National Botanic Garden of Wales
 

The National Botanic Garden of Wales is the first national botanic garden to be created in the new millennium and is currently in its fifth year. It is set in an outstanding location in 568 acres of 18th century parkland in the heart of West Wales’ beautiful Tywi Valley.

In such a short time period, they have developed into one of the most fascinating gardens in the UK. Already they have the most visited garden in Wales and are helping to conserve some of the rarest plants in the world. They have a unique fusion of modern and historical architecture located within an innovative garden setting, the centrepiece being the Great Glasshouse. This is the world’s largest single-span glasshouse and is home to some of the most endangered Mediterranean habitats in the world, spanning Australia, North and South America and Europe. You can also sample Welsh cuisine, watch a 360-degree film, and learn about flora, fauna and the countryside in a unique and fun environment.

The gardens went through a crisis in 2003, when the extent of its financial problems was made public, but the Welsh people rallied round and visitor numbers soared in the following weeks. Thousands of people discovered the gardens for the first time, not realising what they had been missing and it quickly became a national treasure.

Aberglasney – A Garden Lost in Time
 

Abandoned for 50 years with the house and garden overgrown and crumbling, the restoration of Aberglasney has been a remarkable achievement. It has become known as one of the country’s most fascinating garden restoration projects and was the subject of a recent BBC TV documentary series that followed the garden’s progress and restoration.

Situated in the small village of Llangathen, nr Llandeilo, these 16th and 18th century walled gardens have been restored to reveal a secluded cloister garden, miniature woodlands, pool and stream gardens, and a yew tunnel. The eight-columned portico of Aberglasney House provides the backdrop. The gardens cover approximately 10 acres, including two woodlands. Firm gravel pathways connect all elements of the garden and wheelchair users are able to visit most of the areas within the garden.

National Wetland Centre Wales
 

On this Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Protection Area, The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust’s innovative centre at Llanelli is at the front-end of wetland conservation in Wales. Home to wildlife as diverse as dragonfly and Little Egret, this lovely corner of the Loughor estuary was already one of the most important bird habitats in Wales.

Now, thanks to the Millennium Coastal Park, its newest feature is the Millennium Wetland complex, which has an extra 250 acres of habitat that attract a cast of thousands of ducks, geese and wading birds, and is an important breeding site for little egrets. The Millennium Wetland is criss-crossed with boardwalks and paths, while the award-winning hide offers peerless views over the bird sanctuary. The Discovery Centre is an ecological eye-opener for all ages and packed with interactive delights.

Dinefwr Park
 

The ancient ruin of Dinefwr Castle is maintained by the National Trust and provides panoramic views of the Tywi valley and water meadows. Since 1775 the castle, Newton house, the Capability Brown influenced gardens, woods and deer park have been integrated into a vast and beautiful landscape. There are footpaths through the park leading to the castle and bogwood and access to Castle Woods. Fallow deer and rare White Park cattle roam the park.

Lying at the heart of the history of Wales, with its dramatically beautiful landscape and diverse wildlife, Dinefwr Park and Castle is currently being improved and restored into an important cultural site. There is currently lots to do and see within the park but 2006 promises a new interpretive exhibition at Dinefwr House, guided walks, trailer rides, events, a new tearoom with views over the parkland.

Dylan Thomas Boathouse
 

Dylan Thomas was one of the greatest writers from Wales and a giant in the 20th century - the most renowned in a school of Anglo-Welsh writers that flourished during that period. He made particular use of the new mass media technologies of broadcasting and recording that was pioneered at that time.

Dylan Thomas was born in Swansea but his family roots were in Carmarthenshire and it was this county that provided him with a constant source of inspiration. He spent much of his youth holidaying in Llansteffan and his aunt's farm Fernhill, in Llangain.

He lived at the Boathouse for the last four years of his life during which time many major pieces of work were written - including Under Milk Wood. The Boathouse, where Dylan and Caitlin lived with their 3 children from 1949 to 1953, is now a heritage centre. Set in a cliff overlooking the glorious, 'heron priested' Taf Estuary the Boathouse offers a fascinating visit including audio-visual presentations, original furnishings and memorabilia, a themed bookshop, tea room, viewing platform and terrace.

Shopping in Carmarthen Town
 

Carmarthen sits at the heart of the West Wales agricultural community and is the administrative centre for the county of Carmarthenshire. The town has many events and places of interest that would make most visitors delighted and busy when visiting the area.

Carmarthen has much to commend it to the enquiring visitor and a visit to the Provisions Market, especially on a Wednesday or Saturday is a must. Most of the high street names are here. As well as the recent 'Greyfriars' multi-million pound shopping development, Carmarthen offers a delightful selection of independent and specialist shops selling a wide range of merchandise to satisfy the more discerning shopper. At Carmarthen you can enjoy leisurely shopping in a stress-free environment.

The town lays claim to being the oldest in Wales and originates from AD75. A roman amphitheatre remains in the town, one of only seven in Britain. Legend has it that Carmarthen was the home of Merlin, the wizard of Authurian folklore. There is an annual festival during the summer to celebrate all things myth and magical and at the Carmarthen Park there is a whole host of activites such as live music, a children's entertainment village, battlefield re-enactments, a fun fair, arts & crafts stalls, and entertainers.

Other facilities and attractions include a leisure centre with indoor pool, a museum, a cinema, nightclubs, numerous pubs, art workshops and galleries, a castle, indoor bowls and a number of public parks.

Golf in Carmarthenshire
 

Picture yourself playing inspired golf in the most perfect of settings - looking out over unspoilt Carmarthen Bay; walking in the shadow of ancient castles; or taking in the stunning scenery of the mystic Black Mountain. Carmarthenshire boasts a variety of 9 and 18 holes courses to suit all abilities and challenge both the accomplished player and the novice. All courses offer affordable golf a warm welcome and picturesque scenery to enhance the game. There are a number of golf courses for you to choose from including:

Park Garnant: Spectacular location overlooking the Brecon Beacons National Park and Welsh Golfing Union "New Club of the Year 2003". A challenging course with superb USGA greens.

Glyn Abbey Golf Club: Opened in 1992, Glyn Abbey is renowned for being the best technical layout in the whole of South Wales. A Hawtree design and set amidst woodlands, every hole is unique and offers its own challenge.

Machynys Peninsular Golf Club: A prestigious 18-hole championship standard golf course designed by one of the world's greatest golfers, Jack Nicklaus. A challenging, links style, par 72 course in a dramatic setting on the Machynys Peninsula on the edge of Carmarthen Bay over looking the Gower Peninsula.