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 or join Jamie the Baker to try your hand at Bara Pot Clai, or Welsh Clay Cottage bread making, a time-honoured technique being brought back which uses clay pots to bake break with a distinctive crust . 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, a restored former mill where you can follow the wool making process from fleece to fabric as well as taking part in workshops. Discover how they’re made, and give one from the shop a forever home as well as. 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, or, learn to weave a peg loom mat with Small Holding Secrets
Stay in Bryn Eglur — a beautifully restored Welsh hideaway with one of the finest traditional interiors around, lovingly brought back to life by master craftsman Dorian Bowen. Cute, cosy, and filled with country antiques, it’s made for total escape. No TV, no Wi-Fi — just a crackling wood burner, a good book, and off-grid vibes.
Winter warm-up
Get your blood pumping on a Hearty Cwtch break, immersed in Carmarthenshire’s great outdoors. Take to the tarmac on exhilarating road bike routes for all abilities, including traffic-free favourites like the Millennium Coastal Path and the new Tywi Valley Path ideal for families, with easy-to-download maps.
Unwind at Far Afield, a hidden horsebox bathhouse tucked away on a private track, with sweeping river views and open fields to roam. Book a winter bathing ritual in the outdoor nickel bath, complete with mineral salts, incense and a curated soundtrack, or opt for the bracing contrast of a wood-fired sauna followed by an icy dip.
Visiting with a group? Tanylan Farm has it all firepits, wood-fired pizza ovens, a swimming pond and an on-site sauna. Perfectly placed for coastal walks on the All Wales Coast Path, castle-hopping adventures, or a memorable meal at Y Barbican at Parc y Bocs.
Flying High
Expect spiriting-lifting engagements with phenomenal nature on an unforgettable Nature Cwtch break. From the British Bird of Prey Centre, 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. Head over to Llangadog for a hearty meal at the new Y Castell, and stay perched on the edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog Dark Sky Reserve, Erwain Escapes pairs stargazing, a private deck and outdoor bath with Welsh craftsmanship, crackling fires and a lively village pub nearby in Cwmdu.
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. Or choose Glangwili Mansion, a 5 star boutique style bed and breakfast offering a Stargazer Log Cabin. 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 stock up on luxury Welsh blankets at Dinefwr Blankets in Llandeilo . Stay in Black Mountain Escapes, Llangadog which offers a duo of period stays with antique furnishings. Choose between Gablebach featuring an outdoor bath or the Old Laundry offering a hot tub.