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.

These seven wonderful, detached holiday homes offer ample space for larger families or groups, in lovingly furnished accommodation designed with guest comfort in mind. Each charming home has its own private garden and hot tub, perfect for al fresco dining followed by a dip in the bubbles!
The accommodation offers a light and airy space in which to unwind or entertain after a busy day of exploration. The well-equipped kitchens are sure to please the chef in the family, complete with fridge/freezer and dishwasher.

Ty Canol (ref UKC4208) has wheelchair access, a ground floor wetroom and two ground floor bedrooms, making it the ideal choice for those with less mobility. There are three further bedrooms on the first floor along with a bathroom. Most of the bedrooms feature their own Smart TV with Netflix, and outside is a large private garden and hot tub, so you are well catered for here.

With breathtaking views over Cardigan Bay, the properties are located just 100 yards from the cliff top. Gwbert-on-Sea is a small, quiet hamlet on the shore of the mouth of the Teifi Estuary, just a couple of miles outside Cardigan. The settlement takes its name from the wandering St Gwbert, said to have landed here and taken shelter in a cave. The shoreline is marked by rugged cliffs and small shingle bays, with large stretches of sandbank exposed at low tide, and the area gives superb views over a diverse and scenic landscape. The ancient oak woodland of the Teifi Valley, the tidal marshes of the estuary, and the boundary of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park can all be appreciated from here.

The 18-hole golf course at Cardigan Golf Club also offers fine views of the estuary and sea, and from the headland you can look across to Cardigan Island. The mud and sand flats of the estuary attract a great variety of birds, and in the autumn waders such as the redshank, oystercatcher and curlew can be seen feeding here, along with several species of migrating duck. The headland of Craig y Gwbert is the site of an Iron Age Fort, with pieces of pottery found near Gwbert, now on display in Cardigan museum. All the outside areas are covered by CCTV. Beach 7 miles. Shop 3½ miles, pub and restaurant 500 yards.

These properties can be booked together to accommodate 120 people.

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.

Glasfor, meaning The Blue Sea in Welsh, stands in the quaint coastal hamlet of Llansantffraed, a mixture of old white-washed cottages and seaside homes looked over by the ancient parish church, just less than ½ mile down the lane from the village of Llanon. The owners, who live across the lane, have lovingly created a charming holiday cottage for you to enjoy. Glasfor is a detached, single-storey cottage with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The modern, country-style breakfast kitchen has plenty of room, and the separate spacious dual-aspect beamed living/dining room has patio doors leading out into the enclosed cottage garden, ideal for children or pets to play. There’s a cosy wood burner for you to cuddle up in front of, making the cottage ideal for winter breaks too! The separate snug gives you the space to sit back and relax whilst listening to music or reading a book.

A short stroll will bring you to the coast where you will have plenty of choice as there are beaches all along Cardigan Bay, and many which allow pets all year round too. The village of Llanon has a pub, fish and chip shop, convenience store and butcher, so you will be able to get all your day to day needs. Just 11 miles north will bring you to the Victorian and university seaside town of Aberystwyth, where you will find a promenade and pier. Take a trip on the longest electric cliff railway in the UK to the top of Constitution Hill and take in the most amazing views over coffee and cake. Or, why not catch a steam train on the Vale of Rheidol Railway to Devil’s Bridge and waterfall, travelling through verdant countryside along the way? Travel 5 miles south of Llanon where you can visit the colourful Georgian harbour town of Aberaeron. There’s a good selection of independent shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants and lots of events featured throughout the year. A little further along will bring you to New Quay, where the houses cling to the rocks above the bay and dolphins can often be seen. Ceredigion is full of inspiration for a holiday whether you want to take in the wilderness of the Cambrian Mountains or enjoy the sparkling beaches and pretty coves, or even walk along the 60 miles of coastal pathway. Beach 100 yards. Shop 500 yards, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

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.

Y Bwthyn (The Cottage) is a lovely traditional Welsh stone cottage situated within the village of Talgarreg, just 15 15-minute drive from the stunning Cardigan Bay coastline. On the outside of this semi-detached cottage, a plaque commemorates the fact that renowned Welsh preacher and poet Dewi Emrys once lived here. Dewi Emrys won the very coveted National Eisteddfod ’Chair’ no less than four times for his work. The property is a Visit Wales 4* graded property (graded March 2024).
The current owners of the cottage have worked tirelessly to create a delightful holiday home, which has been thoughtfully finished to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone who stays here. The interior is extremely cosy, with original features such as exposed stonework and beams, and you will be warm and cosy as you relax by the multi-fuel burner. The modern and bright kitchen/dining room is very well-equipped and includes a dishwasher and a coffee pod machine. Upstairs there are two characterful bedrooms, a double en-suite, and a twin room for children with a DVD player, bed guard and night light, each with a TV. The lovely enclosed garden looks out onto fields beyond and the raised patio is the ideal spot to enjoy the views with a morning coffee or evening glass of wine. Although, with the welcoming village pub right opposite you will probably want to spend some time there too!
If you can drag yourself away from Y Bwthyn, you must explore the surrounding area. The pretty seaside town of New Quay, with its houses clinging to the rocks, is charming. There is a selection of little shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants, and also the Marine Wildlife Centre. You can take a boat trip to spot dolphins and seals, and from the sea, you can get a sense of how beautiful this coastline is. If sailing isn’t for you, why not visit Aberaeron and enjoy fish and chips or the famous honey ice cream, overlooking the harbour watching the boats bobbing about, or people crabbing when the tide is in? There are plenty of lovely sandy beaches to explore in the area, including. New Quay, Tresaith, Penbryn, Llangrannog and Aberporth. Nearby, Llangrannog and Tresaith have pubs and restaurants overlooking the beach, so whatever the weather you can enjoy a meal and soak up the views, or just have a pizza on the beach at Llangrannog.
The county town of Cardigan and the university town of Aberystwyth are worth a visit, both with castles and the latter with a pier, promenade and electric cliff railway, and the scenic Vale of Rheidol Steam Train. Take a visit to see the beautiful Cenarth Falls, with suitable paths for prams, buggies or disabled access, or just a short drive away is the National Trust-owned Llanerchaeron, as is the internationally known Llandysul Paddlers Canoe Centre. If you are after serious mountain biking, you can take to the muddy tracks at Nant-yr-Arian, Aberystwyth or the Brechfa Forest, or you can hire electric bikes locally and take a stroll on the scenic country lanes of the area. Come and stay at Y Bwthyn and be sure of a ’Croeso cynnes’, or a warm Welsh welcome; you won’t be disappointed. Beach 7 miles. Shop 4½ miles, pub serving food at weekends - 10yards

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.