If someone asked you to think of the most famous tourist destinations in the UK, which places would spring to mind first? The Lake District or Cotswolds, perhaps. Or you might think first of Cornwall, Devon, the Highlands of Scotland or the Peak District. One place you probably didn't immediately think of, but will now, is the place I grew up and would rank alongside any of those named above.
Most people who aren't from Carmarthenshire will probably only see it as they're passing through on their way west to Pembrokeshire's coast and world class beaches. But Carmarthenshire has vast sandy beaches to match Pembrokeshire and Cornwall, idyllic towns and villages to match the Cotswolds, mountains to match the Peak District, and castles to match anywhere in Britain. What's more, there are superb places to eat and stay when you visit.
Here are my highlights of Carmarthenshire, places you should definitely visit. Cefn Sidan Sands is an extraordinary eight-mile long beach with plenty of room to swim, sunbathe and walk even on the busiest sunny days. It was the first in Wales to get a Blue Flag for its water quality, WalesOnline reports .
You'll find it adjoining the equally vast Pembrey Country Park, where there are woodlands, playgrounds, cycle tracks and even a dry ski slope - enough to keep families entertained for days on end. And if you do plan on staying there days, there's a campsite with a cafe on site so you can do just that. Llansteffan will feature in this article more tha.
