Cardigan
Cardigan Town is a 10 minute drive south of Aberporth, just over 8 miles away is the historic market town of Cardigan, where you will find supermarkets, banks, quaint independent shops, the newly renovated Cardigan Castle, cafe’s and restaurants, and a bustling market hall.
Cardigan Pizza Tipi – Down on the Quay at Cardigan, situated just below the castle, Cardigan Pizzatipi is located. This a super pizza eatery, with fire pits and beautiful views of the river Teifi, partly under cover of the tipi’s, enjoy food and views in this relaxed setting. Live bands on weekend evenings throughout the summer months make this place a must to visit. Check out the Facebook page for update opening times, events etc.
Theatr Mwldan has a small modern theatre and two screen cinema, with a tourist information centre and cafe. www.mwldan.co.uk
Teifimania Indoor Play Centre – Located just over the bridge in Cardigan. A great place to let children run and play, while adults enjoy a coffee or a bite to eat at the onsite café. A great way to spend a couple of hours, especially on a rainy day.
Other Recommendations
The Welsh Wildlife Centre – A ten minute drive from Cardigan through the village of Cilgerran is the The Welsh Wildlife Centre. The three tier visitor centre stands within the Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve and boasts panoramic views over the River Teifi, the reserve and Cardigan town. Eat in at the cafe during any weather or eat out on the meadow and enjoy the views during finer weather. During the school holidays there are many fun, factual craft activities for children to do, from pond dipping to painting a snake! There are lots walks for all abilities, a woodland park, café, shop and visitor centre. £3 car park charge. www.welshwildlife.org
The Coach House and St Dogmaels Abbey – Take a five minute drive from Cardigan to the village of St Dogmaels and you will find the Abbey and Coach House. Onsite is a visitor centre that has a lovely café, which looks onto the 12th century Abbey ruins, where you take a look around for free. A great place to play hide and seek, or feed the ducks on the pond located outside the Coach house. On a Tuesday morning, you will find an award-winning busy local produce market where you can buy an excellent selection of local goods that are all home grown. Just down the road from the Coach House is a working water mill, where you can buy flour and bread.
Penbryn Beach and Mwnt Beach – are both National Trust unspoilt beaches. Both beaches are about 10 minutes’ drive from the cottages, in opposite directions. They both have car parks, toilet facilities and a cafe/ take away.
Penbryn has a gentler slope running down towards the beach, with The Plwmp Tart Café being situated in the car park, serving very scrumptious homemade cakes and light snacks. Take the ten minute woodland walk down to the beach, past the waterfall, and then come back up the road on the way back.
Mwnt Beach is a smaller cove, with Mwnt church standing proud near the car park. To access the beach its quite a steep decent along path with many steps, but definitely worth the climb. Enjoy a hot drink and some homemade refreshments at the kiosk on the way back up.
Penbryn has the best sun sets around locally, be sure to catch one during the summer months.
Llanerchaeron National Trust Estate – about 25 minutes’ drive from Aberporth, heading north, towards the town of Aberareon. This beautiful National Trust Estate, will keep you busy for most of the day. Take walks around the estate, working farm, lake, walled garden, manor house and woodland walks. Then a spot of lunch will be needed at the visitor centre at Conti’s café. Walks for all abilities, a great way to spend a day.
Walking in the area – Ceredigion Coast path is extremely picturesque, and there are sections to suit most abilities. For further information on coastal path walks check out: www.walescoastpath.gov.uk
SeaMor Dolphin Trips – Based in New Quay providing guided dolphin tours in beautiful Cardigan Bay. SeaMor offers an hour and a half boating trip, where you will learn about geology, history and wildlife of the area with the online marine biologists and skippers. Join the friendly crew at the end of New Quay’s main pier, for an experience of a lifetime. The sunset trip is incredible! Suitable for all ages and wheel chair access available. We highly recommend you book during peak season, to book call 07795 242 445 or email info@seamor.org.
Oakwood Theme Park – Wales’ biggest theme park which is based in Pembrokeshire, about an hour’s drive from the cottages. Lots of rides and thrills for all ages! Seasonal discounts available online, book your tickets online at: www.oakwoodthemepark.co.uk
Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo – Voted Wales best day out in 2017, this family orientated park has something for everyone, from go karts to a ride on a traditional carousel, or watching the penguins, giraffe, rhinos and lions, this park will keep you busy for a full day out. Plenty of cafes, restaurants and take away’s. There are many parks and rides to keep the little ones busy. Based in Pembrokeshire, about an hour’s drive from Aberporth. Book your tickets online for a 10% discount or even better use your Tesco vouchers for entry tickets. For further info: www.folly-farm.co.uk
Aberystwyth Cliff Railway and Pier – At the north end of Aberystwyth promenade, Constitution hill sits nestled into the cliffs. Take the Cliff rail up to the summit where spectacular views await you. Enjoy refreshments and lunch at the visitor centre, and experience the views from one of the world’s largest camera obscuras, which offers a birds eye view at least 1000 miles of land and sea cape. Then walk back along the promenade and take a look at the traditional Seaside pier. A great way to spend an afternoon, about an hour’s drive north of Aberporth. For opening times: www.aberystwythcliffrailway.co.uk