The magnificent port town of Cardigan lies next to the River Teifi where Ceredigion meets Pembrokeshire. It is the second-largest town in Ceredigion, just behind Aberystwyth. Cardigan was the county town of the historic county of Cardiganshire. Back in the 18th and early 19th centuries, Cardigan was the most important port in South Wales, it used to export slate, oats, barley and butter.
Now Cardigan is one of the most beautiful and exciting places to explore on your holiday at Croft Farm. We think you’ll love it! Cardigan is less than a ten-minute drive from Croft Farm, so it’s the perfect place to go on a day out.
Explore Cardigan Castle
Cardigan Castle is set next to the River Teifi and was privately owned for a long time and became derelict, a group of volunteers including local Catholic Preist started to raise money to save it. In 2003 Ceredigion County Council bought the castle and it has now had a £12 million renovation.
The castle is open to the public and is something you definitely shouldn’t miss on your day out in Cardigan. In 1176 Cardigan Castle was the site of the first competitive Eisteddfod and hosted the National Eisteddfod of Wales in 1942 and 1976. There is an exhibition investigating 900 years of history in the castle.
In the summer, the castle lawns get transformed into concert venues for singers and bands to showcase their talents. So make sure you keep up to date with what’s going on at Cardigan Castle, you wouldn’t want to miss out.
Rummage through the local shops
Head over to the Cardigan Antique Centre, home to a wide variety of ceramics, jewellery, vintage toys, books, and so much more. Another shop to go to on your day out in Cardigan is Cardigan Guildhall Market. The market is home to many different shops like Jilly’s Flowers, Dancing Sheep, Toby Stitches, and much more.
Another shop to visit on your day out in Cardigan is Bara Menyn Bakehouse, where you will find the most delicious freshly baked bread. All of their bread is made using the finest organic flour, natural sourdough leavens before being proved overnight and baked fresh on a stone the next day.
Visit Pizzatipi
Pizzatipi is on the other side of the River Teifi and is somewhere you must stop on your day out in Cardigan. Pizzatipi is run by 4 brothers and their friends and is has a beautiful riverside courtyard for your to sit, eat, and relax in.
At Pizzatipi you will find mouth-wateringly delicious stonebaked pizzas, handmade bread, and appetizers. All can be served with amazing coffee, local craft beers, or wine.
Visit Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park
Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park is known for its astonishing views over to Cardigan Island, as the park is just 200 metres offshore. This unique Farm Park is located on the headland in the southern part of Cardigan Bay. It’s something you should definitely explore on your day out in Cardigan as it is only a 15-minute drive from Croft Farm.
At the Farm Park, you can see all of the friendly farm animals, such as sheep, cows, donkeys, llamas, guinea pigs, and much more! Head out on their fenced clifftop walk to spot dolphins, seals, wildflowers, and seabirds. Keep an eye out for their signposts to help you learn more about the area and everything you can see.
After a busy few hours or so of exploring you can head over to their cafe for a bite to eat, the full menu is served between 10 am and 4 pm. After 4 pm you are still able to buy snacks, cakes, and drinks. There are also brilliant indoor and outdoor play areas which are the perfect place for your little ones to blow of steam!
Take a trip over to the Welsh Wildlife Centre
The Welsh Wildlife Centre is a 12-minute drive from Croft Farm and is another wonderful place to explore on your day out in Cardigan. There are four different nature-themed walks around Teifi Marsh Nature Reserve and each trail will have something different to explore. On the trails, you will find bird hides which if you are patient enough will show you some new and exciting things!
Keep a lookout for otters, owls, dragonflies, and much more as you explore the area. There are also indoor and outdoor play areas for children to explore. Hot food is served in the Glasshouse Cafe from 10 am until 2:30 pm.
We think you and the whole family will love your day out in Cardigan! With so many things to see and do, how could you not? For more information and ideas for your stay at Croft Farm take a look at our Blog page and follow our Facebook page.
