10 Things to Do in Cardigan Bay with Kids
Known for its stunning views and rich heritage, Cardigan Bay is a wonderful place for families to visit. While we know that it can be hard to keep kids entertained, Cardigan Bay really does have something for all ages to enjoy. But don’t just take our word for it. Discover 10 of the best things to do in Cardigan Bay with kids below.
1. Cardigan Castle
With almost a millennium of stories to tell, Cardigan Castle is a must see. There is a link to multiple eras of Welsh history, with medieval castle walls and a restored Georgian house. Cardigan Castle is also the birthplace of the Eisteddfod, Wales’ biggest cultural festival of poetry and music.
On top of that, the castle’s stunning regency gardens are grade II listed and full of rare and interesting plants that are sure to interest any budding botanists. Members get free entry to the castle for twelve months, as well as discounted accommodation and access to exclusive special events.
2. Cardigan Island Farm Park
A family run business for five generations, this unique Farm Park is a great place to visit for all the family. Cardigan Island Farm Park has spectacular views of Cardigan Island, which is a private nature reserve only 200 metres offshore. Look out for the nearby colony of Atlantic grey seals and the only resident dolphins in Welsh waters.
Farm animals at the park include locals like chickens and pigs, as well as the more unusual, like wallabies and emus! With all these and more, as well as gorgeous walks on the headland and a new adventure playground, this is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Cardigan Bay with the kids.
3. Silver Mountain Experience
For a fabulous day out for all the family, why not visit the historic Silver Mountain Experience? Based at a preserved silver-lead ore mine, this is the perfect place to take your family if you’ve got a keen interest in history. They offer multiples tours with points of interest for everyone.
Learn all about the mining industry in Wales, as well as some of the local myths and legends. For kids under eight, don’t miss their magical tour – ‘A Dragon’s Tale’. Young knights can go on a quest to find the shy but friendly dragon, Grotty, who supposedly lives in the mountain. There’s also the magical Woo Hoo Woods, where kids and adults can both get stuck into den making.
4. Cardigan Bay Active
With a wide variety of outdoor activities on offer, Cardigan Bay Active is a great place to start when looking for family-friendly attractions in Cardigan Bay. Opened in 2011, this activity centre aims to provide family bonding time led by local tutors. Sessions run from two and a half hours to a full day, and are tailored for either children, adults or the whole family.
Spend your day exploring the gorgeous natural landscape of Cardigan, with everything from surfing lessons to abseiling, and even white water rafting on offer. Or if you’d like to practise your aim, why not give archery or axe throwing a go?
5. Theatr Mwldan
For families with older kids, Theatr Mwldan offers a touch of culture. Wales’ only independent multiplex in the heart of Cardigan, this theatre and 3-screen cinema provides diverse artistic activity all year round. Whatever your interests, there’s a wide range of art forms to choose from, including opera, stand-up comedy and mainstream movies. They also offer classes and performances hosted by others, so it’s definitely somewhere to keep an eye on. Plus, there’s a bar for the grown-ups!
6. FootGolf at Trenewydd Farm
7. Vale of Rheidol Railway
Step back in time with the Vale of Rheidol Railway. The beautiful, restored steam trains take you on a journey through scenic valleys from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge. Children can even get a toy train as a souvenir from the shop at the end of the journey. For more information about this Cardigan Bay attraction and other idyllic local steam train journeys, check out some of the most picturesque steam railways in Wales on our blog.
8. Welsh Wildlife Centre
An award winning Visitor Centre, the Welsh Wildlife Centre is seated in the stunning Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve. Events run throughout the school holidays and on weekends for adults, children and families. Children can hire an adventure backpack which contains lots of fun activities to help them explore the site. There’s also a visitor centre with a willow maze and children’s play area, making this one of the top Cardigan Bay attractions for kids!
The reserve’s trails include the wheelchair accessible Explorer Trail, the Wetland Trail along an old railway track and the beautiful Woodland Trail. There’s also a more challenging Gorge Trail with scenic views over the River Teifi.
The Wildlife centre is also the perfect place for birdwatchers, and animal lovers will be delighted to see otters, deer and Asian water buffalo that call the reserve home. Plus, all profits from the Centre go towards the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales’ conservation work.
9. Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips
From April to October, dolphin spotting is a fun and educational experience for people of all ages. Newquay Boat Trips offer private cruises on the Dreamcatcher, evening cruises on the Ervol V, and daily dolphin spotting cruises around Cardigan Bay. With over 65 years of experience in the business, a boat trip with these guys is a great choice. Plus, it’s definitely the best way to see dolphins, porpoises and seals in their natural habitat off the west coast of Wales.
10.The Beaches
This might seem like an obvious one, but no list of things to do in Cardigan Bay would be complete without mentioning the beaches! Mywt Beach offers gorgeous cliff-top views and is great for swimming. Poppit Sands beach has lots of space for kids to run around and Tresaith beach is ideal for young explorers who want to investigate the rockpools. The Aberporth beaches are also perfect for families, with independent cafes and sea angling to enjoy. Or, if you’re bringing your pooch along, Dyffryn beach is perfect for families with dogs.
For more fun with the kids, why not try one of these fun days out for families in the Brecon Beacons? Or, for a grown-ups only trip, check out the distilleries in Wales you need to visit during your stay.
