Sometimes you just want to get in the car and get away from the same four walls and view out of your front window and each weekend it's definitely good to take a break from home - then you appreciate it much more when you return. Here in Wales we've some fantastic destinations from seaside towns and villages to castles surrounded by walks or bustling little towns to window (or actual) shop.
If you're looking for somewhere new to explore the next weekend you are free, Carmarthenshire village, Llansteffan is well worth a little trip - either for the day or for a cheeky overnight stay. Around an hour and a half's drive from Cardiff, it's just around the corner from Laugharne and about 40-odd minutes away from the bustling tourist spot of Tenby. But why would you want to drive all that way when you could stroll around the leafy coastal path, sandy beach and, yay, there's a castle, too.
Like much of the Welsh coast, there are decent walking routes around the village and beyond, whether you want a sandy stroll with rockpool explores, the shade of the woodland paths, and all the whle with the glistening water (on a sunny day!) in sight and the sea air all around.
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From the car park down on the waterfront you can set up camp on the beach, with amenities right there but keep an eye on the tide, of course, it is fast-moving in these parts. If the tide's out and you'd like even more privacy you can stroll round to Scott's Bay. Again, keep an eye on the tide — you can check the tide times here. Always be aware of your surroundings on an estuary.
Llansteffan Castle is a 10-minute walk up from the waterfront car park. What a great setting for a castle, built in Norman times but also encasing an Iron Age fort from 600 BC. It's an amazing place to chill out overlooking Carmarthen Bay sitting on the ruins or grass, especially if you have a picnic.
And if you want to actually get on the water, there's the Carmarthen Bay Ferry which will nip you across to Ferryside. The crossing was voted one of the 'most spectacular in the world.'
Eating-wise there's Florries chip shop down on the front but you can also stroll up to the village, which has a mix of listed buildings, cottages with plenty of places to stay, including the Inn at the Sticks pub which has a great beer garden and pub grub menu and has been voted one of the best places in Britain for a Sunday lunch in the past.
Also there's The Castle Inn and the Village Stores and Deli if you want to get suitably refreshed after a long walk or a day by the sea with a pint or some pizza. Fancy something fancier? Head on up to the Georgian Mansion House where you can stay, or just dine at the two AA Rosette Moryd Restaurant.
How to get to Llansteffan
From Cardiff and Swansea, travel to the end of the M4, get on the A48 to Carmarthen, then follow the B4312 down to Johnstown/Llansteffan.
Car parking is free at the Llansteffan car park which can be found at The Green, Llansteffan, SA33 5LW.
Read more:
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