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The abundance of nature here in West Wales is one of the best reasons to visit this wonderful area and there are in fact more than 70 National Nature Reserve in Wales, where habitats and wildlife are protected. AutumnWatch 2022 was actually filmed in our nearest Nature Reserve, the Welsh Wildlife Centre and Teifi Marshes. There are plenty of other options available within an hour or two's drive, but these are our closest.  1. The Welsh Wildlife Centre, Cilgerran
The Welsh Wildlife Centre is just 10 minutes away from us, in the nearby village of Cilgerran. You can drive there, or a great option is to park up in Cardigan then cross the old bridge and walk over the boardwalks to reach it that way. It's only about a mile each way, and is perfectly flat for buggies or wheelchairs. The newly refurbished visitors centre is a beautiful construction and houses interactive information screens, a fab information centre, a shop, and also the Glasshouse Café, which is good food at good prices. If it's nice, you can take your food outside and enjoy the stunning views over the Teifi valley and Cardigan town. In the school holidays it's worth checking to see if they have anything on for the kids. There's usually nature based arts and crafts, or bug finding and that kind of thing which you can book ahead for. It's a wonderful place to visit at any time of year, there'll always be something to see! Website 2. Pengelli Forest National Nature Reserve, Cardigan Pengelli Forest is part of the largest area of ancient oak woodland in West Wales, where you'll see sessile oak, ash, alder, and birch trees. Near the entrance is a very useful map, which allows you to pick the length of your walk and follow the coloured guide arrow all the way round. It's a great place to head to see bluebells in the spring, and there are plenty of other beautiful wild flowers too as well as hazel, honeysuckle, hawthorn and holly. Website 3. Ty Canol National Nature Reserve, Cardigan This enchanting reserve is covered in ancient oak trees, and rocky outcrops surrounded by wood pasture which as been grazed by cattle, sheep, and ponies for centuries. This open type of woodland means that lichen thrive in this area, because the woodland plants that would have prevent lichen from growing have been grazed. You can also walk to the mystical Pentre Ifan burial chamber from here. Website 4. Llys-y-Fran Reservoir The reservoir and surrounding habitats form part of the Cleddau Rivers special area of conservation and the mix of farmland, woodland, scrub and waterside make it an area rich in a variety of wildlife. You'll find badgers, foxes, otters, and polecats among the woods and forest floor. There is a circular footpath of about 6.5 miles around the reservoir, which includes a self-guided nature trail, and a variety of other land and water based activities on offer. Website Coasteering was born here in West Wales, inspired of course by the fantastically rugged and gorgeous coastline - the second best coastline in the world after New Zealand, according to National Geographic (and we're very happy to take their word for it!). Coasteering basically involves moving yourself along the coastline by scrambling over rocks, exploring caves, jumping off cliffs, hopping on rocks, rushing down waterfalls. It's a super fun way to explore the Pembrokeshire coast, discover the wonderful wildlife and enjoy the spectacular views that define this amazing part of the country. Sound good? Make sure you include it in your itinerary as part of your stay with us. The operators are excellent at catering to all ages from eight upwards, and all abilities and experience; so don't worry if you don't want to do the big cliff jumps, you don't have to. It's definitely advisable to book up with an accredited operator, as they will be very familiar with the coastline, the tides, the caves, and also when and where to avoid breeding birds and seals.  Local operators
1. Celtic Quest Coasteering This award winning team would love to welcome you! They are based south of us near Abereiddy, one of the most spectacular sections of the coast. Website 2. Cardigan Bay Active Based in Cardigan town, this friendly team have a wealth of experience and would love to take you on a trip round Cardigan Bay. Our guests get a 10% discount, too! Website 3. TYF The original and the best - this forward thinking business created Coasteering in 1986, and it's since become a very popular activity here in West Wales. This would be good to combine with a visit to St Davids to make a day of it. Website 4. Tenby Adventure Tenby is always worth a visit while you're here, so this might be a combination day too. Or if you want to keep going with the adrenaline, you could head to Oakwood theme park, too. Website What better sight and sound than water rushing over a steep edge and crashing to the river below... there is something mythical and wonderful about a waterfall, and after all, Pembrokeshire is known as the Land of Magic and Enchantment. Many waterfalls carry legends of hiding entrances to fairy kingdoms and other worlds. And on a hot summer's day, to trail your feet or let your dog splash through the shallows is a special kind of treat. Here in West Wales we have our fair share, due to its landscape of mountains, hills and valleys. So if waterfalls are your thing, there are plenty to visit.  5 Nearest Waterfalls
1. Ffynone Waterfall Less than 20 minutes away, this beautiful waterfall is said to be the entrance to the Celtic other world, and it is referenced in the book. 'Powerful Places in Wales' by Elyn Aviva & Gary White. There is easy parking, and a lovely scenic walk to the waterfall where you can cool your feet or even have a swim if you're brave enough. If you want to extend your walk, you can go quite a bit further. Full details 2. Cenarth Falls Also less than 20 minutes away, Cenarth Falls is a natural beauty spot with a cascade of waterfalls that can easily be seen from the road. The amount of water rushing downstream varies depending on the time of year, and it's worth heading there in the autumn to watch the salmon and migratory seatrout leaping upstream to spawn. There is a car park, and you can stay all day for £2.50. Full details 3. Tresaith Beach Another 20 minute trip - Tresaith Beach is a beautiful sandy beach named after the River Saith, and there's an unusual twist. The river cascades over the cliff to the beach, creating a wonderful waterfall. The added bonus of rockpooling and enjoying the beach make this one worth the trip. Full details 4. Gwaun Valley Waterfall This has the honour of being the tallest waterfall in Pembrokeshire! The footpath has only been open a couple of years, allowing people to see the waterfall for the first time. There are more than 100 steps marking along the 250 path. It's a 26 minute drive to Tregynon, which is the nearest village. Full details 5. Devils Bridge Falls (Mynach Falls) This one is a bit further away, but worth the trip. There are three bridges built on top of each other, and as you go down into the gorge you will come to a viewing platform which gives the best view. It's about a 45 minute walk in all, and can be a bit steep and slippery so take care! As an added bonus, you can catch the Vale of Rheidol Railway train from Aberystwyth and make a good day of it. Full details If this isn't enough to slake your thirst, or you are prepared to travel further, here are some links which may help: 18 Epic Waterfalls in Wales Waterfalls in Wales: Discover the myth, romance and legend 13 Spectacular Waterfalls in Wales The 15 Best Waterfalls in Wales to Visit - Wandering Welsh Girl |