West Wales self catering attractions and amenities
Cottage holidaymakers will find much to entertain and interest them in West Wales. The area on the coast of Pembrokeshire with its sandy beaches and windswept cliff scenery is perfectly complemented by the tranquil rural landscape and pretty market towns of Carmarthenshire.Outdoor Activities
The 230 square miles comprising the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is famous for its wildlife – puffins, Manx, shearwaters and gillemots can be found in abundance. The area is a perfect base for extreme watersports - surfing, sailing, coasteering and windsurfing. The Celtic Quest at Fishguard offers courses and at Cleddau Reach in the Pembrokeshire Activity Centre has state of the art equipment and qualified instructors. The Dunes Riding Centre offers pony -trekking and horse riding for all ages and abilities.
Food and drinkIn West Wales there is no shortage of places to eat and drink. There is a wide choice which includes pubs, restaurants, inns and tearooms. The majority serve locally brewed beer, local foods and Welsh specialities such as salmon and trout caught locally. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Afon Duad Inn in the Teifi Valley which serves traditional pub food.
Try the Capel Bach Bistro which has an extensive à la carte menu, offers vegetarian and vegan food and seasonal local produce. Booking essential. For food made on the premises, including bread, have a meal at the award-winning Angel at Salem. The Pastapaolo at Pendine serves authentic Italian meals and won the Silver Standards Award (Food Standards Agency).
History and CultureCarreg Cennen Castle, four miles from Llandeilo, is set on a hillside and thought to be one of the most magnificent sites in Wales. Built in 1248, it fell to the English in 1277 (Edward I). Three hundred feet above a valley, the views are stunning and it is possible to descend into a deep cave that was once a well. Torches are available at the gift-shop in the car-park. Beyond Llandovery is the huge hill fort of Garn Goch which occupies nearly 15 acres.
The Llandovery Heritage Centre is worth visiting to learn about the local legends such as the Lady of the Lake and the Welsh equivalent of Robin Hood - Twm Sion Cati. To the west, visit the Dolaucothi Gold Mine, open Easter to mid-September daily (10.00am to 5.00pm).
Another landmark is the twelfth-century tower of ruined Talley Abbey sited near two lakes. At Laugharne the Dylan Thomas Boat House is open daily Easter to October (10.00am to 5.30pm). Visit the Tudor Merchant House in Tenby which contains sixteenth-century furniture on three floors. Open April to September daily except Wednesdays.
