Things To Do in Ceredigion
Published on 19 Dec 2024 by Amy GreenwoodKnown for its rugged coastline, beautiful beaches, and captivating countryside, Ceredigion stretches along Wales’ west coast, from the Dyfi Estuary in the north to Cardigan in the south.
With 60 miles of coastline, this mid-West Wales county is home to sweeping sandy beaches, hidden coves, and a wealth of coastal wildlife including dolphins, seals, and seabirds. Inland, Ceredigion’s countryside provides the opportunity to explore scenic trails, discover hidden waterfalls, and visit historic sites, including the majestic Devil’s Bridge Falls and the mystical ruins of Strata Florida Abbey. To the east, the Cambrian Mountains are a haven for hikers and wildlife enthusiasts, providing sweeping scenic views and tranquil walking trails perfect for escaping into nature.
This varied county offers something for everyone. A mix of sandy beaches, rolling countryside, historic sites, and atmospheric mountains make Ceredigion a haven for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers.
Here’s our selection of favourite things to do in Ceredigion.
WALKS & HIKES
Ceredigion boasts a wealth of walking and hiking opportunities, with routes for all abilities, from family-friendly strolls to more challenging adventures through dramatic coastal and countryside landscapes.
Ceredigion Coast Path
The Ceredigion Coast Path is a 60-mile section of the Wales Coast Path, which runs from Cardigan to Ynyslas. As well as great views north towards Snowdonia and south towards Pembrokeshire, the Coast Path takes in some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Wales, and offers walkers the opportunity to spot dolphins, seals, and a variety of seabirds.
The Ceredigion Coast Path is divided into seven sections each of which equate to approximately a full days’ walk. If you’d like to explore the coast without committing to a full days’ walk there are a number of shorter circular and linear routes that make use of the path.
The Dylan Thomas Trail
The Dylan Thomas Trail is a 24 mile walking route through some of Dylan’s favourite parts of Ceredigion. Beginning in Llanon and ending in New Quay, the trail visits some of the places which inspired Thomas’ best-known writing.
Hafod Estate
The National Trust maintained Hafod Estate offers an array of beautifully designed walking trails that weave through picturesque woodlands. Walkers can choose from over 8 miles of waymarked trails, created to celebrate an ever-changing sequence of views, including cascading waterfalls, mossy glades, and bridges over rocky gorges. Trails include the strenuous Gentleman’s Walk, and the gentler Lady’s Walk, which runs alongside the river Ystwyth.
Cambrian Mountains and The Cambrian Way
The Cambrian Mountains offer a wide range of walking trails; explore woodlands, discover waterfalls, or follow the ancient routes of medieval monks, the paths taken by 19th century writers and poets, or the tracks of hardworking drovers and miners.
The Cambrian Way is a long-distance walking route that passes through some of the wildest areas of Wales. The 290 mile (480 km) trail stretches from Cardiff to Conwy, taking in mountain landscapes, tranquil lakes, and remote wilderness, including the summits of Pumlumon in the Cambrian Mountains. Perfect for serious hikers.
Walking Britain provides a great range of Cambrian Mountain routes, all free to download. These walks range from easier, short walks, to hard hill walks that require careful navigation. They range from 3.5 to 11 miles and are graded easy, moderate and hard.
Rheidol Valley / Cwm Rheidol
The Rheidol Valley offers a variety of trails through tranquil countryside and along the meandering River Rheidol. Highlights include walks to the dramatic Devil’s Bridge Falls, a famous series of waterfalls and bridges steeped in legend, and routes that pass through charming villages like Aberffrwd. These paths are great for walkers of all levels who want to explore the valley’s rich history and scenic beauty.
The Valley is also home to the Cwm Rheidol Hydropower station which has a Visitor Centre and cafe.
Cors Caron Nature Reserve
Cors Caron National Nature Reserve is a vast area of wetland filling the broad valley of the River Teifi near Tregaron. Made up of three ancient peat bogs surrounded by reedbeds, fen, wet grassland, woodland, waterways and ponds, the reserve is home to a wealth of wildlife.
A fully accessible boardwalk crosses the south-east bog to the large bog hide where you can enjoy a peaceful view of the landscape and wildlife. There is also a route along the old Carmarthen railway track to Ystrad Meurig, which is used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
WOODLANDS AND WATERFALLS
Ceredigion enjoys varied walking terrain, along with 60 miles of coastline, wetland areas, and the Cambrian Mountain range, this county also boasts beautiful riverside glades, tumbling waterfalls and wildflower woodlands. Discover Ceredigion has an excellent selection of woodland and waterfall trails for walkers keen to explore this side of the region.
WATERSPORTS & ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
Cambrian Safaris, near Aberystwyth
Discover the wild tranquility of the Cambrian Mountains and valleys with a guided safari tour. Relax and enjoy the peace and quiet, while you take in farmland, forests, hills, valleys and even old mines.
Cambrian Safaris offer a range of tours including ‘Picturesque Hinterland’, ‘Cambrian Mountains’, ‘Silver Lead Mines’ and ‘Wilderness Adventure’. They even offer ‘Sunset and Stars’ evening tours during the summer months.
Cardigan Bay Watersports, New Quay
Enjoy sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, powerboating, waterskiing and wakeboarding from this purpose-built watersports centre in beautiful New Quay. Cardigan Bay Watersports can provide equipment hire and also offer RYA-certified courses and regular water sports sessions with highly-qualified instructors.
Adventure Beyond, Cardigan
Adventure Beyond offers a wealth of adventure activities both on and off the water including coasteering, canoeing, whitewater rafting, gorge walking, white water kayaking, climbing, bushcraft, SUP and more. Activities are tailored to all abilities, so whether you fancy an adrenaline fix or a relaxed family day out there’s something to suit everyone.
MOUNTAIN BIKING & CYCLING
With its varied terrain, Ceredigion offers cyclists a mix of scenic coastal rides, challenging hill climbs, and adrenaline-pumping mountain biking trails.
The Ystwyth Trail is a scenic cycleway, bridleway, and footpath and a great choice for leisure cyclists. This 21-mile trail links Aberystwyth with Tregaron, following a mix of dedicated paths and quiet country roads, with several off road sections that follow the track of the old Great Western Railway. The route meanders through serene countryside alongside the River Ystwyth, making it a relaxing yet rewarding ride for families and casual riders.
For mountain biking enthusiasts, Bwlch Nant yr Arian is a must, with a range of purpose built trails that weave their way through conifer plantations, down steep slopes and along river beds. The Arian Trail follows low-level forest roads and a section of public road around the lake and is suitable for all the family. The Melindwr Trail is designed in two loops for competent blue-grade trail riders. The Pendam Trail has some of the best flowing sections with relatively short climbs and the Summit Trail weaves its way through the forest and onto the moorland; both trails are graded red. The Syfydrin Trail is a challenging, black-graded ride which takes in all of the Summit Trail and continues onto high open hills with stunning views. There’s also a skills area for honing techniques and a café to refuel after an exhilarating ride.
If you’re drawn to coastal scenery, sections of the Ceredigion Coast Path are accessible to cyclists, offering incredible views of the rugged coastline and sandy beaches. Routes near Aberaeron and Llanrhystud are particularly scenic, blending seaside charm with countryside beauty.
The Rheidol Cycleway is another highlight, connecting Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge along a 17-mile route of quiet lanes and dedicated cycle tracks. This moderate trail takes riders through tranquil woodlands and valleys, however there is a very steep climb up from the valley floor to Devil’s Bridge, so be prepared – or take the alternative ending to the route which leads to the old Rheidol mines.
Ceredigion’s proximity to the Elan Valley Trails makes it easy to explore these family-friendly routes as well. Located just outside the county, these converted railway paths wind around scenic reservoirs and provide flat, easy cycling for all ages.
For more information on cycling and mountain biking in Ceredigion, visit Discover Ceredigion or MTB Wales.
LOCAL ACTIVITIES
Devil’s Bridge Waterfalls
Devils Bridge Waterfalls is a world-famous attraction in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains, 12 miles from the seaside town of Aberystwyth. These unique waterfalls have attracted thousands of visitors since the 18th century, including William Wordsworth who wrote about the “Torrent at the Devil’s Bridge”. Today, the Waterfalls Nature Trails provide a unique opportunity to see this great natural feature in the Rheidol Gorge.
Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Aberystwyth
Perched on a hilltop near Aberystwyth, the visitor centre of Bwlch Nant yr Arian is famous for feeding red kites daily. Explore a range of waymarked walking, mountain biking, running and horse-riding trails and a mountain bike skills park. Café, shop and play area.
Llanerchaeron, Aberaeron
An elegant Georgian villa, complete with a walled garden, farmyard, ornamental lake, and wild parkland. Remarkably unaltered for over 200 years, this historic property is now in the care of the National Trust and open to the public throughout the year.
Hafod Estate, Pontrhydygroes
A visit to Hafod will take you through woodland, past the Ystwyth Valley’s rocky gorges, and on into ‘Mrs Johnes’ Flower Garden’, all within one of the finest examples of an 18th century ‘picturesque landscape’, the vision of its most celebrated owner, Thomas Johnes. Although the original mansion no longer exists, buildings and structures from the Johnes’ estate still survive, revealing hidden stories and tales from a time gone by. Explore this magical 200 hectare estate with waymarked trails on the five main walks.
Cae Hir Gardens, Lampeter
Cae Hir Gardens is an ornamental garden, plant nursery and tea rooms near Lampeter. A Welsh Garden with a Dutch History, Cae Hir sits at the base of the Cambrian Mountains, just a few miles inland from Cardigan Bay. One of Wales’ best loved private gardens, Cae Hir is open daily from April to October, with regular events throughout the year.
Strata Florida Abbey, Pontrhydfendigaid
The grand medieval abbey of Strata Florida – Latin for ‘Vale of Flowers’ – has stood on lush meadows beside the banks of the river Teifi since 1201, and is said to be the place where generations of Welsh princes are buried. Once the most famous church in Wales after St. Davids, a place of pilgrimage, and a keystone of Welsh culture, today the remaining ruins of Strata Florida Abbey offer a glimpse of the grandeur that once was.
Ynyslas National Nature Reserve
Part of the Dyfi National Nature Reserve, Ynyslas is situated midway between Aberystwyth and Machynlleth. The estuary has vast areas of internationally important mudflats, sandbanks and saltmarsh that provide feeding and roosting areas for wetland birds.
The visitor centre has an exhibition about what to see at the reserve and walking trails leading from the car park.
SeaMor Dolphin Watching, New Quay
SeaMor Dolphin Watching offers a variety of marine wildlife trips and tours, including dolphin and wildlife spotting, sunset boat trips and private charters. Learn about the local history, geology and wildlife from their knowledgeable skippers.
DAYS OUT
Falconry Experience Wales, Newton
Falconry Experience Wales is a dedicated bird of prey education and conservation centre in the Dyfi Valley. They offer a range of experiences including a 1:1 falconry experience, group sessions, and a junior falconry experience especially for children. Meet birds of prey including bald eagles, red kites, hooded vultures, Harris hawks, and a variety of owls including the long eared owl and barn owl.
Silver Mountain Experience, Aberystwyth
The Silver Mountain Experience is a family day out filled with history, myth and legend. Based at the beautifully preserved Llywernog silver-lead ore mine, just outside Aberystwyth. Embark on an adventure with a choice of guided tours exploring the history of the mine or experience Welsh fantasy and myth in an actor-led show.
Cardigan Castle & Gardens, Cardigan
Enjoy the splendour of a Georgian mansion, Grade II listed gardens and award winning story-telling interpretation where you can unlock the story of the castle and the people who lived here, and find out how it became the birthplace of Wales’ biggest cultural festival, the Eisteddfod. Explore the mediaeval walls and Castle remains, and wander through the stunning gardens, full of rare plant species.
In the Welsh Wind Distillery
‘In the Welsh Wind’ is an open distillery located approximately 5 miles north of Cardigan,
Visitors are welcome to take a look at the stills, find out about the distilling processes or enjoy a drink in the bar. They also offer pre-bookable gin tasting, gin making and cocktail masterclasses.
Dà Mhìle Distillery
Dà Mhìle is an organic distillery based on a family farm in Llandysul, making a range of spirits inspired by the surroundings. Dà Mhìle hold tastings in their beautiful 17th century gallery, guests are given a talk about the farm and business, followed by a look at the still and a tasting of a few cheeses from Caws Teifi and a selection of either gins or whiskys.
Welsh Mountain Cider, Llanidloes
Welsh Mountain Cider is a family run Ciderworks, apple and pear orchard, tree nursery and smallholding in the Cambrian Mountains of Mid-Wales, UK. They offer guided tours and tastings from April to October, or by private arrangement during the winter months.
Rheidol Visitor Centre and Power Station
Cwm Rheidol hydropower plant is the largest of its kind in England and Wales. The Visitor Centre includes an interactive educational model for the younger generation who want to learn about renewable energy, local films, and guided tours of the centre at set times.The cafe offers a choice of light lunches, sandwiches and snacks. Combine a visit with a walk in the beautiful Rheidol Valley.
Vale of Rheidol Steam Railway, Aberystwyth
The Vale of Rheidol Railway between Aberystwyth and Devil’s Bridge follows a spectacular route along the Rheidol valley, through lowland meadows, and wooded slopes, with views of the lakes and waterfalls. The stops are convenient for visiting the Rheidol falls, the Cwm Rheidol hydro-electric power station and visitor centre, and nearby Magic of Life butterfly house. Break up your journey and follow woodland walks between stations and enjoy a riverside picnic on the way. From the terminus at Devil’s Bridge, you can visit the multi-layered bridges and Mynach Falls.
Aberystwyth Cliff Railway, Aberystwyth
The longest funicular railway in Britain, and a Grade II listed structure, the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway has been transporting passengers to the top of Constitution Hill since 1896. Once there, visitors can enjoy uninterrupted views of Aberystwyth, Cardigan Bay and on a clear day, 26 Welsh mountain peaks. One of the world’s largest camera obscuras offers a bird’s eye view of 1000 square miles of land and seascape. There are also fascinating historical displays, a kids play area, gift shop, and cafe.
Aberystwyth Castle
Explore the ruins of this once great castle next to the sea in Aberystwyth and enjoy amazing views overlooking the sea and town.
Ultimate Xscape, Aberystwyth
Experience two exciting escape rooms at Ultimate Xscape Aberystwyth. With 60 minutes on the clock, you and your team must use a variety of skills to work your way through an exciting array of cryptic clues to solve your Xscape! Choose from ‘Diamond Heist’ or ‘Jack The Ripper’, two uniquely themed escape rooms which bring a completely new level of immersive theming and technology, designed to shock, surprise and delight!
Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park, Cardigan
Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park is located on a family farm overlooking Cardigan Bay. Say hello to the farm animals; enjoy a clifftop walk from where you can watch the seals that breed in the caves below, or enjoy spotting the visiting dolphins. Gift shop, cafe and indoor and outdoor play areas.
Fort Alpacas, Tregaron
For a day trip with a twist, visit Fort Alpacas! 32 acres of land with its very own Iron Age Fort, and friendly gang of alpapcs. There are lots of activities to choose from to provide the perfect family day out, and the fort allows for incredible views of the surrounding countryside and the majestic Cambrian Mountains in the distance.
The Animalarium, Borth
The Animalarium is a sanctuary that’s home to both domestic and farm animals including pigs, goats, chickens, ducks, turkeys, rabbits, guinea pigs, and more! You can meet the animals, pet them and even feed many of them. Dog friendly and wheelchair accessible, open daily, cafe and gift shop.
The Magic of Life Butterfly House, Cwm Rheidol
Indoor tropical house in the heart of the Rheidol Valley. Walk into a world of free-flying tropical butterflies, featuring some of the largest and most colourful butterflies in the rain forests, along with giant insects, fish and corals.
Fantasy Farm Park, Llanrhystud
A great family adventure in the heart of the mid-Wales countryside, Fantasy Farm Park has plenty to offer younger children, with indoor and outdoor play areas, a nature trail and animal barn. Meet horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, alpacas, friendly ferrets, pigs and more. Animal-handling opportunities all year round, including lamb feeding in the spring.
FOOD & DRINK
There are so many great places to enjoy good food and drink in Ceredigion, we couldn’t possibly list them all here. Instead, here is a selection of some of our favourite restaurants, cafes, coffee shops and food experiences – enjoy!
Agnelli’s, Aberystwyth
Agnelli’s is an authentic Italian deli / cafe / bistro serving delicious cakes, pastries, platters and the best coffee in town!
Dragonfly Bistro, Aberystwyth
Highly rated vegetarian and vegan bistro, also serves a wide range of gluten-free options. Known for their great cakes!
Medina, Aberystwyth
Casual-chic Mediterranean cafe with wine & some spirits, plus staples including kebabs & veggies. Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and a small evening pizza menu.
Little Italy, Aberystwyth
Intimate Italian restaurant with a relaxed, warm and welcoming atmosphere – ideal for a romantic dinner.
Y Ffarmers, Llanfihangel-y-Creuddyn, Aberystwyth
Country dining pub serving local, seasonal and homemade produce, and a choice of real ales, real ciders and craft spirits.
The Hive, Aberaeron
Situated on the harbour in Aberaeron, The Hive serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with light bites, drinks and ice creams. A visitor favourite
The Blue Bell Bistro, New Quay
Stylish bistro overlooking the sea in New Quay. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Pepperpot Bar & Grill, New Quay
Bar and restaurant in the heart of New Quay with a great reputation for Sunday lunch.
The Lime Crab, New Quay
Seafront fish and chips, located on The Pier in New Quay.
Food For Thought, Cardigan
Cafe & Coffee Lounge Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with a good range of gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options, homemade cakes, and daily changing specials.
PizzaTpi, Cardigan
Stonebaked pizzas, breads, delicious appetisers, ice cream, Welsh craft beers, cocktails, coffee, and soft drinks served in a scenic outdoor courtyard on the river.
Yr Hen Printworks, Cardigan
MICHELIN accredited restaurant serving a menu of small plates in the beautifully renovated historic Old Hope Chapel.
Coffee#1, Cardigan
Award winning coffee shop in the heart of Cardigan.
BEACHES
With 60 miles of coastline along Cardigan Bay, stretching from the Dyfi Estuary in the north to Cardigan in the south, there are plenty of scenic beaches to choose from in Ceredigion.
Aberystwyth’s two crescent shaped beaches and elegant seafront are a focal point for the town. The meandering, mile long promenade links the north and south beaches, which are separated by the castle headland. The promenade is popular with locals and visitors alike for a gentle evening stroll – it is famous for its sunsets and winter murmurations of starlings.
New Quay bay has three very different, beautiful and popular beaches. Harbour Beach is New Quay’s main beach, tucked below the sloping terraces of the village and sheltered from the prevailing weather by the harbour wall. A designated Blue Flag beach, with clean, clear water, a designated safe swimming area and soft, fine sand, Harbour beach is a firm favourite with families. Walk along Traeth Gwyn at low tide and you’ll be following in the footsteps of Dylan Thomas.
Aberporth Bay has a wide, gently sloping sandy beach, divided by a small headland. It’s a popular family beach, ideal for building sandcastles, creating sand art and exploring rockpools.
The sandy beaches of Llangrannog and Cilborth are divided by the distinctive rock formation known as Carreg Bica. Popular with families and surfers alike, Llangrannog is one of Ceredigion’s best loved seaside villages. Cilborth beach is easily accessible from Llangrannog village beach at low tide, and can also be accessed down a steep flight of steps from the Wales and Ceredigion Coast Path. The sheltered cove is a favourite canvas for sand artists whose work can be best viewed from the Coast path on the clifftop above.
Penbryn beach is a mile of soft sand at low tide, sheltered by wooded slopes. It has rock pools and even a smugglers cave to explore. It is also a great location for stargazing.
Tresaith has a fabulous Blue Flag and Seaside Award winning sandy beach, popular for sailing and surfing. There are rock pools to explore and even a waterfall. The village has legendary origins and is also the setting of the dramatic novel ‘The Welsh Witch’.
Mwnt is an idyllic spot on the Ceredigion coast, with sweeping views across Cardigan Bay from the summit of the conical hill (Foel y Mwnt) that rises above the sheltered sandy beach. The beach itself is reached by steps alongside a tumbling stream.
Borth beach stretches for almost three miles from below the cliffs of Craig yr Wylfa (lookout rock) to the sand dunes of Ynyslas. Shallow waters and almost three miles of golden sand makes Borth’s Blue Flag and Seaside Award beach one of Ceredigion’s most popular beaches with families. There’s plenty of room for runners, surfers and thrill-seeking kite surfers who like to feel the sea breeze at Ynyslas too.
WELSH LANGUAGE
The welsh alphabet is phonetic so once you know how to say the letters, the theory is that reading the words is straightforward; you say what you see. A little time spent familiarising yourself with the alphabet will help no end when you’re trying to navigate your way around the area…
a short, as in ‘hat’, never as in ‘ball’
b as in ‘bag’. Although is there really any other way?
c always hard as in ‘cat’, never an s as in ‘precise’
ch like the ch in the Scottish word ‘loch’, but with more phlegm
d as in ‘dog’, never as in ‘djinn’
dd a buzzy ‘th’ sound, as in ‘this’. Think angry bees with a lisp
e short, as in pen
f v. This is very, very simple, and when you get really used to it, f will play hafock with your spelling
ff f. Equally, you can ffind yourselff getting too used to ff as well
g always hard as in ‘get’, never a ‘j’ sound as in the last g in garage
ng as in ‘song’, where the g isn’t hard, like in ‘gig’, but a soft glottal stop made in your throat
h as in hat, always sounded and never silent
i as in ‘pin’
j accepted now because of the loan words from English that use it, like ‘garej’
l a ‘luh’ as in ‘lava’, but never an ‘ul’ sound as in ‘milk’
ll not as hard a sound to make as some would have you think. Raise your tongue to the top of your mouth as if you were going to say ‘el’, then make the ‘ell’ sound by blowing air round the sides of your raised tongue, instead of by using your voice. You should sound like an annoyed cat
m as in ‘mithridatize’. Or as in ‘mum’, if you want to be boring
n as in ‘nanobot’
o short as in ‘hot’, not round as in ‘hotel’
p can I have a p please Bob?
ph an English f, or Welsh ff sound, as in ‘phase’
r rolled. Some people just can’t get a rolled ‘r’ – their tongues are unable to vibrate in the right way. It’s a genetic thing, apparently,
similar to being able to roll your tongue into a tube, or turn the end upside down. Honestly, some people can, but my tongue’s not that prehensile. Roll if you can, don’t if you can’t
rh hr. Make a huffy, breathy sound before your rolled ‘r’
s always soft as in ‘sit’, never a ‘z’ sound as in ‘juxtapose’
t as in ‘top’. Can it get any simpler?
th as in ‘think’, softer and less buzzy than dd
u If you had stepped in something disgusting and made a kind of ‘eugh’ noise, the vowel ‘eu’ sound would about approximate
w oooooo
y ok, y breaks the rule that Welsh is phonetic. As a single syllable word, y is like ‘uh’, on the last syllable of a multisyllabic word it’ an‘u’ or ‘ee’, and anywhere else it’s like the unstressed, indeterminate noise of the final e in ‘garden’ or ‘letter’. Ysbyty (hospital) is the perfect example.
USEFUL PHRASES
Welcome: Croeso
How are you? Sut mae / Ti’n iawn
Good morning: Bore da
Good Afternoon: P.nawn da, prynhawn da
Good evening: Noswaith dda
Good night: Nos da
Cheers / Good Health! Iechyd da!
Do you speak welsh? Ydych chi’n siarad Cymraeg?
How do you say…. in welsh? Beth ydy….yn Cymraeg?
Thank you: Diolch
I love you: Dw i’n dy garu di
Happy Birthday: Penblwdd Hapus
and a couple of funny ones….
Microwave: popty ping
‘Might as well’: Man a man a mwnci
THE PRACTICAL STUFF
For medical help
Dial 999 to call for an ambulance if you require urgent medical attention.
You can find your nearest urgent care health services provider by searching the NHS online directory at https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-services/
For non-urgent medical advice dial ‘111’ to speak to an operator at the NHS telephone advice service, or visit www.111.nhs.uk