Dog-friendly Ceredigion

These 3 beautiful and spacious barn conversions are set on a working sheep and beef farm, and each property has its own private hot tub. The farm itself has 140 acres, and the farmland links up to the Ystwyth Cycle Trail which is over 16 miles long. The interiors of the properties have vaulted ceilings, modern lighting, and furnished with leather sofas and wood-burning stoves, each with a hot tub available. All 3 properties (refs OA5, OA6 and OA7) can be booked together to form one large house sleeping 12, and they all have interconnecting doors which can be opened up. There is also the option of taking a horse on holiday, the farm has 6 loose boxes and a paddock which can be made available. Located near Tregaron, a small Welsh-speaking market town where guests can visit the famous Rhiannon Welsh Gold Centre that offers beautiful gifts and a fantastic art gallery. Tregaron is also famous for its trotting races, which are actually held here at Dolyrychain Farm (please check with owners for dates). The event is the largest of its kind and attracts over 10,000 visitors. This is a haven for walkers and cyclists with the Cambrian Mountains at the foot of the farm and the panoramic Pumlumon Mountains to the north. Visit the university town of Aberystwyth, home of the National Library of Wales, take a walk on the promenade or even catch the electric cliff railway on Construction Hill. For a magical day out take the narrow gauge railway from Aberystwyth to the heart of the Pumlumon Mountains where the destination will be the world famous Devils Bridge and Rheidol Falls. Shop and pub 1 mile.

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.

Escape to the wonderful comfort of Ivy Bush Cottage nestled within the ancient, charming, and tranquil village of Llandewi Brefi, at the foothills of the Cambrian Mountains. Situated in a row of four stone cottages originally all owned by the owner’s great-great grandfather 150 years ago, Ivy Bush (Bwthyn Iorwg in Welsh) is now one of three cottages still owned by the family today. It has been lovingly restored and has high quality and comfort in abundance. Exposed stone work, beams and a multi-fuel burner all go towards making it a characterful and cosy holiday retreat for guests.
The village lies on the banks of the Afon Brefi and dates back to the 1st century when Romans set up camp in a settlement known as Bremia (bubbling stream). There is an interesting local legend to discover whilst here as to how the village later came to be known as Llandewi Brefi! In centuries gone by it was a thriving and bustling place on the drover’s route taking livestock to London and beyond. Today the village is rather more peaceful but still has a village shop for your essential supplies and two warm and welcoming inns.
The area abounds with walks and cycle routes, plenty starting from the cottage, and mountain biking opportunities. The market town of Tregaron is 3 miles away with shops, the Rhiannon Welsh Gold Centre, and an award-winning restaurant and pub. Just a mile beyond, you will find the stunning Cors Caron Nature Reserve, over 2000 acres of finest raised bog system with an access-friendly boardwalk route through it. Visit the ruins of the 12th-century Cistercian Abbey at Strata Florida and explore the Cambrian Mountains by car, bicycle or on foot. A variety of guided walking tours are available via local organisers.
A 35-minute drive will bring you to the fantastic Ceredigion coastline with its beaches, many are dog friendly year-round, dolphin-watching boat trips, the town of Aberystwyth with its cliff railway, pier and long promenade and the attractive Georgian harbour town of Aberaeron, famous for its honey ice cream. Back at Ivy Bush you can enjoy an al fresco meal in the enclosed garden, looking out across the Welsh slate rooftops towards the village church and you will very likely see red kites soaring overhead and hear their distinctive cry. After splendid days out exploring this wonderful area, sink into the luxurious handmade organic mattresses and dream of return journeys to this region of extraordinary natural beauty. Beach 20 miles. Shop 150 yards, pub/restaurant 200 yards.

Conveniently situated close to village amenities, it is also just yards from the shores of the Teifi Estuary and the northern end of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. The ancient village of St Dogmaels nestles around its ruined Tironian abbey at the mouth of the River Teifi. It boasts a working 16th-century water mill, and holds an award-winning weekly produce market.
The area is justly renowned for its lovely beaches, hidden coves and stunning coastal scenery, and abounds with historic castles, forts and fascinating archaeology. In 2017 the nearby Cardigan Castle won the RICS ’Restoration of the Year’ award, screened on Channel 4, and is well worth a visit. Superb walking is also on offer on the coastal paths of both Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, as well as the atmospheric Preseli Hills with an extensive local network of footpaths and bridleways. Wildlife in the area is abundant and dolphins, porpoises and seals are often seen from local beaches and coves.
The property itself enjoys distant views of the estuary from the living room and is just 1½ miles from the beautiful Poppit Sands. Golfing and riding are available locally, as well as fishing and watersports such as kayaking and coasteering. Nearby family attractions include Oakwood Theme Park, Bluestones, Folly Farm, Manor Park Zoo and the Welsh Wildlife Centre at Cilgerran. The property is situated a few yards from a bus stop giving easy access to Cardigan, Newport, Fishguard and St Davids. Narberth, Tenby, Aberystwyth, Aberaeron and Newquay are also easily accessible by car. Shop ¾ mile and pub serving food 500 yards.

Why not experience something truly unique for a short break or a longer stay? Cliff Railway Apartment is located above the station and ticket office at the base of the longest funicular electric cliff railway in Britain, which has been transporting visitors to the summit since opening in 1896. Situated at the northern end of Aberystwyth promenade, the apartment boasts very comfortable accommodation with sea views from the kitchen and direct views over the railway from the bedrooms. Guests are offered free passes on the railway for the duration of their stay (please note there are reduced operating days and times from November to mid March).
The Aberystwyth Cliff Railway operated on a water balance system until electrification in 1921. Today the carriages are hauled to the summit at a stately four miles per hour, and travel majestically to the summit of Constitution Hill, rising dramatically from the sea, providing spectacular and uninterrupted views of the town, Cardigan Bay, and on a clear day, 26 mountain peaks spanning much of the length of Wales. Once at the summit visitors can experience the views afforded by the one of the world’s largest camera obscuras, which offers a bird’s eye view of 1000 square miles of land and seascape. There are also fascinating historical displays, a kids play area, a well-stocked gift shop, and a cafe selling delicious meals, homemade snacks and cakes. The café itself was used for filming during the popular TV detective series "Hinterland" as were many locations around Aberystwyth.
Just a short stroll from the apartment is the beach and promenade, lined with Victorian buildings and leading to the pier. There are plenty of opportunities for shopping and a wide choice of places to eat in this university town, as well as castle ruins, the harbour, the National Library of Wales with a visitor centre, and Aberystwyth Arts Centre, a bustling entertainment venue. The surrounding hills hold the visible remains of an iron age fort and also a monument to Wellington and, once climbed offer stunning views of Cardigan Bay. Also not to be missed is a trip on the lovely Vale of Rheidol steam train, departing from Aberystwyth and travelling through the stunning Welsh countryside to the beautiful Devil’s Bridge waterfalls.
Within very easy reach of Aberystwyth, there are golden sandy beaches, colourful seaside towns and villages, and places to explore such as the Ynyslas National Nature Reserve dominated by a sand dune landscape and home to an array of rare plants, wading birds and wildlife, including colourful orchids early in the summertime. With views inland and across the estuary to Aberdyfi, it is a great spot for walking or relaxing with boardwalks and trails through the dunes. Bwlch Nant-yr-Arian Forest Centre is a large woodland site with a host of activities including walks, cycle trails and red kite feeding with a shop and information centre. The peaceful wooded and landscaped Hafod Estate in the Ystwyth Valley has a variety of waymarked walks.

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.

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.

With arguably the best views of Aberystwyth and Cardigan Bay, Seascape, one of a pair, is a luxurious holiday retreat in an enviable location, within a 15-minute walk of two beaches and just over half a mile from every amenity this lovely seaside town has to offer. The owners, who live next door, have created an elegant and comfortable holiday home in a peaceful spot. From here you can see the summit of Britain’s longest electric cliff railway, operating since 1896. The top of the hill has one of the largest Camera Obscuras in the world, a café and restaurant, and is only a 6-minute walk from Seascape. Aberystwyth is west Wales’ premier seaside resort and a historic town, offering varied shopping, bars and restaurants, art centres with theatre and cinema, pier and long promenade, castle ruins, the National Library of Wales (tours available) or take the Vale of Rheidol steam train to Devil’s Bridge and Waterfalls. Lovers of nature will appreciate the abundance of walking available from the property and if golf is your sport, Seascape overlooks Aberystwyth Golf Club.
Visit the stunning Ynyslas Nature Reserve and sand dunes with magnificent views across the Dovey Estuary, the Bwlch Nant Yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre or the nearby centre, where you can watch majestic red kites feeding over the lake. Award-winning beaches and iconic harbours make the Ceredigion coast a beautiful place to visit, where dolphins and seals can often be seen. This region inspired Dylan Thomas to write some of his finest poetry. It’s framed by the Cambrian Mountains, the backbone of Wales, rich in wildlife, legends and intriguing landscapes. Whatever your preference, Seascape is the perfect holiday home in an unrivalled position, ideal for exploring this wonderful area or just relaxing and soaking up the views. Beach ½ mile. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.