Holiday Cottages in - Ceredigion - Wales

Ceredigion is located on the west coast of mid Wales and is one of the most popular holiday areas in Wales. There is a coastal path that stretches 60 miles of Marine Heritage Coast Path around Cardigan Bay. Along this coastal path you will come across historic harbours and pristine sandy beaches with transparent sea water and quaint fishing villages. Inland the landscape consists of pretty unspoiled countryside and the rugged Cambrian Mountains and small country villages.

When it comes to outdoor activities there is no shortage on offer from, a network of amazing walking, cycling and mountain biking routes together with an abundance of opportunities for angling in lakes and fisheries and on rivers. Other activities include a giant maze, golf, paint balling, clay pigeon shooting, power boating, kayaking, high ropes, archery, assault courses, horse riding and much more. This list is in no way exhaustive and is only a small indication of what is on offer in the region.

Ceredigion has the only continual summer residence of bottle-nosed dolphins in the United Kingdom.

Aberystwyth is the principal town of the county and the history of the town can be dated back 700 years. The town was constructed between three hills and has a pier and a harbour, with Victorian and Edwardian buildings along the seafront. There are beaches both sandy and with pebbles together, with a ruined Norman castle enclosed by public gardens. Although all of the walls have gone there is still evidence of the stone built castle. The longest electric cliff railway, is found here, the Aberystwyth Electric Cliff Railway runs from Constitution Hill on the promenade up to the Victorian camera obscura. The National Library of Wales houses a number of literary treasures of Wales and other Celtic countries along with the enlightening “Black Book of Carmarthen”, the oldest surviving manuscript written in the Welsh language. During the second World War some of Britain's most valued treasures were stored in the underground vaults of the library.

Also to be found in Aberystwyth is Ceredigion Museum which, is located in the previous Coliseum Theatre, it has a excellent collection of historic artefacts pertaining to the region, a large collection is relevant to the Victorian period and later. Through these displays you will get an insight into the history and culture of the people of Ceredigion. The Aberystwyth Arts Centre is Wales largest arts centre, it is a department of the University of Wales and is located in the centre of the university's campus. It has a wide spread artistic program, both producing and presenting incorporating all the arts, including, drama, dance, music, visual arts, film and media. In addition it contains a concert hall and theatre that hosts a large collection of events.

From Aberystwyth you can take a ride on the Vale of Rheidol Railway, opened in 1902, this narrow guage railway has rails that are less than two feet apart. The route goes through the beautiful Rheidol valley gradually climbing to over 600 feet with a number of sharp curves and steep inclines and eventually ends at Devil's Bridge. From this vantage point you can see the three bridges spanning the river, along the renowned 300 foot Mynach Falls, the Devil's Punch Bowl and Jacob's Ladder. The journey takes one hour in each direction.

Located south of this area is Strata Florida Abbey or as it also known the Vale of Flowers. This 12th century ruined Cistercian Abbey maintains a number of interesting features of its past eminence. In true Cistercian monk style it is in a remote and desolate area deep in the hills. Although mostly in ruins, an excellently carved west doorway remains that highlights the lush green hills that surround the area. The outline of the church is still evident and there is a great collection of medieval floor tiles. It is thought that a number of Welsh princes have been buried here, along with Dafydd ap Gwilym, the greatest medieval Welsh poet and there is a plaque to pay tribute to him.

The bustling town of Cardigan has lovely Georgian and Victorian buildings with appealing shops, it is positioned on the River Teifi estuary and provides a perfect base for discovering the Teifi River Trail and Nature Reserve and stunning Teifi valley. Cardigan Castle dates back to the 12th century and is at present going through major renovation. Cardigan Heritage Centre recounts the growth of the town from Norman times to present day. On the other side of the estuary at Gwbert-on-Sea is Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park, this is the probably the best place in Wales to see seals in their normal surroundings. One of the initial tourist attractions in Wales was Cilgerron Castle, a 13th century castle in a remarkable location looking out on the Teifi Gorge.. The most remarkable remaining features are the powerful twin round towers and curtain wall, erected to safeguard the castles vulnerable side. It has provided the inspiration for numerous artists, including Turner. In close proximity to the town is Felinwynt Rainforest and Butterfly Farm, here tropical butterflies fly freely in their usual environment. Within the tropical house there are waterfalls and ponds, tropical plants, different types of insects and birdlife. It is a lovely day out for all ages.

One of the seaside villages in the county is charming Aberporth with two safe award winning golden sandy beaches, ideally suited to families. Llangranog is positioned in a valley, with a chasm where the river Hawen creates a waterfall. Below the beach village is a serene seaside holiday spot, take a walk out of the village around the headland of Ynys Lochtyn where you will be afforded amazing views.

New Quay is another leading holiday resort for families, it benefits from a protected harbour and safe beaches. The town is constructed on the cliffs and looks out over Cardigan Bay, among narrow terraced streets, there are rope-walks where rope was intertwined in the days when New Quay was a shipbuilding centre. A popular attraction are the regular boat trips into the bay to see the Bottle-nosed Dolphins who reside here, you will probably also see seals and other birds and animals who have made their homes here. The renowned literary figure Dylan Thomas resided in the town for a period from 1944-45 at which timer he wrote “Quite Early One Morning”. There is a Dylan Thomas walking trail in the town that incorporates the path along the cliffs favoured by the poet.

Aberaeron, was devised by the Reverend Alban Jones Gwynne in the early part of the 19th century, it has a number of intriguing historic architectural attributes and a protected harbour favoured by visiting yachtsmen. Positioned south of the town is the 18th century elite estate of Llanerchaeron, devised by John Nash. The house retains a number of original features, a working organic farm and two reinstated wall gardens.

In the old fishing village of Borth you will find in addition to the charming houses and people, an award winning golden sandy beach that is popular with families and sailboard enthusiasts due to the shallow nature of the water. The region is enclosed by protected sites, Dyi National Nature Reserve and a huge peat bog, Cors Goch Fochno. For animal lovers whilst, you are in Borth you should schedule in some time to visit Borth Animalarium, here you will be delighted by the collection of animals, there is a mixture of exotic, unusual and interesting animals with a lot being unwanted or abandoned or coming from rescue centres. There is also a play area for the children, petting area, pony rides and indoor pool area.

Lampeter is a small friendly market town found on the north bank of the River Teifi, it is home to St. David's College which was founded in 1822. After Oxford and Cambridge it is the oldest degree awarding institution in England and Wales. At one time the Romans mined for gold here and the site of the former gold mine is managed by the National Trust, here you can get an insight and feel of what working life was in these mines in a bygone era. The surrounding countryside is spectacular and the River Teifi offers great angling opportunities.

At certain times of the year there are events taking place in the county, some exhibitions and events extend over long periods. Before you travel do check to see what is taking place before you travel. Events range from walking and hiking trails, craft and farmer markets where you can sample some of the local produce, seafood festivals and county and agricultural shows and much more. There will be something to appeal to all ages and all tastes.

The friendliness of the people will be one of the things you will remember of your time in Ceredigion. There will be lots of other fantastic memories from your stay here, made up from the attractions and activities on offer, the unsurpassed scenery and great choice of food and drink available. To get a real feel of what the area is like do stop at one of the traditional pubs or inns dotted around the county where you will get to greet the locals and hear stories about the region.

A visit to Ceredigion is a unique experience from other breaks. With fantastic scenery and attractions to appeal to all ages and tastes, it has something for everyone. The unsurpassed hospitality of the people and easiness to get around will further enhance your time here. Come and see for yourself what is on offer in this lovely county of Wales.