Carmarthenshire is staking its claim as the ‘cosy capital of Wales’ this winter, where the charm of winter comes alive in every corner.
From cute countryside cottages with roaring fires, to toasty tearooms, Carmarthenshire embraces the essence of ‘Cwtch’ a word rooted in Welsh culture that speaks both snug, intimate spaces and a more literal meaning of giving someone a cuddle.
Come and visit us and try and tick off some of our winter ‘cwtch list’ as you explore the charm of Carmarthenshire during its cosy season.
Our Cwtch up in Carmarthenshire guide gives you ideas on who to book a perfect winter’s break where you can wrap yourself up in comforting experiences, drink in breath taking landscapes and invigorating outdoor adventures, followed by delicious comfort food by a crackling fire.
So, dig out your woollies and embrace the elements to find your cwtch this winter, a warming Welsh hug for the soul…
Tummy hugs
A hug for your tummy is so comforting, so a perfect place for a Foody Cwtch break is the Good Food Guide’s Best Local Restaurant in Wales 2024, the Inn at the Sticks in Llansteffan. It’s just been refurbed too. Then head to gourmand heaven in Llandeilo for Flows on Market St, Pitchfork & Provision artisan bakery and nearby Wright's, Llanarthne. Fancy a hot beverage? Master coffee-making on Coaltown’s Academy course in Ammanford.
Comfort Treating
Snuggly Welsh woollen blankets never tire of being cwtched – head for the National Wool Museum, Drefach Felindre, to discover how they’re made, and give one from the shop a forever home. Even better, shake your creativity out of hibernation on a Crafty Cwtch break, and learn a new skill. Options include a pottery course at Siramik, near Alltwalis, which also offers b&b in a quiet and cosy converted stone barn. Or, learn to weave a peg loom mat with Drefach Fibre Flock, the perfect way to ensure a warm resting spot on a winter’s walk
Winter warm-up
Get your blood and body buzzing again on a Hearty Cwtch break, taking in Carmarthenshire’s great outdoors. How about trying a mountain biking experience? Off-road trails for riders of all abilities are on offer in the beautiful Brechfa Forest. Stay at the Forest Arms, Brechfa, where E-bike hire is available. It has just refurbed all its rooms, too. Accommodation sleeps up to seven people and has secure mountain bike storage facilities.
Flying High
Expect spiriting-lifting engagements with phenomenal nature on an unforgettable Nature Cwtch break. From the British Bird of Prey Centre at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne, you can take a Private Woodland Walk with an owl or falcon or fly the UK’s three biggest birds of prey. Stay at Ty Mawr Country Hotel in nearby Brechfa, or head for the Red Kite Feeding Station, Llanddeusant, to see beautiful birds and awesome flying displays.
Paws for thought
Take your own animal friend with you on a Pet Cwtch break for on-tap cuddles 24/7 and save on kennel bills, too. What’s more, rooms at the Caban beside magnificent, seven-mile Pendine Sands cost less than £100 a night. The Wales Coast Path is on your doorstep for walkies galore, too. While pooped puppy has a snooze, visit the new Museum of Land Speed while you’re there.
A kind of magic
Head out to be hugged by soul-stirring landscapes - coastal, forest, hilltop and country – and combine physical exercise with nourishment for the mind on a Heritage Cwtch. For example, learn about the Physicians of Myddfai and the supernatural Lady of the Lake. Hike to Llyn-y-Fan Fach, from where the watery wench emerged. Stock up on soothing daffodil-scented balms and bath bombs at Myddfai Trading in Llandovery. Then sleep in a four-poster at the Castle Hotel. Or, head over to Llangadog for a hearty meal at the new Y Castell, whose rooms are opening soon too.
That's the spirit
Enjoy the warm atmosphere and conviviality on a cosy Pub Cwtch, sampling local thirst-quenchers such as Penderyn Whisky, Coles Carmarthen Gold cider or Amman Eagle ale. Stay at Brown’s Hotel, favourite watering hole of Dylan Thomas, browns.wales in Laugharne which also has a new family friendly restaurant Ty Glo. Or visit the newly opened wine and tapas bar The Globe. Alternatively, head for Dylan Coastal Resort for hot tubs, spa treats and spectacular estuary views from the terraces of its Milk Wood Bar and Kitchen.
Reach for the stars
Hide away on a Wild Cwtch break. Stay at Cambrian Escapes’ luxury, two-bedroom cottage, Glan-yr-afon, near Llandovery, and stargaze from a hot tub. Book ahead for an Asado Night flame-cooked outdoor feast at Y Plough Felingwm. Join a guided full Moon Walk around an iron age hill fort, with Quiet walks, then stay in Hafan (Haven) or Derwen (Oak), remote cabins on a dairy farm on the edge of Bannau Brycheiniog national park.
Woolly cwtch
Learn a flock of things you never knew about warm and snuggly Welsh wool on a Woolly Weekend. Book a one-day Weave and Walk workshop with Lisa from Quiet Walks, get creative and learn how to weave raw fleece into a useful mat. Fancy felting? Textile artist Jane Evans offers full-day Wet-felting Workshops near Llandovery. Learn a new skill, relax with friends, and go home with a beautiful piece of work you have created. Further wool spinning, plant dyeing, weaving and chunky hand-spun knitting experiences are available at various venues with Nellie and Eve. Great places to find Welsh wool and Welsh wool products are Bumble Bees of Llandovery, The Welsh wool shop, Newcastle Emlyn and Davies & Co stores.