The sweeping arcadia of Ceredigion in Mid Wales is famed for its unspoilt beauty. Skirting West Wales and encompassing Cardigan Bay, it boasts some of the country’s most magnificent scenery and offers an endless stream of things to see and places to fall in love with. Beckoning for moments of adventure and leisure following mountain lanes and coastal roads, it is just idyllic for dreamy getaways exploring stunning landscapes, famous sights, and hidden corners.
For romantic days and wild adventures, get ready to immerse yourself in Ceredigion's resplendent beauty and peruse our guide on things to do in the county. From discovering the world’s largest camera obscura to getting to know one of Europe’s leading cheese-producing regions to enjoying unforgettable dolphin watching tours, there’s something for you.
History
Historically known as Cardiganshire, Ceredigion is a stunning county in Mid Wales covering nearly seven-hundred-square miles of storybook scenery. Inhabited since prehistoric times, its greenery enswathed landscapes are rich in history with nearly two hundred hillforts found in the county - some of which date as far back as the Bronze Age. Located on a well-worn pilgrim’s trail and passing through many political, religious, and territorial chapters, its story tells of Romans and Celts, Saints and industrialists.
Nose-to-nose with the sea, Ceredigion’s coastal towns, including Aberystwyth, Aberaeron and New Quay, are particularly well-known for their roles as important trading ports, exporting fish, corn, and heavy metals. Much more recently in the nineteenth century, the passage of time and the introduction of the railway turned the interest of visitors from further afield towards Ceredigion’s picture-perfect rural villages and coastal resorts for sojourns. Luring with its lonely mountains, emerald forests and white-sand beaches, this heavenly pocket placed itself on the map of adventurers, dreamers and wilderness-seekers for good.
Places to Eat
Ynyshir, Eglwys Fach
One of Wales’s very best restaurants, Ynyshir has earned the enviable accolade of two Michelin stars and five AA Rosettes. Sitting on the very northernmost boundaries of Ceredigion, it proposes an inspired menu finely tuned by chef-owner Gareth Ward. Relax into the welcoming setting of this superb venue, overlooking manicured grounds and warmed by feature fireplaces. With drink in hand, prepare to be awed by an ingredient-led, flavour-driven tasting menu of local eats and global treats, all the while a live DJ curates the soundtrack to your meal with soul-pleasing mixes.
Yr Hen Printworks, Cardigan
A stone chapel turned printworks turned restaurant, Yr Hen Printworks in Cardigan is the place to go to “drink, dine, unwind”. A vibrant, welcoming hub for foodie feasts, it has been awarded Michelin Bib Gourmand status for its innovative dishes and cool setting. Specialising in small plates, the menus here reflect a flavoursome array of grilled, smoked, pickled, and baked deliciousness. Pick an assortment to share with your partner-in-dine or handpick your favourites for a personalised experience.
Y Talbot, Tregaron
Recommended by the Michelin guide for its traditional, hearty cuisine, Y Talbot in Tregaron is one of the best places to eat in Ceredigion. Formerly a drover’s inn dating back to the 1600s, it retains a winsome sense of period charm and encourages a laidback dining experience for leisurely lunches and dinner. Reserve a table in advance and look forward to a culinary dream in a fine pub setting, perusing a menu of seasonal local favourites. With drinks on tap and tastes galore, you are sure to leave replenished and replete.
Beaches
Mwnt Beach
Set within a secluded bay along the Ceredigion coast, Mwnt Beach a few miles from Cardigan is a picture of golden sand perfection. Framed by high cliffs, including the prominent Foel y Mwnt, and traced by the Wales Coast Path, it is particularly well-known for its walking and wildlife-spotting opportunities. Lay out on a luxurious blanket spread on the beach for days under blue skies, or watch the sunset from the clifftops for magical moments overlooking Cardigan Bay.
Poppit Sands
The Blue Flag Poppit Sands is a beautiful, wide beach set at the mouth of the Teifi Estuary with lots of space to relax and play, even at high tide. Marking the start (or the end) of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, it’s a popular spot for beachgoers of all ages. In summer, lifeguards patrol the beach for safe bathing and paddling, while in winter, the elements often combine to create good surfing conditions. For beach treats, make sure you pop into CRWST café and bakery in Poppit for the best bakes around.
Aberporth Beach
The picturesque village of Aberporth near Cardigan is a family favourite known for its two sandy beaches, Dyffryn and Dolwen, which are separated by a headland. Year-round dog-friendly and lifeguarded in summer, it’s an idyllic destination for days by the shore with all the family, with ample space at low tide to picnic and explore. For comfort and refreshment, the village’s array of shops, cafés and eateries await within walking distance too.
Borth Beach
Arrive at Borth Beach near Aberystwyth at low tide and enjoy an expansive three-mile stretch of clean, golden sand. With gently sloping shores graced with shallow waters perfect for swimming, this lovely beach is lifeguarded in summer and is a magnet for water-lovers. Free parking is available around the village, and at the southern end of the beach, the remains of a submerged, ancient forest can sometimes be seen.
New Quay
A thriving seaside town in Ceredigion, New Quay is famed for its colourful houses that overlook wildlife-rich waters. For days by the shore, pick from one of New Quay bay’s three beautiful beaches. Perhaps the most popular, Harbour beach is New Quay’s main beach and sits within easy reach of the town. A Blue Flag beach, its soft sands, clean waters, and access to lots of local amenities make it a year-round destination for beach escapades.
Tresaith
Overlooked by Tresaith village, the Blue Flag and Seaside award-winning Tresaith beach nestles to the east of Aberporth and promises untold natural beauty. A wonderful beach for paddling on calm days and sailing and surfing when the wind picks up, it has something for everyone. Making this beach even more attractive are its gorgeous rock pools and waterfall that decorate the shore, not to mention the sightings of seals and dolphins that can often be enjoyed from the coast path above.
Attractions
Cardigan Castle
Cardigan Castle, or Castell Aberteifi, on Green Street in Cardigan is one of the top visitor attractions in Ceredigion. Starring a regal Georgian mansion and stunning Grade II listed gardens, it combines historical discovery with modern entertainment for the ultimate day out. Journey back in time through its award-winning, story-telling exhibitions and explore its Medieval remains. For magical moments, you can also book tickets for its programme of events, including thrilling escape rooms and live music.
Devil’s Bridge Falls
A world-famous natural attraction in the Cambrian Mountains, Devil’s Bridge Falls in Pontarfynach is home to a beautiful nature trail, the Mynach waterfalls and three striking bridges built on top of each other. Capturing the imaginations of all those who have visited, the “torrent at the Devil’s Bridge” (William Wordsworth) comprises several waterfalls that tumble hundreds of feet down the Rheidol gorge. Follow the nature trail and view the falls and bridges from safe viewing platforms along the way, marvelling at both the architectural and natural wonder of this spectacular setting. For added adventure, you can combine your day out with a trip on a restored steam train. A vintage railway in the Rheidol Valley, the Vale of Rheidol Railway brings the spirit of Edwardian adventure to life with atmospheric train journeys, chuntering through ancient woodlands to reach the Devil’s Bridge.
The National Library of Wales
Perched above Cardigan Bay, The National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth is home to a veritable treasure trove of collections preserving the history of Wales and sharing the stories of its generations. From books to artworks to audiovisual archives, it invites literature fans, history lovers and peace seekers alike to revel in its spaces for tranquillity and enlightenment. Visit its reading room and see its exhibits, ready to open a fascinating new chapter on your Welsh discovery.
Aberystwyth Arts Centre
The award-winning Aberystwyth Arts Centre in Aberystwyth is the largest arts centre in Wales, recognised far and wide for its programme of arts. Both producing and presenting arts from film to dance to music, this national centre is an exciting place to be for both creators and arts aficionados alike. For something a little different during your luxury escape, head over to uncover the broad catalogue of events, including live dramatics, cinema screenings and immersive workshops.
Llanerchaeron
The National Trust-run Llanerchaeron near Aberaeron is one of the best visitor attractions in Ceredigion. Designed in 1790 by leading Regency architect John Nash, it features a grand Georgian villa, walled garden, tranquil lake and sprawling farm and dog-friendly parkland woven with waymarked trails. Relish a day out in this traditional estate, following its winding paths and soaking up the peaceful surrounds, before heading over to the onsite café for a tasty pick-me-up.
Magic of Life Butterfly House
A taste of the tropics in the heart of the Rheidol Valley, the Magic of Life Butterfly House in CwmRheidol is a great family and dog-friendly attraction. A registered biodiversity charity, it is home to a kaleidoscopic world of free-flying exotic butterflies, including some of the largest and most colourful in the world. Follow the rainforest walkways and see the incredible tropical animals and insects, including bumblebee dart frogs and giant atlas beetles.
Cliff Hotel Spa
For the ultimate day of relaxation, make way to Cliff Hotel Spa on the Ceredigion coast in Gwbert near Cardigan. Offering restful pampering, the spa promises a range of nourishing treatments to restore, calm and revive. Savour a specialist treatment, relax by the pool, lounge in the steam room and let tranquillity take over. Later, you can look forward to a drink or meal in the spa’s Carreg restaurant or venture back to your boutique abode for fine dining in comfort and style.
Things to Do
Explore the Trails of Hafod Estate
Hidden within the verdant landscapes of Mid Wales, the Hafod Estate in Ystwyth Valley was once the paradisiacal home of the Johnes family. Though the estate’s mansion no longer exists, a handful of original buildings and structures still reside within its leafy grounds, providing a fascinating glimpse into the estate’s yesteryears. A real haven, the best way to explore Hafod’s five-hundred-acre jigsaw of valleys and woodland is on foot, following waymarked paths to find rivers, waterfalls, glades, gardens, fountains and more. You can also visit a church, Eglwys Newydd, home to an interesting exhibition about the estate.
Go Underground with Silver Mountain Experience
Found in the western Cambrian mountains, the Silver Mountain Experience in Llywernog is a converted silver-rich lead ore mine. One of the best things to do in Ceredigion, it preserves the region’s mining heritage and provides an intriguing glimpse into the flipside of the county with underground tunnels and attractions. Combining history, myth, and legend, it invites all to embark on guided tours, follow actor-led trails, take part in themed activities, and make the most of a whole variety of events for an unforgettable experience.
Sample the Delights at Caws Teifi Cheese
Ceredigion is the working arena of some of the finest artisan cheese producers in the world. Producing Britain’s most highly-awarded cheese (Celtic Promise), Caws Teifi on Glynhynod Organic Farm in Llandysul is up there with the best. First established in the early 1980s, the team at Glynhynod (which means remarkable valley) are now the longest-established cheesemakers in the country and pride themselves on their artisan creations made from the best quality, local organic raw milk. To sample some of the flavoursome delights on offer, head over to Caws Teifi’s farm shop and bundle up some goodies. For a visit with a twist, keep an eye on the line up of events that occasionally take place on the farm too.
See Red Kites at Bwlch Nant yr Arian
If you love turning your eyes skyward and watching the beautiful flight and aerial acrobatics of birds of prey, then you must take a trip to Bwlch Nant yr Arian. Set on a hilltop near Aberystwyth, this incredible reserve is famous for its red kites, with over a hundred birds coming to feed at the site’s feeding station every day. Stop off at the Visitor Centre and choose from a multitude of signposted walking, mountain biking, running and horse-riding paths and trails. For added fun, there’s also a mountain bike skills park, café, shop and dedicated children’s play area.
Aberystwyth Cliff Railway and Camera Obscura
The longest of its kind in Britain, Aberystwyth’s electric cliff railway transports passengers nearly eight hundred feet up a spectacular, sloping cliff-face. Originally the work of Victorian engineer G. Croydon Marks, it first opened in 1896 and has since been completely modernised to provide safe transport with a backdrop of jaw-dropping views. Upon reaching the top of the cliffs, you can then alight your carriage and visit the biggest Camera Obscura in the world, situated atop Constitution Hill. Featuring a fourteen-inch lens, it takes in more than a thousand square miles of Aberystwyth’s land and coastalscapes to delight and amaze.
Dolphin Watch with New Quay Boat Trips
New Quay in Cardigan Bay is well-known for being one of the best places to see dolphins in not just Wales but the UK. Cruising within the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation, New Quay Boat Trips offers you one of the best chances to see dolphins and other incredible marine wildlife in their natural environment. Setting off from New Quay harbour, you can enjoy one or two-hour excursions or private charters along the coast, keeping your eyes peeled for the telltale signs of dolphin pods, as well as porpoise, Atlantic grey seals, and even whales.
Nature Seek at RSPB Ynys-hir Nature Reserve
Sandwiched between southern Snowdonia in the north and the Cambrian mountains in the south, the two-thousand-acre Ynys-hir reserve in Machynlleth is encapsulated by otherworldly beauty. With something to see at every turn, it provides an important sanctuary for all kinds of wildlife and encourages visitors to immerse in the tranquillity of nature. In summer, bring a pair of binoculars to catch sight of wading birds like lapwings and redshanks, and migratory ducks and geese in winter. Managed by the RSPB, the site also has a visitor centre serving refreshments and a pretty picnic area for alfresco bites.
Walk the Wales Coast Path
For walkers, the lure of the Wales Coast Path is hard to resist. In particular, Ceredigion’s sixty-mile stretch is especially beautiful, shouldered by stunning coastline and ever-changing landscapes. Beginning in Cardigan and ending in Ynyslas, Ceredigion’s coast path affords magnificent views the whole way, reaching as far as Snowdonia and Pembrokeshire on clear days. Plan a section of the route to trace over a few hours or a whole day and look forward to both challenging and rewarding hikes, ensconced in the unrivalled scenery of the Ceredigion coast and invigorated by the cooling balm of a salty sea breeze.
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