Things to do in Carmarthen

This medieval castle is one of the best things to do in Carmarthen.  

Its ruins stand against the beautiful greenery and rugged coastline where the River Coran meets the sea. You can park up near the main castle entrance, or at a pay-and-display car park at Green Banks. On foot, you’ll be able to roam the grounds fairly easily and access the castle with a ticket that’s pretty reasonably priced too.  

Learn all there is to know about the Tudor history, battles, and even the poet Dylan Thomas’ connection to the castle with the on-site exhibition. You’ll be pleased to know that most of the castle has disabled access apart from the tower. Dogs are more than welcome to come along for the adventure too, so the whole family can get involved!  

When you’re done exploring, pop to the gift shop for a souvenir.

This free-to-enter county museum has had over £1 million invested to restore the exterior of this old bishop’s palace building. Inside, you’ll find everything from millenia-old archaeological finds, fossils, and Roman coins to Egyptian pottery and Victorian paintings.  

When you’ve had your fill of Welsh history via the permanent and temporary exhibits, pop to Stacey’s cafe, serving up delicious tea and cakes. Dogs are welcome inside!

Wrapping around the Carmarthenshire Museum you’ll notice the picturesque Bishop’s Park, a perfect blend of nature and history. It’s free to enter and is open every day of the year. There’s free parking, too, plus most of the park is inclusive with wheelchair-friendly pathways throughout.  

You can spot wildlife in the woodland area or the oxbow lake with a chance to see otters, coots, and herons to name just a few! Conservation and preservation of history are central to these gardens, so you’ll find pollinator-friendly gardens and lots of mature trees with information boards dotted around the grounds.  

Stop for something to eat in the cafe, or bring a picnic to enjoy on one of the many benches.

From Bronwydd Arms Railway Station you can venture through the Welsh countryside on an old-fashioned steam train, run entirely by volunteers! The Gwili Railway is one of the best-preserved railway lines in the UK, with journeys taking you through picturesque hills, farmland, and woods.  

For unique days out in Carmarthen, take a circular ride in real 1950s carriages pulled by a steam train. The trip lasts around 1.5 hoursand everyone is welcome on board, with wheelchair access to the station! For a few pounds extra, enjoy a cream tea in your seat as you enjoy a slower pace of travel.

For a taste of truly Roman places to visit in Carmarthen, visit the 2nd-century Roman Amphitheatre that was excavated in 1968 and 1970. It’s one of the only examples here in Britain! Although much of it is still buried underground, you can see enough of the ancient walls to see how the arena and seating would have been laid out. It lies next to the main road so it's easy to access, plus there’s signage to help you learn more.

In the heart of the town, you’ll find The Warren, an award-winning restaurant that serves up fresh, locally-sourced, wholesome meals with a focus on sustainable, organic farming.  

Just like a rabbit’s warren, its interior feels snug and cosy with a mix of rustic farmhouse furniture and contemporary dishes. You’ll be spoilt for choice with lunch, dinner, and Sunday menus overflowing with classics such as roast dinners, curries and burgers.  

It’s ideal if you want to pop in for a hearty plate of food, but you’ll need to book ahead of time as it gets busy!

If your heart is calling out for pizza and pasta, then Florentino’s offers an authentic Italian experience with a relaxing vibe.  

You can order your food to eat inside the cosy restaurant or alfresco on the patio. Their delicious menu includes everything you’d expect from a traditional Italian eatery — platters of olives and bread, pasta, seafood, steaks, and wood-fired pizzas. It’d be rude not to finish up with gelato or tiramisu!  

You’ll find it in an old Welsh longhouse in the heart of the town. We’d recommend booking to avoid disappointment.

Traditionally, Carmarthen is a market town with a market dating back over 800 years. Today, you’ll find the market open nearly every day inside the market hall with a mix of stalls and seasonal offerings throughout the year.  

There’s such a wide range of sellers under one roof! While you’re here, you can find yourself some new clothes, get a fancy new haircut, and buy tonight’s caravan dinner at the butcher’s and cheese shops. There are card shops, craft emporiums, and even a place to buy tarot cards. There's no wonder the market is still thriving centuries on!