How to Visit Dylan Thomas’ Boat House in Wales
Here’s everything you need to know about Dylan Thomas’ Boathouse in Laugharne, Wales.
Above: Dylan Thomas' Writing Shed
Dylan Thomas was a Welsh author and poet, who was born in Swansea in 1914. Despite living a relatively short life and passing away in 1953, Dylan was a prolific writer who published 90 poems in his lifetime. Alongside his writing he had a varied career that began in journalism when he dropped out of school at the age of 16, later working for the BBC writing radio broadcasts during World War Two.
It was during the war that Dylan Thomas returned to Wales, and settled back in Laugharne. His boathouse is well known as it provided a tranquil spot where he could write in peace. Overlooking the River Tâf, much of Thomas’ writing took place outside in his writing shed which still stands today. Here he wrote some of his most famous works, including the BBC radio play Under Milk Wood.
Unfortunately for Thomas, he was known to be a heavy drinker, which is what led to his early demise. The writer passed away after an alcohol binge while on tour in the US.
Visiting Dylan Thomas’ Boathouse
The boathouse itself has been carefully preserved, and visitors can explore all three floors of the writer’s former home. The famed writing shed is also available to view, and much of the property is furnished to resemble how Thomas would have lived. Although guests are unable to walk inside the writing shed, its interior is easily viewable from the outside, and it’s easy to see why he found it so enchanting.
Inside the boathouse you’ll find a small exhibition where you can learn about Dylan Thomas’ work, a gift shop selling a variety of books and prints, and a tearoom serving a range of refreshments.
How to Find the Boathouse
The best way to reach Dylan Thomas’ boathouse is to park in Laugharne and take the 10 minute walk up to the property.
There is also a small car park at the boathouse, but this can become flooded depending on the tide. Local buses are also available.
Laugharne itself is located in Carmarthenshire, which is on the south coast of Wales.
Ticket Pricing and Entry Times
The opening times for the boathouse change depending on the time of year, so I would recommend checking their website for the up to date information.
Tickets are very reasonably priced, and at the time of writing one day tickets cost £6 for adults, £3 for children and £5.50 for students and people with disabilities. Children under the age of 3 enter for free.
There is also the opportunity to purchase seven day tickets for an additional fee.
Dylan Thomas’ Laugharne - Other Places to Visit
Once you’ve finished visiting the boathouse there are plenty of other spots to explore in Laugharne.
Dylan Thomas’s Grave
Just a short walk away you’ll find Dylan Thomas’ final resting place at St Martin's Church on Church Street. Simply marked with a white wooden cross, he was later joined by his wife Caitlin after she passed in 1994.
Brown’s Hotel
Known to be Thomas’ preferred drinking hole, Brown’s is now a lovely boutique hotel for visitors to the area. They also serve excellent food in their onsite restaurant, Dexter’s.
You can book a room on their website here.
Dylan Thomas’ Birthday Walk
This 5 mile walk was formerly known as the Laugharne Loop, as it is thought to have inspired his writing. The loop has benches and information boards scattered throughout, and local businesses will allegedly provide you with gifts if you undertake it on your birthday!
You can find out more about the Dylan Thomas Birthday Walk here.
Laugharne Castle
This Norman castle dates back to 1116, and Thomas spent some of his time writing in its grounds. It’s open between March and November, with tickets priced at £5.90 per adult. Children, family and discounted tickets are also available.
You can prebook tickets on their website here.
I hope that this blog post has helped you plan your trip to Dylan Thomas’ Boathouse. If you’d like to leave a comment, then please let me know which of his works is your favourite!