Cardigan sits on the border of Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, a few miles from the sea, and on the banks of the River Teifi. Its Welsh name is Aberteifi.
Dotted around its medieval streets, and in its Victorian and Georgian buildings, are arts and craft shops, cafés, boutiques and a castle, which dates to the 12th century., making it ideal for bracing walks along Cardigan Bay. It is also just 30 minutes’ walk to the ruins of the Grade I listedCardigan River and Food FestivalCardigan doesn’t have a rail station. Aberystwyth is served by Transport for Wales. Take the TrawsCymru T5 bus to Cardigan.
There is a 10-mile round-trip route between Mwnt and the fishing village of Aberporth, which has a 100m-wide beach. At Mwnt, you can climb Foel y Mwnt, a hill with views of the Irish Sea or visit the white1) In 1176, Cardigan Castle was host to the first Eisteddfod, a Welsh competition for music and poetry. The event is now held every August, each time in a different place in North and South Wales.
2) In the early 1800s, Cardigan was one of Britain’s largest ports, behind London, Liverpool and Bristol. In 1816, 300 ships were registered at the port. 3) Rhys ap Gruffydd, who built Cardigan Castle and was its first resident, is believed to be the first Welshman to build a stone castle.