Dog-friendly Ceredigion

Pensarnau grabs your attention as soon as you enter it. The owners, who are both talented artists, have meticulously decorated and styled the detached cottage to great effect; giving it a modern feel but at the same time showcasing the classic period features. Perfect for a family holiday, there’s plenty of living space including a lovely living/dining room with wood burner, which leads through to the sleek and glossy kitchen. On the other side of the main hallway there’s a comfortable snug with a second wood burner and distinctive bright armchairs and accessories to give it a contemporary but cosy feel, perfect for curling up with a book and a glass of wine! Upstairs there are three lovely bedrooms, all with their own style, and a study which can double up as a cot room. The first floor modern bathroom has been fitted with a bath and separate shower cubicle. Outside there is a large lawned garden with a sitting-out area and an additional timber and tiled roofed gazebo where you can dine al fresco. There’s also a handy garden toilet in an outbuilding.
Pensarnau is situated on the main coastal road, which means you’re extremely handy for exploring Cardigan Bay. Here there are beach walks to be had, dolphins to be spotted, and coastal towns and villages to be explored. A little over 2 miles will bring you to the National Trust beach of Penbryn or the beach at Tresaith, where there’s a great pub overlooking the sea. The tranquil cove at Llangrannog has two pubs and cafés, and a bit further up the coast the pretty seaside town of New Quay has a good selection of eateries and independent shops as well as lovely beaches. There are many beaches up and down the coast that accept dogs year round, if you are bringing your furry friends on holiday. Make sure you visit Cardigan town itself, just a 15 minute drive will bring you to the thriving market town on the banks of the estuary. Stroll around the narrow streets and visit the ancient castle ruins and exhibitions. There’s an Indian restaurant on a boat and in season a tipi restaurant serving wood fired pizzas! There’s so much to explore in Cardigan Bay but if you want a day out to Pembrokeshire you can reach the well-known family attractions of Oakwood Theme Park and Folly Farm Adventure Park & Zoo (with the only giraffes in Wales) within an hour. Wales’ smallest city of St David’s with a magnificent Cathedral and Bishops Palace will only take you 75 minutes to reach. It’s all here for you, whether you like golf, walking, fishing, beach-combing or just relaxing. Come and see for yourself, Pensarnau will be the perfect base for your Welsh adventure. Beach 2.4 miles. Shop 1.5 miles, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

Delfryn is a delightful 19th century, link-detached cottage situated in the small ancient village of Llanarth. The cottage is located just off the A487 coastal road which runs between Aberystwyth and Cardigan, within 3 miles of the pretty seaside resort of New Quay and 3 miles from the colourful Georgian harbour town of Aberaeron; both of which have a good selection of shops, cafés and restaurants.
The owners of Delfryn have painstakingly restored the cottage to offer contemporary and comfortable holiday accommodation whilst retaining original features. The property layout is ideally suited to a family or friends holidaying together. The lovely living room has a feature stone wall and fireplace with a gas wood-burning stove for cosy nights in. The living room leads directly to the contemporary and spacious kitchen and dining area which in turn has French doors bringing you out into the terrace and garden. Also leading off the living room is a separate snug with a further TV and a sofa bed for two people, if required. A shower room and toilet completes the ground floor accommodation and upstairs there are three bedrooms and a family bathroom.
The seaside resort of New Quay clings to the rocks above Cardigan Bay and has three great sandy beaches (two are dog friendly all year round) and two harbours from where you can spot an array of wildlife, most famously the dolphins that visit the harbour almost daily. Why not take a boat trip to get up close and personal or buy an ice cream or fish and chips and sit on the harbour wall and wait for them to appear! Lovers of the outdoors may also like to try sailing, surfing, windsurfing, sea kayaking or canoeing from the harbour beach. The resorts of Llangrannog, Aberaeron and Aberporth are also within easy reach of Llanarth and each are great starting points for walking the Cardigan Bay Coastal Path – there’s 60 miles of it to enjoy and the beaches and coastline are some of the best in Wales. A 35-minute drive will bring you to the resort of Aberystwyth, where you will find the pier and promenade as well as the electric cliff railway to the summit of Constitution Hill. Have a coffee up there and enjoy the spectacular views across the bay. You can also take the steam train from Aberyswtyth to Devil’s Bridge and waterfalls, or why not drive a bit further on to the Silver Mountain Experience at Llywernog, a fantastic day out to explore the history of the 18th century silver mine. This part of west Wales has so much to offer whether you are after a short break or a longer stay; why not come and make Delfryn your base and see for yourself. Beach 2¼ miles. Shop 175 yards, pub and restaurant ¼ mile.

This family sized property is located within a small complex of cottages, and is set in quiet countryside with beautiful views. In a rural setting, but located just 3 miles south of the seaside town of Aberystwyth and with beautiful views of mountains and coast, No 1 Pengraig Draw is furnished and equipped to a very good standard. This semi-detached cottage boasts spacious accommodation for up to six people. It also has the added benefit of a lovely conservatory overlooking the valley so that you can enjoy relaxing whilst soaking up the views.

You can discover clean sandy beaches with clear waters, caves, waterfalls, wild rugged cliffs and so much more within easy reach, and there is a pebble beach just 1 mile away. If you are bringing your pet on holiday, many of the beaches are dog friendly all year round. There are fabulous coastal walks across the headlands to secret coves rarely visited, except by birds and the ghosts of ancient smugglers. The pretty coastal towns of New Quay and Aberaeron are well worth exploring, and offer quaint shops and a wide choice of cafés and restaurants. Sit on the harbour wall and drink in the atmosphere whilst enjoying a local honey ice cream or fish and chips!

The dignified, Victorian resort of Aberystwyth, with its electric cliff railway, promenade and pier, is close by, as are the compelling Cambrian Mountains, a ‘wild Wales’ of 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, from here you can choose to go and see the three bridges over the river, or visit other attractions such as the famous Mynach Falls, Devil’s Punch Bowl and Jacob’s Ladder. Beach 1 mile. Shop 2 miles, pub and restaurant 3 miles.
No 1 Pengraig Draw can be booked together with No 2 Pengraig Draw (UK6435), No 4 Pengraig Draw (CC621061) and No 5 Pengraig Draw (CC621060) to accommodate up to 22 guests.

Nant y Bwthyn (Brooke Cottage) is a characterful, 19th-century detached cottage in Dol-y-Bont, a peaceful village 1¼ miles from the beaches at Borth and Ynyslas, and just 5 miles from the seaside resort and university town of Aberystwyth. The cottage has been thoughtfully decorated and furnished to provide holiday accommodation that exudes charm, along with all the modern touches you will need. The original beams, inglenook fireplace and wood burner in the living room give a lovely cosy appeal, perfect for relaxing in front of on those chillier evenings. Patio doors lead directly to the private garden and summerhouse with table and chairs. There are two first floor bedrooms, plus a ground floor shower room and first floor bathroom.

If you love beaches, then be prepared to be wowed by Borth, Ynyslas and the nature reserve. Apart from the huge expanse of golden sands, there are four walking trails around the reserve and the dunes are remarkable, providing a home for many rare plants and insects. The phenomenon of the submerged forest, the remains of tree trunks, appear at low tide. Dovey Estuary is home to many wading birds, including the colourful shelduck with its bright green head. In spring and early summer, plovers lay their eggs directly on the sand. When you look out to sea, you may see dolphins and porpoise too. Whilst in Borth, why not visit the Animalarium, a rapidly expanding zoo, dedicated to conservation with endangered animals and birds?

Aberystwyth is famous for its promenade and the UK’s longest electric cliff railway dating back to the Victorian era. Take a trip up to the top of Constitution Hill, have coffee and cake and take in the most breathtaking views out across Cardigan Bay. You can even see Mount Snowdon on a clear day! The town offers a wide choice of shopping and places to eat, and you can also catch the Vale of Rheidol steam railway from here and take a very scenic ride to Devil’s Bridge and waterfalls, well worth a day out.

Staying at Nant y Bwthyn gives you easy access to one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline anywhere in the UK, whether you want to walk the miles of spectacular and varied coastal paths or visit the delightful small seaside towns and villages, such as New Quay, Aberaeron and Aberdovey. The region has a thriving cultural identity and you will never be short of things to see and do. Beach 1¼ miles. Shop and restaurant 2 miles, pub 1½ miles.

Situated within a 20-minute stroll down to New Quay’s picturesque harbour, Montrose is a stone-built terraced house which has been furnished to provide comfortable accommodation. Built in the early 1870s, the property lies in an area known as ’Arba’ and was built when a number of tenants from the nearby Llanina Mansion were ejected from the estate for not voting as their landlord required. Since the early 1900s the house has been in the ownership of the same family, and the current owner is the grandson of sea captain Daniel Evans. Born in 1886, he was the last survivor of the New Quay Cape Horners, famous for sailing his vessel 3000 nautical miles on the treacherous journey around the Horn. Adjacent to the owner’s home, Montrose offers plenty of living space. Sea views can be enjoyed from the rooms at the rear of the property, and the pretty enclosed courtyard has direct pedestrian access through a holiday park, down to the long stretch of beach at Traeth Gwyn, which is dog friendly all year round.

Once famous for smuggling, fishing and wooden boat building, the pretty seaside town of New Quay (Cei Newydd in Welsh), has pubs, shops, restaurants and cafés clinging to the sides of the hills above the blue waters of Cardigan Bay. Enjoy the sheltered harbour and wonderful sandy beaches, or sailing, fishing and water sports which are all available locally. The harbour wall is a great place to sit and enjoy an ice cream whilst watching the boats bobbing about. Look out for the resident bottlenose dolphins too. Boat trips are available in season to see them up close. Poet and writer Dylan Thomas lived in New Quay in 1944. It is easy to see why he loved the place and how it gave him such inspiration. If you are here during the summer you may catch one of the many events in the town such as Cardigan Bay Regatta and New Quay Music Festival. The firework display over the harbour around bonfire night is a spectacle not to be missed.

There are many interesting and beautiful places to visit including the colourful Georgian harbour town of Aberaeron, just 15 minutes away by car, and the university town of Aberystwyth, 20 miles, with its long promenade and pier, cliff railway, camera obscura and Vale of Rheidol steam railway to Devil’s Bridge. Cardigan with its castle, is 18 miles, and there is plenty of stunning scenery to explore inland, including Cors Caron, one of the few remaining examples of a raised peat bog in Britain. Lying beside the River Teifi, just above the small market town of Tregaron, on the edge of the dramatic Cambrian Mountains, there are excellent walks through the heart of the bog on a timber decked walkway. Montrose is the ideal property for both short breaks or longer holidays, so come and discover what a charming and diverse area Cardigan Bay is. Beach 400 yards. Shop 600 yards (seasonal shop 200 yards), pub and restaurant 300 yards.

Tawelfan meaning ‘quiet place’ is a one bedroomed cottage and one of a pair of delightful holiday homes situated within the owners’ 2-acre smallholding just outside the small village of Cilcennin and close to the sight of an Iron Age fort in a neighbouring field. The cottage, a renovated cow shed with exposed stonework, has been built by the owners and it offers very attractive accommodation with a sleek, glossy kitchen and a high quality wet room. Flowing nicely and all on one level, it offers easy access for guests. Featuring open plan living space, it opens out onto its own enclosed courtyard terrace, perfect for relaxing comfortably and keeping an eye on the children or your dogs. There are sheep in the surrounding fields and chickens in the smallholding so the owners request that dogs be kept on a lead outside of the property and that children are supervised. Public footpaths in the immediate vicinity give access to delightful walks ranging from 1 to 10 miles, so put on your sturdy shoes and enjoy the peaceful countryside that surrounds you.

A short 15-minute drive will bring you to the lovely Georgian harbour town of Aberaeron with its colourful houses and an array of independent shops, lots of cafés, restaurants and pubs. Enjoy the renowned local honey ice cream whilst you watch the boats bobbing in the harbour. Further down the coast you will find the seaside town of New Quay where the houses cling to the rocks and the long harbour wall is the perfect place to enjoy fish and chips whilst you try to spot the bottlenose dolphins which are regular visitors to Cardigan Bay. Boat trips are available in season and offer a spectacular view of the coastline.

Visit the beautifully maintained Georgian country estate, Llanerchaeron, just 2½ miles south east of Aberaeron, or you can walk from the town along a wide level pedestrian pathway, ideal for cyclists, pushchairs or wheelchairs. The estate offers a fascinating insight into the life of the Welsh gentry and their staff 200 years ago. Run by the National Trust, there are often events on and there’s a well-stocked farm shop and café.

Less than 30 minutes towards the Cambrian Mountains will bring you to the historic market town of Tregaron, which has many summer events. Just outside the town you can discover the Cors Caron nature reserve covering 2,000 acres.

Ceredigion is distinctive Welsh region with a thriving cultural identity and is 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. Come and explore and make Hafan Dawel Cottages your base for a perfect holiday.

Tawelfan can be booked together with Roath (UK6152) to accommodate up to 6 guests.

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.

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.

Situated in an elevated position on the edge of the rugged cliff tops overlooking the glistening Cardigan Bay, this delightful semi-detached cottage, adjacent to the owner’s home, is the perfect base for couples looking for an unforgettable coastal adventure.

Superbly located just outside the bustling seaside town of New Quay, Ty Cregyn has been created with comfort in mind, boasting a well-equipped galley kitchen and a spacious living area with a cosy wood burner, whilst outside scenic woodland with sea views. Guests also have their own patio area.

Far from the hustle and bustle of modern day living, this is the ideal place for lovers of the outdoors, whether you choose to explore the area by foot, bicycle or car. New Quay, famed for its tranquil fishing harbour and connections to the late welsh poet Dylan Thomas, is just a 10-minute walk downhill and provides a good selections of cafes, traditional Welsh pubs and restaurants, as well as its lovely beach. A visit to the resort would not be complete without a memorable boat ride from the harbour, along the picturesque coastline cruising close to rare seabirds, grey seals and the occasional bottlenose dolphin. The charming regency town of Aberaeron with its multi-coloured houses and university town of Aberystwyth are within easy reach and provide an interesting day out.

Whether you choose a short break or a longer stay, this delightful cottage will be waiting for you when you return from your days out exploring. Kick off your boots, pour a glass of wine and sit back and relax. Beach 1 mile. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

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.