Dog-friendly Ceredigion

Situated just 5 minutes from Cardigan Bay and within easy reach to the whole of the beautiful Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire coastline and coastal walks, The Stables is a detached, converted stone holiday cottage peacefully set on a farm with a selection of alpacas, donkeys, goats, ducks and chickens. The owners who live on the farm, which is set in 48 acres of rolling countryside, encourage the children to interact with the animals, and are also pleased to offer the use of a barbecue hut nicknamed the ‘Hobbit House’ by the family. Guests can hire it during their stay directly with the owners, subject to availability and for a small charge. There is bike storage in the barn if you would like to bring your own bikes.
Within a 15-minute drive visitors can discover quaint New Quay, famous for the bottlenose dolphins that can often be seen from the harbour (boat trips available in season). The colourful, Georgian, harbour town of Aberaeron is just a bit further up the coast road, with its chic shops and plenty of restaurants. Antique shoppers and browsers will enjoy the nearby market town of Newcastle Emlyn, and Cenarth with its waterfalls is also close by and offers indoor swimming, coracle rides, fishing and paintballing. There are numerous attractions in the area, particularly suitable for children.
Nearby is the Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park, which is set on a headland overlooking the nature reserve of Cardigan Island, home to thousands of sea birds. At the foot of the cliffs, a colony of Atlantic grey seals can be observed in their natural habitat. Spectacular coastline and wonderful views can be savoured from the National Trust managed Penbryn Bay and a visit to National Trust Cilgerran Castle can also be enjoyed. Only the ruins remain of this striking 13th-century castle, whose vantage point overlooks the wonderful Teifi Gorge. Also nearby is the town of Cardigan with its restored medieval castle. The Teifi Valley Railway is another experience for the visitor, a 2-mile journey offers wonderful views of the valley and countryside. Golf and horse riding can also be found locally. Beach 3½ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.
The Stables can be booked together with The Granary (OSC) and The Cottage (OSD) to accommodate up to 12 guests.

This beautifully appointed and surprisingly spacious seaside cottage sits just across the road from a beautiful sandy beach on the stunning sweep of Cardigan Bay. Within walking distance are shops pubs, cafes and a golf course.

The views from the cottage are lovely with glimpses of the sea from the bedrooms and views across the fields to the hills from the rear. Borth is a traditional seaside town and forms part of the Dyfi Biosphere, the only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Wales. At low tide you are able to see the fascinating remains of an ancient submerged forest where stumps of oak, pine, birch, willow and hazel have been preserved by the peat that they have been buried in.

This is also a fabulous location for keen bird watchers with the Dovey Estuary being home to many wading birds, including the colourful shelduck with its bright green head. Just along the coast is Ynyslas with its nature reserve which has been a location for the BBC’s Springwatch programme and of course the Dyfi osprey visitor centre.

In easy walking distance of the cottage is Borth’s Animalarium, a rapidly expanding zoo, dedicated to conservation with endangered animals and birds and makes for a great family day out.

Easily accessible by road, rail or the stunning coastal path is Aberystwyth, famous for its promenade and the UK’s longest electric cliff railway dating back to the Victorian era. It takes you to the summit of Constitution Hill and offers the most magnificent views over Cardigan Bay and even the mountains of Snowdonia on a clear day. The town offers plenty of shops, cafés and restaurants and is also home to the little steam trains on the Vale of Rheidol Railway which takes you on a scenic journey to the famous Devil’s Bridge and waterfalls. This coastline has so many pretty and delightful seaside towns and villages. Visit New Quay, Aberaeron and Aberdovey with their myriad of visitor attractions and activities. Beach 50 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 300 yards.

Woodpecker Rest is nestled on the edge of the quaint hamlet of Llechryd surrounded by woodland and set within the owners’ beautiful grounds with a walled garden, well-manicured lawns and an ornamental pond. This semi-detached cottage is aptly named after the family of woodpeckers that frequent the garden. The property offers a modern, contemporary, galley-style kitchen complete with beams, which leads through to the bright and airy open-plan living/dining room. The first floor master bedroom has been lovingly furnished complete with en-suite facilities. On a morning, enjoy a freshly brewed coffee in the spacious sun room or a G&T on an evening to watch the birds.

A short walk away and you can be enjoying some home cooked food and locally brewed ales from one of the eateries in Llechryd, and for that special celebratory meal try the restaurant on the edge of the River Teifi which offers some fantastic fine dining. Travelling 5 minutes north and you can discover the historic market town of Cardigan with its castle dating back to the late 11th century, with commanding views along the river and out towards the Cardigan Bay. Poppit Sands is just around the corner complete with a golden sandy beach, perfect for building sandcastles, kayaking or surfing. A little further along the coastline is Newport Sands and Mwnt Beach, which really are worth the visit and spectacular to visit all year round.

Locally, a visit to Cenarth Falls really is not to be missed and if timed well, you can see the salmon leaping up the falls which really is a fantastic sight. Nearby is the Welsh Wildlife Centre in Cilgerran, which runs along the banks of the River Teifi made famous for coracle fishing. A great day out for all is the walled town of Tenby, complete with beach, cobbled streets and a host of eateries and craft shops. Folly Farm Zoo and Oakwood theme park are all within a 45-minute drive. Beach 4 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 500 yards.

Carefully positioned near the glistening Teifi River, in the sleepy village of Llechryd, this detached, traditional Welsh cottage has been lovingly restored with your comfort in mind, making it the perfect place for a small family or couples looking to explore the hidden delights and majestic sites of West Wales. Conveniently located just a short drive away from the bustling market town of Cardigan with its imposing castle, the cottage dates back to the mid 18th century, and has sympathetically restored most of its original features. From stone walls to exposed beams, The Old Church House is full of character and even has the added benefit of an cosy open fire, perfect for those cosy winter nights in. Together with the lawned garden and patio, this wonderful abode makes the perfect base for a holiday all year round. Please note that there is a wild beehive in in eves of the cottage. The bees are not aggressive and fly away from the building. Sometimes, one or two find their way into the bathroom or kitchen, especially if windows are open in sunny weather. The owner has lived happily with the bees for 8 years and they pollinate the flowers in the surrounding area.
Next to the cottage are the ruins of a church which was originally built in 1663. It was abandoned in 1879 and declared a sacred ruin in 1997. Grade ll listed Llechryd Bridge, 150 yards away, was built in the 17th century and is visible from the upstairs windows of the cottage.

Spectacular countryside and scenic walks unfold from the doorstep where guests even enjoy the free riverside fishing on offer adjacent to the cottage. For the more adventurous, why not visit the nearby Welsh Wildlife Centre, home to one of the best wetland reserves in Wales, where a huge diversity of wildlife and nature is waiting to be discovered? The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is within easy reach and is home to the 187 miles of coastline where outstanding walks, quaint fishing villages and sandy beaches can be found. The dramatic Ceredigion coastline is just as rewarding, and home to the picturesque resorts of New Quay and Aberaeron, famed for their tranquil fishing harbours where resident bottlenose dolphins can be spotted on a clear day. Beach 6½ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 500 yards.

Converted from an 18th century milking shed to a high standard cottage in 2020, Ty Arth has lots of original features that have been upcycled and used in the property. Situated in Maen-y-groes, on the owner’s quiet small holding with 5 acres of land, this lovely semi-detached cottage nestles in a fabulous rural location where red kites can often be spotted. The famous Ceredigion coastal paths can be accessed behind the owner’s land from where guests can take a short walk down to New Quay shops, restaurants and beaches and beyond. This delightful, pet-friendly property (2 pets welcome) has everything you need to enjoy a self-catering holiday.
Underfloor heating on the ground floor provides guests with a cosy and warm welcome, especially during the cooler months. On the first floor there are two bedrooms; one with a super kingsize bed, the other with zip and link twin beds (which can be made into a second super kingsize bed if required), and a family bathroom. Outside, a lovely patio area with garden furniture, as well as an enclosed grassed paddock close to the property with picnic benches, makes this a great place to let your pets roam free (under supervision).
New Quay has an array of local pubs, shops and restaurants, as well as Cardigan Watersports Centre for those who fancy trying paddle-boarding or sailing. The picturesque fishing harbour is also home to bottlenose dolphins who may be spotted on a clear day. New Quay is where the poet Dylan Thomas lived during World War II, and visitors can follow the Dylan Thomas Trail around the town. Nearby New Quay Honey Farm is well worth a visit, as is the delightful and colourful harbour town of Aberaeron. The ruins of Strata Florida and the Cambrian Mountains are only a short drive away, and golf and horse riding is available nearby. Beach 1½ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.Ty Arth can be booked together with Ty Draenog (UK31653) to accommodate up to 8 guests.

Within the beautiful remote setting of this family run smallholding in Aberporth, sits the most delightful renovated stone barn conversion formerly the old cow shed. Now unrecognisable, this unique light and airy barn offers a wealth of charm and warmth, bringing together character and contemporary under one roof all set within the beautiful grounds of the owners’ farmhouse. This property also has the benefit of being ’wheelchair friendly’ designed especially for disabled users with a ramp for access and the barn being on one level. With pine flooring throughout and fully tiled wet room, your stay will give you comfort and relaxation to the full. The gable end of the lounge having a stunning vaulted ceiling, has a unique stained glass window originally from a Welsh Chapel to the top whilst the bi-folding doors beneath, open fully onto the raised patio with outdoor seating, bringing the outdoors in. The leather sofas invite you to relax after a long day exploring the sights and gaze out at the views surrounding you.
The open plan character kitchen/dining room with the old Belfast sink together with modern units and appliances entices you to prepare that special something. The well proportioned bedroom with two windows overlooking the courtyard and gardens to the front, ensure tranquillity for a perfect night’s sleep. There is also a Dutch barn to the rear where bikes can be stored; also housing an undercover washing line, ideal for drying out those coats should the weather take a turn for the worse! The path from the gardens through the wooded area joins up with the main coastal path which is a 15 minute walk directly to the dog friendly Aberporth beach just 1 mile away; you may even see wallabies and emus along the path. If you fancy adventuring out, there are a number of beaches only a short drive away, including Penbryn, Tresaith, Mwnt, Llangranog and Poppit Sands. Staying local, you’ll have a selection of amenities, including a choice of takeaways, a shop, and dog friendly café and pub within walking distance. Whatever you choose, you won’t be disappointed making Troed Y Rhiw as your holiday base.

Robin’s Nest is situated on Woodlands Lodge Retreat near New Quay, west Wales, overlooking the park and the children’s play area. The property has a lovely open-plan living space tastefully furnished with nature, environment and Welsh heritage in mind perfect for socialising whilst cooking up a storm in the kitchen. There is also a wrap-around decking and private hot tub, where you can sit and watch the sunset whilst listening to the local wildlife. Solar lights offer an extra twinkle whilst you sip your fizz. A welcome pack will be provided with locally produced sustainable Welsh goodies in!
Just a short drive is the seaside resort of New Quay, complete with a pretty harbour, coffee shops, restaurants and a picture postcard beach that is only a 14-minute walk away, ideal for swimming, relaxing or enjoying a stroll on the golden sands. A must for every visitor is a boat trip from the harbour round the bay for a closer encounter with the seals and dolphins that this area is famous for.
If you can tear yourself away from New Quay, explore the other things that the 60 miles of the Ceredigion coastline has to offer. There’s the coastal path itself, and no shortage of beaches either. Try the secluded National Trust cove of Cwmtydu, where seal pups can often be seen during the autumn months. A visit to New Quay Honey Farm is a must, with its tea rooms and shop selling honey and beeswax. The colourful Georgian harbour town of Aberaeron is nearby and is worth a visit, as is the National Trust property of Llanerchaeron. Visit the coastal towns of Aberystwyth or Cardigan, both an easy drive away, and venture inland to the market town of Lampeter. Once you have done your exploring, head back to Robin’s Nest, sit in the hot tub with a glass of fizz and relax!