Dyfed

The ceremonial county of Dyfed in Wales covers the historic counties of Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Cardiganshire – being created in 1974.

Dyfed has a population of around 400,000 people. Dyfed is bordered by the ceremonial counties of Gwynedd, Powys and Glamorgan, with the Irish Sea running along its western coast and the Bristol Channel in the south.

Dyfed is home to Britain’s smallest city – St. David’s, with larger towns at Tenby and Carmarthen.

The landscape of Dyfed combines great areas of outstanding natural beauty, river valleys, mountains and coastline.

The small kingdom of Dyfed can trace its roots back to the 5^th century after the decline of the Roman empire and was much attacked by the Vikings in the 8^th and 9^th centuries. Following the Norman conquest in the 2^nd half of the 11^th century it became part of Pembrokeshire. It was re-established in 1974 combining the counties of Pembrokeshire, Carmarthen and Cardiganshire – then abolished in 1996 and reverted to the original individual counties, leaving Dyfed with ceremonial county status.

Today the local beauty and attractions means the county hosts a large number of tourists each year and consequently tourism is a major contributor to the economy.

Dyfed has a wide choice of great of days out to keep all the family entertained.

Dyfed’s geographic position has given rise to a large number of castles and fortifications which include the magnificent ruins of Carew Castle overlooking the River Carew, Carmarthen Castle and the stunning Pembroke Castle. A visit to the small city of St. David’s lets you take in the cathedral, Oriel Y Parc Gallery or may be an open air performance at St. David’s Bishop Palace. The city is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area including part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, taking part in sporting activities including surfing and climbing and enjoying the local wildlife – whale and dolphin watching trips are available as well as trips to the gannet colony at Grassholm Island.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park showcases the spectacular coastline looking out to the Irish Sea. The Park is a mixture of sandy beaches, offshore islands, sea caves and stacks, combined with forests, wooded valleys and the peaks of the Preseli Hills. The National Trail – the Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs along the cliff tops for 186 miles offering some stunning views and a chance to relax and enjoy the fresh air.

Dyfed has a number of important houses, stately homes and glorious gardens open to the public. Newton House in the Dinefwr Estate originates from the 17^th century and is said to be one of the most haunted houses in Britain. Llanerchaeron is an elegant Georgian mansion set beside the River Aeron where you can explore the grounds and the collections in the house including Miss P M Ward’s collection of artefacts. The historic Dylan Thomas Boat House is a small house where Dylan Thomas lived and worked, you can also visit nearby Laugharne Castle. Garden lovers can enjoy a host of gardens including Aberglasney Garden with its yew tunnel, or Bosherston Lakes with the spring time lily flowering display and Dinefwr Park Gardens. The National Botanic Gardens of Wales at Llarnarthne are very much worth a visit with glasshouses, water gardens and a 200 year old double walled garden amongst the delights.

Dyfed’s famous names include Henry VII, actor Christian Bale – star of the Batman movies and author Dick Francis.

Dyfed has a large range of annual events including the Pembrokeshire Fish Festival, The Really Wild Food & Countryside Festival, The Pembrokeshire Agricultural Show and a range of country, rural and agricultural shows.

Dyfed is famed for its contribution to British cuisine and traditional food includes the Pembrokeshire Turkey, a variety of Welsh apples, Katts Pies – lamb and dried fruit pies, Pembrokeshire Faggots, migiod – glazed yeast buns, seafood and a range of cheeses including Caws Cenarth.

Dyfed is on the Welsh coast is accessible by road with using the A470, A458 and A40 which in turn link to the larger conurbations and wider motorway network.

The county is served by rail with local services being run by Arriva.