For coastal, countryside and wildlife holidays in West Wales, Dolhaidd Mansion Holiday Cottages are ideally situated in the Teifi Valley, three miles from the old market town of Newcastle Emlyn. The Teifi Valley is surrounded by rolling hills, deep wooded gorges and lush green valleys, rich in both history and wildlife.
The river runs down to the mouth of Cardigan Bay and unites the three counties of Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire. Open all year round, Dolhaidd Mansion Holiday Cottages are ideally situated for exploring the beaches, countryside and attractions of West Wales. Whether you are interested in walking, birdwatching, fishing, sailing, horse riding, browsing in local craft and antique shops or simply relaxing and enjoying the peace and quiet and fresh air, you will find something here for you!
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); Llangrannog, 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.
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. There are nature walks, bird and otter hides and 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.
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. Oakwood Theme Park, near Tenby, has over 30 rides and attractions including Megafobia and Drenched. Or try Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo which offers an affordable fun day out for the whole family. Visit the Jolly Farm animals, enjoy the outdoor Adventure Parks or ride on the fairground rides in the indoor Funfair. The Dinosaur Park, also near Tenby, is worth a visit and the Heatherton Sports Country Park offers a huge range of activities, most of which are under cover. 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.
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 and restaurants in the local area including The Daffodil at Penrhiwllan (2 miles away) which has an extensive menu of home-cooked meals and desserts.
www.llandysul-paddlers.org.uk
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/http://www.gwili-railway.co.uk/
www.teifivalleyrailway.wales
What a lucky find. Loved the cottage - spacious, comfortable and homey. Beautiful surroundings - so peaceful. Well equipped including all the extras - they make a big difference. Kids love it and the dog was in heaven - I could move in! Over all very thoughtfully done - we have had a lovely week - thank you.
Family C - from Kent
