Beaches and coast
The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path and the Marine Heritage Coast of Cardigan Bay are within easy reach. The coastal waters are home to an abundance of marine wildlife including bottlenose dolphins, seals, porpoises and seabird colonies. It is a splendid coastline of cliffs, estuaries and long beaches.

The local beaches are safe and clean and many have been awarded Blue Flag status. Our personal favourites include Poppit Sands near Cardigan (quiet even on the busiest days); Mwnt and Penbryn (National Trust); Llangranog, New Quay and Tresaith to the north and the magnificent Newport Sands to the west. To the south, easily accessible along our quiet country roads, are the popular beaches of Pembrey (with its Country Park), Pendine (visit the Museum of Speed too) and Tenby as well as the Dylan Thomas house at Laugharne.

Mwnt View

Wildlife
The local area offers a wealth of opportunities for enjoying the natural environment. More than 50 species of birds have been seen at Dolhaidd Mansion itself. The rare Red Kite breeds locally and buzzards are frequently seen. Choughs nest on the rugged cliffs particularly around Mwnt. The Teifi river is home to otters and visitors to Dolhaidd Mansion may well be lucky enough to watch the resident family of otters fishing and playing in the water. Kingfishers and dippers are abundant. Watch out for mink in the mornings and graceful barnowls at dusk.

The Welsh Wildlife Centre and Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve near Cilgerran have 265 acres of the best wildlife habitat in Wales. It has nature walks, otter hides and the recently introduced water buffalo in the marshes around the estuary. There is also an award-winning visitor centre.

For those who want a more hands-on approach, Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park offers the chance to hand-feed llamas, wallabies and piglets. Not to be missed is the spectacular walk to the cliff-top viewing point where seals are almost guaranteed. Stop and have a picnic and keep an eye out for dolphins too.

The Tropical Butterfly House at Felinwynt is well worth a visit if you can stand the heat!

Other Attractions
Don’t miss a trip to the famous “Salmon Leap” falls at Cenarth, home of the coracle fishermen and the National Coracle Centre. Enjoy a stroll around this conservation village with its 17th century flour mill, pretty teashops and traditional pubs.
We love the much less well-known walk by the rapids near the bridge at Henllan.

One of many in this part of West Wales, Cilgerran Castle - situated amongst woods on the rim of a steep gorge - is well worth a visit. In our opinion, the best way to reach Cilgerran Castle is to take a stroll along the riverside path from Llechryd Bridge. The beauty and tranquility along this stretch is breathtaking.

For those interested in steam railway, try a ride on the Teifi Valley Railway at Henllan. This narrow gauge railway offers a 2 mile journey through lovely countryside, just across the river from Dolhaidd Mansion Holiday Cottages, with splendid views of the Teifi Valley.

The Gwili Steam Railway, near Carmarthen, takes you through wooded hills and open fields, along the river offering a living reminder of the Great Western Railway branch line following the route originally taken by the Carmarthen to Aberystwyth line.

For family days out, the choice is equally wide. Enjoy the attractions at Oakwood Leisure Park or Groveland Adventure World. The Dyfed Shire Horse Farm, Folly Farm and Heron’s Brook also offer fun for all. There are swimming pools and leisure centres in Newcastle Emlyn, Cardigan and Carmarthen.

At Drefach Felindre, just a mile from Dolhaidd Mansion Holiday Cottages, you will find the Museum of the Welsh Woollen Industry. There were once 40 mills around Drefach Felindre and the museum brings to life the story of this community. You will find a working woollen mill, a cafe, museum shop and riverside picnic area.

The West Wales Museum of Childhood is well worth a visit, for the young and the young at heart. Just a mile away in Llangeler, you will be able to re-live your childhood memories. Enjoy the tea-room and gift shop too.

For those of you keen on gardening, the National Botanic Garden near Carmarthen is a must-see. Set in 100 acres, this is the first major botanic garden in the UK for over 200 years. It is centered on the Great Glass House, the largest single-span glasshouse in the world.

Also worth a visit is Aberglasney, a 16/17th century historic garden and house set in the picturesque Tywi Valley (as seen in the BBC series “Aberglasney - a garden lost in time”).

There is a good selection of pubs in the local area, including the Pensarnau Arms, just one mile away. It serves excellent home-cooked dishes and delicious take-away pizzas.

The Lamb at Rhos (4 miles away) has an extensive menu of home-cooked meals and desserts.

Useful Links:
Streetmap.co.uk
fishing-in-wales.co.uk
gwili-railway.co.uk
gardenofwales.org.uk
lastminute-wales.com
www.teifiriverguides.co.uk
www.victoriacorker.com
www.toymuseumwales.co.uk
www.llwynhelygfarmshop.co.uk