Things to do in West Wales

~ Explore and Discover ~

Best Beaches in Wales

Ceredigion is probably best known for its huge and beautiful bay which has many lovely beaches just waiting for you to discover! Here’s a few of our favourites…
Llangrannog ~ the nearest beach (approx 3 miles) has just about everything you would need for a family day out – sandy beach, life guards, a stream to play in, ice cream, fish and chips, cafe, two pubs, toilets and the choice of 2 beaches when the tide is out. Dogs are restricted to the right side of the beach in high season.
Cwm Tydu (pronounced Cum Terdi) ~ this is a little pebbley beach that is a bit quieter than Llangrannog. It has a stream to play in, toilets a short walk up the road and a cafe.
New Quay ~ a nearby fishing village with 3 sandy beaches, souvenir shops, multiple pubs, ice cream shops and chippies.
PenBryn ~ this is a National Trust beach so is totally unspoilt and has access by road or a lovely walk down through the woods. There are public toilets and a cafe about 10 minutes walk up the hill from the beach.
Aberporth ~ this village is a short drive away and has 2 sandy beaches (one dog friendly in high season), toilets, food and drink.

 

 

 

 

Ceredigion, Cardigan bay, Bae Ceredigion, Ceredigion Coastal path, Wales

Walks in Ceredigion

There are loads of beautiful walks along the coastal path on the cliff tops where you’re likely to see a seal, dolphin and Red Kite or two. These get you to the best ‘secret’ beaches such as Traeth yr Ynys just north of Llangrannog or Traeth Bach just south of Llangrannog. Or you could venture into the woods nearby, play in the streams and look for fairies.
Just ask us for ideas and we’ll be happy to help!
Ceredigion, Cardigan bay, Bae Ceredigion, Ceredigion Coastal path, Wales

Tourist Attractions Near Llangrannog

When you’re all beached out and fancy something a bit different, here’s some places to try…

Local Attractions

Dolphin spotting trips ~ Cardigan Bay is home to approximately 300 Bottle-nosed Dolphins. You can see these and maybe a friendly seal or two on one of the boat trips run from New Quay daily. There are several companies running these and its best to book in advance as they can be busy: Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre,  SeaMor and New Quay Boat Trips
Watersports ~ from Cardigan Bay Watersports at New Quay you can hire paddle boards, kayaks, sailing dinghies and wind surf boards. They also offer taster sessions for paddle boarding, sailing, sea kayaking, wind surfing, wakeboarding  and water skiing. On Sundays they do a kids splash session but book in advance as it gets booked up quickly!
Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre ~ the visitor centre is open during the tourist season and packed full of fun facts about the wildlife in Cardigan Bay.  You’ll learn about the dolphins habits and how to identify the regular visitors to the bay. There’s also a small gift shop run by volunteers. You’ll find the centre on the path down to the RNLI station.
New Quay Museum ~ possibly the best kept secret in New Quay! Find it under the Harbourmaster’s Office on the quay – a treasure trove of local info and memorabilia.
New Quay Friday market ~ a small indoor market with a wide range of stalls selling everything from plants to carvings, from cake to toiletries… and everything in between!  Open every Friday in the Memorial Hall 10am – 12pm
New Quay Honey Farm ~ watch bees build their hive, found out oodles of bee facts and relax after with a honey taster board in the cafe.
Llanerchaeron ~ explore the woodland (no charge) and see what it was like to be, or work for, a land owner in the 1700s. Llanerchaeron is a small National Trust home (just the right size to prevent boredom setting in!) with small farm area where you can meet the animals.
Newcastle Emlyn ~ this is a lovely little town with lots of independent shops selling locally made wares and a small Country Market every Friday morning. Also there are the castle ruins to explore – the giveaway is in the name (although it’s no longer new!).
Aberaeron ~ affectionately called ‘Toy Town’ by our family, Aberaeron looks like something straight out of a children’s TV show with its bright painted houses. Here there is a pretty harbour perfect for crabbing, pebbley beach, shops, cafes and bars to while away the time, plus the annual Fish Festival in July.

 

Tourist Attractions in West Wales

pony trekking, preseli hills, horse riding, pembrokeshire, pembroke national park

 

Pony Trekking ~ try your hand at an escorted pony ride in the magical Preseli Hills, following ancient tracks across open hills and moorland, amid spectacular scenery, stone circles, wild ponies and birds of prey. A great day out but be sure to book in advance.

 

 

Cilgerran Castle ~ climb the towers, walk the walls and learn about the history of this ruined 13th century castle. Dogs are welcome on leads.
Cae Hir ~ explore the beautifully designed garden where formal meets wild – a lovely spot to spend an afternoon. Then relax with tea and cake in the small cafe on site. Dogs on leads are welcome.
Welsh Wildlife Centre ~ follow walking and bike trails around the nature reserve and see if you can spot a kingfisher from the hides dotted along the track. Go on the adventure playground, eat a picnic or go in the cafe for a bit of …cake!!
Aberystwyth ~ a day at the seaside with a ride on the Cliff Railway up Constitution Hill to the best views in Aberystwyth  – the longest funicular electric cliff railway in Britain!
Ceredigion Museum ~ housed in a beautifully preserved Edwardian theatre in Aberystwyth, the museum is home to both permanent and temporary displays that explore Ceredigion’s heritage, culture and art. The museum is open to everyone; young, old and everyone in between.
Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre ~ up in the mountains you can feed the Red Kite (Wales’s National Bird of Prey) and follow trails for walking, running and mountain biking.
Vale of Rheidol Railway ~ ride the narrow gauge steam railway up the Rheidol Valley between Aberystwyth and Devil’s Bridge. Dogs welcome.
Castell Henllys ~ visit an iron age village where the roundhouses have been reconstructed on the very spot they would have stood 2,000 years ago.
National Coracle Centre, Cenarth ~ this is a true hidden gem, packed with fascinating information about the traditional coracle, there’s even one you can try yourself – not to be missed! Open on Wednesdays.
Welsh Botanical Gardens ~ a great day out with something for everyone –  British Bird of Prey Centre, Butterfly House, Giant Glasshouse plus lots of activities, walking trails and picnic areas. Every Monday and Friday is Doggy Day so you can take your furry friends along too!
Blue Lagoon Water Park ~ ride the flumes, jump the waves and float on the lazy river. Blue Lagoon gives a sand-free alternative to the beach!
Oakwood Theme Park ~ Wales’ biggest theme park has rides big and small for the thrill seekers amongst you!