New Quay

Dolphins leap through the waves just yards from the harbour wall here, making this one of Wales' premier spots for marine wildlife watching. New Quay curves around a sheltered bay on the Cardigan Bay coast, where colourful Georgian houses tumble down to a working harbour that still lands fresh crab and lobster daily. The town has kept its authentic fishing village feel despite being a popular holiday destination.

Cardigan Bay's waters are a Special Area of Conservation, and for good reason. Atlantic grey seals bask on nearby rocks while harbour porpoises patrol the deeper waters. Several boat operators run wildlife trips from the harbour, though you'll often spot seals and dolphins from the clifftop path that runs north towards Llangrannog.

Beyond the marine life, there's proper walking country inland. Allt Cefn Gwyddyl forest offers woodland trails with glimpses of the coast through the trees, while the Wales Coast Path provides spectacular clifftop hiking in both directions. The town itself is small but perfectly formed - a couple of decent pubs, fish and chip shops that know what they're doing, and enough independent shops to browse on a rainy afternoon.

Getting here is straightforward enough. Aberaeron is about eight miles north along the A487, while Cardigan lies twelve miles south. The nearest train station is actually Carmarthen, about an hour's drive inland, so most visitors arrive by car.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense for exploring this stretch of coast. You're close enough to pop into New Quay for morning dolphin trips or evening meals, yet positioned to explore the wider Ceredigion coastline. Haven Quay West Holiday Park and Ocean Heights Leisure Park both offer easy access to the harbour and coastal walks.