After years of living in or near Wales we decided a pilgrimage to Laugharne was in order so off we went on a sunny, warm day. Parking was relatively easy , Wednesday, mid-June and not busy at that time of year. The central car park was also the site of a ‘market’ with stalls of bric-a-brac, home produce, crafts, garden stuff, junk, you name it, but it held interest for many locals and visitors alike.
A short walk pedestrianised walk from the car park over the little bridge was the castle with lots of picnic tables and views. This was the way, a 10 minute walk, along a path to the famous boathouse where Dylan Thomas lived for a few years (’49 – ’53) and wrote his poems. Laugharne is thought to be Llanreggub in his well-known ‘Under Milk Wood’, it has memorabilia and his furniture. The museum part has a fee which is optional to visit but a free cafe downstairs which provided a welcome break for drinks, food and toilets. On the non-vehicular access to it we passed his writing shed which is furnished as it was in his day. It has wonderful views and must have been inspirational.
Once back in the town just across from the car park were shops, eateries, and plenty of pubs like Browns hotel which enjoyed his generous patronage.
The castle is run by Cadw and has wonderful views. The gardens are very peaceful and I can see how it provided another inspiration to Thomas.
Slightly uphill we found a lovely deli where we bought tasty tarts and cream cheese-filled piquant peppers and bottles of ale and cider, which they helpfully uncapped for us and disposable glasses provided for our picnic in the town gardens.
