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A flavour of our medieval past

Surrounding the banks of the River Gwendraeth, the medieval village of Kidwelly has spread modestly over the centuries to surround its most dominant feature, a 13th century Norman castle. Parking outside the castle and in the village is free. There's an entry fee for the castle but Kidwelly Quay is free.

River Gwendraeth, Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire
The river Gwendraeth with St. Mary's Church in the background.
Kidwelly Quay, Carmarthenshire
Kidwelly Quay, the beginning of the Kymer's Canal walk.

Kidwelly castle is without doubt one of the most impressive Norman castles in Wales. Both the castle and nearby St. Mary's Church, in their present form, date from the 13th century. (The castle is administered by Cadw - visit the website for entry fees and further information)

Another historical feature of the area is Kidwelly Quay built by Thomas Kymer in the 18th century who used it to export coal from his coal mines situated further up the Gwendraeth valley. Part of the canal can be followed along the walk from the quay (see map below). The canal was extended to Burry Port and a narrow ditch running alongside the western approach road to Burry Port harbour is all that remains today.

Gallery

Connect with history.

St. Mary's Church, Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire
13th Century St. Mary's Church.
View across Carmarthen Bay from the quay
View across Carmarthen Bay from the quay.
Kidwelly Town Gatehouse, Carmarthenshire
Gatehouse, approach to Kidwelly Castle.
Castle walk, Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire
Castle walk.
Glan yr afon walk/cycle path, Kidwelly
Glan yr afon walk/cycle path.
Kidwelly Castle, Carmarthenshire
The castle.
Kidwelly riverside walk, Carmarthenshire
Riverside walk.
Kymers Canal walk, Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire
Kymer's Canal walk.
Kidwelly Castle walk with St Mary's Church in the background
Path below the castle walls.
Mouth of the river Gwendraeth from the quay
Mouth of the river Gwendraeth from Kidwelly Quay.
Kidwelly Castle
The River Gwendraeth from Glan yr Afon Nature Reserve
Kidwelly Castle, Carmarthenshire
Kidwelly Castle, Carmarthenshire
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Important!

Map

Use the 'what3words' app for a precise location:
Main village car park: ///harmonica.depravity.oven

Kidwelly Map

Kidwelly Castle and Kidwelly Quay are on the Wales Coast Path route. Also easily accessible by bicycle, the main cycle path (National Cycle Network Route 4) winds its way through the centre of Kidwelly along Bridge Street, turning into Glan yr afon car park and following the river path on to Ferryside.


Where to stay...

Hotels / Apartments

Self Catering

Touring Caravan, Camping, Static Caravan

B&B / Guest Houses