Under Starry Skies

There's a long list of cracking cultural sights in Carmarthenshire, from the ruins of Talley Abbey in the River Cothi valley (15 minutes’ drive) to the Dolaucothi Gold Mines (20 minutes), harking back to Roman times with guided tours and chances to pan for precious metal. Managed to unearth some treasure? Spend your winnings at the independent shops in the towns of Llandovery and Llandeilo, both 15 minutes away, dropping by the latter for the National Trust’s Dinefwr Park and Castle as well as the gothic-style Newton House. If the outdoor world beckons, Aberglasney Gardens (20 minutes away) is worth a look for its three expertly restored walled gardens in the grounds of a medieval house. Fancy a wilder place to walk? Llyn y Fan Fach – a scenic body of water home to the legend of the Lady of the Lake – is half an hour away deep in the Brecon Beacons.