Cardigan Cottages with Hot Tubs

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Cardigan Guide

Cardigan's hot tub cottages offer a brilliant base for exploring west Wales. The town sits at the mouth of the River Teifi with Cardigan Bay stretching north and Pembrokeshire to the south.

You'll find everything from traditional stone cottages with wood-burning stoves to modern eco-retreats with glass walls and those all-important hot tubs. Groups should check out the converted barns that sleep 10+ people, while couples might prefer the shepherd's huts and glamping pods.

TripAdvisor's top attractions include Cardigan Castle (4.5/5), Mwnt Beach (4.5/5) and the Welsh Wildlife Centre (4.5/5). The town's annual River and Food Festival in August pulls in thousands of visitors.

TV presenter Alex Jones (The One Show) grew up nearby and often mentions her love for the area. The town has a dark history too - it was the site of the first successful Welsh uprising against the Normans in 1136.

Get More From Your Cardigan Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Cardigan packs a lot into a small space. I always tell people to start at Cardigan Castle (SA43 1JA, open 10am-4pm daily April-October, £8.50 adults). It's where the first Eisteddfod was held in 1176 and has been brilliantly restored with gardens and a restaurant.

The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre (SA43 1JX) is free to enter and the staff will tell you where dolphins were spotted that morning. They've logged over 400 dolphins in the bay!

St Dogmaels Abbey (SA43 3DX, free entry) sits just outside town and dates back to 1115. The ruins are impressive and there's a brilliant farmers market every Tuesday morning where you can buy local cheese, bread and cakes.

For beaches, you're spoilt for choice. Poppit Sands (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor) has lifeguards in summer and a huge car park. Mwnt Beach (4.5/5) is smaller but more sheltered with a 13th century church perched above it.

Pet Friendly

Dogs love Cardigan! Most beaches allow dogs year-round, with Poppit Sands only having restrictions in July and August on a small section. The coastal path offers miles of walkies with stunning views.

The Black Lion (SA43 1HU) in town welcomes dogs in the bar area and even offers water bowls and treats. We've seen staff fussing over dogs more than their owners!

Cardigan Bay Active (SA43 1JD) runs dog-friendly boat trips where your four-legged friend can help spot dolphins. They provide doggy life jackets too!

If your dog needs a wash after beach adventures, many cottages provide outdoor taps and hoses. The hot tub will be just for humans though!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Cardigan

The Welsh Wildlife Centre (SA43 3DW, 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor) sits in the stunning Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve. It's got otters, water buffalo and one of the best playgrounds I've seen. The café serves amazing Welsh cakes and the walking trails suit all abilities. Open 10am-5pm daily April-October and weekends only in winter.

Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park (SA43 3BA, 4/5 on TripAdvisor) lets you see seals and sometimes dolphins from the clifftops without needing a boat. There are farm animals too and the views are incredible. One visitor wrote: "Saw 15 seals in one afternoon - better than any boat trip!" Open 10:30am-5pm March-October, £8.50 adults.

The Cardigan Bay Seafood Festival (held annually in July) transforms the town quay into food heaven. Local chefs demonstrate how to cook the fish caught that morning in the bay. You can buy and eat on the spot. It's free entry and the atmosphere is fantastic - one TripAdvisor reviewer called it "the best food festival in Wales".

Is Cardigan good for families?

Yes! The beaches are safe for swimming, there are loads of ice cream shops and attractions like the Wildlife Centre have excellent facilities for kids. Many cottages provide games and DVDs for rainy days and you can always end the day with a family hot tub session.

When's the best time to visit Cardigan?

May and September offer warm weather without the crowds. The dolphins are most active in August and September. Winter can be magical too - storm watching from your hot tub with a cup of tea is pretty special.

Do I need a car in Cardigan?

Ideally yes. While the town itself is walkable, the best beaches and attractions are spread out. There are local buses but they're not frequent. Taxis are available but book in advance during summer.

Where's the best place to eat in Cardigan?

Pizzatipi (SA43 1HY) by the river serves amazing wood-fired pizzas and local beers. For something fancier, try The Cliff Hotel restaurant (SA43 1PP) with its stunning bay views. Fish and chips from The Grosvenor (SA43 1HY) eaten on the quayside is a must-do.

Can I go dolphin watching from Cardigan?

Absolutely! A Bay to Remember (SA43 3AP) runs daily boat trips (weather permitting) with an 85% dolphin spotting success rate. Book in advance as they sell out in summer. £26 per adult for a 2-hour trip.

Is there good shopping in Cardigan?

The high street has independent shops rather than chains. Stiwdio 3 (SA43 1HU) sells beautiful Welsh blankets and homeware. The weekly market (Tuesdays) is great for local produce to cook back at your cottage.

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