The Welsh Capital of Cosy launches latest ‘Cwtch Up’ guide

Carmarthenshire’s new ‘Cwtch’ mini breaks put nature, crafts, food and value for money in the cosy countdown for the best wintery trips to take with friends and family.

Carmarthenshire is continuing its quest to be recognised as the ‘capital of cosy’ this winter with its new ‘Cwtch up in Carmarthenshire guide’ featuring nine new suggestions for visitors on how to enjoy the best winter feel-good breaks in the county.

Cwtch up in Carmarthenshire is an initiative developed by Carmarthenshire County Council’s Tourism team, who manage Discover Carmarthenshire, the consumer facing destination website.

The guide, packed full of ideas for winter breaks including places to stay and things to do, includes a suggestion on how to experience Wales’s woolliest break, with a visit to the National Museum of Wool and lessons on how to spin wool and wet weave.

Or, how about joining the Carmarthenshire based coffee gurus at Coaltown roastery ‘academy’ for one of their new coffee making workshops, sure to warm you up on a cold day? And there’s also plenty of incredible places to seek out new and vintage Welsh blankets as you mooch around the pretty market towns, including Bumble Bees of Llandovery, The Welsh wool shop in Newcastle Emlyn and Davies & Co stores in Llandeilo and Llandovery.

There are nine themed breaks, which range from a food lovers break to a stargazing extravaganza which includes a guided Full Moon Walk around an iron age hill fort. Or families will enjoy an unforgettable nature break learning about owls and taking a woodland walk with birds of prey at the British Bird of Prey Centre.

 

While the Scandinavians have not shied in sharing their winter tips on ‘how to hygge’, the Welsh also know a thing or two about how to find warmth and cosiness with the term ‘cwtch’. Although it has no literal English translation, it is best described as a cuddle, or a cubbyhole where you store things safely and in Carmarthenshire the term has been adopted as a warming Welsh hug for the soul, perfect for the winter months.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism - Cllr Hazel Evans said: “Where better to escape for a cosy mini break this winter than Carmarthenshire. This scenic and beautiful part of west Wales offers a warm welcome to all visitors across a wide range of hospitality venues we have throughout the county.”  

Tick off the Cwtch List !

So, bundle up in your warmest woollies and embrace the winter weather to discover your perfect cwtch in Carmarthenshire and see how many experiences you can tick off the ‘cwtch list’ to ensure the cosiest of breaks - including eating cake, shopping for vintage Welsh blankets, getting muddy and huddling up in a café with a good book. Don’t forget your slippers! (full list below in Editors Notes).

Use #cwtchupcarmarthenshire to follow the conversation on social.

For the full line up of Cwtch up in Carmarthenshire breaks go to: https://www.discovercarmarthenshire.com/explore/cwtch-up-in-carmarthenshire/

And here are a few of the new ‘cwtch up’ breaks from the 2025 guide:

1)      Woolly cwtch

Discover a whole new world of cozy Welsh wool on a Woolly Weekend. Join Lisa from Quiet Walks for a one-day Weave and Walk workshop, where you’ll get hands-on and learn how to turn raw fleece into a useful mat. If you’re drawn to felting, textile artist Jane Evans offers full-day Wet-felting Workshops near Llandovery. It’s the perfect chance to relax, pick up a new skill, and leave with a stunning piece of work you've crafted yourself. For more woolly experiences, Nellie and Eve offer a range of workshops in wool spinning, plant dyeing, weaving, and chunky hand-spun knitting at various locations.

2)      Paws for thought

Take your own animal friend with you on a Pet Cwtch break for on-tap cuddles 24/7 and save on kennel bills, too. What’s more, rooms at the Caban, beside the magnificent, seven-mile, Pendine Sands cost less than £100 a night. The Wales Coast Path is on your doorstep for walkies galore, too. While pooped puppy has a snooze, visit the new Museum of Land Speed while you’re there.

3)      Tummy hugs

Treat your taste buds to a warm hug with a Foody Cwtch break at the Inn at the Sticks in Llansteffan, named the Good Food Guide’s Best Local Restaurant in Wales 2024. Then, indulge in culinary delights in Llandeilo with stops at Flows on Market St, Pitchfork & Provision artisan bakery, and the nearby Wright's in Llanarthne. Coffee lover? Learn the art of coffee-making at Coaltown’s Academy course in Ammanford.

For more information and all things winter breaks in 2025 visit https://www.discovercarmarthenshire.com/