Gorsedd Circle, Llanelli: A Living Monument of Welsh Culture
A serene stone circle in Llanelli celebrating Welsh bardic traditions and the spirit of the National Eisteddfod.
The Gorsedd Circle in Llanelli is a modern stone circle erected as a ceremonial monument for the National Eisteddfod of Wales, celebrating Welsh culture, language, and bardic traditions. Located in a tranquil park setting, it features standing stones arranged in a circle with a central flat stone known as the Logan Stone, used during druidic ceremonies. The site is both a cultural landmark and a peaceful spot for visitors to appreciate Welsh heritage and natural beauty.
A brief summary to Gorsedd Circle
- UK, Llanelli, Llanelli, GB
- +441267234567
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during the National Eisteddfod week to experience traditional ceremonies held at the circle.
- Explore the nearby Parc Howard for a full day of relaxation and cultural immersion.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy the tranquil park setting surrounding the stone circle.
- Learn about the symbolism of the stones and the Logan Stone at the center before visiting.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take the local bus service from Llanelli town center to Parc Howard, which runs every 20-30 minutes. The journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes, with stops near the park entrance. Tickets cost around £2-£3 one way.
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Car
Driving to the Gorsedd Circle via Parc Howard offers convenient access with nearby parking available. Travel time from Llanelli town center is about 10 minutes. Parking is free but limited, so arrive early during busy periods.
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Walking
From Llanelli town center, walking to the Gorsedd Circle through Parc Howard takes approximately 25-30 minutes on flat, paved paths suitable for most fitness levels and wheelchair users.
Gorsedd Circle location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Gorsedd Circle
A Symbol of Welsh Cultural Heritage
The Gorsedd Circle in Llanelli stands as a significant cultural monument commemorating the National Eisteddfod of Wales, an annual festival celebrating Welsh poetry, music, and language. Although the stones themselves are modern, the circle embodies centuries-old bardic traditions revived by Iolo Morganwg in the late 18th century. The circle serves as a ceremonial space where the Gorsedd of Bards holds rites, including the Proclamation Ceremony announcing future Eisteddfod venues, underscoring its ongoing cultural importance.Design and Ceremonial Features
Typically, the Gorsedd Circle consists of twelve standing stones arranged in a perfect circle, symbolizing the Welsh counties, with a large flat-topped stone at the center known as the Logan Stone. This central stone functions as a platform for the Archdruid during ceremonies. The circle’s layout includes portal stones aligned with solar events such as midsummer and midwinter sunrises, reflecting ancient astronomical symbolism. These features highlight the blend of modern commemoration with historical and druidic influences.Historical Context and Eisteddfod Connection
The National Eisteddfod traces its origins back to medieval Wales, with the earliest recorded festival held in 1176. The Gorsedd Circle tradition was established in the late 18th century and has since become an integral part of the festival’s ceremonies. Each circle is erected in towns that host the Eisteddfod, marking the event’s presence and legacy. Llanelli’s circle, set in Parc Howard, was constructed for the 1962 Eisteddfod and remains a permanent cultural landmark.Setting and Visitor Experience
Nestled within a peaceful park environment in Llanelli, the Gorsedd Circle offers visitors a serene place to reflect on Welsh heritage. The site is surrounded by green spaces ideal for walks and picnics, providing a relaxing atmosphere enhanced by views of the local landscape. Its open-air setting invites visitors to explore the stones and absorb the symbolism and history embodied in the circle.Ongoing Cultural Significance and Ceremonies
The Gorsedd Circle continues to host important ceremonies during the Eisteddfod week, including the admission of new members to the bardic orders and floral dances. These rites maintain the living tradition of Welsh bardic culture and connect contemporary celebrations with historical roots. The circle thus remains a vibrant cultural hub rather than merely a static monument.Preservation and Community Value
Local communities value the Gorsedd Circle as a tangible link to Welsh identity and cultural pride. Efforts to preserve and maintain the circle reflect its importance beyond tourism, serving as a symbol of continuity and respect for national traditions. It stands as a testament to Wales’s rich cultural tapestry and the enduring legacy of the Eisteddfod.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Gorsedd Circle
0.0 km
A modern stone circle in Llanelli celebrating Welsh culture, poetry, and the spirit of the National Eisteddfod.
Whiteford Lighthouse
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The Baltic Inn & Restaurant
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Rhossili Downs
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Kilns of Mynyddcerrig
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Glamorgan History Society
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Dyfed Menswear
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Cathedral Church of Saint Joseph (Eglwys Gadeirlan Siôseff Sant)
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Cwtsh Hostel
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Delta Hotels Swansea
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Premier Inn Swansea City Centre hotel
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Premier Inn Swansea Waterfront hotel
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South African War Memorial
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Carmarthen Work House
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Dyfed Powys Police Federation
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Unmissable attractions to see
Amgueddfa Parc Howard - Parc Howard Museum
1.6 km
Discover Llanelli’s industrial heritage and famed pottery collections in the historic and welcoming Parc Howard Museum.
WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre
4.2 km
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Loughor Castle
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Weobley Castle
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Pembrey Country Park
9.0 km
Explore 500 acres of award-winning woodlands and an eight-mile Blue Flag beach with family-friendly activities and scenic coastal trails.
Gower National Landscape
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Explore the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where dramatic coastlines, ancient history, and diverse habitats create an unforgettable Welsh landscape.
King Arthur's Stone
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Castell Cydweli / Kidwelly Castle
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Penyfodau Fawr Farm
11.1 km
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Giant's Grave
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Burry Holms
12.2 km
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Pennard Castle
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Penllergare Valley Woods
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Pobbles Bay
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Three Cliffs Bay
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Essential places to dine
Fredricks Bar & Brasserie
3.3 km
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The Bird In Hand
9.6 km
A welcoming country pub in Swansea offering hearty British fare, friendly service, and a lively bar in a family-friendly setting.
Garden Room Restaurant
11.2 km
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Lezzet Authentic Restaurant
13.2 km
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Beach House Restaurant
13.9 km
Michelin-starred fine dining with stunning Oxwich Bay views, showcasing the best of Welsh seasonal produce in a rustic-chic beachside setting.
Abadam Arms
15.8 km
Traditional Welsh pub and cozy B&B in Carmarthen offering hearty home-cooked meals and warm local hospitality in a tranquil rural setting.
The Butchers Arms
16.3 km
A welcoming Welsh country pub in Llanddarog offering traditional oak-beamed charm, local cuisine, and a cozy fireplace.
The Secret Beach Bar & Kitchen
16.7 km
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Hollol Gymraeg
17.3 km
Discover authentic Welsh flavors and warm hospitality at Hollol Gymraeg, a family-run culinary gem near Carmarthen.
Inn At The Sticks
17.7 km
A historic Welsh inn blending innovative local cuisine, warm hospitality, and cozy accommodation in the scenic village of Llansteffan.
Morgans Restaurant
18.2 km
Elegant European dining and refined bar experiences in a historic Swansea hotel near the marina and city centre.
The River House
18.4 km
Scenic waterfront dining with seasonal modern European cuisine and award-winning cocktails in Swansea’s vibrant SA1 district.
The Lighthouse Bar & Kitchen And Lounge
18.8 km
Seaside dining with stunning views, fresh flavors, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Mumbles, Swansea.
Y Polyn
19.3 km
A rustic yet refined country pub in Carmarthenshire serving hearty Provençal-inspired dishes with local Welsh ingredients and warm hospitality.
The Farmers Arms
19.8 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Parc Pemberton Retail Park
3.4 km
Llanelli’s vibrant retail park offering leading brands, leisure spots, and easy access near Parc Y Scarlets stadium.
Treasures Of Munro
12.6 km
Discover unique Welsh gifts, beauty products, and charming souvenirs at Treasures Of Munro, a cozy boutique in the heart of Tumble, Llanelli.
Welsh Slate & Gift Boutique
14.4 km
Explore the charm of Wales at the Welsh Slate & Gift Boutique, where unique handcrafted slate treasures and local gifts await your discovery.
Little Shop of Wishes
15.5 km
Bespoke personalised keepsakes and decorations crafted in South Wales for every celebration.
Retro Bears - Memory Bears Wales
17.6 km
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Wax 2 Relax
17.7 km
Discover handcrafted candles, bespoke perfumes, and unique local crafts in a cozy Morriston boutique that celebrates artisan creativity.
Quadrant Shopping Centre
17.7 km
Swansea's covered shopping destination blending high street chains with independent boutiques in a modern, accessible setting.
Gwdihw Gifts
17.7 km
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Black Rose gift & haberdashery
18.0 km
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The Crystal Jar
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Obsessive Koi Disorder
19.3 km
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Inspired Aroma
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The Range
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Juno candles
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Wooscrafts
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Mansel Arms
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The Prince Of Wales
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Uplands Tavern
16.3 km
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Noah's Yard
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Maltsters Arms
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The Wern Inn
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Ivorites Arms
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The Mason Arms
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Hogarths
17.9 km
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The Perch
17.9 km
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No Sign Wine Bar
17.9 km
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Bambu Beach Bar
18.0 km
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Peppermint
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Sophisticated cocktails, vibrant nightlife, and exclusive VIP lounges in the heart of Swansea’s city centre.
The Ship Inn
18.2 km
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Pump House
18.3 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Rainbow Rooms Bar & Club
10.1 km
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Sin City
17.3 km
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Cuba Escape
17.4 km
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PlanB
17.4 km
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Popworld - Swansea
17.9 km
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Lucifer's Nightlife
21.3 km
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Savannah's Night Club
21.5 km
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The Arch Bar & Nightclub
25.8 km
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Jimmy's Bar
29.2 km
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Hazewell Club
35.9 km
Discover the Hazewell Club in Tenby: a cozy sports club offering a warm atmosphere and local drinks amidst stunning coastal views.
Prince Of Wales
35.9 km
Tenby’s iconic late-night nightclub blending lively music, classic charm, and a spirited atmosphere in the heart of Town Wall Arcade.
Sands Nightclub
36.0 km
Saundersfoot’s lively nightclub with dance, drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere near the beach.
Comlongon
41.1 km
Experience vibrant nightlife in the charming village of St Florence with Comlongon, Tenby’s energetic nightclub gem.
The Top Club
41.2 km
Experience Blaengarw’s vibrant nightlife at The Top Club, where electrifying entertainment meets community spirit in the heart of South Wales.
Paddles
50.8 km
Experience Pembroke’s vibrant nightlife at Paddles, the go-to nightclub for late-night music, drinks, and social energy in the town center.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
