Things to do in Aberaeron and New Quay, Wales

Address: Patent Slip Building, Glanmor Terrace, New Quay SA45 9PS

Cardigan Bay is home to bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises, Atlantic grey seals and so much more. Learn all about the wildlife in the huge showcases here. It’s free to enter! Every day’s a school day, so soak up the geology and history while exploring the exhibitions.  

When you’ve toured around the site, pop into the gift shop. There are tons of wildlife-themed gifts and local crafts. Little ones can grab a ‘borrow bag’ which gets them exploring the local area for wildlife once they leave.

Want more active things to do in New Quay, Wales? Make a splash and visit this awesome watersports attraction, with lots of water activities for ages 8 and up. Dive into something new with the chance to learn sailing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding with a qualified instructor. 

Already know your way around the waves? You can hire kayaks, too. If you fancy a guided tour by the water, Cardigan Bay watersports provide kayak tours around the bay.

This beautiful Georgian Villa designed in 1790 is well worth a visit. Explore the walled garden with its fruit and veg plots, plus a traditional Welsh farmyard. The woodland here is listed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Chill by the lake or stop in at the bookshop and cafe. While you’re here, take a slice of nature home with you by visiting the plant shop.

This farm park is sure to keep little ones busy for a few hours. While they’re making their own adventures on the inflatables, grown ups can chill with a hot cuppa on the sofa. Take it outdoors and enjoy the coin-operated pedal boats and tractors, with go-karts and slides to boot! If you fancy getting up close to the cute critters then head to the animal barn. You’ll meet goats, alpacas, and horses, and even get to feed lambs in the spring.  

Hungry? Pop into the cafe to grab a light bite or a carvery on Sunday.

Keep it active with Adventure Beyond. You can try your hand at thrilling sports such as canoeing, white water tubing, and kayaking. If you fancy kicking things up a notch, take advantage of the caves, rocks, and bay area by coasteering — you’ll get to scramble, climb, and rock-hop across the beautiful Ceredigion terrain.

This park overlooks Cardigan Island, the Teifi estuary, and Pembroke Coast National Park. It’s part of a working farm run by a family that’s farmed in this area since the 1600s.  

Meet and feed the farm animals while keeping a lookout for dolphins and seals. There’s an indoor and outdoor play area to keep little ones entertained, too. Feel free to bring your dog with you, they’re welcome to enjoy the outside seating area! 

When you’ve worked up an appetite, relax in the cafe and sample some of the local produce. Bring your spending money, as there’s a gift shop selling locally-made textiles, whiskey, art, books, and games.

Fans of the Welsh poet can enjoy a scenic tour of the surrounding area to see first-hand the places that inspired him. There’s a trail around the New Quay area with easy-to-spot markers you can follow as far as you’d like!  

Start at the old New Quay tourist office and visit landmarks such as the old lifeboat station, the Black Lion Inn, and Dylan Thomas’ old bungalow and writing quarters. 

The trail is mostly on paved areas with some steep climbs.

If you’ve ever wondered where delicious honey comes from, this is a perfect outing. Come and see the fascinating bee colonies up close — don’t worry, they’re safely behind glass! You’ll learn about the importance of bees and how they work to produce honey with the films and info dotted around the farm. Plus, you’ll get to view a tropical ant colony, too!  

There’s a working meadery on site. Although the main meadery is closed to the public, there’s an exhibition meadery you can visit to see how mead is made. Pop to the shop when you’re done to purchase honey-based products (yes, that includes mead for the grown-ups to enjoy back at Quay West Holiday Park).

Are you a family of adrenaline junkies? For high-octane things to do near Aberaeron, Experience outdoor activities that’ll get your heart racing!There’s a sky tower with lots of rope climbing and a massive zip wire to speed down. You can get on the water by kayaking, paddleboarding, and raft-building. Try your hand at archery and bushcraft, plus the popular mud assault course. Half and full days are available.

This beautiful walled garden is a sensory experience for everyone and is built with special needs in mind. You’ll find it enclosed in the woodland next to the River Aeron. Enjoy tranquil ponds, orchards of fruit trees, and herbaceous borders filled with unusual plants. You’ll be pleased to know it’s fully wheelchair accessible, too.

Take a breather and stroll through the Allt y Graig Woodland. It’s 15 acres of rugged woods with River Aeron flowing through. See what wildlife you can spot on your walk! It’s open all year, but take care to wear comfy shoes and dress for the weather.

Next to the Moody Cow Cafe, you’ll find the Moody Calf — a must-visit for little ones! There’s an indoor play area built over two floors, plus an outdoor climbing area. You can sit back and relax in the cafe and catch up over freshly prepared light bites while the kids go crazy in the ball pits and climbing frames.

What’s better than fish and chips? Fish and chips with a twist. The popular Lime Crab restaurant offers a modern take on the traditional supper with tempura prawns, battered halloumi, and salt and pepper squid. Of course, there are still favourites like cod and haddock to devour. All are served with homemade condiments and perfect to enjoy sitting outside, watching the busy harbour.

Whether you collect trinkets or you fancy picking something special up as a memento of your stay at Quay West Holiday Park, The Shell Shop is a gem located up the hill from New Quay harbour. They sell sea shells (not quite on the seashore) as well as starfish, crystals, and local handicrafts.