Try These 6 Best Things To Do In Ceredigion

 

Many of the best things to do in Ceredigion – a county with a 65-mile-long seaside skirting Cardigan Bay – are at the beach. But, along with traversing the coast path and sunbathing on soft sands, there’s also much to get up to in the mountainous hinterland, from feeding red kites to scaling lofty mountain peaks.

All in all, camping in Ceredigion is an excellent choice. The place is a hub of Welsh culture – more than half the population can speak the local language compared with 19% in the rest of Wales – and it’s also a little less travelled than nearby Pembrokeshire and Gwynedd.

So, whether you’re basing yourself down south in Cardigan or further north in Aberystwyth, these are the six best things to do in Ceredigion.

Take to the coastal path 

Ceredigion’s coast path kicks off in Cardigan and finishes up in Ynyslas just past Aberystwyth. You could do the whole trail or just pick the prettiest parts. On the walk from Aberporth to Llangrannog, you’ll stumble across a tiny cove – called Traeth Bach (or ‘Little Beach’) – and viewpoints over the turquoise sea. 

The New Quay to Aberaeron portion is another top choice, passing by the woodland-circled Cwmtydu Beach and ending up in Ceredigion’s most scenic seaside village. Wander past Georgian houses painted in crayon-box colours and stock up on ingredients sourced from local farm parks at the deli for picnics. 

The coastal path is split up into these sections: 

• Cardigan to Aberporth (11.7 miles/18.7 kilometres)

• Aberporth to Llangrannog to (4.8 miles/7.7 kilometres)

• Llangrannog to New Quay (9.4 miles/15.0 kilometres)

• New Quay to Aberaeron (6.5 miles/10.5 kilometres)

• Aberaeron to Llanrhystud (7.4 miles/11.9 kilometres)

• Llanrhystud to Aberystwyth (10.6 miles/15.7 kilometres)

• Aberystwyth to Ynyslas (11.7 miles/18.7 kilometres)

For more spots to stroll around, discover the top five scenic walks in Ceredigion.

Visit the best beaches in Ceredigion

Borth 

This beach near Snowdonia is steeped in Welsh myths. Listen out for the bells of Cantre'r Gwaelod – an old kingdom said to sit beneath the sea – while here. If you’re visiting the Borth area after a storm, you might be lucky enough to see the remains of a petrified forest sticking out of the sand at Ynyslas in front of the sand dunes.

Tresaith

This cute and compact 250-metre-wide beach is backed by a tiny village with a café, shop and pub. It lures in surfers and sailors, as well as kids hoping to build castles on the soft sands. Part of the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation, it’s also a protected nature reserve.

Check out more of the best beaches in Ceredigion. 

Go wildlife watching on the sea or inland 

Dolphin spotting

Wondering what kids can do in Ceredigion? Take younger campers on a dolphin-watching boat trip from New Quay during the summer – Cardigan Bay’s 300-strong pod of dolphins is Britain’s biggest resident population of these mammals. Tours sail over to spots like Aberporth, Mwnt and Cardigan Island in the hopes of sighting the dolphins splashing about. 

On foot, wander to the end of the Ynys Lochtyn headland near Llangrannog – worth it for the far-reaching sea views alone – or hit the coast path by Cemaes Head.

Red kite feeding 

Make a beeline for Bwlch Nant yr Arian to see the red kites eat a late lunch, typically at 2pm in winter and 3pm in the summer. Up to 150 flock here for food every day, and you can watch the spectacle from the Barcud Trail, the hide or the centre’s café. RSPB staff are also on hand to answer all your burning bird-related questions. 

Salmon jumping 

In autumn, point your compass to Cenarth Falls in the Teifi Valley, not far from Newcastle Emlyn, to sight the salmon leaping up the River Teifi. You could also swing by a Ceredigion museum dedicated to coracles, a quirky collection of rounded boats from Wales and across the world, while in Cenarth. 

Climb mighty mountains and hills

Pumlumon

Ceredigion is home to the Cambrian Mountains, the highest point of which is the 752-metre Pen Pumlumon Fawr. This massif is also the tallest natural landmark in Mid Wales and source of the rivers Severn, Wye and Rheidiol. While climbing the mountain, try to decide whether you believe in the folklore and think there really is a sleeping giant under your feet.

Mwnt

For less of a challenge, mosey over to Mwnt near Cardigan and scale the conical hill – Foel y Mwnt – which rises 76 metres up over a cliff-ringed beach. Memorable views are to be had here, including up to Snowdonia far to the north on a clear day. An adorable whitewashed chapel, the 14th-century Eglwys y Grog, sits amid the vast green landscape behind the coast. 

Find things to do on a rainy day in Ceredigion

National Library of Wales

When it’s pouring, amble over to Aberystwyth for the National Library of Wales. It stores 6.5 million books and articles related to the country's culture within its walls. As the largest establishment of its type in Wales, it also has the biggest collections of archives, portraits, maps and photos.

Llanerchaeron

You can’t come to Ceredigion without poking around Llanerchaeron, a National Trust-protected stately home designed by famed architect John Nash. The Georgian building is fronted by the pretty Penbryn Beach, a mile’s worth of sparkling sands reachable through lush woodland and a fern-filled valley.

Cardigan Castle

To wander around one of Wales' 600 remaining castles, make a beeline for this 11th-century structure in Cardigan. The Grade-I-listed building has medieval walls to meander along and manicured Regency gardens to stroll. Take in the views over the Teifi River from the castle’s Cegin 1176 restaurant as you eat a meal made with local produce.

Set off on a subterranean adventure 

Descend underground for the 250-year-old Silver Mountain Experience in Ponterwyd. While you discover the history of the most intact silver-lead mine in Wales, the kids can take on all the challenges – from gem panning to navigating escape rooms. Follow in the footsteps of the miners during a guided tour, or learn about the legends of Wales at one of the theatrical experiences.

Explore via vintage transport

Chug along on a vintage railway 

Travel on the narrow-gauge Vale of Rheidol Railway through glorious green countryside from Aberystwyth. You’ll disembark after 12 miles at Devil’s Bridge, a popular beauty spot with a whooshing waterfall.

Travel on a 19th-century funicular 

Why walk up Aberystwyth’s Constitution Hill – called ‘Consti’ by locals –  when you could be whisked up by a cliffside railway instead? Once you’re at the summit, you’ll have awe-inspiring views over the town and Cardigan Bay. 

So there you have it: all the best things to do in this coastal and mountainous county. If you’re keen to extend your trip, check out our guide to camping in Mid Wales for more travel advice. Or stay in the county and get on the green at the best golf courses in Ceredigion.