West Wales
Wales is roughly divided into South Wales, West Wales, North Wales and Mid Wales. There are no official boundaries between these regions, and largely where one region ends and the next beings will depend on who you are speaking too, and more importantly where they are from. For us West Wales is anywhere west of Carmarthen, and South of Cardigan
Most parts of West Wales can be included on a Long Day (up to 10 Hour) Tour from Cardiff. However, due to the distances and driving time involved, we would recommended a minimum of 2 days for any tours including West Wales
West Wales is the 3rd most populated part of Wales. It is sparsely populated with no cities, and only a couple of small towns. Most of West Wales is small villages. Some of the more famous and notable towns and villages are;
- Carmarthen
County Town of Carmarthenshire, and the oldest town in Wales, dating back 5000 years - Haverford West
County Town of Pembrokeshire, and former centre for exporting Wool - St Davids
The smallest city in the UK, and the most westerly place in Wales - Pembroke
Birth place of King Henry VII, the only Welsh born UK monarch, and first Tudor King - Tenby
Historic town famous for its narrow streets, colourful buildings, beaches and one of the sunniest places in the UK - Laugharne
Home to author and poet Dylan Thomas - Pendine
Many Land speed records set on Pendine Sands, including the first car to go over 150mph in 1925, and the land speed record for a Lawnmower – 87.8mph in 2010 - Fishguard
Major ferry port for Ireland, and where the last enemy army set foot on UK soil in the 18th Century
Compared to some parts of Wales, West Wales does not have may castles still standing. Partly due to it historically being a relatively peaceful and sparsely inhabited part of Wales. Being in Wales though, where you are never too far from a Castle, there are still a few that can be visited
- Pembroke Castle
Birth Place of King Henry VII - Carew Castle & Tidal Mill
13th Century Castle and 19th Century Tidal Mill - St David’s Cathedral
Largest Cathedral in Wales - Castell Dryslwyn
13th Century Native Welsh Castle overlooking River Towy - Llawhaden Castle
Picturesque 13th Century Castle that was unusually built by Bishops instead of a Lord, Prince or King
Much of Pembrokeshire is farm land, benefitting from being one of the most fertile parts of Wales, which is largely unfertile and poor for growing crops. Compared to most of Wales, it is relatively flat, with the biggest Mountain being Foel Cwmcerwyn only reaching 536m (1,759 feet) in the Presseili Hills in north Pembrokeshire. For scenic views, West Wales Coast comes alive though. Here are some of the best views in West Wales
- Castell Dryslwyn
From its loft elevated position, Castell Dryslwyn offer great views up and down the River Towy - St Govans Chapel
On the South Pembrokeshire Coast, with dramatic cliff top walk and views out towards the Bristol Channel meets the Atlantic Ocean - Newgale
Spectacular bay with breath taking views of the cliffs and out towards the Atlantic Ocean - Green Bridge
Natural Stone Archway just off the coast in the sea, near Castlemartin - Barafundle Bay
Considered to be some of the best views in West Wales - Fishguard Fort
Remains of 18th Century Fort overlooking Fishguard Harbour, Lower Fishguard Beach and out to the Irish Sea
There are a few hand manicured Gardens around West Wales
- Wales National Botanical Gardens
Just outside Carmarthen, and home to rare plants from all around the world, and the largest single span greenhouse in the world - Picton Castle & Gardens
50 Acres of Gardens & Woodlands, dating back to the 18th Century
West Wales has numerous places you can see Wildlife
- British Bird of Prey Centre
Visit Birds of Prey such as Owls, Kites & Kestrels, and even have a go at flying them yourself - Skomer Island
Also known as Puffin Island, due to its large Puffin Population - Foley Farm
Zoological Farm with Giraffes, Monkeys, Lions etc - Martins Haven
One of a number of places along the Pembrokeshire Coast where Seals can be spotted. Particularly August to November when they come ashore to breed - Great Wedlock Farm & Deer Park
175 acre managed park, that is home to between 200-300 deer, of multiple breeds, at any given time