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The Millennium coastal path - spans 21 km (13 miles) of coastline from Loughor to Pembrey, offers views of the Gower Peninsula and the opportunity for traffic-free cycling. Pembrey Country Park - is situated on the outskirts of Llanelli, and consists of about 2 km² (500 acres) of parkland. Cefn Sidan, a beach within the park that has won the coveted Blue Flag award, is approximately 13 km (8 miles) long and half a mile to the sea at its narrowest at low tide. It also has a lifeguard-patrolled area. WWT National Wetlands Centre - located about 1 mile east of Llanelli, is one of nine wetland nature reserves managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. Llanelli House - is one of Llanelli's most historical properties, an excellent example of an early 18th century Georgian town house. The house, located directly opposite the parish church, is currently in a poor state of repair, however the town council has recently purchased it with plans to completely restore the house for civic and public use. The then Member of Parliament for Carmarthenshire, Thomas Stepney originally built the house in 1714. It is written that John Wesley, the early leader of the Methodist movement, stayed at the house several times during his many visits to the town. The house has also starred in the first series of the BBC television show, Restoration. Kidwelly Castle - (approx. 10 miles west of Llanelli) Weobley Castle - Weobley Castle is a fortified manor house, where domestic comfort took priority over defensive capabilities. It overlooks the Llanrhidian marsh and the Llwchwr estuary. The castle consists of four ranges around a small courtyard, with the main rooms at first-floor level. The south range is largely ruined and the buildings on the south-east where probably never even completed. The castle was built by the de la Bere family during the 1300's, with David de la Bere the probable founder early in the century. The castle is entered on the west through a simple archway high enough for a mounted rider to pass through and closed by large wooden doors, which, without the added protection of a portcullis, would have offered little resistance during an attack. On the south-west are the ruins of a freestanding tower that is possibly the oldest part of the castle. Beside this are the ruins of the southern range that once contained a chapel. The most complete remains are to the north and west which contain the main accommodation, the solar and a hall and kitchen. The entrance to the hall is through a porch added by a later owner of the castle, Sir Rhys ap Thomas, in about 1500. Burry Port Marina - (approx. 3 miles west of Llanelli) Park Howard Museum - is set in the grounds of Park Howard. The museum houses a collection of Llanelli Pottery an art collection and material related to the history of the town. The National Botanic Garden of Wales - (approx. 10 miles north of Llanelli) The Gower Peninsula - Penclawdd in north west Gower is located about 3 miles across the estuary. Much of the west Gower can be viewed from the Llanelli coast. Glynn Vivian Art Gallery Alexandra Road Swansea SA1 5DZ Tel: 01792 516900
| | | The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery in Swansea is home to nationally and internationally important collections of traditional and contemporary art. Exhibits include sculptures, works from old masters, examples of porcelain and Swansea china. The eclectic collection of visual arts was originally the bequest of Richard Glynn Vivian, and is housed inside one of Swansea’s most handsome buildings.
| | | | Craig-y-Nos Castle Brecon Road, Pen-y-Cae, Powys SA9 1GL
| | | Craig-y-Nos, not only offers some wonderful accommodation, but also a fully-functional wedding venue. The hotel runs paranormal events for the open-minded, while activities such as biking, walking and hiking are accessible practically from the doorstep. Craig-y-Nos is also immersed in over a hundred years of history, and is a famous and listed attraction.
| | | | National Waterfront Museum Oystermouth Road, Swansea, SA1 3 RD Tel: 01792 638950
| | | The National Waterfront Museum in Swansea chronicles the proud industrial and seafaring past of the city and presents its fascinating history in an interesting and involving format. It is located in Swansea’s rejuvenated Maritime Quarter, and was built at a cost of over £30 million. 15 interactive displays and hands-on learning make delving into the past fun for all ages.
| | | | Gower Heritage Centre Parkmill, Gower, Near Swansea, SA3 2EH Tel: 01792 371206
| | | The Gower Heritage Centre was established in 1990 as a countryside crafts centre. With the renovation of the 12 th Century water-powered corn and saw mill, and the relocation of several more craftspeople to the site, the Heritage Centre began to grow. Today it is a charming crafts centre and rural museum, set amidst the stunning scenery of the Gower Peninsula.
| | | | Swansea Castle Swansea
| | | Swansea Castle was built in the late 13 th Century, and while the city grew around the castle, its ruins appear to have been left behind. Built by the Lords of Gower, and added to over the centuries, Swansea Castle was temporarily used in the 18 th Century as a debtor’s gaol, as well as a market, drill hall and even a town hall.
| | | | The Dylan Thomas Centre Somerset Place, Swansea, SA1 1RR Tel: 01792 463980
| | | Dylan Thomas was born in Swansea, and his poetry and stories made him one of the city’s most famous sons. The Dylan Thomas Centre, in the heart of his hometown, is a celebration of Thomas’ life and works. There are permanent exhibitions, a shop, a restaurant and the home of the Ty Llen literature programme, which stages events throughout the year – including the annual Dylan Thomas Festival in October and November.
| | | | Brecon Beacons National Park
| | | | The Brecon Beacons National Park can be reached in less than 30 minutes from Swansea. It is home to some of South Wales’ most rugged and most beautiful scenery, and also its highest peaks and most expansive lakes. The region is divided into four ranges: the Black Mountains, the Brecon Beacons, Black Mountain and Fforest Fawr; each has its own distinctive scenery. The Brecon Beacons National Park is popular with walkers and climbers, as well as enthusiasts of outdoor pursuits and activities |
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