Top Things to Do in Cardigan Bay: Your Guide to the Most Exciting Places!
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Cardigan Bay, one of the largest coastal indentations in the United Kingdom, is a nature lover’s heaven.
Once cursed by a Celtic witch and feared by sailors as being home to sea monsters, this stretch of water is now a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
With its striking coastline, quaint fishing villages, and abundance of green spaces, this charming corner of north-west Wales is an excellent place for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors.
However, with so many options available it can be tricky to figure out what are the top things to do in Cardigan Bay.
If you’re looking for exciting things to do when visiting Cardigan Bay, we’ve got you covered! Here is our ultimate guide to the most exciting places…
I have written a post about the myths and legends of Snowdonia, another of my favourite locations in all of Wales. However, if you’re more interested in the nature and wildlife of this stunning country then make sure to read on.
Cardigan Bay’s Magical Marine Life
One of the greatest draws of Cardigan Bay is its range of marine wildlife. It is known as one of the best spots in the entire UK for sighting marine life.
Atlantic grey seals, bottlenose dolphins, and harbour porpoise are the most commonly spotted species in the area.
In fact, they often come quite close to the harbour and are not easily frightened by human life. This is due to them being so used to the environment that they are now unbothered by it!
As well as the regulars, there have been some really special sightings in the area too. This includes dolphin calves, whales, and puffins.
Although you can spot them all year round, the best time for dolphin watching in Cardigan Bay is between June – September.
The best spot for wildlife spotting is in New Quay. You are even able to book a New Quay boat trip to increase your chances of getting really up close and personal with the New Quay dolphins.
The New Quay boat trips are one of the best ways to go dolphin-watching in Wales. They allow you to get up close and personal with the beautiful Cardigan Bay dolphins.
Learn more about the Cardigan Bay dolphins
The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre has put together this handy video so you can learn more about the dolphins before you visit.
Cardigan Castle
Cardigan Castle is a beautiful spot to visit, sitting directly on the bank of the River Teifi near Cardigan Quay.
It is an extremely old castle, built in the Norman era when Cardigan was a thriving medieval town known for its shipbuilding.
It was a hot spot during the English Civil War and, as such, has a long and bloody history.
Luckily, it is no longer quite as wrecked as it might have been. It now hosts a restored Georgian house and gardens.
There are also events held here, including concerts. It won’t take long for you to look around, but it is a very pretty spot indeed.
As it stands, it is certainly an iconic Welsh landmark. Combine this with a visit to the lovely town of Cardigan to make it a full day out.
Poppit Sands
Poppit Sands beach is a beautiful sandy beach found near to Newport in Cardigan Bay. This is a perfect summer holiday destination, due to it’s blue flag bathing status.
This means that you are able to swim in the waters here. You can also enjoy some water sports such as surfing. There are lifeguards stationed here all day in the summer months in order to facilitate this.
Make sure to keep to the marked out swimming zones and check the tide times at Poppit Sands. The currents can get quite strong the further you go towards the river mouth.
There is a Poppit Sands cafe and beach shop for you to enjoy. Parking at Poppit Sands is available.
Park up at Poppit Sands parking for the best spot to enjoy Cardigan Bay Poppit Sands.
This is another one for wildlife lovers, as the sandy dunes at the edge of the beach are a haven for various wildlife. You should also make sure to keep an eye out to sea in the summer. There is a high chance of marine life appearing here.
If you’re looking to stay overnight, there are a few options for Poppit Sands camping. The Allt y Coed campsite is a popular choice because it is located nearby.
There is also a Poppit Sands caravan park if you prefer a few more amenities. Be sure to check the weather at Poppit Sands before your visit to ensure ideal conditions for your beach day or camping trip.
Coastal Trail
The Ceredigion Coastal Path, part of the longer Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, is possibly the most special part of the Wales Coast Path. It contains a variety of landscapes and terrains, as well as stunning coastal views of the ocean and coastal scenery.
It gives a great vantage point for birdwatchers to see the abundant bird life or those wishing to spot marine life.
Combining wildlife watching with one of the amazing Pembrokeshire coastal path circular walks is one of the best ways to enjoy the nature of Wales.
The area around Cemaes Head covers a walk that was a favourite of beloved writer Dylan Thomas.
Other highlights along the path include the picturesque village of St Dogmaels with its historic Abbey ruins, and the wildlife around Cardigan Island. In the spring and summer, the path comes alive with colorful coastal flowers.
For great views, wildlife, and beaches, this is the prime path to hike in all of Wales – and one of the most favoured coastal walks in the entire UK.
It stretches along the entire coastal stretch of Mid-West Wales, although this is a very long stretch of the coastal path.
Make sure to scout out the locations of some of the other things you might fancy doing and then combine these with the most local stretch of coastal path – as all are as enjoyable as any other.
Consult a Pembrokeshire walks map and look for the telltale coastal path signs to plan your route.
See What A Welsh Coastal Path Looks Like
UK Wildcrafts’ has made a wonderful video of the 5th section of the Welsh coastal path, from Cardigan to Machynlleth. See what this amazing walk looks like and why it’s a great thing to do while you’re in the area.
Welsh Wildlife Centre
I did say Cardigan Bay was the perfect spot for nature lovers, didn’t I? Found near the town of Cardigan, the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is a must-stop spot for any wildlife lover.
The centre itself houses information relating to local marine conservation efforts by the Wildlife Trust. This contains a lot of interesting info relating to the work of the trust, as well as educational facilities for kids.
Connected to the Wildlife Centre are the Teifi Marshes – a wonderful nature reserve for you to explore.
You can see a variety of birds and insect species here for you to spot, so photographers should make sure to bring their cameras.
Highlights for potential sightings include hen harriers, kingfishers, dragonflies and even otters.
The marshes are also great for spotting estuary wildlife like wading birds. Don’t miss the historic Y Felin water mill located on the reserve as well.
Aberaeron
Aberaeron is an adorably picturesque harbour town between Aberystwyth and Cardigan. It was developed into a Georgian town out of a quaint fishing village in the 1800s.
The most striking thing about it is it’s stunning array of different coloured houses, making it impossible to miss as you approach.
It makes for a beautiful sight. There are lots of lovely independent shops and craft boutiques to visit in the town, and it is an extremely relaxing way to spend a day.
If you prefer something a little more exciting, then there are also a variety of water sports available on the river that runs through the town.
Either way, this is a really lovely part of Wales that should not be missed, especially if you’re in the area.
Where To Stay In Cardigan Bay
There are loads of beautiful accommodations and Cardigan Bay properties for you to enjoy.
Why not head to a Cardigan Bay holiday park, with tons of amenities, nature and fun for all the family?
If you want to get really close to nature, why not head to a Cardigan Bay camping park? Don’t let the Cardigan Bay weather put you off, as the sun in Wales during the summer can be glorious.
Or, if you don’t want to give up any luxuries during your holiday, check out a beautiful Cardigan Bay guest house, cottage or holiday home. With some stunning places to choose from, this can turn your holiday into a luxurious experience.
Use the search engine to check out some of the best Cardigan Bay accommodations available so you can make your holiday unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cardigan Bay worth visiting?
Yes, there are loads of amazing things to do in Cardigan Bay. If you are a wildlife fan, then Cardigan Bay is one of the best places to head in the entire UK.
Can you see dolphins in Cardigan Bay?
Yes, you can often see bottlenose dolphins in Cardigan Bay. One of the best places to see dolphins in Cardigan Bay is in New Quay in the summer months. You can also take a boat ride out to raise your chances of seeing them.
Why is Cardigan Bay famous?
Cardigan Bay is famous for being home to the largest population of bottlenose dolphins in the entire of Europe. Once again, this makes it the perfect spot to visit for wildlife watchers.
Where is the best place to see seals in Cardigan Bay?
There are tons of amazing places to see seals in Cardigan Bay, but one of the best is in the coves at Cwmtydu. You can see the seals here all year round, but one of the best time to go is in the autumn months where you can see the pups. Just make sure not to disturb them when you visit.
Are there whales in Cardigan Bay?
Yes, there are whales in Cardigan Bay, however it is rare to see them from the shore, even with a good pair of binoculars.This is one of the times it’s good to book a boat trip so you can get further away from the shore and have a better chance at spotting some of the more unique wildlife here.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a place to visit where you can enjoy the great outdoors and see some of Wales’ most charming landscapes, you can’t go wrong with Cardigan Bay.
This beautiful stretch of water is home to many intriguing historical sites, intriguing natural wonders, and mouth-watering seafood dishes.
Even better is the fact that you can visit this magical place year-round, as the weather here is mild and pleasant.
With so many exciting things to do, Cardigan Bay is an excellent choice for a holiday or weekend break.
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Ta-ta for now! x
