Around Us

The Three Rivers Estuary that lends the hotel its name is a stunning part of the coastline rich in wildlife.

It's formed by the rivers Taf, Towy, and Gwendraeth, and historically was a major shipping lane - with tonnage being landed upstream in Carmarthen twice that of Cardiff at it's peak in the 1840s.

Ferryside village history offers wild stories about the lifeboat and its rescues and the ferry passage across the estuary which took druids and early travellers documented as early as 1188.

The rivers are now silted up and instead have lent themselves to a range of diverse wildlife - the entire area of Carmarthen Bay is a European Special Area of Conservation.

The area conserved includes sea inlets, tidal rivers, estuaries, mud flats, sand flats, salt marshes, shingle, sea cliffs and islets.  The sand and mud flats support large numbers of molluscs, particularly cockles, and the  bays provide habitat for a great variety of marine invertebrates. One of the main reasons for the conservation listing is the presence in the bay of the twait shad, a migratory fish

The area also provides refuge for a wide variety of waders and wildfowl, as well as herons, ravens, peregrines and kestrels. 

As well as the local beach in Ferryside, South West Wales is lucky enough to have some of the best beaches in the world. Here are some of the local highlights.

Cefn Sidan
Set in Pembrey Country Park, 7 miles away, Cefn Sidan is one of the biggest beaches in the country. At over 8 miles long, its golden sands stretch as far as you can see, and the gently shelving sea means children can play safely in most weather. 

Just over the sand dunes, lies the country park which includes a dry ski slope, cycle paths. model steam railway and a host of other activities and events.

Pendine Sands
Just across the Three Rivers Estuary lies Pendine Sands, a flat, seven mile open beach.

It's possible to drive on certain parts of the beach, and it became famous as a location for world land speed records - four being set there between 1924 and 1927.

Rhossili Bay
A little further afield, but undoubtedly worth the effort, you'll find Rhossili on the Gower Peninsula.

Voted the best beach in Europe in 2017 by Suitcase Magazine, its three miles of beautiful golden sand are set off by Worms Head - one of the Gower’s most famous landmarks.

Barafundle Bay
To the west you'll find Barafundle Bay, another beach listed as one of the best in the world. Part of the Stackpole state, owned by the National Trust, it's a remote curving sandy bay backed by dunes and pine trees.

There's no road to the beach - the best option is a half mile walk and then climbing down the steps at the north end, into the bay. But being so isolated, and with its swathes of golden sand and crystal clear waters, on a hot summer's day you could easily be fooled into thinking you were in the Caribbean.

Looking for something interesting to do? Speak to one of the team on reception who'll be able to help guide you in the right direction.

Since 2007, the Welsh Government, supported by local authorities and European funding, has spend millions of pounds establishing the Wales Coast Path route - a continuous route around the entire 870 mile coast of Wales.

The Carmarthenshire section is full of great contrasts, taking in in a range of habitats including fresh water marshes, salt marshes, sand dunes, pine forests and coastal commons all supporting a spectacular array of flora and fauna.

The Wales Coast Path website  provides a huge amount of information on the route, giving plenty of recommendations on long and short walks to allow you to explore key sections of the path, and lots of ideas of other things to do along the way.

Whether you're looking to walk the whole length and looking for a stopover, or want to the hotel as a base for exploring sections of the walk, we'd be glad to help fit in with your plans.

Speak to one of our reception team on  01267 267 270.

Wales is renowned for it's impressive castles. We're lucky to have enough on our doorstep to keep any history buff happy.

Kidwelly
Three miles over the hill lies Kidwelly Castle - a particularly impressive example when approached from the river.

It was originally built of earth and wood by the Normans in the 12th century, and the impressively well preserved stone buildings still standing are around 600 years old. It's open to the public and you can climb the walls and towers.

Laugharne
Perched on a low cliff, not far from Dylan Thomas' Boathouse, sits Laugharne Castle. The ruins of the castle you can see now are the end result of much development - from earthwork castle to Tudor mansion

The ruins of the castle, overlooking the River Taf estuary, have been the inspiration for artists such as Turner, and Dylan Thomas wrote 'Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog' in the gazebo in the castle garden.

Llansteffan
Looking over the River Towy,across we can view the ruins of Llansteffan Castle. Another castle originally built in the 12th Century, it is now in ruins, but still provides a clear sense of it's early grandeur.

The castle was built to control the important river crossing and changed hands several times during fighting between the Normans and the Welsh.