From Castles to Beaches: The Top Day Trips from New Quay
If you’re planning a trip to New Quay, Wales, you’re in for a treat. This charming seaside town is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning coastline, and rich history. But did you know that there are also plenty of amazing day trips to be had in the surrounding area? Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a fun day out, there’s something for everyone here.
Located on the west coast of Wales, New Quay is situated in the county of Ceredigion. The town itself is small and picturesque, with colourful houses lining the harbour and a lively atmosphere. But it’s the natural beauty of the surrounding area that really sets it apart. From rugged cliffs to sandy beaches, rolling hills to ancient castles, there’s no shortage of stunning scenery to explore.
We’ll be taking a look at the top day trips from New Quay. We’ll cover everything from historic castles to beautiful beaches, wildlife spotting to scenic hikes. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with the whole family, we’ve got you covered. So pack your bags and get ready for some unforgettable adventures
Castles and Historic Sites
If you're a fan of history and architecture, the area around New Quay has plenty of castles and ancient sites to explore. Here are some of the top picks for a day trip back in time:
Cilgerran castle
Located just a short drive from New Quay, Cilgerran Castle is a well-preserved 13th-century castle that sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the River Teifi. The castle was originally built by the Normans to defend the area against Welsh attacks, and it played an important role in several battles over the centuries.
Visitors can explore the castle ruins and learn about its fascinating history through interactive exhibits and displays. The castle also hosts regular events and activities, such as reenactments and medieval-themed festivals
Open: 10:00 - 16:00 (Daily)
National Trust
Cardigan castle
Cardigan Castle is another historic site located just a short drive from New Quay. The castle has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the 12th century. It was once the home of Welsh princes and played an important role in the Welsh Wars of Independence.
Today, visitors can explore the castle ruins, visit the on-site museum, and enjoy the beautiful gardens and grounds. The castle also hosts regular events, such as live music performances and outdoor theatre.
Open: Open 7 days a week Apr - Oct, 10.00am -4.00pm (11am opening on Sundays)
Cardigan Castle
St. Dogmaels Abbey
St. Dogmaels Abbey is a well-preserved 12th-century abbey that sits on the banks of the River Teifi. The abbey was founded by the Welsh prince Rhys ap Gruffydd and played an important role in the religious and cultural history of the area.
Visitors can explore the abbey ruins, learn about its history through informative displays, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the riverside location. The abbey is also located near the charming village of St. Dogmaels, which has a number of quaint shops and cafes to explore.
Open: Mon - Sat 10:00 - 16:00
Visit Pembrokeshire
Natural Wonders
The natural beauty of the New Quay area is truly breathtaking, with rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, and stunning cliffs. Here are some of the top natural wonders to explore:
Mwnt Beach and Cliffs
Located just a short drive from New Quay, Mwnt Beach is a secluded and picturesque spot that is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The beach is backed by dramatic cliffs, which are home to a variety of bird species, such as choughs and peregrine falcons.
Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the beach, explore the nearby church and holy well, and hike up to the top of the cliffs for stunning views of the surrounding area.
Car Parking: £5
National Trust
Llangrannog Beach and Coves
Llangrannog Beach is a beautiful sandy beach that is popular with families, surfers, and swimmers. The beach is surrounded by rugged cliffs and coves, which are perfect for exploring and rock pooling.
Visitors can relax on the beach, enjoy a meal or a drink at one of the nearby cafes and pubs, and take a stroll along the coastal path to discover hidden coves and breathtaking views.
Car Parking: Pay and Display
Visit Mid-Wales
New Quay Harbour and Coastal Walk
New Quay Harbour is a charming and historic fishing village that is steeped in maritime history. The harbour is still home to a small fishing fleet, and visitors can watch the boats come and go, or even take a boat trip themselves.
Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the scenic coastal path, which offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding countryside. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, such as dolphins, seals, and seabirds. The coastal walk also passes by several interesting landmarks, such as the ruins of a Napoleonic-era fort and the remains of an old lime kiln.
Car Parking: Lots of free and paid options
cardigan-bay.com
Off the beaten path
While New Quay and its surrounding areas are well-known for their beautiful natural scenery and historic landmarks, there are also plenty of hidden gems to discover. Here are some of the top off-the-beaten-path attractions to check out:
National Wool Museum
Located in the nearby town of Dre-fach Felindre, the National Wool Museum is a fascinating and unique attraction that celebrates Wales' rich textile heritage. The museum is housed in a restored Victorian-era woollen mill, and features exhibits on wool production, weaving, and the history of the Welsh wool industry.
Visitors can explore the museum's interactive exhibits, watch live demonstrations of traditional weaving techniques, and shop for unique Welsh textiles and souvenirs. There's also a cafe on-site that serves locally-sourced food and drinks.
National Wool Museum
Teifi Valley Railway
The Teifi Valley Railway is a charming narrow-gauge steam railway that runs for 2.5 miles through the beautiful Teifi Valley countryside. The railway was originally built in the early 20th century to transport local goods and passengers, but was later restored as a tourist attraction.
Visitors can take a leisurely ride on the vintage steam train, which offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and forests. There's also a museum and visitor center on-site, where visitors can learn about the history of the railway and its role in the local community.
Teifi Valley Railway
Pentre Ifan Burial Chamber
Pentre Ifan is a prehistoric burial chamber that dates back to the Neolithic period, around 3,500 BCE. The chamber is situated on a hilltop overlooking the beautiful Nevern Valley, and is thought to have been used for ceremonial purposes by the local community.
Visitors can explore the chamber and its surrounding ancient landscape, which includes standing stones, burial mounds, and other mysterious prehistoric monuments. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as red kites and buzzards.
Cadw.gov
Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply getting off the beaten path, the area surrounding New Quay has something for everyone.
From hiking the coastal path to exploring hidden beaches and villages, there's always something new to discover.
We highly recommend taking the time to explore the area around New Quay and immerse yourself in the beauty and history of this unique part of Wales. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, we're sure you'll fall in love with this enchanting corner of the world. So pack your bags, hit the road, and see where the adventure takes you!