Home of the National Botanic Garden of Wales, Aberglasney and much more.......

The countryside is stunning, with the Black Mountain (part of the Brecon Beacons National Park) in the East, the longest sandy beaches in Wales, the wonderful valleys of the Tywi, Cothi, Teifi, Gwendraeth and Taf, lakes, hills and moorland - a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers. The Red Kite is a common sight soaring over the countryside.

Need some exercise? Walking and cycling are amongst the most popular pursuits, simply due to the diversity and beauty of the countryside. However, there is plenty for the golfers, riders and fishermen too. Try the dry ski slope, toboggan run, go carting, motor racing or laser clay shooting. The Crychan forest has just been opened up for walking, cycling, riding and carriage driving. Brechfa mountain biking centre is due to open in 2006 and will have trails to suit varying abilities.

At the Millennium Coastal Park, a 20 km stretch of derelict coastline has been transformed and includes a wetland habitat, a Nicklaus golf course (due to open in 2004), a 1,000 meter seafront promenade walk, cycleways (part of the Celtic Trail extends the length of the Park) to name but a few of the improvements.

Shopaholics can eat their hearts out in the towns that are as diverse as the countryside. Carmarthen and Llanelli offer the large chain stores as well as smaller individual shops and daily indoor markets. The more traditional smaller ones with unusual shops and features are fascinating to explore.

Carmarthenshire boasts a wealth of good quality local foods, especially cheeses and dairy products, honey, confectionary – you can visit a chocolate farm – and refreshing water.

Interested in Heritage in Wales? Carmarthenshire’s culture and history have left a legacy of major proportions including a selection of divers castles, a full-sized steam railway, various museums – including the National Woollen Museum - and several National Trust properties. Visit a pre-Roman Goldmine and go underground or try panning for gold.

Dylan Thomas wrote "Under Milk Wood" in the Boat House, Laugharne, now a Heritage Centre of world repute. He and his wife Caitlin are buried in the local churchyard.

These are just a few of Carmarthenshire’s highlights, there are many more in this undiscovered area of Wales.

For more visit: www.visitcarmarthenshire.co.uk