Towns, cities, and villages
There's a lot nearby, and even more a little further away. We can't describe them all in any sort of detail so,
instead, we'll just list a few places that you might like to explore. There's only the city of Swansea reasonably close, but we feel
that being dog owners, you might prefer some quaint little towns, more accepting of dogs, that feature unique little shops rather than
the run-of-the -mill multinationals that look the same everywhere and sell the same things. A seaside town sells seaside things, like
rock, seaside ornaments, toys for the beach and sea.
St Clears
This is our local town, and it's probably where you'll enjoy your local shopping. It contains a
well stocked Spar for all the usual needs, Co-op, two pharmacies, two pubs, two fish and chip shops, a Chinese, two Indian and a pizza
takeaway; bakery, an award-winning butcher, large pet supplies shops, pet grooming salon, three hairdressers, and then a range of very
useful, though not holiday oriented shops that sell country and farming implements and machinery etc. Also a health centre and
veterinary practice. See www.discovercarmarthenshire.com
Laugharne (Pronounced Larn)
This quaint village is associated with Dylan Thomas, the greatest Welsh Bard of the twentieth century, and was the setting for his classic work "Under Milk Wood". It contains good pubs, small shops and restaurants, most of which are dog friendly. Do visit The Boathouse where Thomas composed his great works, as well as the castle and surrounding countryside. Plenty of open space for both people and dogs. The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path starts here and continues for some 180 miles!
Carmarthen
This is a thriving market town which will look after all your needs. There is an indoor and outdoor market on Wednesdays and Saturdays where all sorts of bargains may be obtained, as well as a farmers market on the first Friday of the month. Here you'll find all the usual shops and banks etc., as well as many quaint little shops selling all sorts of curios and unique jewellery that you don't find in most cities.
Whitland
This is a nice little place with some of the most amazing shops we've ever come across. Almost everything is centred around the main street which although appearing unremarkable from the outside, are the nearest thing to Dr. Who's 'TARDIS' that you're likely to come across. Some of these little shops have a doorway that leads through to another room, and then another, and then another, and when you think you've explored everything, might even find that it continues again upstairs! )
Narberth
One of the hidden little gems of the Welsh countryside, this is a lovely little town with upmarket, independent shops selling jewellery, clothes, artwork etc. Here, quality comes before quantity. If you want something unique to bring back from your holidays, this is the place to visit.
Haverfordwest
A reasonably sized town to the west. This, like Carmarthen, has all the shops and facilities that you'd expect from such a place. The usual big name stores are there as well as the quaint little ones that give it such a unique atmosphere. A key feature is the river running through the centre that effectively divides the town into two. Parking is ample, though you may have to climb the odd hill to get about. see http://apersonalguide.co.uk for more details
Tenby
A beautiful little seaside town with a nice shopping centre/market. Most people go just to enjoy the beaches, which are beautiful, but the market is worth visiting. Somehow it's easy to miss, and even after people have been in it and then left to explore elsewhere have somehow not been able to find it again! (perhaps there's some curious twist in time and space that does it). It has good restaurants, pubs, and hotels, so you're really spoilt for choice if you get hungry or thirsty. There are dog restrictions here, but dogs are allowed on part of the south beach.
Saundersfoot
This is very close to Tenby, and has a range of exciting little shops that you'd expect from a lovely little seaside town. Like Tenby, it attracts so many visitors that car parks demand a charge, currently a hefty £2.50 in the beach/harbour car park with no re-admittance. Dogs are allowed on part of the east beach past the harbour but everywhere else they must be kept on a lead.
Kidwelly
Kidwelly, established around 1115 AD, is a lovely coastal town with beaches, woodland and a lot of history. It has a beautifully well-preserved castle, industrial museum and ancient church. Nearby Burry Port has a picturesque harbour with views over the estuary and is close to Pembrey Country Park and beach, motor racing circuit and Cefn Sidan sands. See www.kidwelly.gov.uk
Note that the local beer "Felinfoel" is pronounced "Velin Vole" rather than "Feeling Foul".
Llanelli
A thriving town built on the prosperity of the steel and coal industry, it has the pet name of Sospan, due to the tinplate industry and the products that were made from this. It's the home of the Scarlets rugby team and has a good shopping centre, and a market on Thursdays and Saturdays. The beach is just 10 minutes walk from the town centre. A coastal path has been constructed so its great for walks. There's a lot of history here, just start looking and you might be amazed at the architecture.
Swansea
Once a beautiful city but now ruined by what must be the worlds most awful traffic system. Swansea has fabulous night life and some superb restaurants, as well as a great shopping centre. Here you'll find a range of unique little gift shops that sell everything you don't need. Swansea is also the gateway to the Gower, which boasts some of the most beautiful bays in the world. The usual city dog restrictions apply. Some parts of the beach allow dogs all year round.
St Davids
This deserves a mention because it's the smallest city in Great Britain. Now the size of a larger village, it's dedicated to Saint David, the patron saint of Wales. The splendid cathedral, which seems out of place in what is otherwise quite a small place, is well worth visiting, as well as the local bays, such as Porthclais, which has the remains of a roman harbour. Looking down from the cliffs, you can see all the kelp, fish, and the occasional seals all playing in the water. It's a pretty place but, due to visitor numbers, car parking charges now apply. Note also that many of the local bays have dog restrictions.