Castles of Mid & West Wales

Magnificent Castles to Visit from the Cottages

Wales is often referred to as The Land of Castles. No surprise as it boasts the most castles per square mile in the whole world! There are some wonderful examples within a short journey from Coedmor Cottages. Here are a few of the best Castles of Mid & West Wales for inspiration.

Carreg Cennan Castle

Carreg Cennan - Castles of Mid & West Wales

About 50 minutes from the cottages, this dramatic castle stands on a great limestone crag. Nearly 300ft/90m above the River Cennen it has stunning views over the Carmarthenshire countryside.
One of the unique features of the castle is a natural limestone cave. Some recent findings down there suggest that is was one of the oldest inhabited caves in the whole of Wales.  
The castle is situated next to a traditional working farm which offers free parking. The farm is free to visit and also has Tea Rooms and a Gift Shop. 
Find out More: Visit Carreg Cennan

Dryslwyn Castle

Castles of Mid & West Wales - Dryslwyn Castle.

Dryslwyn is a native Welsh Castle, sited on a rocky hill roughly halfway between Llandeilo and Carmarthen. The castle is about 45 minutes from the cottages. It stands on high ground overlooking the Tywi Valley with extensive views. Built in about the 1220s, it changed hands several times in the struggles between the Welsh and English over the ensuing centuries. It is considered one of the most important remaining structures built by a Welsh chieftain and is a Grade I listed building.

Find out more: Dryslwyn Castle

Dinefwr Castle

Castles of Mid & West Wales - Dinefwr Castle

A medieval fortress that sits on top of a hill overlooking the River Tywi (about 40 minutes from the cottages). It has a strategic location that allowed its occupants to control and monitor the surrounding landscape. The castle has a long history, with its origins dating back to the early 12th century. Over the years, it was the seat of the Lord Rhys, a powerful Welsh prince, and played a significant role in Welsh history during periods of conflict with the English.
The rest of the Dinefwr Estate is beautiful too so a great day out with lovely walks.


More Info: Visiting Dinefwr

Laugharne Castle

Castles of Mid & West Wales - Laugharne.

The castle, located on the estuary of the river Taf was originally established in 1116. It was rebuilt as a Norman stronghold. Two giant medieval stone towers stand guard over the remains of a magnificent Tudor mansion, all set in 19th century ornamental gardens. It changed hands twice during the English Civil War being eventually captured by Parliamentary forces in 1644.
This is the ‘brown as owls’ castle beloved of Dylan Thomas, Laugharne’s most famous resident. Why not visit Dylan Thomas’ Boat House too.

Laugharne is about an hour away from the cottages: Visiting Laugharne.

Llansteffan Castle

Castles of Mid & West Wales - Llansteffan.

The castle sits on a much older Iron Age promontory fort occupied in 600 BC. This proves Llansteffan has been inhabited for several millennia. The hill where the castle stands overlooks the River Tywi estuary and Carmarthen Bay.
Although ruined, the castle retains its power to intimidate. Especially when you approach its massive twin-towered gatehouse, built in around 1280 and still looming large.

Llansteffan is about an hour away from the cottages: Visiting Llansteffan Castle

Kidwelly Castle

Castles of Mid & West Wales - Kidwelly

A stunning medieval fortress rising above the river Gwendraeth. Kidwelly was used as a location for the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, appearing in the very first scene after the titles.
The plan of the castle consists of a square inner bailey defended by four round towers. They overlook a semi-circular outer curtain wall on the landward side, with the massive gatehouse next to the river. 
The castle occasionally hosts Bird of Prey events.
It is about an hour from our cottages – find out more: Visiting Kidwelly Castle

Newcastle Emlyn Castle

The castle is strategically located in a loop of the River Teifi and only approachable by land from the west. It was established as a timber and earth fort in the middle of the 13th century, then developed into a stone castle by 1287. Being left in ruins by the civil war of the 1640s, the ‘new castle’ of Emlyn has had an eventful history.

Visitors can walk round the remains of the castle (a short walk from the high street) and the surrounding loop of the Teifi River. It is about 40 minutes drive from the cottages to Newcastle Emlyn.

Find out More: Visit Newcastle Emlyn Castle

Cilgerran Castle

Castles of Mid & West Wales - Cilgerran Castle.

This striking medieval 13th-century fortress is perched on a wooded hill overlooking the spectacular Teifi Gorge – about 1 hour from the cottages. It offers beautiful panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. You can also combine your visit to the castle with a trip to the Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve and Welsh Wildlife Centre.

Opening Times & Prices: Visiting Cilgerran Castle

Wonderful Gardens to Visit in Mid & West Wales

Cae Hir Garden Lampeter

Our Favourite Gardens in Mid – West Wales

If you enjoy wandering around beautiful gardens, there are some gorgeous examples within easy reach of Coedmor Cottages. They all have something different to offer and some are even free to visit. Here is a list of our favourite gardens in Mid – West Wales.

Cae Hir

Cae Hir Gardens - one of the best gardens to visit in Mid & West Wales.

Just 15 minutes from our cottages- a super place to spend a few hours wandering or just sitting and taking in the artistry of the planting and gorgeous views.
They have managed to create a staggering amount of beauty and variety in around 6 acres. You are bound to be inspired with ideas for your own outdoor space at home.

There’s also a small on-site nursery where you can buy some of the unusual specimens you see around the gardens. And the best way to round off your visit is to treat yourself to tea and a home-baked scone or cake from “Y Sied” tearoom.
The gardens open from 10am to 5pm daily through the season which runs from April 1st to October 31st. Cae Hir Gardens Website

Aberglasney

Aberglasney - on of the best gardens to visit in Mid & West Wales.

Aberglasney is renowned as one of Wales’ finest gardens, including a fully restored Elizabethan Cloister Garden which is the only surviving example of its kind in the UK today. There are 10 acres to explore with woodland walks, kitchen gardens, a yew tunnel, formal planted areas and a unique Ninfarium with exotic plants.
The ground floor of Aberglasney’s grade II listed mansion has been restored and often hosts art & craft exhibitions and events.
And no trip is complete without a visit to the on site Tearooms!
We have a partnership with Aberglasney to offer all our cottage guests 10% off the entrance fee – you will find a discount flyer in your cottage. 😊
More info: Visiting Aberglasney

National Botanic Gardens of Wales

National Botanic Gardens of Wales

The National Botanic Garden of Wales is spread over 560 acres with an amazing collection of over 8000 different plant varieties. It has the largest single-spanned glasshouse in the world and the best display of Mediterranean climate zone plants in the Northern Hemisphere.
Along with the themed gardens there is also a Butterfly House and Waun Las Nature Reserve with wildflower-rich meadows. There are two cafes and a restaurant on site as well as the Garden Plant Shop selling plants and gifts and a craft shop and art gallery too. It is one of the most popular gardens in Mid – West Wales.
More Info: Visit National Botanic Gardens

Llanerchaeron

National Trust Llanerchaeron - one of the best gardens to visit in Mid & West Wales.

Just 20 minutes away from our cottages is the lovely National Trust Llanerchaeron.
It is home to an elegant Georgian villa, designed by architect John Nash in 1790, complete with a walled garden, farmyard lake and wild parkland. It has remained unaltered for over 200 years.
The walled garden was built in the late 18th century and is still producing fruit and vegetables. The fruit trees are amazing shapes!
The parkland has beautiful woodland walks. We love to follow the old railway line track to Aberaeron (2 and a half miles) for a spot of lunch. It is a lovely pretty walk through the woods and open fields and along the river.

Find out more: Visiting Llanerchaeron

Tŷ Glyn Aeron

Gardens to Visit in Mid & West Wales - Ty Glyn

Tŷ Glyn Aeron gardens are open throughout the year, admission free (donations are welcome). They are set within a beautiful woodland area alongside the River Aeron and have a wonderfully secluded sensory walled garden.
The woodland glade features mass plantings of spring bulbs including snowdrops, wood anemones and bluebells. Within the walls of the garden, the lower level includes herbaceous borders, a restored orchard and a potager kitchen garden.
The gardens are part of the Ty glyn Trust, and have special fundraising days through the National Garden Scheme.
Find out more: Visit Tŷ Glyn

Bwlch y Geuffordd Gardens

Gardens in Mid - West Wales - Bwlch y Geuffordd Gardens

A garden with something for everyone. It’s a sculpture park, a water garden, a wildlife garden and a garden of peace and tranquility. It’s one of the lesser known gardens in Mid – West Wales.

Although the individual gardens differ widely in character, they still hang together as a delicious whole. It’s an appreciation of water, wood, and stone, an enthusiasm for plants and local wildlife.

Find out more: Visit Bwlch y Geuffordd Gardens

Colby Woodland Gardens

Gardens in Mid - West Wales - Colby Woodland Gardens

An 18th-century coalfield transformed into a hidden woodland garden covering eight acres. Spring brings carpets of bluebells, crocuses, and daffodils, then swathes of camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas, followed by hydrangeas and the summer wildflowers.
Enjoy shady woodland walks, the wildflower meadow and colourful walled garden in summer, and the marvellous colours of acers, dogwoods and sweet-gum in autumn.
Explore the meadow with its lovely stream, stepping stones, log bridge and abundant dragonflies and butterflies.

Find out More: Visiting Colby Gardens

Farmyard Nurseries

Farmyard Nurseries gardens.

Our favourite place to shop for plants also has garden and woodland areas you can walk around. The gardens and walks are open whenever the nursery is open.

While you are there, check out their amazing range of plants and shrubs. They are always great quality and the staff are brilliant if you need some advice.

It’s one of the lesser-known “secret” gardens in Mid – West Wales.

Find out More: Visiting Farmyard Nurseries

National Trust Attractions That Are Within Easy Reach

Picton House Dinefwr National Trust attractions

National Trust Attractions Within Easy Reach

With so many different National Trust attractions within easy reach of our cottages, you will never be short of things to do. From Gold Mines and castles to beautiful beaches and mountain valleys, none of these places os more than an hours drive away. We’ve listed them in order of proximity to us so you can easily choose how far you want to spend travelling.

Dolaucothi Gold Mines

Dolaucothi Goldmine - National Trust

Just 18 minutes drive away, the Dolaucothi Gold Mines are ancient Roman surface and underground mines located in the valley of the River Cothi, near Pumsaint, Carmarthenshire. These mines are believed to be the only known Roman gold mines in Britain, and they have a history that dates back over 2,000 years. The Romans are thought to have extracted gold from this site as early as the first century AD. There are also lovely walks to do on the surrounding estate which is accessible for free.

Check opening Times & Prices: Dolaucothi Visitor Information

Llanerchaeron

Llanerchaeron - National Trust

Just 20 minutes away from our cottages is the lovely National Trust Llanerchaeron. 
It is home to an elegant Georgian villa, designed by architect John Nash in 1790, complete with a walled garden, farmyard lake and wild parkland. It has remained unaltered for over 200 years. The walled garden was built in the late 18th century and is still producing fruit and vegetables. The fruit trees are amazing shapes! The parkland has beautiful woodland walks. We love to follow the old railway line track to Aberaeron (2 and a half miles) for a spot of lunch. It is a lovely pretty walk through the woods and open fields and along the river.

Opening times & prices: Visiting Llanerchaeron

Dinefwr Park and Castle

Dinefwr National Trust attractions Mid West Wales

Dinefwr is about 40 minutes drive from the cottages. It is known for its grand mansion, extensive parkland, and rich history dating back many centuries. The estate encompasses Dinefwr Castle, Newton House, and a large area of parkland that has been designated as a National Nature Reserve. The surrounding countryside offers outstanding views. Go in May for the bluebells! See more pictures and details on our blog post: Best Things to do at Dinefwr

Opening times & prices: Visiting Dinefwr

Penbryn Beach

Penbryn Beach - National Trust Attractions

Penbryn is about a mile long stretch of golden sand with caves to explore at one end at low tide. It is around 1/4 of a mile down the road from the car park or take the beautiful woodland walk from behind the Plwmp Tart cafe. This is longer at 1/2 a mile and is steep in places but is totally enchanting! The Wales Coast Path leads from the beach in both directions and offers gorgeous views across the bay. The remote location and lack of light pollution make this an ideal spot for stargazing – Penbryn Beach is a designated Dark Skies Discovery site.

The drive to Penbryn is about 40 minutes from the cottages. See more here: Walking at Penbryn

Hafod Estate

Hafod Estate - National Trust Attractions

Hafod Estate is a historic landscape located in the Ystwyth Valley, near Cwmystwyth, Ceredigion. It is about 50 minutes drive from the cottages. The estate offers a network of walking trails that allow visitors to explore the diverse landscape, including woodlands, waterfalls, and viewpoints that provide breathtaking panoramic views of the Ystwyth Valley and the surrounding countryside. It is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) due to its unique and diverse habitats.

Find out more: Hafod Estate Information

Abergwesyn Common

Abergwesyn Pass - National Trust in Mid Wales

This is one of our favourite spots in the Cambrian Mountains – Abergwesyn Pass. It is known as one of the most epic driving roads in Wales but it is worth stopping a while to take in the breathtaking scenery and the amazing tranquility. There are no crowds – this part of Wales is still relatively unknown. The river Irfon flows along the valley and we’ve seen Peregrine Falcons on the cliff face above. You must navigate the famous Devil’s Staircase to get to Abergwesyn – but that is part of the fun! 

Abergwesyn is around 60 minutes from the cottages, depending how often you stop to take in the amazing scenery. How to get there.

Mwnt

Mwnt beach - national Trust

Mwnt Beach is around 1 hour from the cottages and is situated between the towns of Cardigan and Aberporth, on the Cardigan Bay coastline. It is nestled within a designated conservation area, known for its rugged cliffs, sandy beach, and rich biodiversity. Watch out for dolphins in the sea and rare Choughs flying overhead. Mwnt is on the Wales Coast Path, and has breathtaking views along the walking trails. In Spring the Gorse is so beautiful and smells delicious. Overlooking the beach is the historic Mwnt Church, which dates back to the 14th century.

Find out more: Visiting Mwnt

Cilgerran Castle

Cilgerran Castle West Wales National Trust

This striking medieval 13th-century fortress is perched on a wooded hill overlooking the spectacular Teifi Gorge – about 1 hour from the cottages. It offers beautiful panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. You can also combine your visit to the castle with a trip to the Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve and Welsh Wildlife Centre.

Opening Times & Prices: Visiting Cilgerran Castle

Photos 1,2,4,6 & 9 – © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2023) Cymru Wales. All other photographs © Coedmor Cottages.

Dolaucothi Gold Mines

Dolaucothi Gold Mines

History and Nature Trails








Information

Location: Pumsaint – 9 miles – 18 Minutes drive

Website: Dolaucothi Gold Mines

Description

These unique gold mines are set amid wooded hillsides overlooking the beautiful Cothi Valley and have a 2000 year history. Between 70 AD and 80 AD, the Romans began the first extensive mining of Dolaucothi, creating large open-cast workings and digging several tunnels to exploit the gold veins. The most active period of mining at Dolaucothi in the Victorian/Edwardian Age occurred around the turn of the 20th century and carried on sporadically until the 1930’s.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA2NacrE2qM

There are lots of activities to take part in. You can pan for gold, take a self-guided audio tour of the Roman Goldmines, explore the 1930’s sheds and machinery, shop for Welsh Gold jewellery or take an underground guided tour. These tours take visitors right into the Drift Mines, perched on the hills above the Mine Yard. There are 5 underground tours per day to the Victorian and Roman mines and these take about 1 hour. The season runs from 1st April to the end of October. The site is run by the National Trust and opening times vary through the seasons so check online. Entry price is currently £10.50 for adults.

If you don’t fancy going down the mine or you want to spend longer exploring the area, there are also a number of nature trails to follow ranging from very easy to challenging. These are open all year round and are a haven for a multitude of wild birds as well as red squirrels and pine martens.

Just 10 minutes walk away is the Dolaucothi Arms pub – voted Rural Pub of the Year by BBC Countryfile in 2019. It offers a traditional pub menu in the Winter and a Mediterranean style menu from April to September. N.B. the pub is closed on Mondays and opening hours change in the winter months so check their website.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSUWrYuPL_4

The National Botanic Gardens of Wales

The National Botanic Gardens of Wales

A Delightful Day Out with Flora & Fauna












Information

Location: Llanarthne 28 miles – 45 minute drive

Website: https://botanicgarden.wales

Description

Set in the beautiful Carmarthenshire countryside, the National Botanic Garden of Wales is spread over 560 acres with an amazing collection of over 8000 different plant varieties. With the largest single-spanned glasshouse in the world and the best display of Mediterranean climate zone plants in the Northern Hemisphere it is easy to see why it has been voted No 1 Garden to Visit in Wales (by BBC Gardeners World).

The garden also has a wide diversity of wild plant and animal species across its mosaic of lakes, meadows, streams, woodland, and marshes. It boasts over 100 types of moths & butterflies, over 50 varieties of birds, 20 species of mammals (including otters, dormice and bats) as well as frogs, toads, newts and lizards.

New for 2020, the Regency Restoration project has restored the legendary landscape of one of the finest Regency Waterparks in the UK. The garden will feature a necklace of seven lakes, cascades, falls & weirs first created 200 years ago.

Along with the themed gardens there is also a Butterfly House and Waun Las Nature Reserve – with wildflower-rich meadows. There are two cafes and a restaurant on site as well as the Garden Plant Shop selling plants and gifts and a craft shop and art gallery too.

2020 prices are £11.50 for adults (including Gift Aid).
Opening times: 10:00am – 6:00pm 1st April to 31st October
10:00am – 4:00pm 1st November to 31st March
Postcode is SA32 8HN Telephone: 01558 667149

As if all the gardeny goodness wasn’t enough, there is now also the brilliant British Bird of Prey Centre on site for extra entertainment. There are daily flying displays with the 20 native birds of prey – you can even see a Golden Eagle flying. Displays are 11:30am and 2:30pm with the Owl Show at 1:00pm. You can also book private experiences to have time flying the birds – bookable in advance at info@britishbirdofpreycentre.co.uk

There is a packed programme of events and courses held throughout the year from exhibitions, gardening courses, art classes and photography tuition. You can easily spend a whole day exploring this delightful place.