Laugharne and the Local Area

Laugharne has a fascinating history. It was a major port in Tudor times and its location on the estuary means it has always had a military importance. The fine castle, ‘brown as owls’, pays testimony to that. It has a corporation and has a portreeve, an ancient burgess role and a grand jury which meets in the Town Hall once a fortnight. The portreeve has a similar role to a mayor and gets to wear a chain of gold cockle shells. The town seems to delight in mixing the ancient with the modern, the profound with the quirky. It also has a literary heritage that pre-dates Dylan Thomas.

For a comprehensive guide to Laugharne, there’s a wonderful website called Laugharne Lines. It features some of the secrets of the best and least known corners of Laugharne. It’s a ‘must see’ if you’re interesting in exploring Laugharne or if you are interested in the quirky history of its township. Never ‘town’ or ‘village’ by the way. Say either of those and Laugharnies will ‘have a quiet word’.

Unmissable Moments

A stay in Laugharne comes with a few opportunities which we at Brown’s Hotel class as unmissable moments. They are the experiences which, should time allow, you must try to enjoy. They’re all free or very low cost, memorable and will all get you talking to the locals and benefiting from their inherent good humour, helpfulness and interest. What’s more, they’re all a short walk from Browns. Enjoy!

Dylan’s Walk

This stroll of about two miles starts from the Castle car park, adjoining The Grist; there’s rich flora and fauna along the route. From The Grist head along the foreshore towards the Boat House then up Cliffside and towards a former ferry crossing point. Still following the coast path, head for Delacorse Farm before joining a lane which leads towards St Martin’s Church. Dylan Thomas is buried in the graveyard. Take the footpath above the graveyard back to the centre of Laugharne and back down to The Grist. Recommended guide: Ordnance Survey Map 177: Carmarthen & Kidwelly.

Fresh cockles from Carmarthen market

The cockle may be one of the world’s most humble shellfish but it’s also one of Wales’ tastiest natural wonders. Take a short car journey from Browns to Carmarthen Market and eat them fresh with vinegar and pepper as you wander around this historic large town. Local cockles are mainly gathered near Llanelli but Laugharne itself has a fine heritage in producing and selling the tiny treasures. Avoid Carmarthen Market on Sundays – it’s shut. The excellent fishmonger Fish Matters is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 9am-4pm.

High Tide

There are a few vantage points from which to enjoy watching the rapid rising of the tide as it twists, turns and swirls over Laugharne’s marshy coastline. We recommend one of the park benches on the broad grassed area near the foreshore path between the Castle and the Boat House. Stunning!

Picnic underneath the Castle

One of life’s simple outdoor pleasures is made even more fantastic on a warm afternoon with snacks or a Browns picnic enjoyed on a rug laid directly beneath the steepling Castle wall next to The Grist. Watch the startling birdlife and ever-changing sweep of the coastline.

Sir John’s Hill Walk

This two-mile walk starts from the Castle car park, near the Grist, and provides breathtaking coastal views. Start by walking towards the headland on your right, along the coastal path. Follow the lower path along Cockshilly to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking a former quay and tramway. You’ll arrive at Laugharne Marsh then Railsgate Pill and walk to The Lees, low-lying common land belonging to Laugharne Corporation. Go as far as Coygan Quarry if you like and turn back towards Laugharne through Broadway and down Back Lane and back to The Grist. Recommended guide: Ordnance Survey Map 177: Carmarthen & Kidwelly.

Pembrokeshire

Known across the world for its legendary coastal scenery, protected by Britain’s only coastal National Park, Pembrokeshire is the perfect holiday destination: golden sands backed by towering cliffs teeming with wildlife that are just as beautiful in summer was they are in winter. Click here to find out more.

Carmarthenshire

Carmarthenshire known as ‘The Garden of Wales’ has some of the most spectacular and diverse landscapes in south west Wales. There are plenty of things to keep you busy in Carmarthenshire – with hundreds of places across the county’s beautiful and varied landscape waiting to be discovered – including visitor attractions, events, historical sites, activity centres, pubs, restaurants, shops and galleries. Click here to find out more.

Local Area