Latitude 51° 40' 45.90" N
Longitude -4° 15' 3.10" E
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Kidwelly Castle
This castle is one of Wales's best-kept secrets. Kidwelly, on a steep cliff overlooking the River Gwendraeth, presents a vision of medieval times which is more complete than many of its more celebrated contemporaries. The castle is remarkably well preserved. Its soaring twin-towered gatehouse stands almost to its full height, the masthead of a powerful concentric 'walls within walls' design.
Kidwelly's impressive initial appearance is not deceptive. Once through the gatehouse there are more massive walls and round towers protecting a central core. The castle was founded by the Romans as an earth-and-timber stronghold in 1106 to consolidate their gains in south-west Wales. The strategic site easily chose itself. The castle crowns a prominent ridge and would have had access to the sea, thus forming a link in a chain of new strongholds controlling a major coastal route. But in its early form it was vulnerable to Welsh attack. In the 13th century it was rebuilt in stone largely as the fortress we see before us today. But Kidwelly's most arresting feature is undoubtedly its great gatehouse, completed in 1422 as the castle's chief strong point (look out for the arches through which rocks could be thrown onto attackers). As well as defending the entrance, the gatehouse provided accommodation for the constable of the castle. Kidwelly was improved over the centuries, gradually assuming an increasingly domestic role with the addition of a new hall, kitchen and lodgings in more settled times, Kidwelly, on a par with the other great castles of Wales, gives a complete insight into the evolution of the medieval fortress.
Pembrey Country Park
202 Hectares of dunes, forestry and park-land with Cefn-Sidan offering one of the cleanest beaches in Wales and a winner of the European Blue Flag. Lifeguard patrolled area during summer season, Ski Slope, Toboggan Run and Ski Lodge Cafe, Equestrian Centre, 9 gole Pitch & Putt Course, Miniature Railway, Nature Trails and Orienteering Courses, Adventure Playground, Restaurant, Beach Kiosk and Visitor Centre with a gift shop and cycling/walking trails. The Celtic Trail cycle route passes close to the Park. Regular bus services to Pembrey village.
Kidwelly Industrial Museum
The Kidwelly Industrial Museum is located at the site of the former Kidwelly Tinplate Works. The first tinplate works here was founded in 1737. It lies close to the Gwendraeth Fach river and was excavated by archaeologists during the 1980s. The standing buildings are part of a later tinplate works on the site and date to the 19th and 20th centuries.
The museum houses an important collection of industrial machinery that includes colliery headgear and diesel train engines, as well as the tinplate works’ own machinery. Inside the museum there is interpretation of the industrial heritage of the district, including tinplate and coal mining as well as the history and development of the Kidwelly area.
The Kidwelly Industrial Museum is considered to be an important heritage site. The hot and cold rolling mills of the tinplate works are protected as Scheduled Ancient Monuments. The museum is situated on the banks of the Gwendraeth Fach river, near the village of Mynydd y Garreg, approximately a mile northeast of Kidwelly town.
The museum is open to the public during the summer months (June – August) and admission is free. Toilets and car parking available. A guide booklet is available on site.
National Botanic Garden of Wales
The Garden of Wales is the first national botanic garden to be created in the United Kingdom for over 200 years. It is also an exciting new institution for Wales which aims to heighten visitors' awareness and understanding of the natural and manmade world. It is a place of international significance dedicated to conservation, horticulture, science, education, leisure and the arts.
Aberglasney Gardens
Situated between Carmarthen and Llandeilo (4 Miles) Set in the beutiful Tywi Valley, Aberglasney has been an inspiration for peotry since 1477. The gardens, which are steeped in history, are destined to become one of the most enchanting in the UK.
Walk - St. Illtud's Way
Sign-posted long-distance trail (102km/64 miles) between Pembrey and Margam Country Park. Guidebook available (01554 833913).
Pembrey Burrows and Saltings
Designated Local Nature Reserve (207.0 hectares), of dunes, grassland and salt marsh between Pembrey Old Harbour and Pembrey Country Park. Good walking trails. Cycling on surfaced track to avoid wildlife disturbance. Regular bus service to Pembrey village and rail like at Pembrey/Burry Port Station.