Blackberry Patch

Beach day? Toss a coin between the four closest sandy beaches. There are beaches on both sides of Burry Port (25 minutes' drive), Hafan Lliedi (20 minutes) in lively Llanelli or the huge stretch of sand at Pembrey beach (25 minutes). The latter is part of a coastal country park with trails, a dry ski slope and tobogganing activities – plenty to fill a few hours with. If you're one who feels drawn to heritage days, these parts certainly are not short on castle ruins. There’s the Norman Kidwelly Castle (15 minutes), Castell Carreg Cennen (40 minutes) 300 feet above the river Cennen, and Kidwelly Castle (15 minutes) above the river Gwendraeth. Stop off at the National Botanic Garden of Wales (20 minutes) to sniff the flowers, or at Llyn Llech Owain Country Park (20 minutes) to count the wild creatures around the bog and forest trails.