Poets Cottage Laugharne, Carmarthenshire Coast, South West Wales

Laugharne romantic retreat for Two

• Poets Cottage is a romantic retreat tucked away at the end of a small terrace of three cottages on a quiet lane near the centre of the village of Laugharne.  
• It is just a stone’s throw from the 12th Century Castle and the Boathouse where Dylan Thomas famously wrote and read his work.
• This is a comfortable retreat for two (or three if you have a babe in arms).  
• The cottage is compact but with everything you need including WiFi. Downstairs offers space to relax (while still in company with the cook) and opens onto an enclosed patio with table and chairs to enjoy alfresco dining.

Laugharne and Eating Out

• No trip for two would be complete without memorable meals together. Laugharne has plenty to offer. Browns Hotel, famous as Dylan Thomas’s preferred drinking establishment, open for lunch or supper, is just up the road from this cosy cottage.

• Just down the road is the Cors Restaurant, awarded Good Food Guide & AA Restaurant Guide double Rosette. A romantic restaurant set in a ‘fairy-tale’ garden with unpretentious, well-executed, straightforward cooking.

• Hidden in the marshlands just outside the village, The Corran Resort & Spa offers pampering spa treatments and a restaurant where the ethos is to offer ‘well-prepared, thoughtfully cooked and beautifully presented cuisine with more than a hint of Welsh character.’

Dylan Thomas Boathouse and Writing Shed

• The Boathouse has a long history associated with the water trade of the estuary but became famous as the home of Dylan Thomas from 1949 to 1953 - the last four years of his life.  He worked in the boatshed, writing some of his most famous works there looking out over the water, and the influence of this ’heron priested shore’ is evident in his work.  
  
• The Boathouse is now open as a museum – check the opening times on the website www.dylanthomasboathouse.com .

Laugharne Castle

• Laugharne Castle is a ruin which dominates the town riverside.  First built in the 11th C as an earth and timber structure, it was built in stone in the 13th & 14th C's, turned into a Tudor mansion in the 16th and now for over 20 years has undergone painstaking archaeological investigation and restoration. 
  
• The magnificent Georgian and Victorian gardens overlooking the river Taf were an inspiration to the two great modern writers, Richard Hughes and Dylan Thomas – in fact there is a turret room in the castle grounds which overlooks the estuary,  laid out as Dylan Thomas used it.

St Clears & Food Shopping

• Just 4 miles drive takes you into the village of St Clears, once a thriving port on the River Taf , where there is a newly opened riverside walk to enjoy. Local food shops include Neil’s, an excellent fish and chip take away and two prize-winning butchers, Philip Hughes (Pie Makers of Distinction) and Eynons (Britain’s Best Butchers & Food Hall 2007).

• Experience a thrilling day out canoeing, kayaking, archery, initiative games, coasteering, orienteering or horse riding. There are so many adventures to choose from. Booking is essential.
  

West Wales Centre for Arts & Crafts

• The West Wales Centre for Arts and Crafts is also in St Clears where in addition, there are several pubs known for good food including The Black Lion, Santa Clara Inn and The Butchers Arms, often frequented by Dylan Thomas and his wife Caitlin.

Ffos Las Racecourse

• Ffos Las, the first turf racecourse to open in the UK in more than 80 years, is a 30 minute drive away.  

• Visit the ancient market and county town of Carmarthen (13 miles away), which with its Roman foundations is said to be the oldest town in Wales. Bustling with individual shops, there is a good range of local amenities including supermarkets, filling station, chemist, doctor, vet, bank, post office, internet café and chain stores.
• There is also an indoor market where you can buy delicious local produce, browse second hand books, antiques and more. Carmarthen's new shopping centre claims the West End has come to West Wales.

Pendine Sands, Ginst Point and beach riding

• Pendine Sands is a 7-mile stretch of beach running from Gilman Point to Laugharne Sands, occasionally used for motor racing and land speed record events.  
• However, a great variety of birds can be seen on a sand pit at Ginst Point; the extensive scrub attracts finches and other passerines and the inland areas, large flocks of golden plover and lapwings. (Ginst Point is used for weapons testing and so access is limited but usually available at weekends - phone ahead to avoid disappointment 01944 452310). 
  
• A favourite pastime on Pendine is beach horse riding – try the award winning Marros Riding Centre

 Caldey Island Boats, Tenby

• Just over 20 miles to the west is Tenby – a picturesque harbour town with Norman town walls surrounding cobbled streets, a bustling centre and wonderful beaches to the north, west and south of the town.  
• Take a trip from here to Caldey Island, home to Cistercian monks, and enjoy the island beaches, countryside & produce.

The National Botanic Garden of Wales and Aberglasney

• Heading inland, just over 20 miles away is the beautiful National Botanic Garden of Wales near Llanarthne.  This is a 568-acre parkland containing, both historic and futuristic buildings, horticultural displays, flower meadows, lakes and walks, shops and cafes.  
  
• Just a little further away near Llandeilo is the medieval house and gardens at Aberglasney. This beautiful site has a rich history which has been preserved for the public by the Aberglasney Restoration Trust and, featured on several television programmes, has been open to the public since 1999.

• Enjoy the eight lane, 25 metre, infinity pool and other sports facilities whatever the weather.

• The vibrant market town of Llandeilo, one and a half hours drive away, is packed with interesting independent shops, award winning chocolatier Heavenly Exquisite Desserts, quirky cafes, bars and restaurants. The Ginhaus bar/deli is recommended for good food and a great atmosphere.
  

A cute retreat for romantic couples in the heart of Laugharne once home to the celebrated Welsh poet Dylan Thomas.