Carmarthen

Dylan Thomas once called this corner of Carmarthenshire his 'timeless, mild, beguiling island of a town'. He wasn't wrong. Laugharne - yes, that's the correct spelling despite what your satnav might suggest - sits where the River Tâf meets Carmarthen Bay, all tidal mudflats and Georgian cottages tumbling down to the water's edge.

The Dylan Thomas Boathouse draws literary pilgrims from across the globe. Perched above the estuary, it's where Wales' most famous poet wrote some of his finest work, including Under Milk Wood. The writing shed where he crafted those immortal lines remains exactly as he left it. His grave lies in the local churchyard - a simple white cross that's surprisingly moving.

Castell Talacharn towers above the town centre, its Norman ruins offering cracking views across the water. Three churches serve this small community, including the atmospheric Old English Congregational Chapel. The town's literary connections run deep - The Gathering of the Llarregub gallery celebrates the fictional village from Under Milk Wood.

Beyond town, Cors Field nature reserve provides excellent birdwatching opportunities. The Tâf estuary is particularly good for waders and wildfowl during winter months.

Getting here from Carmarthen takes about twenty minutes by car along the A40 and B4312. The nearest railway station is back in Carmarthen itself, making a car essential for exploring properly. Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Laugharne Park Holiday Resort or Steffan Valley Caravan Park puts you right in Thomas territory, with easy access to both the coast and the market town amenities of Carmarthen when you need proper shops or restaurants.