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If you are looking for another reason to visit the beautiful Cardigan Bay coast, here it is. New Quay in Ceredigion has been named the best coastal town in the UK, according to a recent guide from Holiday Cars. And while places such as Tenby and Saundersfoot might usually get all the attention, we are not surprised to see New Quay taking the top spot. In fact, it is one of our favourite places to recommend to guests staying here at Trenewydd Farm.  So, what makes New Quay so special?
New Quay is a traditional Welsh harbour town overlooking Cardigan Bay, with colourful houses, sandy beaches, independent shops, cafes and a working harbour. It has that wonderful combination of being beautiful enough to feel like a proper seaside destination, while still having plenty of character and a sense of being a real Welsh coastal town. There are three beaches around New Quay, each with its own character. Harbour Beach is the main sandy beach, sheltered by the harbour wall and cliffs. It is particularly popular with families and is a great place for swimming, paddling and building sandcastles. Dolau Beach sits on the other side of the harbour and has a mixture of sand, rocks and pebbles. Then there is Traeth Gwyn, a much wilder stretch of beach which opens out towards Llanina Point. At low tide it becomes a wonderful expanse of sand and is particularly popular with dog walkers. And then there are the dolphins... This is probably the thing that makes New Quay really stand out. Cardigan Bay is home to Britain's largest resident population of bottlenose dolphins, and New Quay is one of the best places to see them. During the summer, dolphins can often be spotted from the harbour wall, while boat trips give you the opportunity to head out into the bay and see them from the water. There are several wildlife boat trips operating from the harbour, with the chance to see dolphins, porpoises and grey seals. If you are particularly lucky, you might even spot something rather more unusual, such as a basking shark or whale. Remember, if you're staying with us at Trenewydd Farm then you get a 10% discount from the guys at Dolphin Spotting Boat Tours - ask us how to get the discount! Of course, wildlife is wildlife, so there are never any guarantees. But that is part of the fun! A great place for a coastal walk New Quay is also a fantastic starting point for exploring the Ceredigion coast. The Wales Coast Path passes through the town and there is a lovely circular walk of around 5km starting and finishing at New Quay harbour. Along the way, you can enjoy spectacular views across Cardigan Bay and keep an eye out for dolphins and harbour porpoises. For anyone who enjoys walking, this is a brilliant way to experience the coastline without simply spending the day on the beach. And if you fancy going further, there are plenty of other beautiful coastal spots nearby, including Aberporth, Llangrannog, Tresaith and Mwnt. New Quay and Dylan Thomas New Quay also has an interesting connection with one of Wales' best known writers, Dylan Thomas. Thomas spent the winter of 1944 and 1945 in the area and the landscape, characters and people of New Quay are thought to have influenced his writing. He lived at Majoda overlooking Traeth Gwyn and spent time in the town's pubs and around the harbour. It is another layer to what makes the town interesting. You can come for the beach and dolphins, but there is plenty of history here too. New Quay from Trenewydd Farm One of the things we love about staying at Trenewydd Farm is that you have so many completely different days out within easy reach. New Quay is a particularly good choice when you fancy a traditional seaside day. You can head down to the beach, wander around the harbour, have lunch or an ice cream, take a coastal walk and, if the timing is right, book a boat trip to look for dolphins. It is also easy to combine New Quay with other places along the Cardigan Bay coast. You could start at New Quay, stop for a walk or beach visit at Llangrannog or Aberporth, and then head back towards Cardigan. And if you are bringing the dog, there are options too. Dogs are allowed all year on Dolau Beach and Traeth Gwyn, although restrictions apply on Harbour Beach during the summer months. We already knew New Quay was special We might be slightly biased, but we have been recommending New Quay to our guests for years. It is one of those places that works for almost everyone. Families can spend the day on the beach, walkers can explore the coast, wildlife lovers can go dolphin spotting and anyone who simply wants to sit beside the harbour with an ice cream can do exactly that. So, the next time you are staying at Trenewydd Farm and wondering where to go for a day by the sea, take the short trip to New Quay. Apparently Britain has caught up with us. New Quay is officially one of the best coastal towns in the country, and we think it is well worth discovering for yourself. Finding something that keeps everyone happy on holiday is not always easy. But this is one of those places that genuinely delivers for all ages, a day out that feels different from the usual beach or town visit. Tucked away in the countryside near Cardigan, Castell Henllys Iron Age Village offers a chance to experience life as it would have been over 2,000 years ago.  Where Is Castell Henllys?
Set within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the site is surrounded by woodland, river valleys and open countryside. It feels a world away from busy tourist spots, yet it is only a short drive from the coast and nearby towns. A Real Iron Age Experience What makes Castell Henllys so special is its authenticity. The roundhouses you see today have been carefully rebuilt on their original Iron Age foundations, based on years of archaeological research. As you explore, you are not just looking at history, you are walking through it. Inside the roundhouses, you can get a real sense of how people lived, cooked and gathered as a community thousands of years ago. Throughout the year, costumed interpreters bring the village to life, sharing stories, skills and traditions from the past, giving it a hands on feel that children especially love. What Life Would Have Been Like Life here would have centred around the community. Fires burned constantly inside the homes, providing warmth, light and a place to cook. Families worked together to produce food, clothing and tools, relying on skill, teamwork and the land around them. It is easy to imagine the rhythm of daily life, from preparing meals to crafting tools, with the surrounding landscape playing a vital role in survival. Wildlife And Woodland Walks Beyond the village itself, there is plenty more to explore. The site is surrounded by peaceful woodland and riverside paths, home to a wide range of wildlife. From small mammals hidden in the undergrowth to bats and birds overhead, there is always something to spot as you wander. It adds another layer to the visit, combining history with nature in one relaxed day out. The Barefoot Trail One of the highlights for families is the barefoot trail, a fun and slightly adventurous way to experience the landscape. Walk across a variety of natural surfaces, from smooth wood to pebbles and clay, all designed to create a sensory experience that kids will talk about long after the visit. There is also an accessible path running alongside, so everyone can enjoy the route in their own way. A Relaxed Finish To Your Visit After exploring, the visitor centre is the perfect place to wind down. There is a café for drinks and light bites, a shop for souvenirs, and interactive exhibits that keep younger visitors engaged right to the end of the day. Make It Part Of Your Stay Staying at Trenewydd Farm Holiday Cottages puts you within easy reach of Castell Henllys Iron Age Village, making it an easy and memorable day out during your break. Combine it with time in Cardigan or a trip to the coast, then head back to relax and recharge. It is the kind of experience that sticks with you, something a little different, a little unexpected, and a great way to add variety to your holiday. Whether you're a seasoned twitcher or simply enjoy the calming presence of birdsong over your morning cuppa, West Wales is a haven for bird lovers. From clifftop lookouts to estuary hideouts, the region is home to an extraordinary range of species – and the best bit? Many of them are just a short drive (or even walk!) from Trenewydd. Here’s a guide to some of the best birdwatching spots nearby, and what to keep an eye – and ear – out for during your stay with us.  Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve – Just 10 Minutes Away
Run by the Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales, Teifi Marshes is one of the best birding spots in the area. With a mix of reedbeds, freshwater pools, woodland, and the River Teifi itself, it attracts a rich variety of birds year-round. What to spot:
The reserve has several hides, an excellent visitor centre at the Welsh Wildlife Centre, and it’s dog-friendly (on leads) – ideal if you're heading out with your four-legged companion. Strumble Head – For Seabirds and Sheer Drama If you fancy a trip up the coast, Strumble Head, near Fishguard, offers incredible views and dramatic clifftop birdwatching. It’s a brilliant spot for watching seabird colonies in action, and in autumn, it becomes a magnet for migratory species. Look out for:
Bring your binoculars – and a windproof jacket! Cardigan Bay Cliffs – Birdlife Meets Dolphins Just along the coast, the cliffs near Mwnt, Aberporth and New Quay offer something a little special: not just seabirds, but a chance to watch bottlenose dolphins and Atlantic grey seals while you’re at it. The combination of stunning scenery and soaring birds makes this a peaceful place to linger. Birds you might see:
If you're staying at Trenewydd, we’ll happily point you to our favourite quiet cliff walks nearby. Birds at Trenewydd You don’t have to go far to spot something special – in fact, you might not need to leave your cottage at all! Trenewydd’s gardens, hedgerows, and open skies attract a variety of regular visitors, including:
Bring your binoculars and a cuppa outside your cottage, and see what you can spot! West Wales is one of the UK’s hidden birdwatching gems so if this is your passion, make the most of it during your stay. There’s something unforgettable about seeing a dolphin leap through the surf just metres from your boat, or even from the shore. Cardigan Bay is one of the best places in the UK to witness this magic, home to the largest population of bottlenose dolphins in the country. These playful, intelligent creatures can often be seen riding the waves, leaping into the air, or swimming alongside boats, creating moments that thrill children and adults alike. Whether you're on a dedicated boat tour or simply looking out from a clifftop, spotting a dolphin in the wild is a truly special experience, and one that keeps visitors coming back year after year.  Meet the Cardigan Bay Dolphins
Cardigan Bay is home to over 250–300 bottlenose dolphins, many of which live here all year round. These dolphins are larger than those found in other UK waters, thanks to the colder climate and rich feeding grounds of West Wales. With some reaching lengths of up to 4 metres, they’re a majestic sight to behold. Dolphins in Cardigan Bay are known for their acrobatic behaviour, often breaching the water’s surface or playing in the wake of passing boats. This section of coastline is part of a Special Area of Conservation, offering protection not just to dolphins, but also to a wide variety of other marine life. Other Marine Visitors to Look Out For Dolphins may steal the show, but Cardigan Bay has more marine magic to offer. You might spot Atlantic grey seals lounging on the rocks or bobbing in the surf, especially around Cardigan Island and Mwnt. On occasion, harbour porpoises, sunfish, or even basking sharks and minke whales make appearances. Seabird watchers will also be rewarded with gannets, guillemots, razorbills, and even the occasional puffin along the coast. Dolphin Spotting Tours – Dog-Friendly Options The best way to increase your chances of seeing dolphins up close is to take a boat tour with an experienced, wildlife-conscious operator. They're dog friendly too, so don't leave your pet behind! We recommend: 1. Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips (New Quay) This long-established operator offers 1–2 hour trips and follows the recommended marine code of conduct. Dogs are welcome to join the adventure at no extra cost. 2. SeaMôr (New Quay) Run by marine biologists, SeaMôr offers guided tours with plenty of fascinating facts along the way. Boats are stable and open for great viewing, and dogs are allowed onboard. 3. A Bay to Remember (Cardigan & Gwbert) Launching from the Cardigan side of the bay, this company operates exhilarating RIB tours to areas rich in marine life. While trips are weather-dependent, dogs are welcome on many sailings - just check ahead when booking. Top Tips for Spotting Dolphins
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 |
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