Llanelli sits on theRiver Loughor’s estuary, near the west coast of Wales and in the heart ofbeautiful Carmarthenshire. Ten miles from Swansea,this picturesque traditional Welsh town was historically a mining town, butmore recently has become a popular tourist destination. With a wealth ofnatural attractions and a rich cultural heritage, it has something to offerevery visitor.
The current spelling ofLlanelli was changed from its anglicised version,Llanelly, in 1966, following a public campaign bylocals.
Sport in Llanelli
Llanelli is synonymouswith rugby, and boasts two rugby union teams, the Scarlets and Llanelli RFC,both of whom play at the Parc y ScarletsStadium.
Bowls is also a popular pastime, andLlanelli hosts theLlanelli Open Bowls Tournaments every year fromJuly to September in Parc Howard. Formally known as the Llanelly MunicipalTournaments, the competition dates back to the 1920s.
Llanelli also has twogolf courses and a snooker academy, the Terry GriffithsMatchroom, named after, and run by, the former snooker worldchampion, who was born and lives in the town.
Places to Visit in and Around Llanelli
The Millennium Coastal Path is a 13 mile cycle andwalking path that stretches along the south coast ofCarmarthenshire fromLoughor to Pembrey,and offers stunning views of the neighbouring Gower Peninsula, named the UK’sfirst Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956.
Llanelli Wetland Centrelies about a mile to the south east of the town, and is a wetland naturereserve run by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT). The 450 acre site has acollection of over 600 rare birds, and offers good facilities for children,including a maze and play area as well as fun activities such as den buildingand pond dipping.
Llanelly House is animportant historical building and a fine example of an early Georgian townhouse. Recently restored, and featuring a cafe, restaurant, shop and visitorcentre, it offers exciting tours and an insight into Georgian familylife.
North of the town centre, Parc HowardMuseum and Art Gallery is a large 19th century country house setin 24 acres of parkland. Most famous for its extensive collection ofLlanelli pottery, it also hosts paintings andother artworks, as well as local historical and cultural artifacts. As inLlanelly House, there are legends of a ghostlypresence.
Shopping in Llanelli
Llanelli has shops thatcater to all tastes, with a wide range of independent shops, a number of highstreet chain stores and an excellent indoor market, as well as the retailparks, Parc Trostre and Parc Pemberton, a little further out of town.
Food and Drink in Llanelli
Llanelli has a hugeselection of restaurants, pubs and cafes, whether you’re looking fortraditional Welsh dishes, fish and chips or international fine dining.Llanelli also has a long tradition of brewing, andin August hosts the annual Llanelli Beer Festival,an official CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) event.
Holidays in Llanelli
With an abundance of historical and naturalattractions, and an exciting town centre, you are sure to find plenty to seeand do in Llanelli.
