Dog-friendly Ceredigion

Tyllwyd, so named after the grey stone used to build this Victorian, detached farmhouse, is wonderfully situated within 80-acres of farmland, which takes full advantage of the glorious hillside views of the Rheidol Valley or “Cwm Rheidol”. The farm now only grazes cattle and sheep, along with hay and silage crops taken from the fields throughout the summer. There is record of a Tyllwyd at this location dating back to 1716 and it may have been part of the Abertrinant Estate at this time. Most of the estate was sold in 1830 and the census from 1841 and 1851 show farmers with their families living at Tyllwyd along with their servants. A later census records lead miners and farm labourer’s residing at Tyllwyd. Only one other building survives from this period and this was the milking parlour, until 2003. The extent of the farm and the house today were probably established in the late 19th Century and was built with servants’ quarters that are now the bathroom and utility room. Servants continued to be employed at the farm and maybe as late as the 1940s. A dairy herd was established with 70 cows and the milking parlour was installed in one of the old 19th-century buildings. Potatoes were also grown and supplied the local chip shops in Aberystwyth. Dairy farming continued at the farm up until 2003.
The house has now been carefully and lovingly restored by the present owners, retaining period features, including original flagstone flooring, that gives the house its character. The spacious country kitchen, with a traditional clothes airing pulley, features a large range cooker with three ovens. The kitchen is open plan with the comfortable dining area so it’s the perfect place for a sociable gathering with friends or family. The living room boasts a cosy wood burner and there’s an adjoining games room to enjoy with table football and darts. On the first floor there are four light and airy attractive bedrooms, two with double aspect windows. The master bedroom features an en-suite shower room and walk-in dressing room. Outside, the large garden is great for children to enjoy and adults to appreciate sitting out with a glass of wine around the fire pit on colder evenings.
Capel Bangor has a pub which serves quality food using local produce, fine wines and real ales.
The Vale of Rheidol narrow gauge steam locomotive is the finest way to explore the stunning Rheidol Valley. Opened in 1902, the railway has been delighting passengers young and old for over a century and the train which begins in Aberystwyth calls at Capel Bangor station on its way to Devil’s Bridge where you can alight to visit the unique waterfalls that have attracted many thousands of visitors since the 18th Century, including William Wordsworth who wrote about the "Torrent at the Devil’s Bridge". Today, the Falls Nature Trail provides a unique opportunity to see this great natural feature in the Rheidol Gorge. Birds of prey such as red kite and buzzards are regularly seen soaring high above the valley floor and breathtaking views can be enjoyed by all.
Stay at lovely Tyllwyd Farmhouse and enjoy this distinctive Welsh region with a thriving cultural identity. It’s perfect for a weekend break or a longer stay with award-winning beaches, sandy coves, sea cliffs, caves and wonderful wildlife, spectacular sunsets and starry dark skies. Horse riding is available just 1½ miles away. Fishing is available nearby, a licence is required and permits are available through Aberystwyth Angling Association. There is also sea fishing in Aberystwyth. Shop ½ mile, pub and restaurant ¾ mile.

In a rural setting, but less than 5 miles east of the seaside town of Aberystwyth, and with beautiful views of the Rheidol Valley, Maesbangor Farmhouse is a large property with lots of room to spread out. Previously two homes, but now combined into one, this spacious semi-detached house offers seven bedrooms sleeping up to 14 guests.

The imposing front of the house looks across the valley, and the front garden even boasts a hot tub where you can relax and take in the view. As you enter inside you will appreciate how ideal the farmhouse is for families or friends who want that extra space, or perhaps a quiet corner. There is a large beamed dining room with a feature wood burner. Leading off is a conservatory overlooking the enclosed terrace with benches and tables as well as a small lawn. The kitchen, complete with a breakfast area, is well-equipped with everything you need to cook up a tasty treat.

On the other side of the house there is a living room with 50" Freeview TV and wood burner, as well as an additional living room. Also on this side of the house you’ll find kitchen number two; smaller than the first but still well-equipped. There are two staircases that lead to the first floor, one leading to four bedrooms, all en-suite, and the other leading to three further bedrooms, one of which is en-suite, and a family bathroom. This is the perfect location for a family holiday, or a break with a group of friends.

Imagine yourself sitting on the the sandy beach overlooking Cardigan Bay, watching dolphins, or perhaps exploring one of the many market towns in the surrounding area. The Victorian resort of Aberystwyth, with its electric cliff railway, promenade and pier, is close by, as is the compelling Cambrian Mountains, dotted with hill sheep farms, forest and lakeland. Take a meandering train ride on what was once a working link between the local lead mines and the harbour; the Vale of Rheidol Railway now runs a steam train service through the Rheidol Valley to Devil’s Bridge, where you can see the famous Mynach Falls, Devil’s Punch Bowl and Jacob’s Ladder. When you’re done with exploring for the day, come back and relax at Maesbangor Farmhouse or visit the gastro pub, situated within half a mile of the house. Beach 6 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

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.

Y Beudy has been renovated to a high standard in 2023, and lies in the grounds of a riding school in the fabulous countryside of Capel Bangor. There are direct walks to be had from every direction from this property – perfect for those who enjoy walking and cycling. If you wish to bring your horse then stabling is available directly through the owner.
The property benefits from a lovely open plan living space with a kitchen/dining room and living area with smart TV, electric wood burner and sofa bed. On the first floor are two double bedrooms with zip and link beds, which can be turned into single beds, and both bedrooms have their own en-suite. The kitchen has a stable door leading to the rear enclosed garden – simply sit and enjoy the sounds of the wildlife, for an extra treat the steam train runs directly past the back garden in the daytime – it’s just a fabulous sight to see, make sure you wave to the passengers going by!
If you’re a lover of horses then this is the place to be, and iding lessons and hacks can be arranged via the owner. it is also a great area for those with dogs as plenty of long walks to be had from the property; there is also fishing available at the property.
There is plenty to do and see in the area; Y Beudy is in a rural setting but located just five miles east of the seaside town of Aberystwyth and with beautiful views of the Rheidol Valley. Head to the coast and picture yourself sitting on a sandy beach overlooking Cardigan Bay watching the dolphins, cycling down country lanes, walking in the hills, or just strolling through one of many market towns.
You can escape life’s hustle and bustle and enjoy this region in so many ways. It’s the perfect location to book a family holiday, a romantic getaway, a short break or a weekend away. The dignified Victorian resort of Aberystwyth, with its electric cliff railway, promenade and pier, is close by, as are the compelling Cambrian Mountains, dotted with hill sheep farms, forest and Lakelands. Take a stately meandering train ride on what was once a working link between local lead mines and the harbour; the Vale of Rheidol Railway now runs a steam train service through the Rheidol Valley terminating at Devil’s Bridge. Here you can choose to go and see the three bridges over the river, or visit some of the other attractions such as the famous Mynach Falls, Devil’s Punch Bowl and Jacob’s Ladder. Wherever your day takes you take comfort in knowing that Y Beudy is a fabulous base in beautiful surroundings to return to.

Perfect for a large family gathering or celebration, Oswald House offers spacious and stylish accommodation for a splendid holiday. The vast kitchen and dining space is the social hub of the home and large bi-fold doors open up onto the outside space with a superb hot tub and barbecue; the ideal spot for relaxing in after a busy day sightseeing. Situated in the village of Llanon with a pub and shops within walking distance, this holiday home is the perfect base for immersing yourself in all that the area has to offer. With a superb mix of coast and countryside, Ceredigion is a large and beautiful place to visit. Award-winning beaches, perfect coves, iconic castles and pretty harbours make days out by car or on foot along the 60 miles of Heritage coastline a must. This region inspired Dylan Thomas to write some of his finest poetry. It is framed by the Cambrian Mountains, known as the backbone of Wales, and is so rich in wildlife, legends and fascinating landscapes. Look out for birds of prey such as red kites and buzzards soaring high above, and dolphins or seals in the waters. Drive along the Plynlimon Mountains, through the Tywi Forest or visit the impressive Abergwesyn Pass, and marvel at the solitude.

For a truly authentic Welsh family holiday experience, this is the area to be. The locals are justifiably proud of this region with its rich local folklore which tells of tricking the devil, mermaids, shipwrecked kings and princesses, and even an explanation of why gulls sound as if they’re crying. The little gems of Georgian Aberaeron, historic Cardigan, salty New Quay, traditional Tregaron and Lampeter are waiting to be explored. To the south, the coves of Mwnt, Cwmtydu, Penbryn, Tresaith – which resemble illustrations from books about pirates, are all within easy reach. To the north, around Aberystwyth and Borth, there are vast stretches of sand. Food plays a big part in the experience of Ceredigion, and a wide choice is to be found in the shops, restaurants and cafés offering regional products and ingredients such as the world beating Teifi Valley cheeses, the ubiquitous Welsh cakes, bara brith and of course, some spectacularly good seafood from the coast.

No visit to the area would be complete without a ride on the steam railway. From the coast at Aberystwyth, watch the scenery change whilst travelling through ancient woodland and rugged mountain scenery, with the line clinging to the hillside to reach Devil’s Bridge, home of the famous Mynach Falls and Devil’s Punchbowl. Come and escape to this magnificent area and let Oswald House be your home for a holiday to remember!
Beach ½ mile. Shop, pub and restaurant 600 yards. This property can be booked together with Ty Fynnon (HW7601) and Oswald Lodge (HW7804) to accommodate larger groups.

Set in quiet countryside, where red kites can be seen, this detached cottage is about 1½ miles from New Quay on a working farm but separated from its operations.

Converted from an 18th-century barn, retaining many features. Access to Wales Coast Path about 1 mile. There are two lakes on-site, and a pitch and putt area (dependent on weather and ground conditions) which can be accessed via a footbridge at the bottom of one of the two gardens. Well placed for beaches, villages, walks on lanes and clifftops. Aberaeron, 9 miles, Llangrannog, 7 miles. Shop and pub within 2 miles.

Set down a lane in a secluded spot, adjacent to the owner’s home, Cornant is a spacious, detached property with large open gardens and a babbling stream creating the boundary of this superb holiday home. It has been thoughtfully furnished mixing modern and antique pieces to create a very well-presented property. The large, solid wood bespoke kitchen/dining room has beautiful Welsh slate flooring, granite worktops and a range cooker, which is a delight to cook that special occasion meal. Patio doors lead from the dining room on to the well-manicured gardens. On an evening, sit out and enjoy the fire pit on your private sitting-out area whilst gazing at the stars, and then retire for some quiet time reading in the library.

The property is situated in the beautiful small village of Llechryd, which is perched on the banks of the picture postcard River Teifi, home to coracle fishing boats used to catch sewin and salmon. The market town of Cardigan is just 2 miles away, on the borders of Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, making this the ideal location to explore west Wales. A trip to Cardigan is a must, try the bustling local farmers market and visit the restored Cardigan Castle with over 900 years of history waiting to be explored. The Welsh Wildlife Centre is located in the nearby small village of Cilgerran and is one of the best wetland reserves in Wales. Perhaps take a short drive to Cenarth Falls, where if your lucky enough, you may see the salmon leaping up through the falls travelling upstream. A plethora of beaches can be reached in a 10-minute drive, including the renowned Poppit Beach. Beach 5 miles. Shop and restaurant 2 miles, pub ½ mile.

Come and discover Cwtch Wrth Plas, nestled adjacent to the owners’ home, in the grounds of a small Welsh manor. With many beautiful beaches, bays, villages and interesting market towns to visit, this a wonderful base from which to enjoy and explore the fabulous scenery of Ceredigion and the heritage coastline of Cardigan Bay.
The beautiful harbour village of New Quay is only 7 miles away, where you can enjoy not only the beach and boat trips, but also an array of shops and eateries, or you can just sample an ice cream. Why not have a seat on the harbour wall and watch out for the bottlenose dolphins which are regular visitors to this area; you can also take a boat trip out for a closer look at the dolphins and wide array of sea life.
This superb and quirky cottage offers open plan living, perfect for romantic breaks or a couples retreat, the well furnished living area is bright and airy and leads through to the cosy bedroom, the sumptuous double bedroom has been finished to a very good standard and boasts an en-suite shower room. Enjoy a stroll around the large shared paddock, perfect for walking your furry friend, and it’s complete with its own orchard and chickens Ruby and Raggedy.
Within a short drive you can explore the unspoilt beaches and coves such as Penbryn, Cei Bach and Cwmtydu, once a haven for smugglers, where in late summer, you may see Atlantic grey seals with their pups. The colourful Georgian harbour town of Aberaeron is a 20-minute drive and offers an abundance of shops, restaurants and cafés, and a delightful level walk, suitable for bikes and pushchairs, to the National Trust property of Llanerchaeron, an 18th-century Welsh gentry estate. For those visitors who enjoy outdoor pursuits there is a canoeing centre and fishing available in Llandysul. Fly and coarse fishing, as well as golfing, are available in Lampeter. Also within reasonable driving distance are the interesting towns of Carmarthen, Cardigan and Aberystwyth. Beach 7 miles.
The owner also has a larger property Drws Y Coed (UK35709) which can be booked together to accommodate up to 10 guests.

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!

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.