Carmarthen

Travel Guide

Photo by Steve Ponsford
Photo by Steve Ponsford
Photo by Steve Ponsford
Photo by Darryl Ellson
Photo by Darryl Ellson
Carmarthen is said to bethe oldest town in Wales, and has an incredibly rich history, dating back topre-Roman times. The county town ofCarmarthenshire, it sits on the River Towy, eightmiles north of beautiful Carmarthen Bay and itsfamous beaches. With an abundance of historical sites, an extremely diverseshopping experience, and pubs and restaurants galore,Carmarthen is a place you will remember for a longtime after your visit.

Sport in Carmarthen

Typical of many Welsh towns,Carmarthen has a strong sporting tradition, withtwo rugby union teams, Carmarthen Quins andCarmarthen Athletic, and a rugby league team, CPCBears. The town also boasts its own football team,Carmarthen Town FC, and an athletic team,Carmarthen Harriers. There are two golf courses inthe town, while Carmarthen Leisure Centre offersfacilities for a wide range of sports, including swimming, tennis, squash,gymnastics and martial arts. Carmarthen Park alsooffers sporting facilities, most notably a cycling velodrome that has been incontinuous use since its opening in 1900.

Shopping in Carmarthen

From small independent traders to major high streetchains, cobbled medieval streets to modern shopping centres,Carmarthen offers an enticing mix of old and new. Takeyour time to explore the winding lanes and alleys of the old town and itscharacter-filled selection of independent shops, or visit St. Catherine’s Walkand Merlin’s Walk for a more contemporary shopping experience. In the towncentre, Guildhall Square, Red and Blue Streets, Lammas Street and Dark Gate areall brimming with shops and cafes nestled in amongst historicalbuildings.

Food and Drink in Carmarthen

Carmarthen has arestaurant or cafe to please every palate, from traditional Welsh cooking tothe most exotic international cuisine. For traditional fare little can beatenjoying tasty dishes in the local pubs whilst sampling a selection of locallybrewed beers. You should make a point of visiting Carmarthen Market, whichdates to Roman times, and offers an excellent selection of localproduce.

Things to See and do in Carmarthen

At one time a Roman fort, named Moridunum, the towntoday has one of the few remaining Roman amphitheatres. CarmarthenCastle was built on the site of a Norman castle that was  destroyed in 1215.

Carmarthen was one of thefirst medieval walled towns in Wales, and features many other historicbuildings and monuments, such as the Guildhall, Picton Monument, St. PetersChurch, Carmarthen Bridge and Pont King Morganbridge.

You can learn aboutCarmarthen’s fascinating history at theCarmarthenshire County Museum in Abergwili, a shortdrive or bus ride from the town centre. Set in beautiful gardens, and featuringartefacts from every time period, from mammoth bones to Roman coins, Welshdressers and local pottery, it is well worth a visit.

If you follow the river a few miles to the south toCarmarthen Bay you will find several famousbeaches to explore, such as Pendine Sands and Cefn Sidan, and also come acrossthe superbly preserved Norman castle at Kidwelly.

Visit Carmarthen

With a heritage to rival anything in Wales, a hugevariety of shops, restaurants and pubs, and an idyllic surrounding countryside,this medieval town offers an unforgettable experience.

The Ivy Bush Royal Hotel By Compass Hospitality
The Ivy Bush Royal Hotel By Compass Hospitality
3 out of 5
11 Spilman Street, Carmarthen, Wales
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Carmarthen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (361 reviews)
"Great hotel highly recommend but would be nice if the single bed where mattress filled the same size as the bed frame as it was bit smaller"

Reviewed on 6 Jun, 2025

The Ivy Bush Royal Hotel By Compass Hospitality
Spilman Hotel
Spilman Hotel
3 out of 5
36 Spilman Street, Carmarthen, Wales
The price is S$157 per night from 22 Jun to 23 Jun
S$157
22 Jun - 23 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Carmarthen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (427 reviews)
"Beautiful property in main area of town. Close to shops and attractions. Parking was a bit tricky but definitely doable. The staff were friendly and efficient. Breakfast was good with lots of choice."

Reviewed on 2 Jun, 2025

Spilman Hotel
The Rose and Crown Hotel
The Rose and Crown Hotel
3 out of 5
Lammas St, Carmarthen, Wales
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Carmarthen. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (171 reviews)
"Lovely place to stay. Very comfortable bed . Friendly professional staff."

Reviewed on 31 May, 2025

The Rose and Crown Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cwmbach Cottages
Cwmbach Cottages
3 out of 5
Cwmbach Road, Cadoxton Neath, Neath, Wales
Stay at this 3-star golf guesthouse in Neath. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Neath Golf Club and Aberdulais Falls are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (58 reviews)
"Comfortable, clean and helpful hosts. Parking available. Spacious room with tea/ coffee. There’s a self serve continental breakfast. We thought there was a cooked breakfast. You can hear the other guests, ok for a short stay."

Reviewed on 2 Jun, 2025

Cwmbach Cottages
The Sleeping Giant - Pen Y Cae Inn
The Sleeping Giant - Pen Y Cae Inn
3 out of 5
Pen Y Ace Inn, Swansea, Wales
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly vacation home in Swansea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and premium bedding. Popular attractions Craig-y-Nos Country Park ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (54 reviews)
"Lovely, modern and clean accommodations, friendly staff, good breakfast at the pub. Kids really enjoyed the playground and the zoo as well."

Reviewed on 9 Jun, 2025

The Sleeping Giant - Pen Y Cae Inn
The Studio - 1 Bedroom Cabin - Amroth
The Studio - 1 Bedroom Cabin - Amroth
3 out of 5
Amroth Bay Holidays, Amroth, Narberth, Wales
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Narberth. Enjoy free parking, furnished balconies, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Tenby Beach and Battlefield Live ...
Lovely and cosy
"The bed was super comfortable and the place was clean and tidy. The tv was not a smart tv as stated and the shower was very small , I’m glad neither of us were big people as it was tight to get between the shower and sink to use the toilet and there was no tv in the bedroom , we found on arrival ..."

Reviewed on 6 Oct, 2024

The Studio - 1 Bedroom Cabin - Amroth
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Carmarthen

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
32
5 - Excellent 41%
4 - Good
41
4 - Good 52%
3 - Okay
6
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Dave

Carmarthen has all the main shops you could want with restaurants and cafes , these are all with in easy walking distance from the Old Priory Guest House. it is advisable to be able to drive if you wish to go site seeing

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely shops and very friendly people.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Visited llansteffan castle, had a lovely time.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

I enjoyed my overnight stay in Carmarthen but I arrived late and left early the next morning.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We stayed in Laugharne not Carmarthen!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Laugharne is breathtakingly beautiful around the castle and estuary. The walk to Dylan Thomas's boathouse is a must.