History & Culture

West Wales has a rich and distinctive history..

West Wales has a rich and distinctive history shaped by ancient peoples, medieval kingdoms, and deeply rooted Welsh traditions. The region is home to some of Britain’s earliest sites, including Neolithic burial chambers, Bronze Age standing stones, and Iron Age hillforts scattered across the Preseli Hills - famous as the source of the bluestones used in Stonehenge. During the medieval period, powerful Welsh princes and invading Normans left their mark with impressive castles at Pembroke, Carew, Kidwelly, and Laugharne. Coastal towns such as Tenby and St Davids grew as important religious and trading centres, with St Davids Cathedral still standing as the spiritual heart of Wales. Culturally, West Wales is a stronghold of the Welsh language, traditional music, and folklore, where local festivals, chapel heritage, and community traditions remain vibrant. The area’s literary legacy is also significant, with connections to Dylan Thomas, whose home and writing shed in Laugharne overlook the Taf Estuary. Today, West Wales blends this deep heritage with a thriving arts scene, independent crafts, food producers, and a warm, distinctive identity that continues to celebrate its past while welcoming visitors from around the world.