Carmarthen

Carmarthen (Welsh: Caerfyrddin) is the county town of Carmarthenshire in South Wales, UK.

Although the town lacks an abundance of tourist attractions, if your journey takes you past then consider taking a break here. There are some pleasant cafes, and the old town centre and its famous market are definitely worth a look.

Understand
A 12th-century history book names the town as the birthplace of the wizard of Arthurian legend, Merlin. Consequently, there are a few Merlin-themed events and establishments in the town.

If you are coming in from Cardiff, Swansea or the Tenby area, Carmarthen will be the first place that you have the chance to often hear Welsh spoken on the street.

By road
From east: M4 to end, A48 the rest of the way. Parking is not exactly easy, though the car park behind the market is the most convenient for the shopping centre.

By train
There are many direct trains to from London Paddington though generally you will need to change at Swansea. Travel times from London are approximately 4 hours.

By bus

 * National Express operate coach services to Carmarthen from Blackpool, Birmingham and London Victoria.
 * The TrawsCambria service from Cardiff Bay to Aberystwyth calls at Carmarthen.
 * First Cymru have a number of services to Carmarthen from a number of towns in the area, including Llanelli.

Get around
The town centre is small enough to easily get around on foot or bicycle.

Do

 * Rugby Union: Carmarthen Quins play in the Welsh Premiership, the amateur game's top tier.
 * Wales Balloon Festival is 29-30 June 2024 on Carmarthen Showground.
 * Wales Balloon Festival is 29-30 June 2024 on Carmarthen Showground.
 * Wales Balloon Festival is 29-30 June 2024 on Carmarthen Showground.
 * Wales Balloon Festival is 29-30 June 2024 on Carmarthen Showground.

Buy

 * Handcrafts at the market.
 * The famous "Carmarthen Ham" at the Albert Rees butchers stall in the market.
 * Carmarthen Farmers Market, Carmarthen Town Centre, held 1st Friday of every month.
 * Carmarthen Farmers Market, Carmarthen Town Centre, held 1st Friday of every month.

Sleep
There are some good B&Bs in a rural setting near Carmarthen as well as a number of hotels in the town.



Go next

 * St. Clears
 * Kidwelly Castle in Kidwelly is about 8 miles from Carmarthen along the A484.
 * The sea-side town of Laugharne was the home of Swansea born and world famous writer Dylan Thomas, and the boat-house where many of his verses were composed is a main attraction. Laugharne is 8 miles from Carmarthen.
 * Swansea and the Gower Peninsula - Wales' city by the sea is 22 miles from Carmarthen. Follow A48, M4, exit 'Swansea West'.
 * The quaint market town of Llandovery.
 * The spectacular Carreg Cennen Castle in Trapp near Llandeilo.