Thinking of your Summer holidays? The coastline and countryside of Cardigan Bay are well worth a visit and have something for everyone. From wildlife spotting and water sports to dog-friendly beaches and quaint seaside towns.
We’ve put together a guide of places to visit in West Wales to help you plan your perfect staycation, all of which are just a short distance from our luxury pet-friendly cottages with private hot tubs.
Cardigan Bay attractions for Summer
Cardigan Bay comes to life during the Summer months. Best known for its beautiful, clean beaches, wondrous wildlife, unique history and breathtaking landscapes.
The clear blue skies are filled with birdsong, the coastline is alive with colourful clifftop flowers and the towns enjoy the excited hum of locals and visitors alike.
We have wonderful long Summer days, with lots of sunshine and warm weather to enjoy while the breeze from the coast keeps you cool.
Here’s a list of the best Cardigan Bay attractions, and things to see and experience in the local area as you soak up the sun!
Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips
Did you know that Cardigan Bay is home to the UK’s largest resident population of dolphins? You have the best chances of spotting them during the Summer with the harbour in New Quay being a renowned hotspot, as well as Aberaeron, Aberporth and Mwnt.
Many of these locations have local businesses offering wildlife spotting trips along the Bay, offering you the chance to see bottlenose dolphins, porpoises and sometimes grey seals!
Explore Cardigan Castle
If you are a history buff, Cardigan Castle is an amazing place to visit in West Wales to learn about times gone by.
Explore the medieval walls and the remains of the castle – those with good imaginations can picture the fortress in its former glory! Or book a tour guide to tell the story for you.
There is also a beautiful Georgian mansion to visit where you can learn about the residents of the castle through the different eras. Finish with a stroll around the Grade II listed gardens and see an array of rare plants.
Dog-friendly beaches in West Wales
Cardigan Bay is extremely dog friendly, with many of the beautiful beaches allowing your four-legged friends all year round. We have a full blog that covers the best dog-friendly in West Wales, but we’ve named a few of our favourites below!
- Llangrannog (2 miles)
- Cwmtydu (2 miles)
- Tresaith (5 miles)
- Aberporth (9 miles)
- New Quay (6.5 miles)
- Poppit Sands (16 miles)
Your dog is welcome at our luxury pet-friendly cottages too. Complete with a dedicated paddock to exercise your dog anytime you need during your stay.
Water Sports
The Bay is a thrill-seeker’s dream, with lots of water sport activities to try! A dip in the sea can be great for the mind, as well as a lot of fun.
Take a trip to New Quay and visit Cardigan Bay Water Sports for kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, windsurfing and more. Offering taster sessions, longer courses and hire, they have lots of knowledge, experience and the latest equipment.
Wander our local coastal towns
There are many quaint seaside towns and villages to explore along Cardigan Bay, with lots of pubs, cafes and restaurants where you can rest and refuel.
Below are a few of our favourites, but if you want any recommendations visit our Friends of Dolgoy Cottages page for inspiration.
- The Pentre Arms in Llangrannog – an award-winning, dog-friendly pub next to the beach
- Tefal y Tan in Llangrannog – a delicious pizza takeaway, voted Best Pizzeria In Wales 2023
- Crwst in Cardigan – a wonderful dog-friendly cafe serving brunch, lunch and cakes
- Stubborn Duckling in Aberaeron – a fine dining restaurant with evening and Sunday Lunch menus.
Book your luxury hot tub break for Summer!
These are just a few of the Cardigan Bay attractions to enjoy during your stay at Dolgoy Cottages, but you can find more places to visit here.
After a day of exploring you can look forward to returning to your cosy cottage, where you can relax in the hot tub, recline on the luxury sofas, and enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep in the comfortable king size beds.
You are also free to explore our grounds and the surrounding areas, where you can sit by the pond in the sunshine and say hello to our friendly farm animals.
If you stay up late enough for the skies to get dark, we are also in a great spot for stargazing – an activity you can’t tend to enjoy unless you are in the secluded countryside.
Look out for a discount on your Summer stay at checkout!