All posts by Hc_s-1

How to keep everyone entertained on a wet day

A wet day in the Valley
Into every life, a little rain must fall

The sun normally shines on Godremamog Mill – Dale in Pembrokeshire is the 4th sunniest place in the UK, so the Valley must come close! but, even here, a little rain must fall !  If it is wet, we hope that you can find lots to do in and around the Valley itself.  There are books and DVDs in the apartments.

You can still enjoy the gardens on a wet day – up at the Mill, there is the summerhouse and BBQ hut while you enjoy an alfresco cuppa.  But why not hit the hot tub?  – you’re going to wet anyway!

Out and About – There are plenty of places to visit, even when it’s wet.  Some suggestions include:

  • https://adveturebeyond.co.uk – Adventure Beyond – local outdoor pursuits including kayaking, climbing, coasteering, bush craft, surfing and rafting.
  • https://museum.wales/wool/ – National Woollen Museum at Drefach Felindre 20 minutes drive from the mill.  (free and very interesting if you want to know more about how Godremamog Mill would have been in 1885, wonderful for children, plus they do a mean welsh rarebit).
  • https://www.escape-game.co.ukEscape Game – Welcome to the Escape Game, Carmarthen, join us for your escape experience and enjoy using your mind to escape one of the themed rooms.
  • http://www.folly-farm.co.ukFolly Farm – on the A478 at Begelly, going down to Saundersfoot (lots of outdoor fun but also indoor animal areas, indoor children’s adventure playground, amusements and a stunning indoor fairground).
  • http://hangar5.wales/Hangar 5 Haverfordwest  A trampolining experience – interconnected trampolines, angled walls, roll-over platforms, slamdunk basketball nets, punch bags, trick airbag etc
  • https://www.coracle-centre.co.uk  National Coracle Centre – Cenarth (exhibition showing coracles from all over the world, the guide is great).
  • https://www.theloftwales.orgThe Loft – 2 escape/challenge rooms, climbing wall, crazy golf, air hockey, indoor curling, shooting game and racing cars. All activities start from £1.
  • https://www.carewkarting.co.uk Carew Karting – open from early March, great fun for all the family, junior and adult karting.
  • https//www.teificheese.co.uk and https://www.damhile.co.uk  Glynhynod Farm – Teifi chesse and Da Mhile Distillery – farm shop with cheese and spirit tasting on site.
  • https://www.celticquest.co.uk Celtic Quest – wriggle into a wet suit, fasten up your adventure kit ready to be led along the stunning stretch of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
  • http://www.gardenofwales.org.ukNational Botanical Garden of Wales on the A48, going towards the M4, about 15 minutes out of Carmarthen, (2 glass houses, including the largest single span glasshouse in the world,  the other is a butterfly house, exhibition of bees, 100 year old chemist shop and art gallery, as well as extensive outdoor gardens, much of which can be viewed from a covered land train).

You may want to go shopping.  The new shopping centre at Carmarthen is good and there is an indoor market there.  Café Nero and Costa Coffee are fun for people watching.  There are lots of lovely shops in the towns and villages around the mill.  Newcastle Emlyn has plenty to offer. The tea shops in Newcastle Emlyn are all very cosy.  Narberth is particularly nice for art galleries and boutiques.

If you would prefer beer to tea, most of the pubs around here are very welcoming.  The Nags Head at Abercych or the Three Horse Shoes and White Hart in neighbouring Cenarth.  

You may just want to go to the pictures.  There is a multiplex at Carmarthen and a cosy picture house (and theatre) in Cardigan – Theatre Mwldan.   http://www.mwldan.co.uk – Theatre Mwldan – Cardigan’s cinema & theatre  www.myvue.com/home/cinema/carmarthen – Carmarthen’s cinema

What you need to know – our Booking Terms & Conditions

These are our booking Terms and Conditions, please read these carefully as you are legally bound by these terms and conditions.

There are rivers running through the gardens at the mill, and the  gardens are on different levels with paths which can be uneven – please ensure that you supervise children at all times.

THE HIRER The person – aged over 18 years – making the booking and authorised to agree to booking conditions on behalf of all persons and pets.  The hirer’s full contact details must be completed in the contact details on the booking form (name, address, telephone number and e-mail address).

THE HOSTS Chris & Paula (the hosts) live at the mill and will greet you when you arrive and show you around the apartment and the outdoor facilities.

THE ACCOMMODATION refers to one or more Mill apartment(s) as booked – the actual apartment(s) will be specified on the booking form.

BOOKINGS AND PAYMENT.  To reserve your accommodation for the required dates, please book on-line using the Availability & Booking page or telephone Chris & Paula on 01239 698799.
Please note – bookings made through the on-line booking system are provisional until confirmed by the owners.

  • If you book on-line, no other booking form is required and you are deemed to have accepted Godremamog Mill’s terms and conditions.
  • When you submit a booking via our online reservation system you will receive an automatically generated booking summary by e-mail to the e-mail address you provide in the booking form. This does not form a contract between us. A contract shall only arise when your booking is subsequently confirmed by e-mail and you have paid a 25% deposit; until that time, the booking is still provisional and can be cancelled by the owners.

The full balance is due 8 weeks before the start of your holiday. Before that date, a 25% deposit is required to secure your booking.

If you have any queries, or require any further information, please telephone Chris & Paula on 01239 698799 or e-mail us at Bookings@valleyholidays.co.uk

SHORT BREAKS (less than 1 week) must be paid in full when booking. You can book short breaks on-line or use the booking form and a cheque as above.

 CANCELLATIONS must be made by telephone or e-mail as soon as the hirer knows about the cancellation.

After receipt of the cancellation notification, the owners will (but without obligation to the hirer) re-advertise the accommodation in the hope of re-letting the accommodation. If the accommodation is re-let, the monies paid will be refunded less an administration fee of £30.00 per week or part week of the reservation. If cancelled within 8 or less weeks of the holiday and the owners have been unable to re-let the accommodation, no re-fund will be made. If the full payment has not yet been received the hirer agrees to pay the balance of the hiring charge.

PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU TAKE OUT HOLIDAY INSURANCE.

Non Availability of Apartment. If, for any reason (including but not limited to natural disasters, fire, riots, strikes, acts of terrorism, sanitary disruption, civil unrest, war, restrictions by Local Authorities) the accommodation is not available on the date booked, all monies paid in advance will be refunded in full. The Hirer shall have no further claims against the Owner or Agent.

NO BOOKINGS ACCEPTED FROM HEN OR STAG PARTIES

 BOOKING CONDITIONS

  • The Hirer must provide full contact details – name, address, telephone number and e-mail address.
  • The Hirer agrees to take reasonable and proper care of the property and leave it in a clean and tidy condition at the end of the rental and pay for any breakages, losses or damage, however caused.
  • Your accommodation will be available to you from 16:00pm on the day that you arrive.
  • In order to maintain high standards of cleanliness we ask you to vacate your accommodation by 10.00am on the day of departure.
  • The accommodation is let and furnished for the numbers specified. These numbers must not be exceeded and no exception can be made except by prior arrangement.  (These numbers are 4 per Mill apartment).
  • You mustn’t use the Accommodation, or allow it to be used, for any dangerous, offensive, noisy, illegal or immoral activities. You must not cause any nuisance or annoyance to any neighbours or anyone else during your stay.
  • The pools must be vacated by 11pm, and the BBQ hut and garden must be vacated by midnight.
  • Children are welcome. Of course, to maintain our high standards, they are expected to treat the accommodation, its contents and all areas with respect and be supervised at all times.
  • Parents/Guardians must take responsibility for their children, who play at their own risk. Children must be supervised in the gardens for their own safety, especially near the river.
  • All vehicles and their accessories and contents together with personal items and baggage are left at owner’s risk.
  • You should not charge an electric vehicle from the apartments, the mill is an historic building and its supply may not support the charging of an electric vehicle. Car charging is not covered by our insurance.
  • If you have any problems with your accommodation, or even any queries, please raise them with Chris or Paula as soon as possible so that action can be taken to remedy them.

ALL MILL APARTMENTS ARE NON SMOKING. As tobacco smoke is offensive to non smokers and smokers themselves are seldom aware of the smell that clings to clothing etc., it is asked that particular care is taken to keep the accommodation free of smoke or the smell of smoke, this includes the use of vapours and or/e-cigarettes. Should any smell be detected in the accommodation by either the owners or future holiday makers, this may result in compensation charged for resulting cancellations, additional cleaning or any other cost incurred.

SAFETY – Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure a safe holiday. However, it is the Hirer’s (and guests) responsibility to inspect the property – particularly parents with young children or vulnerable people. If you have any worries or identify anything that you feel is unsafe do please bring it to the owner’s attention so that action can be taken to rectify the problem as soon as is possible.

PETS AT GODREMAMOG MILL
We are able to accommodate up to 2 well behaved dogs in our          Wheelhouse apartment but you must tell us at the time of booking if you wish to bring a dog. There is a charge of £25 per dog per stay. We ask that you remove any dog mess from the garden and grounds before checking out. Dog owners must abide by  the Godremamog Mill Dog Policy. Unfortunately, no other domestic pets are permitted at our properties. Assistance dogs are permitted at all our properties; but you must tell us at the time of booking if you wish to bring an assistance dog with you.

OUR RIGHT TO EVICT
We may terminate our contract with you and ask you to leave the accommodation immediately (without any compensation being payable) if:

  • we consider that you or your party have committed a serious breach of these terms and conditions;
  • we consider that your or your party’s behaviour endangers the safety of our visitors or staff;
  • any complaints are made of anti-social or unacceptable behaviour against you or your party;
  • you or your party cause an unreasonable amount of damage to the property or its contents; or
  • you exceed the maximum occupancy limit for your Accommodation.

How to make the most of your dog friendly holiday – Our Dog Policy

Dog in the meadow
Bod the dog, enjoying a run in the meadow

We are able to accommodate up to 2 well behaved dogs in our Wheelhouse apartment by prior agreement.  We do make a charge of £25 per dog per stay. If you would like to holiday with your dog(s) please drop us a message or call us on 01239 698799.

The Valley is a wonderful place for your dog to enjoy a holiday with you, with woods and meadows to run in and rivers to splash through.  There are just a few things we ask to make sure you and your dog enjoy your stay:

  • Please make sure that you know what your dog is doing and where it is!  Never leave your dog alone, especially in the Mill. 
  • Please make sure that your dog does not get out into the gardens unattended and that it never goes out onto the road unless it is on a lead.
  • The flooring in Wheelhouse has been designed with dogs in mind.  Please don’t let your dog into the bedrooms or get onto the sofas, no matter how cosy they are!
  • There are lots of great walks straight from the door.
  • Even the best behaved dogs can make mistakes in an unfamiliar environment, you are responsible for any damage or nuisance caused by your dog.
    • Please clean up after your dog, every time, even in the woods and meadow as lots of visitors like to walk along the right of way on the edge of the property.
    • There is an outside tap available for dog washing.  Let us know if you would like a hose.
    • There are towels to dry your dog under the kitchen sink.

We are sure that you would never bring a dog to the Mill that would be a problem but, if your dog causes a nuisance to us or other people, you will have to make other arrangements very quickly.

Whilst a lot of the area caters for travellers with pets there are some places that are not dog friendly. If you would like additional freedom during your stay, Clwb Kennels – the best boarding kennel in Pembrokeshire, is just a few minutes walk up the road, run by one of the nicest couples you could meet.  Mrs Askew is on 01239 698 650.  They do accept dogs for the day and also will let you take your dog out for the day if you are boarding them overnight.

Which apartment is the best for your holiday.

Which Mill apartment will be best for you?  Lots of our guests have a favourite apartment but that doesn’t help you choose because some love Carders Corner, some insist on Wheelhouse and just as many adore Bobbin Box!

Relax in a four poster bed

 Every apartment has a similar layout – double bedroom, twin bedroom (apart from Bobbin Box which has a second double bedroom) , lounge diner, kitchen and bathroom.  They all have the same equipment (full sized over, ceramic hob, microwave, fridge & freezer, dishwasher, TV & DVD player etc).

Some double bedroom have a four poster – some were especially hand made for the mill by a local sculptor, Wheelhouse has a magnificent wooden one.

Double bedroomEach apartment has space for a travel cot. 

The lounges either have two sofas, or modular sofas which can be moved together so that you can cwtch up (a Welsh word which sort of means hug).

 Wheel House has its entrance out to the garden from the lounge.  The others have theirs from a bedroom.

Carders Corner is on the entrance level, so no stairs and also only us above you.  These are probably the most likely to be quieter.  Carders Corner looks West across the Wheel garden, where other people are most likely to be if they are outside.  All the double bedrooms and kitchens have great views of the river (it’s only 3 meters from the house!).  

If you would like to talk it through, give us a call on 01239 698799.

Local artists and opportunities to design your own art

We are blessed with an extraordinary number of local artists and crafts people.  For example, you can see at least 18 different studios around Cardigan Bay through the Open Studios initiative www.cardiganopenstudios.co.uk.  This peaks around the August Bank Holiday. 

Our most local artist, Philippa Sibbert from Capel Iwan both produces lovely work http://philippasibert.weebly.com/

http://www.artholidayspembrokeshire.co.uk  If you would like to have a go at producing something yourself – Studio Llwyndrain – carry out Art taster days – a great opportunity to be creative as a family. 

Newcastle Emlyn, 4 miles away, has even more talented local artists Gabrielle Dudley’s gallery is worth a visit – she paints beautifully and produces the most amazing tiles: www.gabriellesgallery.co.uk .  The Makers Mark gallery showcases many local artists and crafts people, including another local artist from Newcastle Emlyn – Helen Elliott www.helenelliott.net and Diane Matthias from Henllan, just up the road http://www.dianemathias.com  We also have Sculpture Heaven – a beautiful garden not far from Newcastle Emlyn, showcasing their stunning sculptures  http://www.sculptureheaven.co.uk – we own several examples of their work.

http://artpembrokeshire.co.uk lists more than 70 different artists in Pembrokeshire and shows examples of their work.  A trip to St David’s will take you to the heart of a thriving artistic community and the art gallery at the visitor’s centre there is well worth a look.  There are lots of other galleries in the city (the UK’s smallest) and the surrounding area too http://www.stdavids.co.uk/artpage.htm.  We particularly enjoyed a visit to Steve Robinson’s glass studio http://www.steverobinsonglass.com

A visit to the galleries along King street in Carmarthen, near the castle, is a must for art lovers.

Some more galleries in Pembrokeshire:

www.tenbymuseum.org.uk Tenby museum with 2 art galleries with regular changing exhibitions

www.raulspeek.co.uk A very colourful gallery showing the work of this talented Cuban artist in beautiful Solva.

www.orielyparc.co.uk St Davids visitor centre with a selection of crafts, artist’s materials and a stunning art gallery.

www.oriel-y-felin.com Oriel-y-felin gallery, 5 Nun Street St Davids

www.thestudioatpenrallt.co.uk Penrallt Farm, Newport.  Owned by artists Helen Beazley and Marc Morley (Helen writes the Lavender Road series under the name Helen Carey).

The mill used to produce its own craftwork in the form of woollen cloth and blankets.  Unfortunately, we don’t have any of the original cloth, but you can see examples of Welsh blankets and quilts at the Jen Jones quilt centre in Lampeter http://www.jen-jones.com/ or Jane Beck’s Welsh Blankets at Tregaron http://www.welshblankets.co.uk/

Great places to visit for steam railway enthusiasts

There is a long history of rail travel in this part of Wales – On 25 March 1807, the first railway passengers in the world traveled on a railroad carriage converted to carry people and drawn by a horse between Swansea and Mumbles.  We still have steam trains running in the local area on preserved railways.  Two are within 25 minutes drive – the Gwilli Railway on the way to Carmarthen and the Teifi Valley Railway, upstream from Newcastle Emlyn.  A third, the Reidol Railway, starts at Aberystwyth.

The Gwili railway even allows you to drive a steam train yourself on certain days: 

http://www.gwili-railway.co.uk/ Gwili railway – a restored standard gauge steam railway running through a beautiful valley near Carmarthen.  A round trip takes about an hour but you can travel all day on one ticket.  There are plans to extend its current route all the way to Carmarthen and up to Pumpsaint, following the Gwilli river.

http://www.teifivalleyrailway.wales/ – Narrow Gauge Steam Railway – The journey runs through woodland and then on to a steep shelf above the beautiful River Teifi.  They also have a woodland walk and crazy golf.

http://www.rheidolrailway.co.uk/The Reidol Railway – a powerful narrow gauge steam locomotive working hard to climb 700ft (200m) in the 11 ¾ miles from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge.  This was the last steam railway owned by British Rail until it was privatised in 1989.  The journey takes around an hour each way with time to sight see at Devil’s Bridge.

http://www.greatlittletrainsofwales.co.uk/vor.html – you might also like to look at the other steam railways in Wales.

British Rail also provide a stunning journey from Carmarthen to Swansea.  Sit on the right hand side of the carriage for fine views of the shore and Llansteffan castle as the train travels beside the sea through Llanelli and Burryport.  Then, from Swansea, you can take the beautiful Heart of Wales line through stunning countryside and across breathtaking viaducts – follow this link for a short tour:  http://www.heart-of-wales.co.uk/tour.htm

Beautiful gardens to visit

We’d love to show you around the mill gardens.  We have flower gardens all around the mill, along the leat and even into the next county.  We have soft fruit on terraces up the hillside and orchards on the hillside.  Hardy fushias, geraniums, peiris and rhododendron grow particularly well here.  We have a herb garden in a raised bed alongside the driveway which is very attractive to bees and butterflies.

The wild flowers in the woodland and meadows around the mill should count as a garden in their own right, starting with snowdrops clustering along the river sides in January/February.  Bluebells fill the woods in May and orchids can be found along the roadsides.  The verges and hedgerows are a riot of colour in June and laburnum trees hang golden chains above the country lanes.  The long hot days of summer mean pleasant walks in shady woods and autumn brings vibrant colour to the valley.  Then winter paints it all with a silver sheen and the snowdrops start again.

There are many other beautiful gardens for you to visit including the Garden of Wales and Aberglasney.  Rhododendrons are a wonderful sight in June and Picton Castle’s display is breathtaking, while the great glasshouse at the Garden of Wales is amazing, even in Winter. There are also interesting nurseries to visit and many of our guests leave with plants.

http://www.gardenofwales.org.ukNational Botanical Garden of Wales

http://www.aberglasney.orgAberglasney gardens – a garden lost in time.

https://www.facebook.com/norwoodgardens/ Norwood gardens to visit in South Wales

http://www.pictoncastle.co.uk/ Picton castle – the rhododendrons are breathtaking.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/colby-woodland-garden Beautiful woodland valley garden with year-round colour in Pembrokeshire

http://www.bromeigan.co.uk/ BroMeigan gardens near Boncath

https://www.facebook.com/norwoodgardens/ Norwood Gardens – 3 acres with the “long walk” and individual gardens on each side.

www.stackpole-walledgardens.co.uk Stackpole Walled Gardens – 6 acres of walled gardens at the National Trust Estate at Stackpole Pembroke

http://www.trefhedyn.co.uk/Trefhedyn nursery in Newcastle Emlyn.  Well worth a visit.  It looks small from the street, but take a look round the corner!  10 minutes drive from the mill.

http://www.penralltnursery.co.uk/Penrallt nursery in Moylegrove “possibly the largest, most comprehensive collection of plants in West Wales”.  The only nursery we know with a sea view.  Good cafe there too.   25 minutes drive from the mill.

http://growninwales.co.uk/giw_event/carmarthenshire-growers-association-spring-fair/ Carmarthenshire growers – a collection of local nurserymen

http://www.newbridgenursery.co.uk/address.htmlNewbridge Nursery & Plant Centre open during the summer in the heart of the Pembrokeshire countryside near Haverfordwest.

http://www.dyffrynfernant.co.uk/ Dyffryn Fernant garden near Fishguard.  open Weds – Sun Easter – Sept.

http://www.moorlandcottageplants.co.uk/ Moorland Cottage Plants near Crmych – note they also do mail order.

Great places to eat and drink

There is a wealth of local food to try, from Cardigan Island crab to Caerphilly Cheese and even Welsh Whisky.  The local town, Newcastle Emlyn, has 2 lovely delicatessens selling a variety of Welsh Produce.  There is an organic fruit and vegetable shop (so so good – look out for the pies and nom nom chocolate) a good butchers and an excellent health food shop.  The market on Fridays brings local jam makers and honey producers to the town, amazing fruit and vegetable bargains are to be had and the Country Market offers local produce, cakes, bread and crafts.

Nearly every weekend, there’s a food festival somewhere in Wales.  The Garden of Wales’ food fair is at the end of May.  Newcastle Emlyn holds its food fair in June.  Pembrokeshire Fish Week is at the end of June.  Carmarthen food fair is in July, as is St David’s Really Wild food festival.  Narberth’s food festival is in September. There are lots more.

We are very lucky to be close to the Caws Cenarth cheese factory.  Their golden Cenarth beat 900+ other cheeses to be awarded the best cheese in the UK.  They even beat the French last year.  You can visit their shop and try their beautiful, beautiful cheeses.  http://www.cawscenarth.co.uk/  You can also find award winning Teifi Valley cheese at the market in Carmarthen (every day except Monday) or at their shop near Llandysul – they also distil whiskey and a very fine gin   http://www.teificheese.co.uk/

There is plenty of good Welsh Beer around – Felinfoel, made near Llanelli, Thomos Watkins, made in Swansea, Brains, made in Cardiff etc..   There are many good pubs just a short drive away, serving local produce at reasonable prices, including the Nags Head in Abercych approximately 4 miles away.  There are a variety of pubs serving food in Newcastle Emlyn: The Coopers Arms, The Three Compasses, The White Hart Inn, The Pelican, The Ivy Bush, The Plough, The Gwesty’r Emlyn Hotel.  There are lots of lovely cafes and restaurants there too: Harrisons Bistro and Riverside Gardens.  Teifi Fish & Chips does great fish and chips to take-away and there are Indian and Chinese take-aways in the town.   Just down the road at Cenarth, you will find another fine selection of pubs, cafes and restaurants.

Further afield, you will find beautiful pubs overlooking secluded bays or in bustling towns.  For a real holiday feel, there are amazing fish and chips in New Quay, Saundersfoot and at Llangrannog, where the local ice-cream is a  treat.  There are even some cafes where your children can paint their own pottery.  You will also find lots of farm shops and farmers markets, local cheese makers, a vineyard and a honey farm.

Here are some lovely ideas of places to eat in Carmarthenshire: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/definitive-guide-eating-drinking-well-11038699

Food Fairs

Cool Food festivals

Farm shops and local producers

– including cheese, wine and chocolate!!

http://www.cawscenarth.co.ukCaws Cenarth – organic cheese factory.  See the cheese being made and sample the wonderful organic cheese, which regularly wins major prizes.  10 minutes drive from the mill.

http://www.teifivalleycheeseproducers.com/ – There are many fine cheese makers in the Teifi valley area including Carmarthenshire Cheese Company, Caws Cenarth, Hafod Welsh Organic Cheddar, Teifi Farmhouse Cheese, and Sanclêr Organic

http://www.bigbarn.co.uk/marketplace/vendors/cothivalley~CothiValleyGoats_Llandeilo_SA19Cothi Valley Goats – 15 types of goats cheeses

http://www.penlan-uchaf.co.uk/ Penlan Uchaf gardens and amazing local beef (great coffee shop with amazing views)

http://www.harmonyherd.co.uk/Harmony Herd free range Wild Boar cross pigs

http://www.thehoneyfarm.co.ukNew Quay Honey Farm – Discover the magical world of the bee.

http://www.celticwines.co.uk/Celtic Wines – local country wines and preserves

http://www.cwm-deri.co.uk – Cwm Deri Vinyard.  Excellent wine tasting opportunities and a great restaurant.

http://www.llwynhelygfarmshop.co.uk/  Llwynhelyg Farm Shop 8 miles North of Cardigan “a food lovers’ paradise” an excellent place to get lots of local food.

http://www.welsh-whisky.co.ukPenderyn Whisky Distillery – near Merthyr Tydfil, a little way from the mill but worth a visit for Whisky lovers.  Or you can buy their produce in Carmarthen.

http://www.gwaunvalleybrewery.co.uk/ – Cwrw Cwm Gwaun real ale brewery – see the brewers at work and taste the finished product.

Market Days

  • Newcastle Emlyn – Friday
  • St Dogmael’s Local Producers Market – Coach House Heritage Centre next to the Abbey, Tuesdays 9:00 – 13:00
  • Carmarthen – Wednesday.  The indoor market is open Tuesday – Saturday.
  • Cardigan indoor market – open most days but Thursday – Saturday is best.
  • Ammanford Street Market – Friday
  • Llandeilo – Friday
  • Llanelli – Saturday

Farmers Markets:

http://www.fmiw.co.uk/?function=marketsbyregion

  • Carmarthen – first & third Friday each month 9 – 1 in the town centre
  • St Dogmael’s Local Producers Market – Coach House Heritage Centre next to the Abbey, Tuesdays 9:00 – 13:00
  • Haverford West – every fortnight on Fridays 9 – 3 at Riverside Shopping
  • Fishguard – every week on Saturdays 9 – 1 at the Town Hall
  • Pembroke – every fortninght on Saturday 10 – 2 at the Town Hall
  • Llandovery – last Saturday of the month
  • Ammanford – last Thursday of the month

Lovely foodie ideas: http://www.visitwales.com/things-to-do/attractions/food-and-drink

Excellent river and sea fishing

big fishWe are in the middle of the Teifi and Towy sea-trout fishing area.  In 1933, a sturgeon weighing 88lbs and measuring 9 feet long was caught in the Towy –  http://www.llanegwad-carmarthen.co.uk/fishytale.htm  

Cenarth on the Teifi is 15 minutes drive away.  The salmon leap in Cenarth is amazing in November and December.  Coracles are still used for fishing there and the Coracle Museum is well worth a visit.

Here at the mill, we have fishing rights over about 100 yards of the river – there are small salmon and trout easily seen in the Cych in the summer; in the winter, larger fish come here to spawn and otters hunt for them.

If you are over 12, you must hold a valid rod licence to fish in the rivers, lakes and ponds in the area.  You can get a rod licence from any Post Office, or the Environment Agency website www.environment-agency.gov.uk/fish, which also has details of local by-laws for closed seasons, size limits and method restrictions.  You will also need a permit from the owner of the water, which you will probably have to pay for (we do not charge for fishing at the mill).  There is a freezer in your apartment and you can come and go at any time during your stay at the mill.

Fishing seasons in Carmarthenshire are:

  • Sea-trout & non migratory brown trout: 1st April – 31st October
  • Salmon: 16th June – 7th October
  • Course fishing – no statutory closed season but check with owners 16th March – 15th June and also during freezing weather.

http://www.fishing-in-wales.com/ With some 30 miles (50km) of prime fishing on the River Teifi in West Wales, Llandysul Angling Association provides top-class game fishing opportunities.  This site has links to many different angling sites.

http://www.visitpembrokeshire.com/ Fishing opportunities in Pembrokeshire

http://www.visit.carmarthenshire.co.uk fishing in Carmarthenshire, including links to the Teifi Trout Association

http://www.fishingwales.net Guides to fishing in the National Parks – Pembrokeshire, Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons

en/content/cms/game/sea_trout/sea_trout.aspx Seatrout fishing in West Wales

Great places to play Golf

Wales was  the centre of attention for the golfing world when the 2010 Ryder Cup was held at the Celtic Manor resort.  It’s at Jct 24 of M4, just on the Welsh side of the Severn Bridge and you may pass it on your way to the valley .  You may even want to play a round there?   http://www.celtic-manor.com/golf.aspx

There are plenty of courses to enjoy nearer to the valley in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.  The course at Cardigan, 25 minutes drive from the valley, has spectacular views of Cardigan Bay – where else can you play golf and watch dolphins at the same time?  The course was established in 1895 and hosts international matches.  It is playable all year round and can be challenging in the windy conditions that the cliffs provide.   http://www.cardigangolf.co.uk/

Carmarthen golf club, regarded as one of the finest golf courses in Wales, is 30 minutes drive away.  It was voted Welsh Golf Club of the Year 2011.  http://www.carmarthengolfclub.com/ 

You can come and go as you please here, so you can play as early or late as you want.

http://www.discovercarmarthenshire.com/things-to-do/?f=2640  Golf courses in Carmarthenshire

http://www.golftoday.co.uk/clubhouse/coursedir/pembrok1.htm Golf courses in Pembrokeshire

http://www.golftoday.co.uk/clubhouse/coursedir/carmart1.htm Golf courses in Carmarthenshire

http://www.golf.visitwales.com/golf-courses-in-wales/ Golf courses in Wales