Carmarthen Travel Guide

Tourist 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
The price is £72 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£72
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Carmarthen. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (366 reviews)
"Great Location"

Reviewed on 21 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 £87 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£87
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Carmarthen. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (431 reviews)
Fantastic little hotel
"Hotel offers so much more than you expect"

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Spilman Hotel
The Rose and Crown Hotel
The Rose and Crown Hotel
3 out of 5
Lammas St, Carmarthen, Wales
The price is £81 per night from 3 Jul to 4 Jul
£81
3 Jul - 4 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Carmarthen. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (173 reviews)
"clean and friendly, great beds, quite rooms for a peaceful night sleep and excellent breakfast"

Reviewed on 8 Jun 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.
The Shearer's Hut, Sleeps 2, Wood Burner, Fire Pit
The Shearer's Hut, Sleeps 2, Wood Burner, Fire Pit
3 out of 5
Penhill, Broad Oak, Carmarthen, Wales
Stay at this 3-star holiday home in Carmarthen. Enjoy free parking, a garden and a picnic area. Popular attractions Aberglasney Gardens and Dinefwr Park & Castle ...
"Clean, tidy, well equipped."

Reviewed on 30 Sep 2021

The Shearer's Hut, Sleeps 2, Wood Burner, Fire Pit
Beachside Apartment with Stunning Sea Views (only a few steps from the beach!)
Beachside Apartment with Stunning Sea Views (only a few steps from the beach!)
Pendine, Wales
Stay at this beach holiday home in Carmarthen. Enjoy a beach locale, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Museum of Speed and Pendine Sands are ...
Beachside Apartment with Stunning Sea Views (only a few steps from the beach!)
Geodome Glamping With sea Views Near Pendine
Geodome Glamping With sea Views Near Pendine
2 out of 5
Carmarthen
Stay at this cabin in Carmarthen. Enjoy free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Museum of Speed and Pendine Sands are located nearby.
Geodome Glamping With sea Views Near Pendine
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.

Cities near Carmarthen