Ponty Bargoed

The coast is within easy striking distance of Ponty Bargoed. You could start your coastal adventures in New Quay (20 minutes’ drive), where boat trips depart during the season to try and catch a glimpse of the local dolphin population. If you fancy a more laidback day, unwind at the beach before grabbing something to eat from the local eateries (preferably one with a sea view…). Aberporth (20 minutes) has a gorgeous, wide sandy bay too, although it's not as long as Penbryn Beach (20 minutes), a one-mile beach with pretty cliffs and dunes managed by the National Trust. Aberaeron (20 minutes) is yet another coastal spot within 20 minutes’ drive of the site. This one has colourful houses, scenic restaurants and a harbour. Inland activities might centre around Newcastle Emlyn (15 minutes), where there are lots of local shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants, as well as castle ruins. The Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (Brecon Beacons) is not too far away either if you're a keen hiker; one of the nearest hikes is Llyn y Fan Fach (an hour and a half), and it's near The Red Kite Feeding Station (an hour and five minutes) too.