EXPLORE CARMARTHENSHIRE

Bursting at the seams with jaw-dropping views, fabulous food and Arthurian legend, this corner of south-west Wales has it all

- CHRIS MORLEY

Stretching from the south coast just past Swansea up to the fringes of the Brecon Beacons, the lush landscape of Carmarthenshire has earned it the title of Garden of Wales', but there's more to this gorgeous place than greenery. Awash with history and must-have shopping the only challenge is packing it all in.

SMELL THE TUDOR ROSES 

Make a beeline for Aberglasney Gardens (aberglasney.org) near Llandeilo for a spot of horticultural heaven. There's a unique Elizabethan cloister garden and wonderful ninfarium, a glass atrium among ruined rooms. Explore 10 acres of different garden styles from formal to woodland, right through to exotic and modern. There's something for everyone.

PAINT THE SHOPS RED 

The pretty market town of Llandeilo was once the capital of the Welsh kingdom of Deheubarth. Today, colourful Georgian buildings house independent shops like Heavenly, which sells homemade chocolates and ice cream, while the Toast clothing brand’s original shop sells rails of bargains from its archive.

HAVE A PINT LIKE A POET