Cardigan

Travel Guide
Cardigan which includes street scenes
This town of twisting medieval streets is a gateway to the magnificent beaches, coastal walks and countryside of Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

Cardigan is a peaceful Welsh town with a well-preserved townscape, which provides the setting for varied arts, crafts and music events. The town straddles the Teifi River at the point where the counties of Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire meet. Its strategic location means there is an array of places to explore: beachside villages, coastal pathways, nature reserves and valleys.

Cardigan grew up around Cardigan Castle, a Norman stronghold perched on a headland on the north bank of the Teifi River. Take a guided tour to discover the stories of the castle’s residents and the battles fought. Learn about the birth of Eisteddfod in 1176, which today is a worldwide celebration of Welsh culture.

Stroll from the castle to the town center, where you’ll find a collection of winding streets framed by elegant Georgian and Victorian-era houses. Many double-up as art galleries, handicraft shops, traditional teahouses and welcoming pubs. Stop at the Cardigan Heritage Centre, which has exhibitions on the town’s history. Browse rotating art displays and shop at artisan markets at Cardigan Guildhall.

Catch a comedy, live music or theater show at the town’s performance venue, Theatr Mwldan. Delve into Welsh language and culture at July’s Gwyl Fawr Aberteifi festival. Celebrate the town’s maritime history at August’s Cardigan Quays Festival.

Put on your walking shoes and experience the striking natural beauty of Cardigan’s coastal and rural landscapes. Trails extend from the town center and connect with both the Ceredigion Coast Path and Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Walk north to the Cardigan Coastal Farm Park and then continue to Mwnt Beach. Head west along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path to Poppit Sands Beach and Cemaes Head.

Follow trails inland to the Welsh Wildlife Centre and the meadows and woodland of Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve. Be sure to join boat and sea-kayaking excursions around Cardigan Bay. Spot bottlenose dolphins, seals and birdlife such as buzzards, cormorants and kestrels.

Cardigan is a 2-hour drive from Cardiff and about 90-minutes from Swansea. Its combination of cultural events, historic sites and natural attractions is a great example of the captivating charm of West Wales.

The Cliff Hotel & Spa
The Cliff Hotel & Spa
3 out of 5
Gwbert, Pembrokeshire, Cardigan, Wales
The price is €110 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
€110
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Cardigan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (689 reviews)
Beautiful location
"Such a beautiful location, staff were lovely and very helpful. Breakfast was lovely and everything was well organised. Room was immaculate and shower worked exceptionally well. Food menu was very limited and didn’t do a huge variety which was a bit of a letdown, and cocktails were very expensive, ..."

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2024

The Cliff Hotel & Spa
Ship Inn
Ship Inn
3.5 out of 5
Tersaith, Cardigan, Ceredigion, Cardigan, Wales
The price is €75 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
€75
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star inn in Cardigan. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (69 reviews)
Sea view
"Beautiful view, spacious room with a sea view. Staff were fantastic, felt very welcome. Great food and comfy bed. The bathroom fan was quite noisy and I couldn't find a way to turn it off which was a bit annoying trying to sleep. Also the hairdryer needs replacing."

Reviewed on 31 Oct 2024

Ship Inn
The Penrallt Hotel
The Penrallt Hotel
4 out of 5
The Penrallt Hotel, Aberporth, Cardigan, Wales
The price is €150 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
€150
includes taxes & fees
9 Nov - 10 Nov
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Cardigan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Aberporth Beach and Dolwen Beach are ...
7.8/10 Good! (16 reviews)
Nice Hotel - small food portions
"Nice hotel. Clean rooms and comfortable beds. There were a view issues with the service, but management sorted them out quickly. Food portion on small side for a man’s appetite."

Reviewed on 10 May 2024

The Penrallt Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Bespoke tranquility just for two (and a furry friend..)
Bespoke tranquility just for two (and a furry friend..)
Cardigan
Stay at this cabin in Cardigan. Enjoy a garden, tennis courts, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Ceibwr Beach and The Coach House Visitor Centre are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
Peace and tranquility
"Compact and cosy. Lovely surroundings and a get away from it all feeling. Great"

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2024

Bespoke tranquility just for two (and a furry friend..)
3-bed holiday cottage with spectacular sea views
3-bed holiday cottage with spectacular sea views
Gwbert
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Cardigan. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Patch Beach and Poppit Sands ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (104 reviews)
A Place to Recharge Your Batteries
"Another year and another relaxing stay. If you love the sea and sunsets then this is the ideal spot. Beautiful location."

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2024

3-bed holiday cottage with spectacular sea views
Trenewydd Farm Holiday Cottages
Trenewydd Farm Holiday Cottages
Moylegrove, Cardigan, Wales
Stay at this cottage in Cardigan. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and a picnic area. Popular attractions The Coach House Visitor Centre and St Dogmaels Abbey are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Amazing stay here for two nights. Peaceful and calm with friendly and helpful owners. Thanks for the lovely break."

Reviewed on 1 Sep 2024

Trenewydd Farm Holiday Cottages
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Cardigan

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
16
" "5 - Excellent 36.36363636363637%
4 - Good
26
" "4 - Good 59.09090909090909%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 4.545454545454546%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Very friendly people.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

All the seaside villages between Cardigan and Aberaeron are worth a visit

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Visiting family in newquay

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lovely quaint place.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

have known cardigan for many years

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Looks like a very nice clean place with wonderful views of the sea.