Local Area Information

The Cwtch at Forge cottage offers so much to see and do in Carmarthenshire and is close to the borders of Pembrokeshire.

Are you a keen photographer? We'd be surprised if you left here without some amazing photos.

We are in walking distance of the centre of Laugharne, (pronounced Larn). Enjoy the magnificent views from the 13th century castle, see where Dylan Thomas wrote some of his iconic works, or perhaps afternoon tea in his old home, the Boathouse.

Savour the taste of perhaps the best steak to be had at Dexters at Browns, or street food with a Thai twist in Poons, Ty Glo and the new wine bar plus other eateries and four pubs within fifteen minutes of the holiday cottage. Within five miles there are two award winning eateries. The Lotus in Pendine which provides Asian Fusion cuisine with breathtaking views over the bay and Elachi in St Clears an Indian restaurant and take away. The Carpenters Arms is across the road and had new owners in September 2024.

Take your choice of beaches along Carmarthen Bay, quiet and secluded Ginst Point, or the lively seven mile long Pendine sands which was the site of a land speed record and hosts Vintage Hot rod and other car activities. It has safe swimming areas and is used by surfers and paddle boarders. Further along the coast to Amroth, Saundersfoot, Tenby, Broadhaven South with Bosherston Lily Ponds and Barafundle or in the other direction, Llanstephan, Ferryside and Kidwelly. Many guests have been for a day trip to the Gower and further a field to St Davids and the Waterfalls of Cenarth and Brecon Beacons. 

Keen walkers, we are close to the Welsh coast path, or why not try the "Weatherman walking" route around Laugharne or a bit shorter the Dylan Thomas birthday walk. 

Bird watchers maybe lucky enough to see Marsh Harriers, Kestrels, Fulmars, Ravens and Rock Pipits, or further afield, see the Puffins at Skomer Island or cormorants, puffins and seals at Caldey Island. 

Gardening enthusiasts, Wales Botanic gardens are a must for a full day, see the butterfly house, hot house, and acres of gardens, or closer Castle green woods, Colby gardens, the lily ponds at Bosherston and so many more, or come and see our field where we grow flowers and veg a 10 minute walk from the Cwtch.

There really is something for everyone.

Laugharne Township - Laugharne, Broadway and Llansadurnen 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laugharne

https://www.discovercarmarthenshire.com/places/laugharne/

https://laugharnetownship-wcc.gov.uk

http://www.castlewales.com/laugharn.html

Other activities and websites for local attractions

Discover the counties of Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire

http://www.discovercarmarthenshire.com

https://www.visitpembrokeshire.com/explore-pembrokeshire

  • Beaches and harbours 

Amroth https://beachguide.wales/swalessomerset/telpyn.php

Broadhaven South, Bosherston Lily Ponds and Stackpole https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stackpole  (not local but great to see)

Llanstephan https://beachguide.wales/swalessomerset/llanstephan.php

Marros sands https://beachguide.wales/swalessomerset/marros.php

Pendine https://beachguide.wales/swalessomerset/pendine.php

Saundersfoot http://www.visitsaundersfootbay.com

Tenby https://aroundtenby.co.uk

  • Birdwatching 

Caldey Island https://caldeyislandwales.com and https://www.tenbyboattrips.co.uk/tenby-caldey-island-ranger/

Carmarthenshire Bird watching https://carmarthenshirebird.club/resources/birding-sites-gazeteer/

Llanelli Wetland Centre https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/llanelli/

Skomer Island https://www.welshwildlife.org/visit/skomer-island

  • Castles 

Carew Castle https://castles.wales/places/carew-castle/

Kidwelly Castle https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/kidwelly-castle

Laugharne Castle https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/laugharne-castle

Pembroke Castle https://pembrokecastle.co.uk/events

Roche Castle ruins - Broadway, Laugharne  https://castleuk.net/castle_lists_wales/159/roche.html

  • Cycling 

https://www.routeyou.com/en-gb/route/view/192864/cycle-route/mille-cymru-2-the-two-coasts\

https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/celtic-trail-west/

  • Fishing

Fishing in Wales  https://fishingwales.net/fishing-locations/

Laugharne Fishing http://fishingwales.net/laugharne/

Pendine Fishing  http://fishingwales.net/laugharne/

  • Gardens and woods to visit

Aberglasney https://aberglasney.org

Botanic Gardens https://botanicgarden.wales

Colby Woodland Gardens https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/colby-woodland-garden

Green Castle Woods  https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/green-castle-woods/

Hywel Dda Gardens https://www.hywel-dda.co.uk

National Garden Scheme - number of gardens  https://ngs.org.uk/gardens-in-wales/

  • Golf 

Carmarthenshire Golf courses https://www.golfshake.com/course/Europe/United_Kingdom/Wales/Carmarthenshire/

 Pembrokeshire Golf Courses  https://www.visitpembrokeshire.com/activities-adventure/golf

  • Horseriding

Marros Stables  https://marros-farm.co.uk

  • Shopping

Carmarthenshire https://www.discovercarmarthenshire.com/shopping/

Narberth https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/sep/27/narberth-wales-pembrokeshire-food-festival

  • Steam railway 

Gwili Steam Railway https://gwili-railway.co.uk

  • Walking

Carmarthenshire Walks  http://www.discovercarmarthenshire.com/explore/a-walkers-paradise/wales-coast-path/ and https://www.discovercarmarthenshire.com/explore/walking-in-carmarthenshire/

Dylans Walks - by Weatherman Walking https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01xw854/p01xyf2w

Laugharne, short coastal walk  https://www.walescoastpath.gov.uk/plan-your-visit/itineraries/culture-and-heritage-walks/laugharne-carmarthenshire/?lang=en

Welsh Coastal Path https://www.walescoastpath.gov.uk/?lang=en