Wales
IN AND AROUND CARMARTHEN WITH A WHEELCHAIR
The Court House in Guildhall Square, Carmarthen
Carmarthen is the county town of Carmarthenshire and is one of the oldest towns in Wales. There are a good variety of accessible shops including many of the familiar High Street outlets plus a range of unique smaller establishments. Market days are held on Wednesday and Saturday. Visitors will find that there are a wealth of wheelchair friendly attractions to visit in the surrounding countryside.
Designated disabled parking bays are situated in Lammas Street, behind Marks and Spencers in Red Street and adjacent to Wilkinsons store in Greyfriars. There are also radar key operated accessible toilets situated by the two stores (radar keys may be obtained from the TIC if you do not have your own).
For accessible places to stay in the area please scroll to the bottom of the page and for a wider accommodation search for other areas of Wales and the UK click here.
Carmarthen Castle
The remains of Carmarthen Castle overlooking the river Tywi dominate the town. Entry is free and access for wheelchairs is via a ramp adjacent to the Council Offices. Unfortunately the main information display board is down steps so it is advisable to obtain a leaflet beforehand from the Tourist Information Centre in Lammas Street (01267 231557) .e-mail CarmarthenTIC@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
Carmarthen Museum
Carmarthen Museum is situated on the outskirts of the town just off the A40. The museum is housed in the former residence of the Bishop of St Davids and there are a wide variety of artifacts from Carmarthenshire displayed on two floors (access to the upper floor is via a wheelchair accessible lift). Designated disabled parking is in front of the museum entrance and there is a portable ramp available for the small step. There is also a small self service tearoom, a good accessible toilet and a shop on site.
The 'Welsh Guardsman' Engine on the Gwili Railway
The Bronwydd Arms Station of the Gwili Railway is 3 miles north of Carmarthen just off the A484. There is a small museum with level access at the station. Access to the platform is via a steep ramp and assistance will be needed for this and the ticket office and shop which has a stepped entrance. However there are plenty of pleasant and helpful (volunteer) staff on hand who will also assist you to board the train.
Exiting the guards van with some friendly assistance.
The journey through the Gwili Valley lasts about 30 minutes and follows the course of the river. There is not an accessible toilet at Bronwydd Arms however there are refreshments and a toilet at Llwyfan Cerrig Halt. There is also a picnic site here but assistance will be needed to navigate the steeply inclined path down to it.
Inside the Domed Glass House at the National Botanicl Garden of Wales
The National Botanic Garden is situated at LLanarthne approximately 7 miles east of Carmarthen and covers over 500 acres. Designated disabled parking is available near the entrance. Manual and electric wheelchairs and a scooter are available to loan from the ticket office and it is advisable to pre book these to ensure availability. New for 2007 is the domed Great Glasshouse (pictured above) which is home to plants from the 5 different areas of the world with a Mediterranean climate.
Boarding the land train
A land train offers easy access up to the dome on the hill at the centre of the site for those who cannot transfer and there is a shuttle service for those who can. Access around the site is generally good but wheelchair users might find that being positioned so near the screen in the Theatre Botanica lessens the full effect of the experience. There is also a shop, a small plant nursery, a restaurant and cafes on site. Accessible toilets are situated inside the entrance, near the restaurant and at the dome however if you require a carer to assist you then the one situated to the right hand side of the entrance in the car park has much better dimensions.
The Museum of Speed at Pendine Sands
Pendine Sands are situated approximately 15 miles South West of Carmarthen and were used to as a venue for many record breaking attempts during the early part of the twentieth century. The Museum of Speed houses some of the vehicles involved including 'Babs' the car used by Parry Thomas in his fatal attempt in 1927. Also on site is photographic evidence and a video presentation.
The beach at Pendine where the land speed record runs took place
Access to the museum and its exhibits is good and there is a designated disabled parking bay immediately outside the museum entrance. The nearest accessible toilet is 50 yards away adjacent to the main car park. There is also a viewing point looking out over the Sands adjacent to the museum.
Inside the Heron Wing Hide at the WWT National Wetland Centre Wales
The National Wetland Centre for Wales is situated at Llwynhendy near Llanelli on the Burry Inlet and extends to over 450 acres. There is designated disabled parking near the entrance and two motorized scooters are available to loan (pre booking is recommended). Access around the site is generally good but assistance may be needed on the slopes from the hides and for some of the higher interactive exhibits in the Millennium Discovery Centre. Accessible toilets are situated near the entrance and in the Heron Wing Hide (the latter having 2 spacious facilities, one offering right hand transfer and the other left hand transfer).
One of the many accessible trails at the centre.
The site provides different habitats for a wide variety of small mammals such as water vole, birds and plants.
Visitors can also access the area around the raised ponds, a shop and a restaurant near the entrance.
A view across the estuary from the Millennium Coastal Park Visitor Centre
The Millennium Coastal Park at Llanelli has 9 miles of accessible paths with magnificent views of the coastline overlooking the Gower peninsula and pleasant places to rest or picnic. The visitor centre at North Dock has accessible toilets, an information desk and a wheelchair accessible lift up to the cafe with a viewing platform overlooking the beach.
The Sospan Hopper land train
The land train starting point is adjacent to the centre and it makes regular trips along the coastal path from noon each day. All three carriages have wheelchair access and the low tariff makes the trip extremely good value. The friendly driver was on hand to offer assistance to board.
Exiting the gold mine at Dolaucothi
The Dolaucothi Gold Mines are at Pumsaint on the A482 approximately 25 miles from Carmarthen. They have been worked since Roman times when Pumsaint was known as Luentinum and had it's own fort. Gold was last mined here in the 1930's however there is still gold left to be mined. Access to the mine visitor centre from the car park is up a steep slope but there is a dropping off point at the top for those who find mobility difficult. Dolocauthi being an industrial archaeological site has limited access for wheelchair users and some of the tours involve climbing steep steps but visitors can now take part in a guided tour of a 500 foot level tunnel inside the mine.
Panning for gold (without success!)
The surface of the site is coarse gravel but a hard surfaced path has been laid around the perimeter to the kitting shed (where helmets with lamps are provided) and the tunnel entrance. Some of the exhibits are not accessible such as the repair shed, and the video room can only be entered with difficulty due to a narrow corridor, however the whole experience was extremely interesting and enjoyable. There is a cafe, a shop and a small exhibition centre at the entrance which also houses the designated disabled toilet.
The West Wales Museum of Childhood
The West Wales Museum of Childhood is situated at Llangeler approximately 12 miles North of Carmarthen and houses over 10,000 different exhibits. Whatever your age you will find something of interest here to remind you of your own childhood. There is designated parking near the entrance and level access into the cafe, accessible toilet and shop. General access around the site is good and all the exhibits are displayed in single storey buildings.
Displays showing a wide variety of toys from different decades
Different eras from Victorian times up to the present day are depicted and there are separate sections for particular interests such as model railways and military figures.
Inside the Ninfarium at Aberglasney
Aberglasny Gardens are situated at Llangathen just off the A40 approximately 12 miles from Carmarthen. There has been a house on the site since the 1600's and it and the gardens have suffered mixed fortunes over the centuries. When the Aberglasny Restoration Trust took charge in 1995 the house was derelict and the gardens were completely overgrown. There is designated parking near the entrance and a steep slope down from here to the entrance so we recommend that wheelchair users are accompanied. Due to the physical geography of the restored site, access for wheelchair users around the gardens is limited but a map detailing a suggested accessible route is provided and there is a concessionary fee for wheelchair users and no fee for accompanying carers. The accessible glass covered Ninfarium which houses orchids and other exotic plants has been created in the centre of the house where the walls were in ruins.
A view across the lake to the tearoom terrace
Access to the shop and accessible toilet near the entrance is level. There is a steep slope down to the tearoom that has a shallow step however the outside terrace has level access. Wheelchairs are available to loan from the ticket office and plans are in place to provide a motorised scooter.
A circular route at Gelli Aur Country park
Gelli Aur (Golden Grove) Country Park is just off the B4300 South West of Llandeilo. There is level access to a Visitor Information Centre/Tearoom here and a viewing platform overlooking the beautiful Twyi Valley. The accessible toilet is to the right of the carpark adjacent to the old mansion. The arboretum is not easily accessed by wheelchair users as the paths are uneven and have steep inclines in places. However although not designated as an accessible trail there is a half mile, fairly level, circular path around a grassy meadow that can be negotiated with able assistance on the uneven sections. It is waymarked with yellow arrows and starts from the childrens playground.
This part of South Wales with it's leafy lanes, flower filled hedgerows, distinctive towns and welcoming accommodation providers (all redolent of a bye gone era) is a great place to relax and unwind. We hope this taste of what is on offer here for visitors who need good accessibility encourages you to visit. More detailed access reports of the facilities of each attraction and accommodation are available by e-mail request.
PLACES TO STAY
All accommodation included has been assessed by one of our wheelchair user researchers for accessibility. Please note however whilst we have tried to ensure that the accommodation included will meet most wheelchair users needs we strongly advise you to consult with each provider about your own specific requirements. For accommodation inspection gradings e.g. Diamond ratings, follow the links to each providers own website.
The Plough Inn at Rhosmaen
The Plough Inn is situated at Rhosmaen near LLandeilo approximately 15 miles from Carmarthen. They have a ground floor accessible room with an en-suite shower/bathroom in the hotel. There is level access to the room from the car park and to the adjoining bar and excellent restaurant. The spacious room contains a super king sized bed and has good wheelchair turning space and sufficient floor area to allow right or left hand transfer to the bed. The en-suite has a level access shower and a corner bath as well as room to left hand side transfer to the toilet. A wheeled shower chair is available on site and other mobility aids can be hired in if requested when booking.
Breakfast on the private balcony
There is access to a private balcony though a sliding french door (this has an inch and a half high sill). The balcony overlooks the hotel garden (accessible for wheelchair users from the rear car park) to the countryside beyond. The room is adjacent to reception and the friendly, helpful staff will make every effort to make your stay enjoyable and comfortable. This could be suitable for accompanied and unaccompanied wheelchair users. more info
For further details telephone 01558 823 431 or check out their website.
Outside some of the terraced cottages at Homeleigh
Homeleigh Cottages are situated on a working farm at Red Roses just off the A477 approximately 14 miles from Carmarthen. There are 6 light and airy cottages on site sleeping from 2 to 7 people, all designed to offer flexibility of access with both left and right hand transfer to the facilities available. There is an adjacent communal playing green, a picnic/barbecue area and level or ramped access to each cottage from the parking area.
An example of the spacious shower rooms
Internal access around the cottages is extremely good with ample wheelchair turning space in the living area and bedrooms. A wide range of mobility aids are available including a portable hoist. Three of the cottages have been newly converted for 2007 and all are designed with accessibility as the key factor. These comfortable cottages could be suitable for accompanied and unaccompanied wheelchair users.
For further details telephone 01834 831765 or check out their website.
Outside The Stables at Maerdy Holiday Cottages
Maerdy Holiday Cottages are situated at Maerdy, North of Llandeilo and just off the B4302 approximately 18 miles from Carmarthen. The Stables (circa 1300) sleeps up to 7 people and has been designed with wheelchair users in mind. It has three bedrooms, a double, a twin and the master bedroom which has an en-suite with a level access shower, a bath and right hand transfer to the toilet. There is an on site manager and the rooms can be rearranged according to specific need if requested when booking (e.g there are bed raisers to allow underneath clearance for a hoist).
The master bedroom containing a double and single bed
Various mobility aids and a portable hoist can also be arranged with prior knowledge of need. The cottages are set in enchanting gardens with a stream running through and each has its own outside eating area. Two of the other cottages may be suitable for wheelchair users with some weight bearing capacity. There are electric gates into the parking area initially opened by a push button and then after checking in by remote control. The Stables could be suitable for accompanied wheelchair users. more info
Contact :- For further details telephone 01550 777448 or check out their website www.maerdyholidaycottages.co.uk .
The cottages at Llety Mieri
Llety Mieri is situated at Golden Grove (Gelli Aur) near Llandeilo on the B4300 approximately 12 miles from Carmarthen. There are 3 cottages (two sleeping 4 people and one 3 people) at Llety Mieri set in a pretty courtyard with views to the surrounding countryside. Each cottage has a separate level access shower cubicle (Carreg Cennan's has slightly larger dimensions) in the shower room and room to side transfer to the toilet. A portable shower chair is available.
The open plan living area in one of the cottages
The bedrooms all have divan beds and each cottage has an open plan living area and its own parking space. Two have accessible patios for outside eating. Also in the courtyard is a communal games room, a laundry and at the rear a large picnic area and lawn. The cottages could be suitable for accompanied wheelchair users. more info
For further details telephone 01558 823 059 or check out their website.
Syn-y-Gwnt Cottage
Syn-y-Gwynt self catering cottage is situated at Llangunnor a couple of miles outside of Carmarthen. There is level access from the car parking area with a small (one inch high) threshold into the cottage. Wheelchair access around the ground floor is good and the kitchen has units at accessible height including an adjustable sink and a built-in ironing board.
Shower room at Syn-y-Gwnt
There is a ground floor twin bedroom with good internal wheelchair access and a large en-suite shower room (N.B. as seen in picture shower has shallow ramp) with right hand side transfer to the toilet. Upstairs there are two further bedrooms and a second bathroom. Some basic mobility aids and a wheelchair are also available on site. There are beautiful views over the Towy river from the patio. This could be suitable for accompanied wheelchair users.
There is no website at present so booking is made by telephone on 01267 237261.
The Old Water Mill at Cwmiar
Cwmiar holiday farm cottages are situated near Llanllwni approximately 15 miles north of Carmarthen and have outstanding views over the local countryside. There are four cottages on site that have been adapted for people with disabilities. The Old Water Mill Cottage which has ramped access includes a ground floor twin bedroom with right and left hand transfer to the beds and underneath clearance for a portable hoist. Wheelchair access around the living accommodation of the cottage is good.
The en-suite wet room in the Old Water Mill
It also has a large en-suite wet room with ample room to side transfer to the toilet. A wheeled shower chair is available on request and mobility aids and portable hoist hire can be arranged. The cottage also has 3 further bedrooms (2 doubles and 1 with four adult bunks). This accommodation could be suitable for accompanied wheelchair users. more info
For details of the other cottages at Cwmiar please check their website. Please note access to the cottages is down a gated farm lane in a rural area so it is advisable to ask for directions.
Recently opened (so we have not yet been able to visit it) is Ash Tree Lodge situated 12 miles from Carmarthen that sleeps 8 plus persons and has wheelchair access and a wetroom. Their website address is