Try These 6 Best Things To Do In Ceredigion
This is a county that’s got both a long coastline (60 miles long, in fact) and a section of the remote Cambrian mountains to its name, so it’s no surprise to find that Ceredigion is a particularly excellent destination for outdoor activities. Whether you’re into walking, watersports, cycling or fishing, it’s all here among the gorgeous scenery.
And that’s not all this part of Mid Wales has to offer – it’s also got some great wildlife watching, a number of historic attractions and plenty of Welsh culture to explore (more than half the population can speak the local language, compared with 19% in the rest of Wales). Not sure where to start? We’ve put together this list of the best things to do in Ceredigion to help you make the most of your time in the area.
Another great activity to add to your list is camping – this lovely scenery really lends itself to outdoor stays, whether you like the simplicity of wild-style camping or the luxury of a glamping stay. Pitchup has an excellent collection of Ceredigion campsites to choose from – take a look at the full list to find somewhere that suits your style.
See all campsites in Ceredigion
1. Take to the coastal path
Ceredigion’s coast path runs from Cardigan through to Ynyslas, just north of Aberystwyth. Keen hikers can do the whole trail, but even walking a short section is likely to be a rewarding activity. For example, on the walk from Aberporth to Llangrannog, you’ll come across a tiny cove called Traeth Bach (or ‘Little Beach’), along with several 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 arguably 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 Ceredigion Coast Path splits easily into these sections:
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Cardigan to Aberporth (11.7 miles/18.7 kilometres)
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Aberporth to Llangrannog to (4.8 miles/7.7 kilometres)
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Llangrannog to New Quay (9.4 miles/15.0 kilometres)
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New Quay to Aberaeron (6.5 miles/10.5 kilometres)
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Aberaeron to Llanrhystud (7.4 miles/11.9 kilometres)
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Llanrhystud to Aberystwyth (10.6 miles/15.7 kilometres)
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Aberystwyth to Ynyslas (11.7 miles/18.7 kilometres)
If you’d like more ideas for places to explore on foot nearby, take a look at our guide to the best walks in Ceredigion.
2. Visit the best beaches in Ceredigion
Ceredigion’s 60 miles of coastline are home to lots of gorgeous beaches, each one with its own character and charm. Our guide to Ceredigion’s best beaches gives you the rundown on all the top spots, but we’ve highlighted a couple here just to get you started.
Borth
Borth beach, in the north of the county and on the edge of Snowdonia/Eryri, is steeped in Welsh myths. Listen out for the bells of Cantre'r Gwaelod – an old kingdom said to sit beneath the sea – while you’re 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
The splendid sandy beach at Tresaith 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 – but the highlight is surely the waterfall up at the northern end. Part of the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation, it’s also a protected nature reserve.
3. Go wildlife watching on the sea or inland
Whether you’re a keen wildlife photographer or a family looking for kid-friendly days out, there’s always something magical about seeing our native animals in real life. As one of the more remote parts of the UK, Ceredigion is something of a wildlife hotspot, and these are our favourite animal experiences in the area.
Dolphin spotting
Both kids and adults are likely to enjoy 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, and there’s a very good chance of spotting them.
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
Want to see some big birds? Head to 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 birds 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 bird-related questions.
Salmon jumping
In autumn, take a trip to Cenarth Falls in the Teifi Valley, not far from Newcastle Emlyn, to sight the salmon leaping up the River Teifi. Even if you don’t spot the fish, there are lovely views over the falls, and you could also visit the National Coracle Centre, home to a quirky collection of rounded boats from Wales and across the world.
4. Climb mighty mountains and hills
Sitting just south of Snowdonia/Eryri and its famous mountains, Ceredigion has similarly hilly landscapes but nowhere near as many visitors. That makes this part of Wales a great pick for peaceful hikes, including some challenging uphill trails. Below we’ve chosen a couple of Pitchup favourites for the hardy hillwalker and the less intrepid visitor.
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, you’ll have to decide whether you believe in the folklore – some say there is a sleeping giant under your feet.
Mwnt
For a less demanding walk, make your way 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 – you may be able to see all the way up to Snowdonia on a clear day. An adorable whitewashed chapel, the 14th-century Eglwys y Grog, sits amid the vast green landscape behind the coast.
5. Find things to do on a rainy day in Ceredigion
Wales is known as one of the wetter parts of the UK – and while that rain does give it those gorgeous green hills, it also means that you may need to source an indoor activity from time to time. To get you started, we’ve chosen a couple of our favourite things to do in Ceredigion when it’s raining.
National Library of Wales
For a cosy setting on a damp day, head 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. There’s usually at least one exhibition that’s open to the public here, along with a programme of talks, tours and other events.
Llanerchaeron
You can’t come to Ceredigion without visiting Llanerchaeron, a National Trust-protected stately home designed by famed architect John Nash. Tours take in both upstairs and downstairs, showing guests the servants’ quarters as well as the grand living spaces. The Georgian building is fronted by the pretty Penbryn beach, a mile’s worth of sparkling sands reached on a walk through lush woodland and a fern-filled valley.
Cardigan Castle
A castle has to be on the schedule for any trip to Wales – the country has at least 600 remaining castles, including the 11th-century Cardigan Castle. There are some intriguing exhibitions at this Grade-I-listed building, along with medieval walls to meander along and manicured Regency gardens to stroll. You can also 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. There are all sorts of ways to discover the history of the most intact silver-lead mine in Wales – follow in the footsteps of the miners during a guided tour, or learn about the legends of Wales at one of the theatrical experiences. Kids can also take on various challenges, from gem panning to navigating escape rooms.
6. Explore via vintage transport
Walking, cycling and driving around are all rewarding activities in these lovely landscapes, but Ceredigion also has a few more unusual ways to take it all in. If you fancy something a bit different, try one of these unique rides.
Chug along on a vintage railway
Travel on the narrow-gauge Vale of Rheidol Railway through glorious green countryside from Aberystwyth. Start your trip with a visit to the Engine Shed to get up close to classic engines and carriages, and then board a restored 1920s steam train for your ride. You’ll disembark after 12 miles at Devil’s Bridge, a popular beauty spot with a cascading waterfall and an award-winning chocolate shop.
Travel on a 19th-century funicular
Aberystwyth’s Constitution Hill – called ‘Consti’ by locals – is pretty steep, so why walk up when you could be whisked up on the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway instead? This is the longest electric funicular cliff railway in Britain, and it’s been saving locals’ legs since 1896. Once you’re at the summit, you’ll have awe-inspiring views over the town and Cardigan Bay.
Planning your Ceredigion break
Ceredigion is packed with great things to do – and with two national parks on its doorstep too (Snowdonia/Eryri to the north and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park to the south) it makes a very rewarding location for either a short break or a longer holiday. Camping and glamping are both excellent ways to enjoy this lovely scenery, so take a look through Pitchup’s full collection of Ceredigion campsites to find a place that suits your needs.