Cardigan Bay Holiday Cottages

Things To Do in Cardigan Bay

Beaches Near Cardigan

Patch Beach - Patch is a sandy beach which is part of the wider Cardigan Bay area. It sits in an estuary behind a bank of sand dunes and is the closest beach to the town of Cardigan.

The beach faces the south-west into the River Teifi and due to winds and strong tides it is not recommended as a place for swimming. Instead, it is more commonly known for its fishing, water sports and in particular sailing. It is also close to Gwbert which is well known for its variety of wildlife. If you are lucky you might spot dolphins, basking sharks, and even minke whales have been seen nearby.

The rocks around Patch also house a huge number of birds and avid bird watchers will be delighted by the sheer variety of species.

Parking is limited.

Mwnt Beach - Mwnt is a haven for wildlife, one of the best places in Ceredigion to spot dolphins and always popular for days out on the beach. On beautiful sunny days families flock to Mwnt to enjoy this hidden cove’s golden sand and rolling waves. Located about 4.5 miles north of Cardigan town, you’ll drive down country lines to be presented with dramatic views over Cardigan Bay upon arrival. To reach the beach there is a series of steps leading down to the sheltered sandy bay. You can also reach the beach by walking the local stretches of Wales’ Coastal Path. 

Mwnt is named after the conical hill (Foel y Mwnt) that rises above this popular beach and when visiting, a walk to the top of Foel y Mwnt is a must, take in the panoramic views over Cardigan Bay. If you’re lucky you will catch a glimpse of the mountains of Snowdonia in the distance and dolphins can often be seen playing in the bay, with Mwnt locally recognised as one of the best places to regularly spot them.

During the seal breeding season (August to December) you may come across white fluffy seal pups on beaches or rocky outcrops along the Welsh coast - often on their own. The mother however will probably be close by, so it is vital to keep your distance so she can return to her pup to feed it.

Mwnt is an ancient holy site and it's picturesque and startlingly simple Church of the Holy Cross (Eglwys y Grog) dates from the 14th century when it served as a sailors' chapel of ease. It features a 12th or 13th century font made of Preseli stone when the church was a welcome refuge for medieval pilgrims enroute to St David's, Strata Florida or Bardsey in North Wales. In 1155 invaders from Flanders unsuccessfully made a raid on Mwnt in a bloody event commemorated today as Mwnt Red Sunday (Sul y Coch y Mwnt).

Green Coast & Seaside Award beach. On site facilities include the National Trust car park, toilets and a kiosk selling ice creams. Dogs not allowed May to end September.

Welsh Wildlife Centre Walks
You can walk directly from Cardigan through the beautiful Welsh Wildlife Centre – find out more about it here https://www.welshwildlife.org/visitor-centres/the-welsh-wildlife-centre/.

Pembrokeshire Coast Path
You can reach the Pembrokeshire Coast Path easily from Cardigan. Either drive or take the local bus to Poppit Sands Beach and follow the sign posts south.

Ceredigion Coast Path
Cardigan is where the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire Coast Paths meet. ​Known as 'The Gateway to Wales' Cardigan was the strategically located former county town of Ceredigion (Cardiganshire), and once the biggest port on the western seaboard, which gave its name to Cardigan Bay. The otter statue on the quayside marks the beginning point of the Ceredigion Coast Path..

Cardigan Bay Active
Run outdoor activity courses in Cardigan Bay and on the River Teifi which runs through Cardigan & St Dogmaels. Kayaking, paddle boarding, coasteering, canoeing, rafting & more.

Golf
Cardigan Golf Club is a breathtaking Links course with views out to Cardigan Bay, Cardigan Island and up the estuary to St Dogmaels. It’s a challenging course which is excellently maintained and playable all year round, with no temporary greens. Cardigan golf holidays are great all year round.
 

Playground
Cardigan offers an excellent children’s play area with a mixture of new and old play equipment - from dual accessibility swings & zip wire to a traditional high slide and roundabout. Cardigan playground is next to the sports grounds of Cardigan Rugby & Football Club.

Skate Park
Cardigan skatepark is a medium sized, concrete skatepark that can be found in Netpool, just a 2 min walk from the town centre, it is primarily a transitions based park.

Swimming Pool & Gym
Public swimming pool & leisure centre - https://cardiganswimmingpool.co.uk/. A 25m pool plus fitness centre.
 

Theatre Mwldan
Live theatre stage and 3-screen cinema showing mainstream and indie productions, plus arts classes https://mwldan.co.uk/.

Small World Theatre
Creators of environmental puppet theatre and processions, with core projects supporting health and creativity. https://smallworld.org.uk/.

Tourist Attractions

Cardigan Castle
Explore the medieval walls and seek out the castle remains; Visit the beautiful Georgian Mansion and find out about the people that lived in the castle throughout its history; wander through the stunning Grade II listed gardens full of rare plant species. .
https://www.cardigancastle.com/

Workshops at Stiwdio 3
Light and spacious workshop space, café and shop. Incorporating courses taught by some of the most talented creatives in the land, delicious food and a shop and gallery showcasing incredible local products and art.
https://www.makeitinwales.co.uk/stiwdio-3

The Welsh Wildlife Centre
An adventure playground, giant willow badger, picnic areas, fabulous trails and cycle paths for all abilities and all kinds of activities on site. A wonderful nature reserve which you can lose yourself in, the giant reedbed and the hidden gorge just cry out to be explored.
https://www.welshwildlife.org/visitor-centres/the-welsh-wildlife-centre/

Cardigan Island and Farm Park
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.


Cilgerran Castle
Cilgerran is one of the most spectacularly sited castles in Wales. Its two great round towers loom high above the deep gorge of the River Teifi and the fast-flowing stream of the Plysog.
https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/cilgerran-castle

A Bay To Remember Boat Trips
Bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic grey seals and a variety of seabirds – observed along our stunningly beautiful coastline with its spectacular sea caves – make Cardigan Bay truly “A Bay to Remember.

Castell Henllys
Iron Age village near Newport Pembrokeshire with walks, a café and lots of events throughout the year. Brilliant for children and adults alike.

Restaurants & Cafés in Cardigan

Cegin 1176 Kitchen - Cardigan Castle
Cegin 1176 Kitchen is the awesome on-site Cafe and Restaurant of Cardigan Castle, combining locally sourced produce with stunning views and sympathetic contemporary design.
www.cardigancastle.com

01239 562002

Fishermans Rest
Located by the quay on the edge of the Teifi with views of boats and the hills behind St.Dogmaels this is a great little fish restaurant. Open daytime only Tuesday to Saturday 10am till 4pm. Tables indoors and outdoors with a great selection of fresh or smoked fish. Lobster and crab sell out fast, but there is plenty of choice.
facebook.com/FishermansRest/

01239 612359

Cardigan Pizza Tipi
Stonebake handmade pizzas, breads, delicious appetisers & sweets. Great coffee, welsh craft beers & wine in a riverside courtyard. Run by 4 brothers and their band of merry friends.
www.pizzatipi.co.uk

01239 612259

Crwst
Great food brings people together. Eat in and enjoy a brecwast or brunch at CRWST café in Cardigan. With fresh bakes, and Bay Roasted Coffee, celebrating the best of West Wales seasonal produce.
crwst.cymru/crwst-cardigan/

01239 611278

Food For Thought
A deservedly popular cafe at the top of Cardigan high street a few doors before the turning down to The Mwldan. Great value for lunch and a comfy spot for morning coffee or afternoon tea. The sofas eat you up, the armchairs in the window are perfect for watching the lively high street. Try the cakes and you are sure to keep coming back!

01239 621863

Bellottis Deli & Coffee House
An Italian & Welsh Coffee Shop with a lovely patio area at the back of Belotti’s shop “Belotti’s Piazza”.

01239 621713

Flat Rock Bistro
With its panoramic views of the Pembrokeshire National Park, The Flat Rock Bistro – boasts an extensive menu, with dishes to suit all tastes. With both indoor and outdoor dining options you can really enjoy the stunning scenery that The Gwbert has to offer.

01239 612638

Crowes
Crowes is a vegetarian/vegan cafe near Cardigan High Street. Becky makes delicious, fresh meals with a range of salads, great coffee and cake.

01239 621863

Shampan Indian
An excellent Indian restaurant and takeaway on a converted boat permanently moored on the River Teifi.

01239 621444

Abduls Indian
A brilliant Indian & Bangladeshi Restaurant on the banks of the River Teifi. Well established restaurant with an excellent reputation.

01239 615371

Bara Menyn – Sourdough bakery, driven by a passion for slow food and ethical produce.

The Cellar Bar – Lunches, and in the evenings often live music

Big Bite – Walk in sandwich and baguette shop

Cardigan Arms – Traditional fish & chip shop

Pendre Café – Excellent fish & chip shop and icecreams

Rominoes Pizza & Kebab House – Traditional kebab & pizza take away 

Ali’s Tandoori – Traditional Indian takeaway

Happy City – Traditional Chinese take away

Shops in Cardigan

Custom House Cardigan – Beautiful locally crafted and handmade items

Mundos – Lifestyle & clothing

Tonnau Surf Shop – Surf gear, outdoors, beach, lifestyle & clothing from leading surf brands www.tonnausurf.com 

Yum Yums – Traditional sweet shop

Tigers Eye – Alternative clothing and lifestyle 

Saltrock – Lifestyle & surf shop

Mountain Warehouse – Outdoor clothing 

The Guildhall Market – A mix of makers, traditional market stalls and repair shops www.cardigan-guildhall-market.co.uk/shops/

Awen Teifi – Traditional Welsh products and items of interest

Cleo – Clothing 

Canfas – Wonderful art gallery

In the Welsh Wind – Gin & gin tasting 

Tom Samways – High class butchers

Dewi James – Traditional butchers

Queens Bakery – Excellent bakery

Oriel Llandudoch (St Dogmaels Gallery) - Beautiful art gallery from local artists, sculptors and makers.

Cardigan Events

Barley Saturday 

Cardigan Bay Seafood Festival

Cardigan Quays Beer Festival

Cardigan River & Food Festival 

Cardigan Bay Regatta 

Music at The Cellar Bar

Music & live events at Quay Street Studios

Fishguard Folk Festival 

Fishguard Jazz Festival

Nearest Services

Petrol Stations & EV Charge Points

Tesco Service Station - 0.5 miles

Murco & Gulf Petrol Stations in Penparc - 1.5 miles

EV Charge Point – Tesco Car Park - 0.5 miles

EV Charge Point - Finch Square, GeniePoint charging point – 0 miles www.geniepoint.co.uk

EV Charge Point - 4CG Carpark charging station

Supermarkets 

Tesco Store, Cardigan – 0.5 miles

Aldi, Cardigan – 0.3 miles

Premier, Cardigan – 0.0 miles

Spar, Cardigan – 0.1 miles

Transport

Buses

Richards Brothers
Richard Brother’s service buses from Finch Square - Buses usually run hourly between Haverfordwest and Cardigan, Cardigan and Aberystwyth, Cardigan and Carmarthen.
www.richardsbros.co.uk

01239 613756

The Poppit Rocket
Coastal bus service which stops at Cardigan and at all points on the coastal path between Fishguard and Poppit Sands. It connects at Newport and Cardigan for further bus travel. Winter & Summer timetables

Poppit Rocket Winter & Summer Timetables

Taxis

Home James Taxi’s - 01239 841258

Cardi Cabs - 01239 621399

Robins Taxis - 01239 612190

Train

Fishguard train station – 23 miles

Carmarthen train station – 28 miles

Ferry

Fishguard Stenna Line – 23 miles