Kidwelly Industrial Museum

Steam engines and industrial heritage take centre stage at this proper working museum in a Victorian tinplate works. The original machinery still runs during demonstrations, giving you a genuine feel for how this corner of South Wales once thundered with industry. Kids love watching the massive beam engine in action - it's properly impressive when it gets going.

The museum sits in the old Kidwelly Tinplate Works, which operated from 1737 right through to 1981. You'll find original furnaces, rolling mills and the sort of heavy engineering that built industrial Wales. History buffs will appreciate the detailed exhibits explaining the tinplate process, while families can enjoy hands-on activities during school holidays.

Allow a good two hours to see everything properly. The volunteer guides know their stuff and bring the place alive with stories from the works' heyday. Best visited when the steam engine's running - check their website for demonstration days.

It's perfectly placed for a South Wales coast holiday. Parkdean Resorts Carmarthen Bay Holiday Park is barely a mile away, while families staying at Pembrey Country Park's campsite can easily combine this with the country park's attractions. The museum makes a cracking rainy-day alternative to beach time, and it's educational enough to keep everyone happy.