ITV’s new drama Out There, starring Doc Martin star Martin Clunes is set and filmed in Wales. The storyline deals with county lines crime in this rural area and sees his character’s son caught up in the dangerous world of drug dealing.
It is fIlmed in various locations across the country including Newport, Trefil near Merthyr Tydfil, Port Talbot, Swansea, Cardiff, and Bettws near Bridgend.
But one place that has caught the eye of viewers is the scenes filmed in Llandovery in Carmarthenshire which was used as the small-town setting. And it’s also a place the King goes to escape too.
King Charles and Queen Camilla headed to their Welsh property Llwynywermod, Llandovery after Prince Phillip’s funeral and are regular visitors to the idyllic market town in the Towy Valley. The couple stay at the property in the Brecon Beacons during their annual ‘Wales Week’ visit.
And while Llandovery is fit for a King, there is plenty to entice humble holidaymakers there.
It’s traditional market square with brightly coloured buildings are a draw for tourists and there are plenty of shops, restaurants and cafes to choose from.
Cozy pubs are inviting and one of the most popular is The Bear Inn. The pub offers accommodation, grub and is dog friendly too and it consistently rates as number one in the town for both service and locally-sourced food.
You can visit Llandovery Castle which towers above the confluence between two rivers – Afon Brân and Afon Gwydderig – and was in its heydey in the 12th and 13th centuries and was used as a pawn between Norman/English and Welsh forces.
There’s the impressive D-shaped tower and the remains of a twin-towered gatehouse to see.
While there you can see the statue of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd Fychan. The heroic character was executed in 1401 for preventing King Henry IV’s capture of the Welsh prince, Owain Glyndwr.
Llywelyn was captured and dragged through the town of Llandovery and brutally tortured in the town square, in front of the castle gates before being hung, drawn and quartered.
Today a sculpture stands on a small hill next to the castle where he died. It is said to symbolise Llywelyn, watching over his town and commemorating his undying loyalty.
Also worth visiting is the Dolaucothi Gold Mines known as the only Roman gold mine in the UK. You can take an underground tour and learn the secrets of the mining which dates back over 2,000 years.
You can then explore Cothi Valley and follow riverside walks, woodland and expansive views across the valley too.
Find out more via the Discover Carmarthenshire website for other local walking routes.
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