[3][4] The substantial and well preserved Kidwelly Castle on the north bank of the Gwendraeth Fach river and St Mary's Church on the south side of the river were both established by the invading Normans in the early 12th century.

During the 13th century the castle was rebuilt in stone, as part of the 'ring of steel' strategy of Edward I for strengthening his control of Wales.

[6] The castle was besieged in 1403 by forces loyal to Owain Glyndŵr as part of his rebellion aiming to reclaim Welsh independence.

[7] A field in the neighbouring forest of Kingswood, Maes Gwenllian, is known as the location of a battle in 1136, in which Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd, sister of Owain Gwynedd and wife of Gruffydd ap Rhys, led her husband's troops into battle against a Norman army during his absence.

[11][12] There are two tiers of local government covering Kidwelly, at community (town) and county level: Kidwelly Town Council (Cyngor Tref Cydweli) and Carmarthenshire County Council (Cyngor Sir Gâr).

The town council's offices adjoin the Princess Gwenllian Community Centre on Hillfield Villas.

[16] The old borough corporation therefore continued to run the town, but was ineligible to take on additional local government functions.

[22][23] Local landmarks include Kidwelly Castle, founded in 1106; a fourteenth-century bridge and gate; the former quay (now a nature reserve); and St Mary's Church.

[24] The town is twinned with French village Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer on the north coast of Brittany.

Walking – There are numerous public footpaths and bridleways in Kidwelly and Mynydd-y-Garreg, including Glan yr Afon, just behind the Wesleyan Chapel on the Bridge and Summer Way (Maes yr Haf) off Water Street.

The Kidwelly town council has recently been successful in developing the town’s numerous parks and playgrounds to encourage community participation and provide residents with safe and enjoyable public spaces, the project has seen over £250,000 invested so far.

The project includes open green spaces, new toilet blocks and a more convenient street layout.

Parc Stephen's is also the home venue of local football, cricket and lawn bowls teams.