Cardigan Walks can take you on a family-friendly one and a half hour tour of the history and stories of Cardigan town, look above the shop fronts and into the past.
By limiting the walking tours to just ten people for each tour you can be sure to learn about the pirates and smuggling as well as the legal trades. Please be sure to book in advance.
The town of Cardigan as we see it today grew around Cardigan Castle in the late 11th or early 12th century.
Your guided tour of Cardigan will start and finish in front of Cardigan Bay Active The walking tours begin at either 10 am or 1 pm – check out the website for guidance on clothing and for any changes to these schedules, locate the start point here ///carry.gravest.unsettled. The walk is approximately 1.5 miles in total. Tours can be booked from the beginning of March to the end of September.
Information about your Tour
Morning tour from 10:00 – 11:30 Afternoon tour from 13:00 – 14:30 Cost: The tours cost £12 per person with children up to three years old FREE The tours are accessible for wheelchair users or anyone with a disability and are conducted along the pavements of Cardigan town.
FootGolf is a fun up-and-coming sport, bringing together two of the most popular sports in the world: football and golf. A perfect game for all abilities, you don’t have to be that good at football or golf to have a great time!
The rules of FootGolf are simple, and similar to golf.
The aim is to kick a football from the tee into a cup in as few shots as possible, trying to stay on the fairways and avoid the rough. The Trenewydd Farm course layout is below, and we have official regulation age-specific sized footballs. The cups are also regulation size, at 21 inches.
The nine-hole, 747 metre FootGolf course is free to guests who are staying with us at Trenewydd Farm Cottages. Anyone not staying can pay-and-play for £7 a person and can go around twice. Parking is available on site, with EV charging station also available, just come to Reception to pay and collect your score cards and balls.
Price: Play two rounds of FootGolf for £7 per person. Either contact us to book your time slot, or just turn up.
A working distillery 5 miles north of Cardigan, on the main West Wales coast road, In the Welsh Wind is open to visitors for gin making experiences, gin tasting experiences, and of course, to buy gin!
You might not immediately associate West Wales with premium gin brands, or with whisky, but our team at In the Welsh Wind Distillery are on a mission to change that. You are invited to come along to the distillery to find out more about our story, to become the distiller and discover more about Welsh gins, and of course to take a deliciously smooth souvenir of the Welsh coast with you back home.
Gin Making Experiences
We offer gin making experiences at the distillery. Learn about distillation and the importance of botanicals. Run a distillation through one of our custom-made copper pot mini stills. Find out about the ‘heads’, ‘hearts’ and ‘tails’ of a distillation, and taste your gin as it develops. Measure the ABV and cut back your gin to 40% ABV. Personalise your bottle label, add the duty stamp and close your bottle, ready to take home and enjoy as you choose.
Our Gin Making and Gin Tasting Experiences are available to book by calling 01239 872300. Availability may be limited depending on circumstances.
Gin Tasting Experiences
Gin tasting Experiences allow you to spend time in the distillery, getting to know a variety of gins. Enjoy a gin and tonic on us in our bar area when you arrive. Our Gin Tasting host will talk you through the gins we have on offer and guide you as you taste 3 carefully selected spirits. Finally, enjoy a G&T of your favourite gin.
Our Bottle Shop
Open every day, Monday to Friday 9-5 and Saturday 10-4, you are welcome to visit the distillery and buy a bottle (or 2) of gin from us. One of our team will be available to talk you through the gins we have for sale, and to answer your questions. We can talk to you about the history of the distillery and what’s in store for the future.
More about In the Welsh Wind Distillery
In the Welsh Wind is an ‘open’ distillery. We welcome visitors to come and find out more about what we do here on the West Wales coast.
Established in January 2018, initially in a renovated cowshed at Tresaith, the distillery now occupies the former Gogerddan Arms pub situated at the cross roads of the main A487 coast road which joins Aberystwyth to Haverfordwest, and the B4333 which joins Aberporth to Newcastle Emlyn and on to Carmarthen.
The distillery develops and distils ‘custom branded spirits’ for other brands including Tenby Dry Gin, Solva Gin and Declaration Gin. Many of the gins we have developed are award-winning and have been recognised internationally as well as nationally. The distillery itself has been recognised as best Rural Start Up in the Wales Start Up Awards 2020, and our the owners were recognised as the Wales Food and Drink Entrepreneurs of the year in 2020 in the GB Entrepreneur Awards.
Our own gin, In the Welsh Wind Signature Style, is available to purchase from the distillery. An oil rich juniper-forward dry gin, the signature botanicals include sweet orange, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and tea-soaked currants. The inspiration for our Signature Style is the cargoes imported into the UK through the ports on this part of the coastline, and in particular, New Quay where the landing tariff boards are still affixed to the harbour wall, and tell of exotic goods brought from overseas to Welsh shores.
The home of Welsh Origin Whisky
As well as gin, we make other spirits including rum.
In 2020, the distillery launched its Welsh Origin Whisky ‘Tarddiad Cymreig’ project, to develop a truly grain to glass welsh whisky. Welsh barley will be malted in Wales for the first time in over 100 years, in our own malting house. Once distilled, our new make spirit rests in our cask store where our Welsh Origin Whisky matures for at least 3 years in shaved, toasted and re-coopered casks, specially selected to complement our style of whisky.
Not only does this give a truly Welsh whisky, it provides local farmers with a sustainable market for their barley – historically an important crop in West Wales, as evidenced by Cardigan’s annual ‘Barley Saturday’ celebration.
Come along to the distillery and see what’s happening ‘In the Welsh Wind’.
Dai knows his stuff! Great historical knowledge of Cardigan town and estuary.
Enjoy a scenic boat trip from Cardigan quay along the beautiful river Teifi. You can learn from the Captain or his skipper who happens to be his 90 year old father about the history of the river Teifi, as far back as the 11th century. Discover how the river developed into a major fishing and ship building industry and how the people once earned their living on this beautiful stretch of the river.
The Diana Ellen leaves from Cardigan Bridge jetty in Cardigan town, and travels downstream to the mouth of the estuary at Gwbert. Passing through St. Dogmaels with it’s ancient abbey. Bring your camera to make the most of the many photo opportunities.
When you disembark back in Cardigan after approximately 1 hour, you are perfectly placed to visit Cardigan Castle or enjoy refreshments at Pizza Tipi or the Grosvenor Hotel.
Price
Approx 1 hour
Adults (18 years+) £15
Child (5- 17 years) £10
Children under 4- free
Private Hire is also available
Private charter for £100
Charter the boat privately for up to 10 people for only £100! Please call me for further details.
Location
When you arrive in Cardigan Town, head for Cardigan Bridge where you will see Cardigan Castle, The Grosvenor pub and Pizza Tipi. Alongside the river there is a jetty where the trip will commence.
It is also signposted with information on the trips leaving times.
For current availability and booking please telephone ahead.07748 140779
Enjoy a range of land and water-based activities including rock climbing, bushcraft, coasteering, whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding.
Cardigan Bay Active prides itself in offering a wide range of adventure activities which are fun, safe and showcase the best of what our natural landscapes have to offer
With a wide range of activities for different abilities, there is always something for all the family to enjoy. Why not try paddle boarding or take a trip along the fabulous River Teifi from Llechryd Bridge, passing though Cilgerran Gorge below Cilgerran Castle and through the Welsh Wildlife Centre.
Many of the activities offered by Cardigan Bay Active are available across multiple locations around Cardigan Bay and nationwide. The riverside centre in Cardigan just below Cardigan Castle provides taster sessions and equipment hire.
Equipment Hire
Hire Item
1hr
2hr
Canoe
£15
£20
Stand Up Paddle Board
£10
£15
Kayak
£10
£15
Double Kayak
£15
£20
Cardigan Bay Active hires equipment which is non bookable, just pop into the office and see whats available.
A little information on some of the many Welsh poets and writers with connections to this area of West Wales
Dylan Thomas
A recently published book by David Thomas ‘Dylan Thomas A Farm, Two Mansions and a Bungalow’ published by Seren, sets out an impressive case in favour of New Quay being the real life inspiration for Llareggub. Also try ‘The Dylan Thomas Trail’ by David N Thomas published by Y Lolfa which includes many walks around New Quay following the steps of the great poet.
Dylan Thomas lived in New Quay during 1944/45 and many of the characters and indeed New Quay itself, is thought to be the basis for his famous play for voices ‘Under milk wood’.
Poetry 1900-2000 by Meic Stephens
This book includes:
In Cardigan Market
Poem by Brian Morris [1930-2001]
Auntie Jane fish, they call her. She is rough, Rawboned, fat, toothless, fifteen stone of grin And grumble. Her voice cuts the market din Like a saw on a nail. She stinks enough Of fish to change the colour of the light. Her phosphorescent flesh’s steaming glow Drips female sweat and friendship. Traders know Men come for miles and buy from morn till night. Daily she sells the princely salmon, trout, The vulgar herring and the vicious eel With ancient eyes, lobsters black from the creel, All fresh, all caught before the stars went out. All day she squats here, nodding her big head, Richly alive among the silvery dead.
The most legendary names in poetry from Wales David Jones, Idris Davies, Vernon Watkins, RS Thomas, Dylan Thomas and Alun Lewis are featured here alongside many living greats such as Dannie Abse, Tony Conran, Gillian Carke, Tony Curtis, Robert Minhinnick and Gwyneth Lewis. Every decade of the century is featured, as is almost every part of Wales urban, industrial and rural and many of the poems reflect our history from Edwardian times to the post-industrial present. Biographical notes are provided for all the poets. A few lesser names have been selected to suggest continuity and the changing literary scene over the century. Wales now has a rich, vibrant and varied literature in English and this anthology reflects it comprehensive, authoritative and lively way.
Eluned Phillips (October 1914 – January 2009)
Eluned Phillips was a poet from Cenarth which is a village bordering Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire. She is the only female poet to have twice won the prestigious award of the Crown at the National Eisteddfod of Wales. The first time was at the Eisteddfod in Bala in 1967 when the subject of the poetic competition was ‘Folds’.
She submitted two poems, winning the crown with one poem while her second poem came within the best three poems in the competition. The winning poem follows three religious folds of the world – Islam, Christianity and Buddhism. The second time she won the Crown, was at Anglesey Eisteddfod in 1983. The subject this time was ‘Knots’.
Following the war between Britain and Argentina over the Falkland Islands, Eluned Phillips took a different attitude than that of a boastful Margaret Thatcher. The poem refers to the suffering of soldiers on board the Sir Galahad, and her sorrow that people with a common Welsh ancestry from both Wales and Patagonia were killing each other. Her memoirs The Reluctant Redhead were published in 2007.
Bois y Cilie
Bois y Cilie were a family of poets brought up on Cilie farm, Cwmtudu. The famous author T. Llew Jones said: ‘It was a large family of twelve children – five girls and seven boys – all children to the blacksmith and poet Jeremiah Jones and his wife Mary. Two of the sons went to the ministry and became two of the most prominent and popular ministers of the day.’
‘One son won the Crown and the Chair at the National Eisteddfod of Wales, and three of them were awarded with the white gown of the Bardic ‘Gorsedd’ for their contribution to Welsh poetry.’
‘Another one won the ‘Academy’ award for the best poetry of the year. The brothers between them published about ten volumes of poetry and literature’.
T Llew Jones is one of Wales’ most well-known children’s authors whose Welsh-language books have been read and loved by school pupils for generations. He was born in Pentre-cwrt near Llandysul in 1915 and attended the local grammar school. He first came to prominence as a poet, winning the chair at the National Eisteddfod in 1958 and then again in 1959.
He continued to write poetry, for children often, but was best known as a writer of adventure and detective novels for children. Many of these are historical novels based on the exploits of persons such as Bartholomew Roberts and Twm Sion Cati. Some of his books are available here. He published well over 50 books in total, including books for adults as well as children. Some of these are non-fiction titles, for example Ofnadwy Nos is an account of the wrecking of the Royal Charter. Some of his books have been translated into English and a number have been adapted for television.
Poet Ceri Wyn Jones lives in Cardigan with his family and is editor for English language books for adults at Gomer Press. He won the Chair at the National Eisteddfod in 1997 and 2014 and the Crown in 2009. In 2007 he published his first collection of poems for adults, Dauwynebog. He was an English teacher for over 12 years and was the Children’s Poet for Wales (Bardd Plant Cymru) between 2004-5. As well as his Welsh book of poems for children, Dwli o Ddifri, he has also contributed to many anthologies for children. In 2015 he published the picture book Ruck in the Muck with talented illustrator Adrian Reynolds. Ceri Wyn Jones is also the presenter of the poetry series ‘Talwrn y Beirdd’ on BBC Radio Cymru.
Cardigan Market is housed in one of the finest and recently extended buildings in West Wales and is the focal point of the ancient market town of Cardigan.
Built in 1858-1860 Cardigan Guildhall reflects the great prosperity and civic pride that Cardigan enjoyed in the middle of the 19th century. The Guildhall was the first civic building in Britain to be built in the Ruskinian Gothic architectural style.
Corn Exchange Gallery is part of Cardigan Guildhall
Built by local craftsmen in stone quarried at nearby Cilgerran, the two storied building must be one of the most picturesque town halls in Wales. A captured Russian field gun stands guard at the front of the Guildhall. It serves as a reminder that the 7th Earl of Cardigan was the commander who led the 11th Hussars in the historic and ill-fated charge of the Light Brigade on the Russian guns at Balaclava.
The multi-arched basement, which now houses the market resembles the crypt of a great cathedral. The magnificent four-faced clock tower was added in 1892. Recent improvements to the building have included a beautiful gallery at street level, lift and disabled access from the Guildhall car park and the building is now home to Menter Aberteifi.
There is a poem about Cardigan Market ‘In Cardigan Market‘ see Welsh writers and poets in the Welsh culture and heritage part of the site.
When you think of Welsh culture, it is the language, the music and the songs which first come to mind.
In the heart of rural Wales the harp is still hand made by skilled harp makers at Telynau Teifi, The Harp Centre of Wales in Llandysul. Harps are very important to Wales – the harp’s musical heritage is deeply and passionately entrenched in our culture, and the harp is undoubtedly our national instrument.
With this precious legacy in mind, we ensure that harp-making skills are kept alive, and actually thrive, in Wales – the home of the harp. Founded by harp-maker Allan Shires, the The Harp Centre of Wales is a small company with a big passion for harps. They know that the most important element of any harp is its sound, and Telynau Teifi harps produce an instrument that sounds wonderful.
The harps made by Telynau Teifi have have a truly distinctive sound – huge, rich and warm, with a clear, ringing treble. Harpists are delighted with the responsiveness of the instrument, and the clarity and depth of sound that can be achieved with these harps. For those learning to play the harp, these Welsh-made folk harps use the same string spacing as larger concert harps, so stepping up to a full concert harp in the future is an easy step.
We use only the finest hand-selected materials to make harps that are stable, reliable and look as beautiful as they sound. The Harp Centre of Wales wants harp enthusiasts everywhere benefit from the results of the company’s vision and unique method in combining tried and tested traditional techniques with innovation and vision, in the exciting quest for the perfect harp.
Antique collectors and dealers visit Cardigan Bay West Wales and combine your search for Antiques and Collectables with a relaxing vacation.
West Wales has many Antique Shops and Centres in towns and villages across Cardigan Bay.
The best way to find them is to pick up a copy of The Antiques Guide to West Wales.
The guide has been published in March each year since 1987 so it is comprehensive and always up to date.
Wales is of course famous for its Welsh Dressers, samplers, quilts, pottery and a wide range of oak furniture including coffers and linen presses. The very collectable Welsh love spoons made as a romantic gift were often given on St Dwynwen’s Day – January 25th. This day celebrates the life of St Dwynwen and is the Welsh equivalent of St. Valentine’s Day.
These and much more can be found in the many Antique shops and Centres listed in the Antique Guide to West Wales.
The Antiques Guide to West Wales is on line at www.walesantiques.co.uk
Copies are also available by post.
See website for details or pick up a copy at your first stop in the area.
Poetry and music are the first thoughts when I think of Welsh culture.
The rich and varied range of festivals and events, both traditional and contemporary from rural agricultural shows to beer and music festivals. The events section of the site will give you a taste of some of these festivals. Unique is Barley Saturday which takes place in Cardigan on the last Saturday in April every year.
Llywernog an authentic 18th century silver mine in the beautiful Cambrian Mountains of Mid Wales
Just 15 minutes from Aberystwyth. Enjoy an informative and adventurous day for all the family whatever the weather.
!!! Black Chasm PG !!!
For young apprentices or those looking for something a little less scary why not try our PG rated Black Chasm tour? Fun for all the family.
Silver Mountain is now OPEN 7 days a week.
Steeped in myths and legends, high in the ancient Cambrian Mountains, the Silver Mountain Experience has tumbling streams, mysterious forests and long abandoned mine workings that will take you on a journey through the mists of time.
Dare you enter the Black Chasm?
Rated 12A, this is Wales’s scariest underground experience where your worst nightmares will become reality. Beware of the Coblynau, Morgens, Orcs and others that dwell in the darkness. Tread lightly foolish traveller or your blood curdling screams will echo through the abandoned mine for all eternity! Not for those of a nervous disposition.
For younger members of the family they can be let loose to experience the Magic of Woo Hoo Wood and explore the tunnels where the Grovels dwell. Whether creating dens in the trees, building dams in the stream or playing with waterwheels in our Silver River play area there is plenty to do for all the family, whatever the weather.
A Dragon’s Tale
Deep in a cave, lies a shy Dragon by the name of Grotty. Silver Mountain is her home, and she had been spotted by several visitors recently, just down by the Tell Tale bridge, having a sip at the stream under the sunshine.
This new and exciting actor led experience is suitable for over 4’s and those who are not year brave enough to take on Black Chasm!
Go deep underground on the 45-minute caplamp tour beyond the earthquake zone and into the great chasm to discover the secrets of a forgotten world. Access is easy underground. With only 8 steps in the whole tour its suitable for all ages.
Featured on the BBC programme ‘Countryfile’
Prince of Wales award-winning Museum
‘One of the best commercial museums in Britain’ (Good Museums Guide)
Explore the Miners Trail a self-guide footpath around the old workings, linking the natural and man made features of the 7-acre site.
Try your hand at Panning. It’s easy and what ever you find you keep!.
Friendly and knowledgeable guides are always on hand to answer your questions and identify your geological finds
History of the Cardiganshire Silver Mines
Mining of silver rich lead was a major industry in Mid Wales for nearly 2000 years. During the boom of the 1860s the whole of north Cardiganshire resembled the Klondike attracting speculators and adventurers from across the globe. The inevitable slump followed and the mines were abandoned. Llywernog refused to die and was reopened briefly in the early 1900s.
It was saved from dereliction in 1973 by Peter Lloyd Harvey and continues as a family concern committed to restoration of the mine.
Browse the gift shop and enjoy refreshments in the cosy tearoom. On fine days there is a great picnic site
Llywernog Silver Mine is a great adventure and learning experience for all the family.
From Devil’s Bridge: take the A4120 to Ponterwyd. Turn Left at the T-Junction onto the A44, and after a mile the Mine is on the Right-Hand side of road (opposite the Red Kite Cafe).
From Aberystwyth: take the A44 for approximately 11 miles (passing the Nantyrarian Forest Centre). The mine is on the Left-Hand side of the A.44 (opposite the Red Kite Cafe).
Sat Nav: postcode SY23 3AB FREE CAR AND COACH PARKING
Welcome or Croeso, as we say in Welsh,to Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park
This unique farm park is stunningly located on a scenic headland, overlooking the nature reserve of Cardigan Island, just 200 yards offshore. It is home to thousands of seabirds and a flock of wild Soay sheep, originally from the Isle of Soay near Skye.
A colony of Atlantic grey seals breed in the many caves below the cliffs of Cardigan Island Farm Park and can be seen every day. Sometimes it requires a little patience, but often they can be seen immediately.
Cardigan Farm Park is set on part of Clyn-Yr-Ynys farm. The Jenkins family has farmed within the Cardigan area since the 1600’s, and at the current location on Cardigan Bay since 1884 – 5 generations and counting! The Farm Park was opened in 1993 and is very much a family run business.
Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park is one of the best places in Wales to view seals in their natural habitat in complete safety!
Cardigan Bay is home to the only resident population of bottle-nosed Dolphins in English and Welsh waters. They are frequent visitors to this part of the coast, especially during calm weather, when they come closer to the shore. Dolphins can often be seen clearly from the Farm Park. They provide an unforgettable sight, as they leap high out of the water.
Named for its spectacular views across to Cardigan Island just 200 metres offshore, this unique Farm Park which also overlooks the Teifi estuary and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, is located on a picturesque headland in the southern part of Cardigan Bay. The island itself is a private nature reserve owned by The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales.
There are a variety of friendly farm animals, some of which can be fed by hand. There are goats, sheep, Shetland and Welsh Mountain Ponies, rare breed cattle, pigs, ducks, geese and chickens, plus llamas, wallabies, emus and rheas from far-off lands. Rare Choughs, now disappeared from England can be seen here. Come and say hello to the farm animals. You can enjoy our fenced clifftop walk to the headland, where you can watch seals in the wild that breed in the caves below (especially around September and October) or spot our frequent dolphin visitors. There is a gift shop with toys and books, and local and Welsh crafts. There are both indoor and outdoor play areas for children and a café where you can enjoy the scenery.
Open: 10 am to 6 pm Every Day, from late April to the end of October – see website for current opening times.
Visitor Centre
Tel 01239 623637 Mr and Mrs Lyn Jenkins
Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park, Gwbert, Cardigan, Ceredigion, West Wales, SA43 1PR
Constitution Hill Aberystwyth home of the longest Cliff Railway in Britain and the biggest Camera Obscura in the World
You must visit this fascinating attraction and sample the delightful atmosphere of a Victorian pleasure park. Constitution Hill rises dramatically 430 feet from the north end of Aberystwyth promenade.The views from the top are spectacular.
On a clear day you can see 26 Welsh mountain peaks including Snowdon, whilst the view of Cardigan Bay from the Llyn Peninsula to Strumble head extends for 60 miles.
Aberystwyth Cliff Railway
The Aberystwyth Electric Cliff Railway is the longest in Britain and the only one in Wales. Its 778 feet undulating track and tilted carriages are the unique work of Victorian engineer G. Croyden Marks. It opened in 1896 operating on the water balance system but since 1921 a powerful electric motor and 2 high tensile steel cables have hauled the carriages at a stately 4 miles an hour. This gives you time to enjoy the panoramic views as you climb to the summit station and marvel at the Victorians ingenuity.
‘Safe?’ Of course it is!
Four independent braking systems maintained to the highest standards will give you peace of mind.
The Camera Obscura
On the summit is the biggest Camera Obscura in the world. The huge 14 inch lens takes a birds eye view of more than 1000 square miles of land and seascape in a 360 degree sweep around Aberystwyth, a view reflected onto the circular screen in the darkened viewing gallery below.
Souvenir Guide:The guide details the fascinating history of Constitution Hill from its early development into the focal point of Mid Wales’ leisure activities to its current status as a ‘must see’ attraction to all visitors to Wales.
Y Consti Restaurant: Our restaurant ‘Y Consti’ provides a breathtaking setting for visitors to enjoy a range of refreshments. The restaurant was designed as a replica of the former Summerhouse Tearooms cafe and funded by a European Union Objective 1 grant.
With a team of experienced waiting staff and respected chefs ‘Y Consti’ is rapidly gaining a reputation for excellence. Whether you simply wish to keep hunger at bay with a freshly made sandwich, or to cool down on a hot summer day with a creamy Welsh ice cream, we can provide a range of snacks and drinks to suit all tastes. For the more hungry visitors the restaurant offers a menu of home-cooked meals at very reasonable prices, with mouth-watering daily specials giving an even greater selection
We are open 7 days a week from mid-March until early November 10am – 5pm.
We also open 5 days a week (Wednesday-Sunday) from November to March from 10am.
If in doubt please contact us to check opening hours. Trains run every few minutes and admission to all summit attractions is FREE OF CHARGE.
A popular form of horse racing in Ceredigion is harness racing, also known as trotting
The sport involves horses racing at a non-galloping speed driven by men or women balanced on two wheeled sulkies.
Harness racing grew in Wales in the late 19th century, originally involving Welsh cobs which are still still paraded at Cardigan’s annual ‘Barley Saturday’ competing along roads. With the increasing popularity of harness racing, the races were moved to grass tracks and standard bred horses were imported from America to replace the native breeds.
The oldest trotting meet in Wales is in Llangadog which has been held every Easter Monday since 1884. Many events are shown on Welsh language television channel S4C on its programme Rasus.
Ceredigion west Wales is has three venues where you can enjoy harness racing. Tan y Castell, Tregaron and Lampeter. These events make a great day out for the whole family. The tracks are just half a mile so the races are fast and spectators are close to the action.
Set in an 18th Century chapel on a beautiful farm near New Quay West Wales
Enjoy a fascinating and informative visit to Wales largest working honey farm, where honey and bees wax products of the highest quality are produced and sold.
All weather attraction
World of the Honey Bee Exhibition
Meadery with exhibition
Tropical Ant Colony
Shop selling honey products and mead
Tearoom
Picnic area
A fascinating exhibition showing the unique world of the Honeybee all behind glass in complete safety. Special displays let you see bees at work in a variety of natural habitats producing one of nature’s outstanding marvels.
Plus man made hives that open to reveal the mysteries of the bees’ nest.
The audio visual presentation, photographic displays and other exhibits ensure a fascinating and informative time for visitors of all ages. The helpful and knowledgeable staff are on hand answer your questions.
The Meadery
is a purpose built building with an exhibition of the history and production of Mead (honey wine) the oldest alcoholic drink known to man. Mead was the chief alcoholic drink of the Welsh nation from Roman time until at least 1200 AD. and is celebrated in early welsh poetry. All mead can be tasted in the shop. The varieties made at New Quay are indeed worthy of the praise of the Welsh Poets.
The Tropical Ant colony
Tropical Ant colony is an intriguing exhibition showing how social organisation occurs in insects other than bees and wasps. These ants grow gardens from decaying leaves to feed their young.
The Tea Room
Housed on the ground floor of the chapel retains much of its 18th century character. It is open all day serving quality snacks, light meals, tea and coffee all at reasonable prices.
You must try the Honey Ice Cream.
There is a picnic area by the stream and duck pond. You can eat your own packed meal or why not buy a picnic from the shop.
New Quay Honey Farm Shop
The shop sells an extensive range of honey from the farm’s hives, beeswax products, and mead.
The Honey produced is of a very high quality due to the abundance of wild flowers and trees that flourish in this unspoilt part of Wales
An unforgettable train journey through the spectacular Rheidol Valley to Devils Bridge by narrow gauge steam train.
The last steam railway owned by British Rail is still running and you can enjoy the journey experienced by many thousands of passengers since it opened in 1902. Some History
The railway was built in 1902 to serve the lead mines, timber and passenger traffic of the Rheidol valley.
To save cost and in deference to the hostile terrain with its many sharp curves and steep gradients, the railway was built of a narrower track gauge (1′ 113/4″) than the standard.
The engines and carriages now used were built by The Great Western Railway between 1923 and 1938 and have been fully restored to their former glory. The railway was taken into private ownership in 1989.
Some History of the Railway
The railway was built in 1902 to serve the lead mines, timber and passenger traffic of the Rheidol valley.
To save cost and in deference to the hostile terrain with its many sharp curves and steep gradients, the railway was built of a narrower track gauge (1′ 113/4″) than the standard.
The engines and carriages now used were built by The Great Western Railway between 1923 and 1938 and have been fully restored to their former glory. The railway was taken into private ownership in 1989.
During the last ten years the railway has undergone a complete renovation with full restoration of the engines, carriages and track. Spectacular views, some not seen for many decades have been opened up. So if you have been a passenger before it may well be time for another trip
The original carriages used on the railway were not designed to carry wheelchairs and therefore access at present is only possible if wheelchair users can climb two steps from the platform into the carriage. An access statement is available on request.
Vale of Rheidol trains depart from the centre of the town of Aberystwyth on the Cambrian coast. The railway is adjacent to the British Rail Station.
Postcode for SatNav: SY23 1PG
Vale of Rheidol Railway,
Park Avenue,
Aberystwyth,
Cardiganshire,
SY23 1PG
The Great Little Trains of Wales are a very special way of seeing some of the best scenery in the British Isles and this year a new discount card costing £10 will be available, entitling the holder to a 20% discount for a return trip on each of the following 9 railways:
Each card is valid for 12 months from the date the first journey is made; the cardholder can also take advantage of discounts that have been arranged with selected accommodation providers close to many of the railways. Please check details on website we are not responsible for external links or information on this site.
West Wales has a superb range of gardens and nurseries for you to visit.
Experienced horticulturists, expert gardeners and those who just delight in visiting beautiful gardens, will all find plenty to see, and enjoy. Many of the gardens specialise in particular plants so there is a great opportunity to find some unusual specimens for your own garden. All the garden owners are great enthusiasts and delight in sharing their knowledge and experiences with you.
Set against the backdrop of beautiful Snowdonia, this unique visitor attraction is guaranteed to entertain, inform and fascinate all the members of your family.
Lifted up by ‘the water-balanced’ cliff railway with its breathtaking views visitors arrive at our 7 acre display gardens, crammed with exhibitions displays and information.
Whether you want learn all about the environment, how to save energy and money in your home or just enjoy the gardens, shops and the excellent vegetarian restaurant it will be an experience to treasure and remember.
The Centre for Alternative Technology is concerned with presenting solutions to environmental problems, rather than the doom and gloom view, we take a positive and uplifting approach, demonstrating all kinds of environmental technologies in an interesting and informative way. The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) was founded in 1973 on the site of the disused Llwyngwern slate quarry near Machynlleth, in Mid Wales and has evolved into Mid Wales’ most unique and popular visitor attraction.
Please visit www.cat.org.uk for details on day visits, our residential courses and for lots of useful environmental information and contacts.
Sail from New Quay to see the Dolphins, porpoise, seals and other fascinating marine life along the Cardigan Bay Heritage Coast.
For Half Term one hour boat trips on the Dreamcatcher. There is only space for 12 people on each trip so please book now to avoid disappointment.
Let Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips of New Quay West Wales share with you the breathtaking delights of a cruise along the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation. Our coastal waters are home to an abundance of fascinating marine life including one of only three resident populations of Bottlenose Dolphins in the UK – 300 identified in Cardigan Bay.
You can choose a dolphin spotting boat trip of either one hour or an hour and a half on our multi passenger vessels Ermol 5 and Ermol 6, with partially covered seating and we have the Dreamcatcher, a modern ten metre catamaran which only carries twelve passengers with an island wheelhouse you are free to walk all around the boat wherever the dolphins are and enjoy unobstructed views in 360 degrees
The Ermol VI [1 hour cruise] The boat trip passes Birds Rock, The Caves, Cwmtydu and Seals Bay. Dreamcatcher 1 hour trips and private charter available (up to 12 passengers) The Ermol V [2 hour cruise] The boat trip passes Birds Rock, The Caves, Cwmtydu and Seals Bay and as far as the beautiful peninsula of Ynys Lochtyn. Suncatcher [1.5 hour] Dolphin and Wildlife Spotting Trips. The Suncatcher will take you south along the coast not only passing Birds Rock, The Caves but to Cwmtydu and Seals Bay giving you more of the coast’s protected area than the one hour trip and longer to spot dolphins.
Dolphins, Porpoise and Seals are wild and as such cannot be guaranteed on every trip. However, when encountered, the skipper of your boat will slow down [or stop] to allow the best possible view without causing disturbance to the animals in line with the in line with the ‘S.A.C. code of conduct. When dolphins are encountered any stop time will result in the boats not travelling as far down the coast as advertised.
Winston Evans started crewing for his father on the Yns-Enilli in the late 1950’s (Pictured right), Winston has over 75 years experience in operating safe, fun and educational boattrips from NewQuay.
Our vessels are fully licensed by the Maritime Coastguard Agency and our experienced skippers are fully qualified boat masters. Our vessels and crew are regularly inspected to ensure we fully conform to U.K. regulations. We carry full lifesaving and emergency apparatus and all our passengers are fully insured. Our experienced and enthusiastic crews will be happy to answer all your questions about the wildlife and local area.
Don’t miss this fascinating experience. We look forward to welcoming you aboard. Please wear suitable warm clothing and sun protection.
PRICES:
1 hour trip on Ermol – £16 per adult – £8.50 per child.
1 hour trip on Dreamcatcher – £21.60 per adult – £16 per child.
1.5 hour trip on Suncatcher – £23.32 per adult – £12 per child.
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The tours are accessible for wheelchair users or anyone with a disability and are conducted along the pavements of Cardigan town.
07494 604823
These and much more can be found in the many Antique shops and Centres listed in the Antique Guide to West Wales.
The Tea Room
