Castell Llansteffan

Standing proud on a limestone cliff above the Tywi estuary, this Norman fortress commands one of the finest coastal views in Carmarthenshire. What remains of Castell Llansteffan - mostly the outer walls and gatehouse - tells the story of 800 years of Welsh border warfare, though it's the setting rather than the ruins themselves that really impresses.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the castle's strategic importance, built around 1138 to control river traffic heading inland toward Carmarthen. The walk up from the village is fairly gentle, and once you're through the gatehouse, the views stretch across Carmarthen Bay to the Gower Peninsula on clear days.

Families with older children who don't mind scrambling over ancient stones will find plenty to explore, though there's not much left of the internal buildings to fire young imaginations. Allow an hour to see everything properly, including time to soak up those estuary views.

From nearby holiday parks like Parkdean Resorts Carmarthen Bay Holiday Park or Laugharne Park Holiday Resort, it's an easy drive for a morning out. The village below has a decent pub if you fancy extending the trip, and you're well placed for exploring Dylan Thomas country around Laugharne just down the coast.