Tucked away down a sleepy country lane, Cwm Ty Coed (meaning Wood House Valley) can be found in one of Carmarthenshire’s more secluded pockets just off the A48. Once found, you'll be entranced by the panoramic views of rolling countryside and magical woodlands at this charming 30 acre smallholding. It's little wonder they call Carmarthen 'The Garden of Wales'.
First up; accommodation. The adjectives ‘cosy’, ‘warm’ and ‘comfortable’ fail to do justice to the ambience of the site's eight pitches (two tipis, five bell tents and a yurt) Guests will feel like the proverbial cat that got the cream among wooden floors, large beds, candle lanterns and a private kitchen. Outside, there’s your very own fire-pit, log seating area and barbecue, the perfect setting to cook that tasty West Wales produce.
Don’t forget to pack your boots/trainers/flip-flops (dependent on the terrain) as the nearby hills and coastline offer hours of pedestrian exploration. Pembrey Country Park, with miles of deserted sandy beach can be reached within fifteen minutes by car, and to the east, the breathtaking bays and subterranean coves of Gower are just waiting to be discovered.
Boasting twelve castles, Carmarthen is steeped in history. It's believed to be the oldest town in Wales and the birth place of everyone's favourite Arthurian wizard, Merlin. More recent history could draw you to the picturesque village of Laugharne and Dylan Thomas’ boat house with its evocative views across the Three Rivers estuary.
Back at Cwm Ty Coed, ever-friendly owners Jon & Sarah not only want guests to enjoy the creature comforts of five star glamping, but to also experience a taste of traditional, rural camping; encouraging sing-a-longs by roaring campfires and magical nights spent gazing up at the starry Welsh skies.
Kids can do their own weaving at the free National Woollen Museum (029 2057 3070), or visit the splendid National Botanic Gardens (01558 668768) with its wide-open spaces mean the gardens never feel crowded. However there’s a lack of cover, so if rain is forecast - come prepared! Take a trip to the ancient standing stones of Myndd Llangyndeyrn, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) that attracts an abundance of rare birds and uncommon invertebrates. More natural kicks await at the magnificent gardens and stately house at Aberglasney (01558 668998). Explore the breathtaking Cardigan coastline with a dolphin watching boat (01545 560032) out to Cardigan Bay or a day on some of the region's loveliest beaches – Mwnt and Tresaith being two of the most popular. You’re also well located to access the endless array of beauty at the Pembrokeshire Coast Path or the Brecon Beacons.
Carmarthen Market (01267 228841) sells local cheeses and Carmarthen ham, a serious local rival to the Parma variety. You can also pick up your sausages and burgers for that BBQ round the fire-pit. There’s a couple of decent pubs in nearby Pontyberem: The New Inn (01269 871152) has good pub food and a good range of ales, The Smiths Arms (01269 842213) is also a good shout and a bit closer to home in Llangyndeyrn is The Farmers Arms (01269 871022), a traditional local pub serving evening snacks. For all you vegetarians, the Afon Duad Inn (01267 281357) in Cwmduad, offers a good vegetarian menu as well as a selection of sturdy Welsh meat dishes. The Black Lion (01545 561144) in New Quay was (amongst many, many others) a regular watering hole of Dylan Thomas. For a sunny-day treat, the award-winning Italian ice-cream at Conti's (01570 422223) in Lampeter has to be tasted.