Carmarthen

The Romans knew what they were doing when they founded this ancient market town on the banks of the River Tywi. Carmarthen has that proper lived-in feel - none of your chocolate-box prettiness here, just a working Welsh town that's been getting on with business for nearly two thousand years.

Wander through the town centre and you'll find a mix of independent shops, traditional pubs, and the kind of local cafes where conversations switch between Welsh and English mid-sentence. The weekly market still draws folk from across west Wales, much as it has for centuries. It's not flashy, but there's something reassuring about a place that hasn't tried to reinvent itself for tourists.

Venture out from town and the countryside opens up beautifully. Bancyfelin Chapel sits quietly in the rolling farmland to the south, while Meidrim Village Green offers a lovely spot for a peaceful walk among its protected woodland and meadows. The Tywi Valley stretches both ways from Carmarthen, with walking paths following the river through some of the most unspoilt countryside in Wales.

Getting here is straightforward enough - the A40 runs right past, and there's a decent rail connection from Swansea. The town sits roughly halfway between the Gower Peninsula and Pembrokeshire, making it a sensible base for exploring both. Several holiday parks dot the surrounding countryside, from proper camping spots like Big Barn Camping to more upmarket options at places like Llain Farm Glamping. They're well-positioned for day trips to the coast or deeper into the Brecon Beacons, while keeping you close enough to nip into town for supplies or a proper Welsh breakfast.