthen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (295 reviews)
"Easy to find and park, welcome at reception, located very close to shops, restaurants, bars etc. Had a good night's sleep and breakfast was tasty. Main areas of hotel well appointed, clean and modern. Room was a little dated and tired looking. Outside on street hotel looked scruffy."

Reviewed on 20 Oct,2024

The Ivy Bush Royal Hotel By Compass Hospitality
Spilman Hotel
Spilman Hotel
3 out of 5
36 Spilman Street, Carmarthen, Wales
The price is S$154 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
S$154
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Carmarthen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (381 reviews)
Little gem
"Always a great welcome and fab breakfast also right in centre of Carmarthen stayed here a lot of times highly recommend"

Reviewed on 11 Nov,2024

Spilman Hotel
Picton House Hotel
Picton House Hotel
4 out of 5
Picton House, Llanddowror, Carmarthen, Wales
The price is S$182 per night from 15 Nov to 16 Nov
S$182
includes taxes & fees
15 Nov - 16 Nov
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Carmarthen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (134 reviews)
Home from home
"The Picton felt like a natural home away from home. I was so impressed with the level of comfort and attention to detail. My stay was perfect, I highly recommend"

Reviewed on 13 Nov,2024

Picton House Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Sleeping Giant - Pen Y Cae Inn
The Sleeping Giant - Pen Y Cae Inn
3 out of 5
Pen Y Ace Inn, Swansea, Wales
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly vacation home in Swansea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and premium bedding. Popular attractions Craig-y-Nos Country Park ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (32 reviews)
"Very relaxing break in a beautifully finished room. Top of the range bedding and spotlessly clean."

Reviewed on 3 Nov,2024

The Sleeping Giant - Pen Y Cae Inn
Snow White's House - Farm Park Stay with Hot Tub, BBQ & Fire Pit
Snow White's House - Farm Park Stay with Hot Tub, BBQ & Fire Pit
3 out of 5
Coynant Farm Guest House, Swansea, Wales
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Swansea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Cwm Clydach Nature Reserve and Betws Park ...
6.6/10 (3 reviews)
Lovely cottage
"Quirky cottage. Very quiet and peaceful as tucked away down a very long driveway with only sheep, pigs and horses as neighbours."

Reviewed on 2 Jun,2024

Snow White's House - Farm Park Stay with Hot Tub, BBQ & Fire Pit
Langland Bay Lookout - Cabin - Landimore
Langland Bay Lookout - Cabin - Landimore
3 out of 5
Gower Coast Cabins, Landimore, Gower, Swansea, Wales
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Swansea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private spa tubs. Popular attractions Whiteford National Nature Reserve and Blue Pool ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Bliss
"Wow what wonderful relaxing stay. John the host was so friendly and helpful. My highlight was listening to the birds from the hot tub at sunrise. Would definitely recommend and rebook!"

Reviewed on 19 Dec,2023

Langland Bay Lookout - Cabin - Landimore
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Carmarthen

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
32
" "5 - Excellent 40.50632911392405%
4 - Good
41
" "4 - Good 51.89873417721519%
3 - Okay
6
" "3 - Okay 7.594936708860759%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Dave

Carmarthen has all the main shops you could want with restaurants and cafes , these are all with in easy walking distance from the Old Priory Guest House. it is advisable to be able to drive if you wish to go site seeing

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely shops and very friendly people.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Visited llansteffan castle, had a lovely time.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

I enjoyed my overnight stay in Carmarthen but I arrived late and left early the next morning.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We stayed in Laugharne not Carmarthen!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Laugharne is breathtakingly beautiful around the castle and estuary. The walk to Dylan Thomas's boathouse is a must.