Out & About in SWANSEA - Making the most of Wales ' vibrant City by the Sea!

Wales ' second city is a haven of fabulous contrasts.  Its status as regional shopping centre and busy University town makes Swansea a booming area for business and investment opportunity.

Aside from its most famous children - Dylan Thomas and Catherine Zeta Jones - the City is 'on the map' for many reasons.  For the seriously sports-minded, Swansea is home to Wales ' National Pool to say nothing of the huge range of activities on offer in and around the city including surfing, climbing and horse-riding.  

If it's rest and relaxation you're looking for, head for Gower and discover some of the area's best kept secrets.  The 19 mile long Gower peninsula is famed for its sensational scenery, stretching along some of Wales ' most spectacular award-winning beaches.   And by night?  Well, the choice of entertainment is ample.  From the elegant backdrop of the city's maritime quarter, to the bright lights of Swansea 's Wind Street , choose from any number of restaurants, bars and clubs open until the early hours.  Travel a few minutes along the bay and you'll find the picturesque seaside village of Mumbles boasts an almost bohemian chic; its streets lined with sophisticated eateries.

On a practical note, Swansea is easily accessible by car with NCP parking available in various locations around the city centre.  Park & Ride is also available at two entry points into Swansea : Landore and Fabian Way . The M4 provides the main arterial route to South Wales with the M6, M5, M42 and M50 connecting the area to Southern Scotland, North and South West England and the Midlands .  

Swansea 's mainline train services provide regular daily links to London Paddington and to cities across the UK .  Information about local bus services is available by calling Traveline on 0870 608 2 608 or by visiting the following websites:  www.traveline-cymru.org.uk or www.firstgroup.com.

Out & About in LLANELLI - Set your sights on a thriving market town with a stunning coastline...

As Carmarthenshire's largest town, the key to Llanelli's appeal lies in the warmth and vibrance of its local life.  This traditional market town has been modernised over the years and yet still retains an old-fashioned Welsh charm with friendly locals and a neighbourly atmosphere.

In the town centre, you'll find all the essentials including a leisure centre, cinema, pubs and restaurants in addition to the compact convenience of Llanelli's pedestrianised shopping centre.

If you have time to spare, spend an afternoon at the Millennium Coastal Park or take the opportunity to ride along this 22km traffic-free cycle path to the beautiful surrounds of Pembrey Country Park and the blue-flag winning beach at Cefn Sidan Sands.  

While this is a town recognised the world over for its Rugby history (the local Scarlets team are sporting legends!), other attractions include the Nicklaus designed Machynys Peninsula Golf Course, already dubbed the UK's best new course and home to the European Tours 'Ladies Championship of Europe'.  Further along the coast, Burry Port Harbour sets the scene for sailing and fishing enthusiasts.

Llanelli guarantees a warm welcome to all who visit.  The town is situated just 10 minutes off Junction 48 of the M4, and is within 1 hour's travelling distance of Cardiff.  Local bus and train services link Llanelli to Carmarthen and outlying areas and to mainline transport services in Swansea.  Check out the local council website at www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/index.php, which contains 'Travel Times' a regular news bulletin featuring the latest information on Carmarthenshire's public transport network.

Out & About in CARMARTHEN - Be seduced by this historic town at the heart of the ' Garden of Wales '

Carmarthen holds the somewhat distinguished status of being the oldest town in Wales.  Situated on the banks of the River Towy, the town is an intriguing mix of old and new, carrying with it a richness of landscape and local culture.

Carmarthenshire is known as the 'Garden of Wales' with rich dairy farming land in the West blending into the rugged hill sheep farms of the East.  Local life is rooted in the area's countryside traditions with the 'Farmers Market' appearing as a regular feature on Carmarthen 's calendar.   The River Towy is famously an excellent spot for game-fishing attracting followers from far and wide.

Against this idyllic rural backdrop, history abounds with an impressive line-up of castles such as the nearby Dryslwyn Castle ruins or the 'folly' of Paxton's Tower.  For those with a penchant for folklore, legend has it that mythical Magician Merlin once resided in the town...a story that is celebrated annually at the 'Merlin Magic and Mystery Festival' held in June.

In the centre of Carmarthen, splendid rows of small boutique shops line the route to the town's youthful and modern shopping area.  Local facilities are excellent including schools, colleges and the county's primary Hospital - West Wales General.

Within easy travelling distance are attractions such as the National Botanic Garden of Wales and the quaint coastal village of Laugharne, home of Dylan Thomas' famous boathouse.

Carmarthen has good road links, joining the M4 via the A48 dual carriageway at Pont Abraham.   More information on public transport can be found at www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/index.php.