National Trust - Paxton's Tower

The tower sits alone on a hilltop near Carmarthen, visible for miles across the Towy Valley. It's a three-storey stone folly built in 1811 by William Paxton, a local banker who clearly had money to spare and a taste for the dramatic. You climb up inside - it's tight, narrow stairs - and emerge onto the top platform with proper sweeping views over Carmarthenshire's rolling countryside. On a clear day it's genuinely impressive; on a drizzly one, less so.

Walkers will get the most out of it because the appeal is as much the walk up as the destination itself. The National Trust maintains the paths reasonably well, though it's a proper climb rather than a gentle stroll. Allow 45 minutes to an hour return, depending on fitness. The tower itself takes five minutes to climb and explore. It's free to visit, which is the only reason to make the detour if you're honest.

Historically minded visitors might find the folly interesting - it's a monument to Georgian excess and estate gardening trends. Kids under ten will probably find it underwhelming unless they enjoy climbing stairs and looking at distant hills. There's no café, no facilities, nowhere to linger.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Towy Valley Caravan Park is closest at under two miles - it makes sense as a half-morning walk combined with exploring Carmarthen itself. On its own, it's a bit thin. Go because you're in the area, not because it's worth a special trip.