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From literary greats to folklore legends, Carmarthenshire is home to a veritable mix of hidden gems and claims to fame.

From the Brecon Beacons at its eastern edge to Pembrokeshire on the west this county’s sprawl trundles down to Carmarthen Bay. Its landscape dotted with castles and abbeys. Its skyline defined by the peaks of the Black Mountain and the Cambrian Mountains. Its coastline flitting from fishing villages to sandy beaches.

This is Dylan Thomas country. The boathouse that was bequeathed to him and his wife, Caitlin, is open to visitors. But will it inspire you to draft such classics as Under Milk Wood? Continuing the literary theme, Richard Hughes who authored A High Wind in Jamaica once lived at Laugharne Castle, which is also open to the public.

From Llanddeusant, ramblers enjoy a round walk taking in Llyn y Fan Fach and Llyn y Fan Fawr. The former of these two lakes is connected with the myth of ‘The lady of the lake’.

For an almost exhaustive list of activities head to Pembrey Country Park on the outskirts of Llanelli for 550 acres of lush Welsh countryside offering everything from pony trekking to Wales’ longest toboggan run.

For something a little more sedate but still breathtaking, make your way to the National Botanic Gardens of Wales. For the record, this global tour of flora and fauna is more than just flowers.

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries Carmarthenshire’s Teifi Valley was at the heart of Wales’ booming woollen industry. Nowadays the mill and village of Drefach Felindre are a national heritage site that form The National Wool Museum.

So where ‘ere your Carmarthenshire holiday cottage lies in this bountiful county, you’ll be sure of plenty to do and plenty to read in front of the log fire at the end of the day.