In autumn, Carmarthenshire has a reddish glow. The leaves in our ancient woodlands, are turning various shades of yellow, orange, copper, and brown. The days grow shorter but the list of things to do, is long.
We think autumn is peak season in Carmarthenshire – the time of year when nature puts on a magnificent show. At Cenarth Falls, to the accompaniment of the sound of cascading River Teifi, salmon fight to leap upstream. They are pre-programmed by nature to return to their spawning grounds. Autumn is also when starlings perform aerial acrobatics in the evening sky. Take a ringside seat at the Llanelli Wetland Centre and enjoy the performance.
If you prefer getting active to watching, there’s no better time to walk or cycle around the Carmarthenshire coastline and countryside. The Brechfa Forest is a mecca for mountain bikers but also the perfect spot for an autumn stroll. The Wales Coast Path runs the length of the Carmarthenshire coast, and in Autumn it’s at its best. As the days grow shorter and the shadows longer, you’re more likely to share it with a local fox, squirrel or dormouse than another visitor.
Autumn is peak colour in our ancient woodlands such as the Green Castle Woods near Carmarthen. Here, auburn is the colour of autumn. Whilst at the National Botanic Garden of Wales the Japanese maples and acers glow crimson and carmine. In later autumn visitors enjoy the bright glow of log fires. The perfect setting for seasonal and local autumn fayre such as root vegetables and apples from nearby orchards.
Autumn walks
Autumn is the perfect time of year to enjoy a short break and discover some glorious walks around Carmarthenshire. If you’re looking for dramatic landscapes then head out to the Brechfa Forest. In autumn, walkers can immerse themselves in a woodland that showcases trees from all over the world.
Take a trek from Newcastle Emlyn through to Cenarth Falls. The route takes you through wooded areas giving views to nearby hills - all with the promise of great autumn colour. You may be luck to see the Salmon leap at Cenarth Falls.
Autumn is the best time to enjoy Laugharne and the surrounding coastline. With it’s stunning vistas over the estuary, follow Dylan Thomas’s Birthday Walk, a walk he took on his Birthday each year in October from his Boathouse through St Johns Hill and back down into the town. Experience the sights and sounds that inspired, Dylan Thomas’ appropriately titled “Poem in October”.
Our Towns
Come and experience what our towns have to offer during Autumn from eateries serving seasonal dishes and shopping within independent retailers.
Chose from urban towns such as Carmarthen and Llanelli, or you may prefer the picturesque rural market towns of Llandeilo and Newcastle Emlyn or head to the seaside villages of Llansteffan and Ferryside.
A great way to experience the vastness of our county and uniqueness of our towns and villages why not try our Wild Drovers Way, driving tours throughout the landscapes of Carmarthenshire.
Culture Vultures
Steeped in history and culture find out more by visiting our museums and enjoying their seasonal exhibitions.
In Carmarthenshire, you’ll find many castles. Each with stories to tell, and all of them set against dramatic landscapes or seascapes. From Carreg Cennen,some 900ft above the River Cennen with panoramic views over the Western Brecon Beacons, which looks even more dramatic, set against a vivid autumn sunset and the changing tones of the woodland on the Black Mountain, to Llansteffan Castle on the coast, autumn is quite possibly the best time to visit these romantic castles as they become enveloped by swaths of orange and red trees.
September is a great time to visit our historic sites through the Open Doors Scheme offering free entry, events and guided tours.
Foodie experiences
Head straight to the ‘source’ of locally made food and drinks, with some authentic experiences to be enjoyed along the way through our Carmarthenshire Larder trails.
If Gin is your tipple of choice then a visit to Jin Talog is a must. For cheese lovers Caws Cenarth is not to be missed. And for chocoaholics a visit to Heavenly is heavenly. For a full listing of our finest producers and places to eat and drink visit 100% Sir Gar.
Why not enjoy a seasonal picnic at some of our best countryside and coastal locations. Alfresco dining at it’s best!
Dogs welcome
If there was TripAdvisor for pooches we’re sure they would give Carmarthenshire 5 stars.
Here,”walkies” isn’t a stroll around the block. If you’re looking for a ‘destination dog walk’ that puts your usual trot around the block to shame. Carmarthenshire is blessed with an abundance of wow walks that you and your furry friends will adore.
All of our beaches welcome dogs from October 1st they’ll definitely enjoy the wide variety of beaches they can run, walk and potentially swim at. A VIP (Very Important Pooch) welcome is given at many pubs, cafes, hotels, and attractions.
Autumn events for all the family
Autumn is a great time to visit with events to enjoy for all the family with a variety of events taking place throughout the county during autumn including spectacular firework displays and spooky Halloween events.
Food and Drink is on the menu with vibrant artisan street markets visiting Ammanford, Carmarthen and Llanelli. In October sample seasonal goodies on offer at Llanelli Food and Drink festival. Celebrate the tastes of the season at the Autumn Food Festival, a weekend packed with flavour, creativity and community spirit at the stunning National Botanic Garden of Wales.