Days out in West Wales

Dinefwr Park, Llandeilo

The National Trust managed Dinefwr Park, with the ruins of Dinefwr Castle and the church of Llandyfeisant is just outside Llandeilo. Footpaths through the landscaoped park lead to the castle and have good views of the Towy Valley. Parts of Newton House, which dates from 1660, are open to visitors.

Kidwelly Castle

Developed around its medieval castle which is one of the best preserved in Wales and stands on a steep bank overlooking the river.

Millennium Coastal Path

Llanelli's 13 mile coastline has been transformed into the spectacular Millennium Coastal Park, funded with the help of the National Lottery. The creation of the park has been a major landscaping feat, involving the formation of new lakes, gardens and woodlands. At the eastern end it overlooks the river estuary dominated by fenland. It then sweeps around the town and follows the coast, giving panoramic views over sandbanks and tidal waters towards the Gower peninsula. An area of open countryside stretches towards Burry Port Harbour and on to Pembrey Country Park. Linking all these elements is a continuous cycleway and footpath, which runs unbroken throughout the park's entire length.

Ffos Las Racecourse

Ffos Las has brought back top class racing back to West Wales for the first time since 1937. You can find it in the heart of Carmarthenshire between the towns Llanelli and Carmarthen. The setting is magnificent. It is surrounded by rolling hills and countryside and has a view down the Gwendraeth Valley to Carmarthen Bay. It is almost impossible to believe that it is the former site of the largest open cast coalmine in Europe. You can't beat the spectacle and colour of seeing racehorses and jockeys close up, the bustling activity that surrounds the betting and the lively excitement of the race itself.

National Botanic Garden of Wales

The National Botanic Garden of Wales opened in May 2000 - making it the first national botanic garden to be created in the new millennium.

In such a short time it has become

• The most visited garden in Wales
• The number 1 'Wonder of Wales', 'Most Romantic Garden', 'Best Children's Garden' & 'Best Afternoon Tea' by the Western Mail
• The 'No 1 Garden to Visit in Wales' by BBC Gardeners' World 2010 poll
• The 'Visitors Favourite' by Carmarthenshire Tourism Association

You will find an amazing collection of over 8000 different plant varieties, spread across 560 acres of beautiful countryside.

There is a stunning range of themed gardens that appeal to a wide range of visitors, from those who just love the sight and smells of flowers to those who want to know about medicinal plants or the latest DNA research into plant evolution.

It is are very family friendly. There are always plenty of activities for families to do in school and bank holidays, and a year round diverse programme of events that appeal to a wide range of visitors.

The Garden boasts the world's largest single spanned glasshouse, designed by Lord Foster, that has the best display of mediterranean climate zone plants in the Northern hemisphere.