Beudy Mawr ref: 632009

If you can muster the willingness to leave this idyllic haven, the ancient, picture-perfect town of Llandeilo can’t be missed. With its array of independent shops and galleries selling one-off items, local crafts, designer labels, bespoke furniture, award-winning local produce and antiques, it’s easy to see why it’s become renowned as one of the best shopping destinations in Wales. With over 50 traders in its extensive antiques centre, fortnightly auctions and Friday morning markets, the town’s a bargain hunter’s dream. A plethora of skilled beauty and well-being professionals are on hand for those in search of pampering and a great selection of eateries offer everything from fine dining to bowls of hearty, traditional cawl. The week long, early summer Festival of Music and Flowers attracts some of the biggest classical and jazz names in the business, Jamie Cullen and Tamsin Little amongst them; thousands flock to this ‘musical mecca of the west’. Late November sees the four day Festival of Senses and a great Christmas shopping opportunity; late night opening, the town brimming with market stalls, Christmas lights, fireworks, Santa’s grotto, top chefs demonstrating their magic with the best of Carmarthenshire produce and many venues offering live music and speciality dining. Llandeilo’s guaranteed to be a place you’ll want to return to, time and time again.

Just a mile from the town, the National Trust’s 800 acre Dinefwr Park and Castle is certainly worth a visit. One of the most illustrious places in Welsh history, it was home to the medieval court of the great Welsh prince Lord Rhys. Now, as well as a blast of the past, the place offers tours of the vast deer park and a varied programme of events and activities for all ages. Just a ten minute drive away, the National Botanic Gardens of Wales and Aberglasney make for great days out but five miles away, Carreg Cennen Castle, voted Welsh building of the millennium, must not be missed. Its spell-binding views make it the most dramatically situated castle in Wales. Take a torch and explore the cave beneath its foundations or take one of the circular walks around the castle and past the source of the River Lougher, also the source of the famous Brecon Carreg Mineral Water. Then reward your exertions with a lunch or some great homemade cake in the tearooms.

From city centre shopping in Swansea to lazing on stunning Blue Flag beaches to mountain biking through the world renowned trails of Brechfa Forest: a vast and diverse array of sights, experiences and facilities lie within an hour’s drive of Beudy Mawr. But whatever the season or whatever the adventure, on returning to this tranquil haven you can’t fail to appreciate what a very special place it is.

Things to do nearby