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.

As the warmth of the summer fades into autumn, there's a distinct charm in taking a leisurely walk through the woods and there are several to choose from in this area.

The woods in autumn offer a change of scenery, with leaves turning into a vibrant display of reds, yellows, and oranges. The air carries a refreshing crispness that awakens the senses. As you tread upon the forest floor, the satisfying crunch of fallen leaves accompanies your every step.

So, as autumn approaches, consider a simple walk in the woods. It's a chance to slow down, breathe in the crisp air, and find joy in the understated beauty that surrounds you. Sometimes, the most fulfilling journeys are the ones that require nothing more than an appreciation for the season and a willingness to wander.

1. Pengelli Forest
This forest is part of one of the largest ancient Oak woodlands in West Wales and is a wonderful place for a peaceful walk on crunchy autumn leaves. There are four circular walks of varying lengths, so you can choose the most suitable for you.
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2. Ty Canol
This 170-acre ancient woodland dating back at least 6000 years is a National Nature Reserve and it is in an area famous for its archaeological sites. This forest is old, and it's beautiful, and it's a joy to wander round with its moss covered trees and many species of lichen.
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3. Coedmor National Nature Reserve
This gorgeous walk along the Teifi Gorge follows a riverbank path and is particularly lovely in the autumn with the range of fungi to see. It is now a nature reserve to protect the oak woodlands and wildlife.
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4. Pantmaenog Forest
If you're looking for panoramic views as part of your forest walk then this is the one for you. Look out for kestrels, buzzards, and red kites on your way round. 
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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