Why visit Ceredigion?
A 60-mile coastline
Camping in Ceredigion is all about the seaside strolls. The county’s coast runs from Cardigan in the south – start your walk next to the town’s bridge over the Teifi River – to Ynyslas near Aberystwyth in the north. You could complete the whole 60 miles or just potter along the prettiest parts, perhaps selecting the stretch from Tresaith to the Ynys Lochtyn tidal island. Halfway through, at Penbryn Beach, stop for a cuppa at the natty little National Trust café.
Laidback seaside towns
You’ve got campsites near New Quay (no, not the one in Cornwall), a scenic seaside resort hugging two tiny bays, and Aberaeron with its flat bit of coast and colourful Georgian houses (plus delis for decadent picnics). As a university town, Aberystwyth has a bit of a buzz to it, while Llangrannog is a lovely little seaside village with a brilliant sandy beach.
Wildlife watching
Ceredigion edges Cardigan Bay, one of the best places in Wales to spot dolphins – a pod of around 300 roam the waters around here. Look out for them at Mwnt Beach, a sheltered cove overlooked by a cone-shaped hill, or while on a boat tour from New Quay (there’s also a good chance you’ll see seals). Inland, watch salmon making their way upstream at Cenarth Falls near Newcastle Emlyn, also home to a quirky coracle-boat museum, then witness the red kites feeding at the Bwlch Nant yr Arian visitor’s centre.
Top things to do in Ceredigion
Aside from seeing the sea, there’s plenty more to do in this coastal county:
* Take a steam train to the 90-metre-long Devil’s Bridge Falls
* Look out for lapwings and redshanks at RSPB Ynys-hir Nature Reserve
* Browse for locally made products at the Guildhall market in Cardigan
* Go on a jolly to the Georgian-era, John Nash-designed Llanerchaeron stately home
* Learn more about Wales’ crafts at the National Wool Museum
Delve deeper into Ceredigion
Welsh-speaking culture
Some 47% of Ceredigion’s population can speak Welsh, compared with 18% across the country, so it’s an ace area for learning about the local language and history. The National Library in Aberystwyth is a pilgrimage site of sorts for travellers who want to immerse themselves in Wales’ cultural heritage. It’s home to more than 6.5 million books and serial publications.
Sleeping mountain giants
Ceredigion’s highest peak is Pen Pumlumon Fawr in the Cambrian Mountains. Stand here, 752 metres up, and take in the views while pondering whether a snoozing giant really does live under your feet. You can also seek out the sources of the rivers Severn, Wye and Rheidol as you hike through this upland area often referred to as the ‘Green Desert of Wales’.
More inland adventures
The coast quite rightly gets a lot of attention, but don’t write off the hinterlands when camping in Ceredigion. There are numerous places to hike, from the Tywi Valley (check out the Llyn Brianne reservoir) to the Hafod Uchtryd estate. Formerly a hunting lodge for Welsh Chieftains, the latter’s grounds are now open to the public for walks in the expansive Ystwyth valley.
A secret seaside forest
During low tide after particularly turbulent storms, you might be lucky enough to spot the remains of an ancient forest on the beach near our Borth campsites. Pine, birch, elder and oak stumps, preserved by peat for thousands of years, poke up through the sand. And if the natural phenomenon is not visible, it’s still worth strolling through the nearby Ynyslas sand dunes anyway.
Here’s how
It’s always a good idea to be by the beach when camping in Ceredigion. But if you’re the sort of person who craves quiet, a better plan might be to seek out a holiday park in the countryside, perhaps near Lampeter or Llandysul.
Prefer to be surrounded by people? Pick a campsite in Ceredigion with spots to socialise at, like bars and clubhouses or campfires. Alternatively, select your site based on kids’ facilities, whether an outdoor swimming pool or a play area.
Feeling fancy? Go glamping in Ceredigion. We’ve got pods, yurts and shepherd’s huts to browse. You can also choose from our caravan sites, whether you want to rent a static or park up on a touring pitch.
Alternatively, select from these popular filters:
* Campsites in Ceredigion with electric pitches
* Dog-friendly camping in Ceredigion
If you’re already at one of our Ceredigion campsites and planning the next move, you’re in luck: gorgeous Gwynedd is not far to the north – set off here for Snowdonia National Park – while the picture-perfect beaches of Pembrokeshire are slightly south.
Get to grips with camping before you travel further by checking out our guides. Whether you want tips on finding the ideal park or need all your glamping FAQs answered, you’re in the right place.
