Llandovery Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Llandovery Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Llandovery sits in a prime spot for exploring the western Brecon Beacons. The town itself features the striking Llandovery Castle ruins (free entry, open daily) where information boards explain its turbulent history. Don't miss the modern steel statue of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd Fychan nearby - a local hero executed by Henry IV.

The Llandovery Museum (SA20 0AW, open Tues-Sat 10am-4pm, £3 entry) houses fascinating exhibits on local history including the town's droving past. It scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor with visitors praising the knowledgeable volunteers.

Just 15 minutes' drive away is the RSPB Dinas Nature Reserve (SA20 0NG, free entry), where you might spot red kites, pied flycatchers and dippers along the riverside trails. The reserve scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor.

For rainy days, the Heart of Wales Brewery (SA20 0PY) offers tours and tastings. Book ahead for their Saturday sessions (2pm and 4pm, £12pp) which include sampling their award-winning ales - perfect before returning to your hot tub!

Pet Friendly

Dogs will love Llandovery's location. The town sits at the edge of vast open moorland with miles of walking routes. I recommend the Llyn Brianne circular walk which takes you through stunning forests and alongside the reservoir - my spaniel couldn't get enough of it!

The Castle Hotel (SA20 0AP) welcomes dogs in its bar area and serves good pub grub. They even provide water bowls and treats. For coffee, The Penygawse Victorian Tea Rooms (SA20 0AB) has a dog-friendly garden section.

Myddfai Community Hall & Visitor Centre (SA20 0JD, open Wed-Sun 10am-4pm) allows dogs and serves excellent homemade cakes. Their shop sells local crafts and the walking routes from the centre are well-marked.

Many local cottages provide dog beds, bowls and even treats on arrival. Just check if there are livestock nearby - many properties border working farms so keeping dogs leashed might be necessary in certain areas.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Llandovery

The Dolaucothi Gold Mines (SA19 8RR, open Mar-Oct, 10am-5pm, £10 adult) offer underground tours of the only known Roman gold mines in Britain. We tried the 'Deep Mine Tour' which takes you through tunnels dating back nearly 2,000 years. The guides demonstrate ancient mining techniques and explain how gold was extracted. TripAdvisor users rate it 4.5/5, with comments like "fascinating insight into Welsh mining history".

Llyn Brianne Dam and Reservoir (SA20 0PG, accessible year-round) sits just north of Llandovery. This massive structure holds 13.4 billion gallons of water and offers spectacular views across the Cambrian Mountains. The viewpoint car park has information boards explaining its construction. In autumn, the surrounding forest turns stunning shades of gold and red. Visitors consistently rate it 5/5 for photography opportunities.

The Crychan Forest (SA20 0NR) offers multiple waymarked trails for walking, mountain biking and horse riding. The 'Epynt Way' provides a 40-mile route with incredible views. We spotted red kites overhead and even glimpsed a pine marten on an early morning walk. The forest scores 4.5/5 on outdoor activity sites, with mountain bikers particularly praising the technical trails.

Is Llandovery suitable for families with young children?

Yes! While Llandovery doesn't have big attractions specifically for kids, there's plenty to keep them busy. The Llandovery Swimming Pool has family sessions, Llangadog Play Park (15 minutes away) has excellent equipment and many local farms offer animal feeding experiences. Most cottages with hot tubs have safety covers, but always check specific safety features when booking.

What's the best time to visit Llandovery?

Each season offers something different. Summer brings warm weather perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. Autumn displays spectacular colours in the surrounding forests. Spring sees lambing season and wildflowers. Winter can be quiet but magical with frosty landscapes and cosy pubs with roaring fires. The hot tub experience is brilliant year-round - there's nothing like sitting in warm bubbles watching snowfall!

Can I get around Llandovery without a car?

It's possible but limiting. Llandovery has a train station on the Heart of Wales line with connections to Swansea and Shrewsbury. Local buses serve nearby villages, but services are infrequent. For exploring the national park properly, a car is recommended. Some cottage owners offer pickup services from the station if arranged in advance.

Where can I buy groceries in Llandovery?

The town has a Co-op supermarket (open 7am-10pm daily) plus several independent shops including a butcher, baker and deli. The monthly farmers' market (first Saturday, 9am-1pm) sells excellent local produce. For larger shops, Llandeilo (20 minutes away) has more options including a Tesco.

Are there any good restaurants in Llandovery?

Despite its small size, Llandovery has solid dining options. The Castle Hotel serves traditional Welsh fare with local ingredients. West End Café offers great breakfasts and lunches. For something special, try The Angel Inn in nearby Llandeilo for award-winning dining. Book ahead for weekend evenings as places fill quickly, especially in summer.

What should I pack for a hot tub cottage break in Llandovery?

Beyond the usual holiday essentials, bring walking boots, waterproofs (Welsh weather is unpredictable!), swimwear for the hot tub and binoculars for wildlife spotting. A torch is useful for dark country lanes and star-gazing. Most cottages provide towels, but check if you need separate ones for hot tub use.

1. Brecon Beacons National Park Official Site
2. Heart of Wales Railway Line Information
3. Dolaucothi Gold Mines Visitor Information
4. Visit Wales - Carmarthenshire Guide