Views from An Englishman in Wales
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Introduction

Vincent Van Gogh said: “If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.”

Here are five of my favourite places in Wales since moving here with my wife in mid-2019. They remind us why we love living here. Some are popular destinations, others are hidden gems—quiet corners that make Wales feel truly special.

Sunny day image of Llansteffan beach looking out towards Ferrytown, South Wales

Background

It all started when an Englishman and his wife gave up everything to start a new life in Wales.

They wanted to escape to the city, breathe fresh air, relax, and spend more time together. The last thing they wanted was to look back in five or ten years and think: “Why didn’t we do this sooner?”

So here we are, perched on a hill with the Black Mountains to the east and the Preseli Hills to the west, beyond the Gwendraeth Valley.

Take a look at Part One and Part Two of our story to see how we discovered this corner of Wales, embraced a new lifestyle, and transformed a “badly-in-need-of-modernisation” property into a home.

To us, our new home is a reminder that with luck, determination, patience, hard work, and vision, dreams really can come true.

       
Sheep in the evening twilight at Upper Tumble, South Wales

Five Places, Five Reasons to Visit

1. Llansteffan

South coast of Carmarthenshire, on the estuary of the River Tywi, 7 miles south of Carmarthen.

Five Reasons To Go There

  1. Llansteffan Castle: 12th-century Norman castle with stunning views. Free entry, steep but rewarding walk.
  2. Golden sand: Wide, soft beach with free parking and facilities.
  3. A true Hidden Gem! Overlooked by tourists, Llansteffan has been described as “…Wales’ best-kept secret, a sort of Neverland known only to locals…”
  4. Family fun: Beachfront playground.
  5. Woodland walks: Enjoy the fresh garlic aroma in late spring.

Postcode district: SA33
www.llansteffan.com

 

2. Tumble

Situated south of Cross Hands, near the towns of Carmarthen and Llanelli, Tumble developed in the 19th century to house anthracite miners employed at the nearby Dynant Fach and Great Mountain collieries.

Five Reasons To Go There

  1. Walk to Llannon Reservoir: One of the highest points in the area, offering Panoramic views east, south, and west to the Preseli Hills.
  2. Rugby: Home of Tumble RFC, producing many Wales internationals. Check out the home fixtures to catch a game of raw Welsh Rugby.
  3. Henleys Coffee Shop: Friendly service, incredible afternoon teas.
  4. Cycle Route 47: Following the old Llanelli to Cross Hands railway track, this 20-mile-plus cycle route offers peace, quiet, and striking views along the way.
  5. The Mansel Arms: Award-winning pub and a true local favourite. Find it on the Tumble-Drefach-Porthyrhyd road.

Postcode district: SA14

 

3. Afan Forest Park

Created in the 1970s, Afan Forest Park has grown into one of Britain’s iconic mountain biking destinations. Situated in a former coal mining valley just a few miles from the M4, the park offers trails for riders of all levels, from beginners to experts.

Five Reasons To Go There

  1. Easy access: Only minutes from Junction 41 of the M4.
  2. Family-friendly cycling and walking: 25 miles (40 km) of disused railway lines and numerous footpaths, perfect for cyclists and walkers of all abilities.
  3. Mountain biking: The Penhydd Trail was voted “the trail to ride before you die” by What Mountain Bike magazine in 2004.
  4. Excellent facilities: A well-equipped café, a small local museum on mining, a bike hire shop, and a children's play area.
  5. Stunning scenery! We visited in late autumn and were treated to golden, orange, red, and yellow foliage at its finest.

Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre is SA13 3HG
Places to visit in South West Wales
Dramatic heart of Wales

 

4. West Angle Bay

One of the best beaches in Pembrokeshire, West Angle Bay is nestled in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coastal National Park, with the coast path passing right through it.

Five Reasons To Go There

  1. Peaceful alternative: Quieter than nearby Freshwater West.
  2. Sheltered & calm waters: Facing due west, perfect for paddling, pottering, and relaxing.
  3. Top-notch café: The Wavecrest is in a unique location with beachside views, and serving great mackerel pâté. . It’s open all year, except for January.
  4. Walk the Coast Path: Loops around the headland or onwards to Freshwater West.
  5. Loved by locals: You will love it too!

West Angle Bay, Pembroke SA71 5BE

 

5. Worms Head and Rhossili Bay Beach

Furthest west on the Gower Peninsula. The headland is made up of three islands: the Inner Head, the Middle Head (a collapsed sea cave known as the Devil's Bridge), and the Outer Head.

Five Reasons To Go There

  1. Plenty of facilities and parking: Convenient for visitors.
  2. Rugged and isolated: Walk along the grassy cliff tops to the Old Coastguard with views to West Wales, North Devon, and Lundy Island.
  3. Three miles of open beach: Explore Rhossili Bay’s stunning stretch of beach.
  4. Unique experience: Get your timing right around low tide, and you can cross the causeway to the headland for exhilarating views.
  5. Summer sunflowers: Late summer is the time to see Rhossili’s spectacular fields.

Rhossili, Swansea, SA3 1PR

The Five Favourite Images

1. Llansteffan

 

Looking down to the beach and receded tide from castle path.

Llansteffan beach from the castle path

2. Tumble

 

Morning sun breaking through on one of the many hidden and quiet paths around Tumble.

Morning sun through trees on a woodland road in Tumble

3. Afan Forest Park

 

What a view to stop and have a cuppa. Looking down the Afan Valley where it shows off its beatiful autumn palette.

Looking down the Afen Valley in Autumn

4. West Angle Bay

 

Rock pools a plenty at low tide. The gentle sloping, sheltered beach adds to the tranquility.

West Bay beach, Pembrokshire, West Wales, shoreline and rock pools

5. Worms Head, Rhossili

 

Looking down from Worms Head Coastal Path to Rhossili Bay and its vast beach, gentle surf and clear waters.

Looking down to Rhossili beach and the gentle surf from Worms Head path

More Images

Sunset over nearby woodland in Tumble
Looking down at the cliffs and Rhossili beach with sheep casually grazing
Stylised image of Bluebells in spring at Llnasteffan woods
Looking down at River Afan through autumn-cloaked trees at Afan Forest Park
Monochromatic image of fishing rod beach caster and people strolling along the low tide beach at Llansteffan
Looking through ruins of interior wall at Llansteffan Castle towards the old central courtyard
Looking at ruins Llansteffan Castle towards River Lougher
Looking down at River Afan through autumn-cloaked trees at Afan Forest Park

 

 

Map Locations

 

Simplified national motorway map

AREA

How to get there
Simplified Llansteffan map>

LOCAL MAP ONE

Llansteffan. Hidden Gem
Google maps Llansteffan, Carmarthenshire

LOCAL MAP TWO

Tumble, Carmarthenshire. Hidden Gem
Google maps Tumble, Carmarthenshire
Simplified map on how to get to Afan Forest>

LOCAL MAP THREE

Afan Forest Park. Hidden Gem
Google maps Afan Forest Park
simplified map of how to get to West Angle Bay>

LOCAL MAP FOUR

West Angle Bay, Pembrokeshire. Hidden Gem
Google maps West Angle Bay, Pembrokeshire
Simplified map of how to get to Worms Head>

LOCAL MAP FIVE

Worms Head, Rhossili
Google maps Worms Head, Rhossili Bay, Gower

Famous Words

 

Digital and Print Graphic Design from thedesigneye

thedesigneye is John Cartwright -
An Englishman in Wales

 

I help businesses—from startups to multinationals—blend common-sense design with smart marketing and visual storytelling.

Based at Windswept Studio, Upper Tumble, Carmarthenshire, I deliver cost-effective, practical, and impactful design solutions.

Explore my portfolio:
www.thedesigneye.co.uk
 john@thedesigneye.co.uk

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