Local Area

Whether your idea of a holiday is an energetic ten-mile coastal walk, an afternoon’s rock pooling in a secluded sandy cove, or just a leisurely wander around local craft shops and art galleries, then Ceredigion has everything you could wish for.

Without wanting to overload you with information, we have tried to present an overview of the area, with links for further research according to your interests. We have a comprehensive collection of books providing local information at Tyglyn Cottages, and the staff at the local Tourist Information Centre at Aberaeron are extremely knowledgeable and helpful.

Being so close to the coast, you are ideally located at Tyglyn Cottages to make the most of the beaches and Ceredigion Bay. For a great family day at the beach, visit New Quay, a great ‘bucket and spade’ resort, where there’s a chance you may spot a friendly dolphin in the harbour. It was at New Quay that Dylan Thomas wrote ‘Quite Early One Morning’ and the ‘Dylan Thomas Trail’ will introduce you to many of the pubs where he enjoyed a pint.

From Tyglyn Cottages, your nearest town is Aberaeron, just four miles away; a Georgian planned town with pretty pastel-coloured houses and a beautiful stone-walled harbour. Relax and enjoy the town’s famous honey ice cream while contemplating its ancient seafaring history.

On your doorstep too is Llanerchaeron, owned by the National Trust. It is an eighteenth century survivor of a compact and self-contained Welsh gentry estate, designed and built by John Nash. From here, there is a flat, gentle cycleway along the Aeron Valley which takes you into Aberaeron town.

Much of our coastline is designated Heritage Coast, with Mwnt, Lochtyn, Cwmtydu and Penbryn cared for by the National Trust. Some of Britain’s rarest birds and marine species are found here, along with the now famous bottlenose dolphins. Grey seals and porpoise are also often spotted too. Visit Sea Watch Foundation website for more info

To explore inland, a narrow gauge steam railway from Aberystwyth climbs through the beautiful valley of Cwm Rheidol, where once silver and lead were extracted to Devil’s Bridge, its spectacular waterfalls and woodland gorge.

Further south, at Tregaron, on the edge of the Cambrian Mountains, you can follow the old railway walk and explore Tregaron Bog, one of the few remaining examples of a raised peat bog in Britain. For a Celtic souvenir, visit Rhiannon who specialises in making Welsh gold jewellery.

During your visit, you will frequently spot the Red Kite with its hallmark forked tail flying overhead, and the Red Kite museum at Tregaron, housed in a former school, sets out its success story. For advice from a very knowledgeable local, contact Teithiau Twm who specialises in guided walks on the area.

In order to ‘meet the locals’ and sample some of Ceredigion’s finest food, you must visit one of the Farmers’ Markets which are regularly held in Lampeter, Cardigan, Llandysul and Aberystwyth. You may even have the chance to practice some Welsh and pick up some useful Welsh phrases! During the summer months, spend a day at one of our local agricultural shows which are held in many market towns between June and September for a true insight into our country way of life.

As well as its seafaring history, Ceredigion is very proud of its woollen industry dating back to the early 1800s and there are a number of thriving mills in the Teifi Valley, producing blankets and cushions which are proving increasingly popular in home interior design (as seen in Tyglyn Cottages) In the same area, don’t miss Cenarth Falls and the story of the coracle Museum and Coracle Centre.

Whatever you do, we hope you experience a warm welsh ‘Croeso’ (welcome) and leave with the firm intention of returning soon!

Local places to visit and things to do

• ACTIVITIES

• FAMILIES

• WALKING

• ENVIRONMENT - WILDLIFE - LANDSCAPE

• FISHING

• GOLF

• RAIL ENTHUSIASTS

• GARDENS

• CULTURE

• ARTS & CRAFTS

• FOOD

• PLACES TO EAT

• MISCELLANEOUS