Llanelli

Llanelli is a large town in Carmarthenshire that sums up everything that South Wales was historically about: Rugby Union, religious nonconformity, proud preservation of the Welsh language, metal-bashing of steel for car production and tinplate for tin cans — and brownfield desolation when this industry declined. Aside from industry, Llanelli is also renowned for its pottery, which has a unique cockerel hand-painted on each item. A collection of this pottery can bee seen at the Llanelli Museum in Parc Howard. Llanelli is a base for visiting scenic areas such as the Millennium Coastal Path and Pembrey Country Park.

Understand
Llanelli remains industrial, and is a commuter town for Swansea 10 miles east; its population in 2019 was estimated to be 26,000. Llanelli people are sometimes nicknamed "Turks", for uncertain reasons. One theory is that many Turkish sailors once called at the port on their voyages.

By plane
Pembrey Airport, 7 km from the town, serves private flights only.

By car
Llanelli is linked with the M4 motorway via the A4138, and with Swansea via the Loughor Bridge on the A484.

By bus
Llanelli is served by regular local bus services between Swansea and Carmarthen and National Express Coaches between many major UK destinations.

By train
Llanelli railway station is connected to Fishguard and Swansea along the West Wales Line. The station is also on the Heart of Wales Line, which links the town to Mid Wales and Shrewsbury.



By bicycle
Llanelli is connected to the National Cycle Network from the north on NCR 43, and along the coast from the east and west on NCR 4. These routes are directly connected to the town centre via a cycle path.

On foot
Walking is the best way to get around Llanelli as it is not a large city like Swansea.

By bike
The town has a small network of bike paths, though they may not always take you on the most direct route. The town connects with Routes 4 and 47 of the National Cycle Network. Opposite the railway station is a Brompton foldable bike hiring facility.

By bus
Buses in Llanelli are operated by First Cymru. Tickets can be bought on board or via the First Bus app. Cash, card, and contactless are accepted on board. You can be fined for not having a ticket. Discounts up to 30% are available for 16-21 year olds carrying a mytravelpass card. Buses to Swansea run quite reliably. Local services stop late into the evening.

By train
Llanelli is on the Heart of Wales line. It has direct connections to the surrounding villages of Bynea and Llangennech, though these areas are mostly residential so you probably won't find yourself travelling there. If you do plan on travelling to either village, plan ahead - trains on this rural line can be cancelled at short notice.

By taxi
Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs) in Llanelli are licensed by Carmarthenshire County Council. They are few and far between; even getting one from the railway station can be a challenge. If you must get one, your best bet is to book in advance.

Taxi ranks are available in the town centre near the Ffwrnes Theatre, though these are regularly empty.

You are unlikely to get scammed using a licensed taxi in Llanelli. If you feel you have been, or you want to complain for another reason, note down the registration and contact the https://www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/ Council].

Do

 * Walk the Heart of Wales Line Trail from Llanelli to Pontarddulais railway station.
 * Walk the Heart of Wales Line Trail from Llanelli to Pontarddulais railway station.
 * Walk the Heart of Wales Line Trail from Llanelli to Pontarddulais railway station.
 * Walk the Heart of Wales Line Trail from Llanelli to Pontarddulais railway station.

Buy
The town centre offers a wide range of stores with many national chains represented.

Drink
There are numerous pubs in Llanelli. The main clubs and bars for the younger generations are Tom Peppers, and Le Caprice, and there are tens of other pubs that would be frequented by the local crowd, especially on a Friday and Saturday night.

Connect
The town has good 4G coverage. 5G is available in some areas too. Most eateries offer free Wi-Fi. Alternatively you can buy cheap SIM cards from most shops.

Cope
Llanelli, particularly the town centre, is considered "rough" by some. Travellers shouldn't worry much about this, but you should still take sensible precautions. The UK's national emergency number is 999.

Go next

 * The Millennium Coastal Path - a path that runs along the 21 km of coastline from Loughor to Pembrey. It offers panoramic views of the Gower Peninsula and traffic-free cycling opportunities.
 * Pembrey Country Park - 2 km² (500 acres) of parkland on the outskirts of the town; it includes the 13-km-long Cefn Sidan Beach. Near Burry Port
 * Kidwelly Castle, Kidwelly. (approx. 16 km/10 miles west of Llanelli).
 * Burry Port Marina (approx. 8 km/5 miles west of Llanelli).
 * National Botanic Garden of Wales (approx. 16 km/10 miles north of Llanelli) near Carmarthen.
 * Swansea and the Gower Peninsula - a 30-minute drive.