History, Castles and Sites

The Carmarthenshire countryside has changed little over the years and the small chapels and churches remain and are used, visitors can still attend the Sunday services and enjoy the Welsh sermons and singing.

Within a fifteen mile radius of Cennen Holiday Cottages are four Welsh castles and other ancient sites, including:

Carreg Cennen

The most dramatic castle in Wales. (3 miles) making this location excellent for those interested in the castles and ancient historic sites and buildings of this beautiful part of Wales.

The small 19C hill town of Llandeilo

With its large span river crossing bridge. Little changed over the years small shops many artist galleries. The church is on the site of the Holy Well and an earlier 6th.C. church. It is dedicated to St Teilo, a contemporary of St.David the patron saint of Wales. What are now known as the Lichfield Gospels originated here and were on the altar in the 6th Century.

Dynevor Castle

Now owned the Dyfed Wildlife Trust, the original home of the Lords of Deheubarth which covered most of South West Wales. It is open for viewing as is the vast area of woodlands and the subject of paintings by Turner and others. Approach from Newton House car park or a walk from the bridge

Newton House

This is a 16th century house with Victorian facades, the home of the latter Lords, now with deer park and large park. A National Trust property.

Dryslwyn Castle

Again ruined and open to view

Paxton Tower

A hilltop folly, triangular on plan and built it is said to commemorate Nelson after Trafalgar.

Carn Goch

An Iron Age hill fort largest in Wales. Later used by the Romans as a fort and to accommodate the workers at the Dolau Cothi Gold mines at Pumpsaint.

Talley Abbey

Now ruined, lakeside position. Founded in the late 12C.