Carmarthenshire has long been dubbed the Garden of Wales. Perhaps it’s because we’re home to the National Botanical Garden. Perhaps it’s because the county is so lush and green. Or perhaps it’s because, as a farming county, it grows the local produce enjoyed by the people who live here, the people who visit, and the top quality chefs who prepare dishes for them.
Whatever the reason, Carmarthenshire boasts an array of beautiful gardens and green spaces to experience and enjoy. Just up the road from the National Botanical Garden is Aberglasney, quite simply one of Wales’ finest gardens. Throughout the county you’ll discover many country parks. Pembrey Country Park is on the coast to the west of Llanelli, whilst inland is the Dinefwr estate with Capability Brown designed landscape, and medieval deer park.
In many you’ll find designated places to enjoy an outdoor picnic. Find your own secluded picnic spot; on the beach at Llansteffan, alongside the river Towy or in the midst of Brechfa Forest, just some of the favourite places to enjoy an alfresco lunch.
Botanic Garden of Wales
Covering 568 acres of Carmarthenshire countryside, including a nature reserve as well as a formal garden, dominated by Lord Norman Foster’s stunning Great Glasshouse. The garden is home to some of the rarest and most endangered plants in the world.
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Aberglasney
A heritage garden set in the heart of the Tywi Valley. 10 acres of horticultural treasures include 3 walled gardens. Unique attractions include the Elizabethan/Jacobean Cloister Garden and a Parapet Walk. The woodland walk and the Ninfarium provide surprises.
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Hywel Dda Gardens
The only garden in Europe dedicated to the law, recalls and celebrates the achievements of the 10th century King of all Wales, Hywel Dda. The garden is divided into six separate smaller gardens each representing a different part of the laws
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Norwood Gardens & Tea rooms
Tucked away on the sunny south side of the Teifi Valley, Norwood is an idyllic three-acre piece of paradise. 7 individually themed gardens are set along the central path, known as the Long Walk. Look out for a number of intriguing sculptures along the way.
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National Open Garden Scheme
Becoming more popular every year are Gardens open for charity, where Gardeners throughout the UK open their gardens to the public for charity. Carmarthenshire is no exception, gardens stretching the length of the county invite you in, from April through to September. Most offer refreshments and some allow dogs, all gardens which take part in the NGS scheme can be found in the NGS booklet and website
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Llyn Llech Owain
Llyn Lech Owain Country Park is famed for its beautiful lakeside walk, kids adventure park and its coffee & cake in the locally run café. There is a network of footpaths with many well surfaced and accessible to wheelchair users and a specially constructed path allows safe access through the forestry and around the lake.
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Pembrey country Park
Pembrey Country Park in the South is set against the spectacular backdrop of the Gower Peninsula and is one of Wales’s top visitor attractions providing a unique blend of coast and countryside. The 8 mile beach is a huge summer pull but is also fantastic in winter whilst the parkland is fantastic for kicking a ball or throwing a Frisbee.
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Nature Reserves & Woodlands
We boast some of the finest wildlife habitats and peaceful woodlands in Wales. From Coed Tregib, near Llandeilo, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) brimming with over 100 plant species, to Brechfa Forest Garden a collection that includes 89 of the 180 forest tree species found growing in the British Isles. Or enjoy a walk through enchanting alder and oak woodland, past fast-flowing and spectacular rivers at Gwenffrwd-Dinas reserve, Llandovery home to all manner of birdlife.
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Perfect spot for a picnic
There are plenty of picnic sites located throughout the county, providing locals and visitors with facilities and a place to rest and enjoy some of our wildlife and countryside. Each picnic site is situated in a scenic setting, often with stunning views of the surrounding area. Find your own secluded picnic spot; on the beach at Llansteffan, alongside the river Towy or in the midst of Brechfa Forest, just some of the favourite places to enjoy an alfresco lunch. Our Country Parks also offer a great picnic sites and in Pembrey Country Park they have a Barbeque area.
Historical houses & Gardens
For something different, some of our ancient homes offer delightful gardens and wonderful afternoon strolls amongst the mature trees and shrubs, carefully managed gardens and the wilder meadows and woodlands. Newton House set in Dinefwr Park is a great example of this, as is Parc Howard in Llanelli.
Another great garden in Llanelli open to the public is Stradey Castle. Stradey has a formal south and east facing terrace garden around the house with lawns with extensive borders. Generations of the family have taken advantage of the mild climate and acid soil to create a woodland garden which is of great interest.
