Poets Cottage, Laugharne

Dyfed. Sleeps up to 2

Laugharne and Eating OutNo trip for two would be complete without memorable meals together. Laugharne has plenty to offer. Browns Hotel, famous as Dylan Thomas’s preferred drinking establishment, open for lunch or supper, is just up the road from this cosy cottage. Just down the road is the Cors Restaurant, awarded Good Food Guide and AA Restaurant Guide double Rosette. A romantic restaurant set in a ‘fairy-tale’ garden with unpretentious, well-executed, straightforward cooking. Hidden in the marshlands just outside the village, The Corran Resort and Spa offers pampering spa treatments and a restaurant where the ethos is to offer ‘well-prepared, thoughtfully cooked and beautifully presented cuisine with more than a hint of Welsh character.’Dylan Thomas Boathouse and Writing ShedThe Boathouse has a long history associated with the water trade of the estuary but became famous as the home of Dylan Thomas from 1949 to 1953 - the last four years of his life. He worked in the boatshed, writing some of his most famous works there looking out over the water, and the influence of this ’heron priested shore’ is evident in his work. The Boathouse is now open as a museum – check the opening times on the website www. dylanthomasboathouse. com . Laugharne CastleLaugharne Castle is a ruin which dominates the town riverside. First built in the 11th C as an earth and timber structure, it was built in stone in the 13th and 14th C's, turned into a Tudor mansion in the 16th and now for over 20 years has undergone painstaking archaeological investigation and restoration. The magnificent Georgian and Victorian gardens overlooking the river Taf were an inspiration to the two great modern writers, Richard Hughes and Dylan Thomas – in fact there is a turret room in the castle grounds which overlooks the estuary, laid out as Dylan Thomas used it. St Clears and Food ShoppingJust 4 miles drive takes you into the village of St Clears, once a thriving port on the River Taf , where there is a newly opened riverside walk to enjoy. Local food shops include Neil’s, an excellent fish and chip take away and two prize-winning butchers, Philip Hughes (Pie Makers of Distinction) and Eynons (Britain’s Best Butchers and Food Hall 2007). Go Wild Adventures, St ClearsExperience a thrilling day out canoeing, kayaking, archery, initiative games, coasteering, orienteering or horse riding. There are so many adventures to choose from. Booking is essential. West Wales Centre for Arts and CraftsThe West Wales Centre for Arts and Crafts is also in St Clears where in addition, there are several pubs known for good food including The Black Lion, Santa Clara Inn and The Butchers Arms, often frequented by Dylan Thomas and his wife Caitlin. Ffos Las RacecourseFfos Las, the first turf racecourse to open in the UK in more than 80 years, is a 30 minute drive away. Carmarthen County and Market TownVisit the ancient market and county town of Carmarthen (13 miles away), which with its Roman foundations is said to be the oldest town in Wales. Bustling with individual shops, there is a good range of local amenities including supermarkets, filling station, chemist, doctor, vet, bank, post office, internet café and chain stores. There is also an indoor market where you can buy delicious local produce, browse second hand books, antiques and more. Carmarthen's new shopping centre claims the West End has come to West Wales. Pendine Sands, Ginst Point and beach ridingPendine Sands is a 7-mile stretch of beach running from Gilman Point to Laugharne Sands, occasionally used for motor racing and land speed record events. However, a great variety of birds can be seen on a sand pit at Ginst Point; the extensive scrub attracts finches and other passerines and the inland areas, large flocks of golden plover and lapwings. (Ginst Point is used for weapons testing and so access is limited but usually available at weekends - phone ahead to avoid disappointment 01944 452310). A favourite pastime on Pendine is beach horse riding – try the award winning Marros Riding Centre Caldey Island Boats, TenbyJust over 20 miles to the west is Tenby – a picturesque harbour town with Norman town walls surrounding cobbled streets, a bustling centre and wonderful beaches to the north, west and south of the town. Take a trip from here to Caldey Island, home to Cistercian monks, and enjoy the island beaches, countryside and produce. The National Botanic Garden of Wales and AberglasneyHeading inland, just over 20 miles away is the beautiful National Botanic Garden of Wales near Llanarthne. This is a 568-acre parkland containing, both historic and futuristic buildings, horticultural displays, flower meadows, lakes and walks, shops and cafes. Just a little further away near Llandeilo is the medieval house and gardens at Aberglasney. This beautiful site has a rich history which has been preserved for the public by the Aberglasney Restoration Trust and, featured on several television programmes, has been open to the public since 1999. Carmarthen Leisure Centre and Swimming Pool, JohnstownEnjoy the eight lane, 25 metre, infinity pool and other sports facilities whatever the weather. Days OutThe vibrant market town of Llandeilo, one and a half hours drive away, is packed with interesting independent shops, award winning chocolatier Heavenly Exquisite Desserts, quirky cafes, bars and restaurants. The Ginhaus bar/deli is recommended for good food and a great atmosphere.A cute retreat for romantic couples in the heart of Laugharne once home to the celebrated Welsh poet Dylan Thomas.

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