Cardigan

Travel Guide
Cardigan showing 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.

Ship Inn
Ship Inn
3.5 out of 5
Tersaith, Cardigan, Ceredigion, Cardigan, Wales
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥13,524 per night from Apr 11 to Apr 12
¥13,524
per night
Apr 11 - Apr 12
Stay at this 3.5-star inn in Cardigan. Enjoy free WiFi, a terrace, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (57 reviews)
"Great hotel, stayed a few times and food is also really good!"

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Ship Inn
The Cliff Hotel & Spa
The Cliff Hotel & Spa
3 out of 5
Gwbert, Pembrokeshire, Cardigan, Wales
The price is ¥15,621 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
¥15,621
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Cardigan. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (638 reviews)
"Everything was excellent. The only comments I would like to make, are that for a prestigious hotel, it is a shame to have PLASTIC disposable glasses in our room. Also an extra safety bar is needed for getting in and out of the over bath shower. No faults otherwise."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

The Cliff Hotel & Spa
Flambards Hotel and Restaurant
Flambards Hotel and Restaurant
4 out of 5
Llechryd, Cardigan, Wales
The price is ¥15,753 per night from Mar 29 to Mar 30
¥15,753
per night
Mar 29 - Mar 30
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cardigan. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Welsh Wildlife Centre and Cilgerran ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (155 reviews)
"A little cool for us soft southerners!!"

Reviewed on Feb 22, 2024

Flambards Hotel and Restaurant
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.
Traeth Rooms
Traeth Rooms
3 out of 5
Banc Y Dyffryn, Aberporth, Cardigan, Wales
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Cardigan. Enjoy free parking, a terrace, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Aberporth Beach and Dolwen Beach are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (17 reviews)
"Lovely property. Close to beach. Perfect for our dog. Well equipped room"

Reviewed on Feb 25, 2024

Traeth Rooms
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 onsite parking, a garden, and a picnic area. Popular attractions The Coach House Visitor Centre and St Dogmaels Abbey are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
Idyllic
"We had a very relaxing stay in this little corner of serenity. The Shepherd's hut was beautifully created and felt very private with its own outdoor area, hammock and firepit. Our hosts were perfect, nothing was a problem and our pooch really enjoyed it too. Would definitely recommend."

Reviewed on Sep 25, 2023

Bespoke tranquility just for two (and a furry friend..)
Y Clinc @ Ty Hedd -  police station stay for 28
Y Clinc @ Ty Hedd - police station stay for 28
Cardigan
Stay at this cottage in Cardigan. Enjoy 5 bathrooms and 7 bedrooms. Popular attractions Cardigan Guildhall Market and Cardigan Castle are located nearby. Discover ...
Y Clinc @ Ty Hedd - police station stay for 28
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.

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