Category: Blog

There are lots of occasions throughout the year which we choose to celebrate with our nearest and dearest; Mother’s Day breaks, Easter, Father’s Day, Birthdays, Christmases – the list goes on.

Sometimes the best way to spend quality time together is by booking a staycation with family. Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life with no distractions interrupting your plans.

Dolgoy Cottages provides the perfect location for such getaways at any time of year. Our four holiday cottages are designed for older children, parents and grandparents – we’re dog-friendly too! Each cottage is fully equipped with modern amenities, a private hot tub and a log burner.

Picture your stay at our holiday cottages in Wales by the beach

So, what makes Dolgoy Cottages a great option for family holidays?

We often see families book two or three of our cottages to ensure that everyone can enjoy their own space, while still being able to eat, drink and relax together.

Galleri and Ponycob sleep four people in total. With two separate bedrooms – one with a king-size bed, while the other can be set as a king or two singles; ideal for parents with older children (we welcome children aged 14 and over). Both bedrooms have the luxury of ensuite bathrooms for privacy.

Meanwhile, Snuggle and The Coach House Loft, sleep two with sumptuous king-size beds for a restful night’s sleep. Grandparents usually choose to stay here so they can retire to the peace of their comfortable cottage when the night draws in.

Sharing a home-cooked meal with family always feels special. In the evening, everyone can come together at one of the larger cottages to enjoy a delicious dinner. Galleri and Ponycob benefit from extendable dining tables to accommodate the whole family. Afterwards, relax on the luxury Ekornes sofas and while the evening away in the warmth of the log burner. Open a bottle of wine, play a board game or just have a good old natter. Doesn’t this sound like a perfect Mother’s Day break?

Peaceful, luxury holidays in Wales to rest and relax

All of our cottages are set in rural Wales, surrounded by quaint country lanes, picturesque scenery and just a mile away from the coast as the crow flies. It really has the best of both worlds.

There are plenty of quiet spots to enjoy the tranquillity of Dolgoy. Whether that’s in a cosy corner of the cottages, bathing in a suntrap on the terrace, relaxing in your private hot tub, or as you stroll by the lake.

Lots of places to explore

While some of your relatives may choose to enjoy our grounds, those with the desire to explore the local area won’t be short of things to do.

We have easy access to one of the renowned spots of the Ceredigion Coast Path. The stretch from Llangrannog to New Quay is most spectacular with lots of wildlife, seabirds and iconic landmarks to see along the way.

For a quiet day out, why not visit one of the local market towns and enjoy a wander around the shops and eateries? The town of Cardigan is well worth a visit and was proud to be awarded third place in Time Out’s 15 places to visit in 2023.

Book a coastal break with hot tubs

Check availability at our luxury holiday cottages to book a staycation with your family. Or if you would like to treat your loved ones to a future stay, we have gift vouchers available to purchase on our website.

Flowers, jewellery, a fancy meal… there are many ways to celebrate your special someone, and it’s never too early to think about how you will spend Valentine’s Day.

Often, the nicest gift of all is quality time together – we all know how hectic daily life can be! So why not spoil your loved one with a stay at our fairytale holiday cottages near Cardigan Bay?

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at our Luxury Cottages West Wales

Snuggle Cottage and The Coach House Loft are quaint and cosy. Perfect for two, they make for an idyllic romantic getaway in Wales with hot tubs, wood burners and luxurious bedrooms. Find out more about our cottages below.

Reconnect with your loved one

Our luxurious cottages and tranquil location provide the perfect setting to enjoy one another’s company.

Snuggle Cottage lives up to its name and is the epitome of a romantic hideaway. Pull out all the stops with a home-cooked meal for your special someone and enjoy a candlelit dinner for two at the Pembroke table. Cuddle up in front of the wood burner, and reminisce about your fondest memories. Follow the hidden staircase to the luxurious bedroom where a peaceful night’s sleep awaits you.

The Coach House Loft is just as desirable. Curl up on the luxury reclining sofas with your favourite film and a glass of wine or bubbles. Retire to the bedroom, where the log burner will bring a sense of romance and cosiness as the embers dance and glow.

Our other cottages sleep 4 with en-suite bathrooms. These are a great choice if you require a little more space or wish to celebrate Valentine’s with friends. 

Enjoy the dark skies from the gardens of our stargazing accommodation

Turn on your private Jaquzzi hot tub, pour yourselves a glass of champagne and enjoy the dark skies above you. Stargazing with your favourite person – we can’t think of anything more romantic.

Our secluded countryside location is a prime spot for admiring the starry skies. There is no better time to enjoy this activity than in the Winter months when evenings are darker and longer. 

Check availability for romantic getaways in Wales with hot tubs.

Wander the coastal path and explore the quaint market towns

The unique location of our luxury cottages in West Wales has something for every type of couple. Whether you love to explore, relax or wine and dine. 

We are just a stone’s throw away from a popular stretch of the Ceredigion Coast Path. Cwmtydu to Llangrannog has some of the most beautiful views and scenery that can be appreciated even in Winter. Wrap up warm and walk hand in hand along the cliff-top path. 

There are many local towns to visit with an array of cafes, eateries, pubs and independent retailers – New Quay, Aberaeron and Cardigan are well worth a visit. 

Take a look at our Things To Do page for more inspiration on the best places to visit during your stay. 

Book a Holiday Cottage near Cardigan Bay

There is still plenty of time to book your luxury holiday in Wales for Valentine’s Day. Explore our cottages and check availability. 

Have you started to think about where you will holiday this year? If you are looking for a peaceful, luxury holiday in Wales, look no further than Dolgoy Cottages.

Our location is perfect for exploring the tranquil countryside, the beautiful beaches and walking the Coastal Path. With many nearby places to visit in West Wales, we have something for everyone, no matter how you like to holiday.

To help you decide, we have listed the top 5 reasons to book your next holiday with us.

1. Dog-Friendly Cottages in West Wales

We have four luxury holiday cottages sleeping 2-4 people – perfect for couples seeking a romantic break, older families looking to spend quality time together or for enjoying holidays with friends. Our secluded countryside location offers a peaceful break from busy everyday life – allowing you to switch off and enjoy a relaxing stay.

All of our cottages are dog-friendly, so your furry friend can come along and enjoy the holiday just as much as you. We have a large exercise paddock for them to run and play before retiring to the comfort of the wood burner in the evening. 

2. Hot Tub Lodge Stays and Dark Sky Cottages

Each cottage has its own Jacuzzi hot tub to enjoy at any time of the year. Relax and unwind as you immerse yourself in the bubbles. Why not take a dip as the night draws in and create an intimate stargazing experience? We have the darkest of skies and brilliant views of the stars and constellations on a clear evening. 

3. Places to Visit in West Wales

One of the best things about Dolgoy Cottages is our location. As the crow flies, we are just a mile away from the picturesque coastline – you can even see the horizon from our gates! Explore the stunning scenery around our cottages before heading further afield – there is an abundance of flora and fauna to see.

There are many other beaches and coves just a short drive from here, including Llangrannog, Penbryn, and Poppit Sands. Read our blog to discover the best dog-friendly beaches. 

If you prefer to mosy around pubs and restaurants or partake in a spot of retail therapy, take a trip to one of the nearby market towns. Aberaeron and New Quay are a couple of our favourites – take in the idyllic surroundings alongside the quaint shops and eateries. We also have some fantastic National Trust locations if you would like to learn more about our local history. 

What about wildlife and all things outdoors? Yes, we have that too! Mwnt is a popular spot, where there is a chance you will see Bottle Nose Dolphins. Or, if watersports take your fancy, Tresaith is a great beach for sailing and surfing during the Summer months. 

Visit the Things to Do area of our website for more inspiration. 

4. Enjoy luxury amenities at your home-from-home 

As well as the hot tub, our cottages are equipped with plenty of contemporary amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible. 

The living spaces in our dark sky cottages are home to reclining leather sofas, a TV and a wood burner to create a cosy ambience, with all the logs and firelighters you need for your stay. Meanwhile, the kitchen has everything you need to prepare and cook delicious meals if you fancy a relaxing night at home. 

With king-size beds, plush mattresses and luxury linens, a restful night’s sleep is guaranteed. All of our bedrooms are ensuite with large walk-in showers and heated floors.

5. Book your luxury holiday in Wales with confidence 

Book directly for the best prices and flexible cancellation terms. We know things can happen unexpectedly, and although we hope you don’t have to, any booking made via our website can be cancelled up to 14 nights before your arrival date with a full refund. Check availability for your next hot tub lodge stay.

There aren’t many things that could be more peaceful than stargazing. Nothing around you apart from the silent countryside, dark skies and the twinkling lights of the stars above you.

Our holiday cottages in Cardigan Bay provide the perfect spot for this tranquil activity, whether you gaze from the bubbles during a hot tub weekend break, or take a short drive to one of the many sites in the local area.

It’s possible to stargaze all year round, but the autumn and winter months truly are the best, thanks to the early evenings and skies being darker for longer.

Stargazing at our dark sky lodges with hot tubs

We are lucky to have plenty of stargazing spots nearby, but there’s no need to travel at all – the gardens of our cottages are a great place to take in the wonders of the night sky!

With each cottage boasting its own private Jacuzzi hot tub, why not sit back, relax and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of our countryside stargazing accommodation? Enjoy the stars sparkling above as the water bubbles around you.

When it’s time to call it a night, you can retire to the luxurious reclining sofas and the welcoming log burner. Snuggle up and watch the embers glow. Is there a better way to spend a winter’s evening?

If you do want to explore the local area, Ceredigion is home to some amazing stargazing locations, including recognised dark sky discovery sites. Find out more about a few of our favourites.

Penbryn Beach Car Park

We have recommended Penbryn as a great beach to visit by day, but at night it’s just as wonderful. The beach car park has been noted as a dark sky discovery site and is just a 10-minute drive from our holiday cottages in Cardigan Bay.

The car park belongs to the National Trust and is located close to the beach with free parking during the evenings.

Llanerchaeron

This location is situated just 30 minutes away from our dark sky lodges with hot tubs. Llanerchaeron is another National Trust location where you can park for free from dusk until dawn. Its countryside location means minimal light pollution, making it a great spot to see the stars.

Cwmtydu Beach Car Park

Cwmtydu is a 5-minute drive from our cottages and provides a fantastic location for stargazing. Away from the lights of the local area, the skies are particularly dark here and allow the stars to shine brightly. It’s beautiful if you manage to go on a clear night. 

Poppit Sands Car Park

Poppit Sands Beach is a little further along the coast, but still only a 30-minute drive from Dolgoy Cottages. 

The beach car park is a recognised dark sky discovery site. It is spacious, accessible and unlit for the best experience – you can also pop down to the beach if you fancy it! The car park is free from 5.30 pm onwards.

Llanllwni Mountain

For an inland option, we recommend the picnic site at Llanllwni Mountain – around 30 minutes from our cottages. 

If you join us on a clear, dry day, you can experience beautiful views during daylight, before descending to experience undisturbed views of the sweeping skies as the night draws in.

Stargazing tips

Now you know the best spots, we thought we would give you a few tips so you are fully equipped for your stargazing experience! 

When should I go?

Plan your trip around the moon! You want the skies to be as dark as possible to see the stars in all their glory. Stargazing websites such as Go Stargazing, can help you figure this out! 

What should I take with me?

Bearing in mind that the autumn and winter months are the best times to go, you must have everything you need to stay safe and comfortable. We recommend taking extra layers, waterproofs and even a blanket! A nice flask of tea or hot chocolate is also a good idea. 

If you’re worried about going out in the evening, always let a loved one know where you’re going and send them a message to let them know you arrived home safely.

How can I spot the constellations? 

As a novice stargazer, you may want a helping hand to explore the skies. There are plenty of apps and websites that help you do so – do a quick search on the internet to find the right one for you! 

Book your stay at our luxury stargazing accommodation

Does stargazing sound like an activity you would like to try? Book your romantic break in Wales and experience some of our best locations! 

What better way to enjoy a weekend break than exploring the best beaches in West Wales with your family and four-legged friends?

With so many dog-friendly beaches to visit in our local area, we are never short of recommendations for our guests. So we’ve put together the ultimate guide.

Llangrannog

This popular beach is situated only 2 miles from our cottages and is within walking distance. Llangrannog has two beaches to explore; the right-hand side of the stream is dog-friendly all year around. We recommend a visit to The Pentre Arms, where you can enjoy fabulous views of the beach as you enjoy a drink and a bite to eat – it’s dog-friendly too! Alternatively, there are a number of fantastic cafes in Llangrannog serving delicious treats.

When you return to Dolgoy Cottages, why not spend the evening relaxing in front of the log burner or stargazing from the hot tub?

Cwmtydu

Cwmtydu Beach, once known as a smugglers’ cove, is surrounded by a gorgeous wooded valley, where it’s possible to see wild ponies in their natural habitat. Enjoy a walk along the cliffs with spectacular views and pay a visit to one of the many nearby cafes.

Located only 2 miles from our luxury pet-friendly cottages, between New Quay and Llangrannog, it’s an ideal day out and a lovely walk for the whole family.

Penbryn

West Wales has so many dog-friendly beaches on offer, we are spoilt with choice!

When it comes to nature, Penbryn has it all. A stunning National Trust beach, just 4 miles from Dolgoy Cottages. We highly recommend a day trip here to wander around the sandy dunes and secluded coves. Plus, it’s a beautiful destination for a stroll with your dog.

If you get peckish, you can find delicious homemade desserts at the Plwmp Tart cafe, a gorgeous hidden gem of a restaurant near the Penbryn beachfront.

Tresaith

Tresaith is another popular, sandy beach and a winner for adventure seekers. If you are visiting in the Summer, it’s a superb spot for sailing and surfing. For those looking for a more relaxing day out, there are rock pools and a waterfall to explore, not to mention The Ship pub to enjoy a beverage with a view. Situated 5 miles from our cottages, it makes a brilliant location for those who love to wander.

Aberporth

Are you looking to go further afield? Then check out Aberporth’s cosy fishing village and beaches, located 9 miles from Dolgoy Cottages. 

It’s home to two lovely beaches; Dolwen is listed as a Blue Flag beach and Dyffryn Beach welcomes dogs.

Poppit Sands

Situated 16 miles from us, just the other side of Cardigan Bay is Poppit Sands. It’s a fabulous, long sandy beach sheltered by dunes, sitting at the mouth of the Teifi and looking towards Gwbert and Cardigan Island.

Poppit Sands is a favourite all year round for walking holidays in Wales, with beautiful coastal paths to take the dogs. Just be aware in the Summer months there are dog restrictions on certain areas of the beach.

New Quay

New Quay is a small coastal town with sandy beaches, a harbour, restaurants, bars and cafes, as well as dolphin spotting trips and a wildlife conservation area to visit.

For those who love to stretch their legs, New Quay is a 6-mile walk from our cottages and has three sandy beaches to explore; Habour, Dolau and Traeth Gwyn.

Dolau and Traeth Gwyn are dog-friendly all year round, and are popular destinations for dog-walkers!

It’s a must-visit destination where you can spend the whole day exploring the wildlife, walking along the coast, browsing the shops and tucking into some delicious grub at the local eateries.

Book your stay at our luxury pet-friendly cottages!

Don’t miss out on your chance to explore these beautiful local beaches when you stay with us at Dolgoy Cottages. Our luxury holiday cottages are an ideal retreat all year round. Offering dog-friendly accommodation with enclosed gardens by the sea, wood burners and private hot tubs, available to use all year round.

Follow our monthly blog for more inspiration, explore our website to find out more about our cottages and check for availability. We hope to see you soon.

Yes, we said Christmas! We are already well into October, and the festive season will be upon us before we know it.

It’s a magical time of year here at Dolgoy, as we spruce up our cosy cottages with Christmassy decor to welcome our Winter guests. Each cottage also has its own luxury jacuzzi hot tub that’s available to use all year round.

When you’re not snuggled up at your home from home, you will find lots of activities in our local area to get you into the spirit!

Many of these take place in November and early December, so take a look below for inspiration.

Visit the Christmas Fair at Dinefwr

Date: 25th – 27th November, 10.00 am–4.30 pm
Location: Dinefwr Park, Newton House, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, SA19 6RT

Dinefwr Park is a beautiful National Trust location situated just 37 miles from Dolgoy Cottages. The historic Newton House is a perfect location for a Christmas Fair, and it’s a great place to begin the festivities!

The house will sparkle with Christmas decorations, and there will be mulled wine and hot chocolate to enjoy while listening to the carol singers, choirs and brass band.

Peruse the stalls to find wonderful gifts for your friends and family, including handmade jewellery, delicious preserves and much more.

When you’re done, why not take a Winter walk in the Deer Park?

Cardigan Castle Christmas Fair

Date: 25th November, 10:00-16:00
Location: Cardigan Castle, Cardigan, SA43 1JA

The annual Christmas Fair at Cardigan Castle is much-loved by the locals and is just 14 miles from Dolgoy Cottages – well worth a trip if you’re looking for special gifts and trinkets for your loved ones; as well as a great excuse to get into the festive spirit!

There will be over 40 craft stalls, plenty of delicious food, and mulled wine!

Christmas Craft Fair at Llanerchaeron

Date: 1st – 3rd December
Location: Ciliau Aeron, near Aberaeron, Ceredigion, SA48 8DG

Llanerchaeron is another National Trust treasure that is a must-visit attraction during the lead-up to Christmas. 

Just 13 miles from our dog-friendly holiday cottages in West Wales, it’s a quick trip for an afternoon of festive fun. There will be plenty of stalls selling Christmas gifts and locally sourced food with mulled wine, mince pies and live music to create a festive ambience. 

Once you’ve found the perfect presents, you can explore the property, which will be beautifully decorated, or take a stroll around the estate’s walled gardens, lake and woodlands. 

If you’re feeling creative, why not book a place at a Christmas Wreath Workshop, which runs between the 8th – 10th of December? Hosted by the estate’s Gardener, you can make a beautiful wreath for your front door using natural materials collected from the grounds. Find more information and book here.

Cardigan Giant Lantern Parade 

Date: 8th December, 7 pm.
Location: Cardigan 

Returning for 2023, the Small World Theatre will be creating a wonderful procession of Fantastical Beast-themed lanterns. All happening just a stone’s through away from our holiday cottages near Cardigan Bay.

The Giant Lantern Parade is a key event in Cardigan’s Christmas calendar, bringing hundreds of people together to join in the fun. This year, you will see giant, illuminated lanterns with many handheld lanterns twinkling throughout.

Luxury Cottages Decorated for Christmas

By the end of November, all of our cottages will be decorated for Christmas – perfect for early festivities, celebrating a December birthday, a cosy stay while you’re visiting local friends and family, or if you’re looking for a New Year lodge with a hot tub. 

We only decorated the inside of our cottages to preserve the dark nights – did you know we are in a fantastic stargazing location? December is one of the best months for a hot tub weekend break to enjoy the stars!

Visit our website to explore our luxury holiday cottages and check availability. 

As we look to welcome Autumn and the weather begins to cool, our local area remains an exciting place to visit, with lots of West Wales attractions to see and explore. 

We have put together a short list of some of the best National Trust properties for you to visit during your stay at Dolgoy Cottages. From beautiful Georgian villas to Roman gold mines, there is something for everyone looking for things to do in West Wales.

If you are visiting between the 18th of September and the 20th of October 2023, you can take advantage of this special offer from the National Trust, which provides a free, single-use pass to a place of your choice. 

Llanerchaeron

Located just 13 miles from Dolgoy Cottages, Llanerchaeron is a Georgian Villa designed by British architect, John Nash in 1970. Did you know that he is also the mind behind Buckingham Palace and Brighton’s Royal Pavilion?

This beautiful property looks picturesque against the backdrop of the Welsh countryside. Explore the estate’s woodland that is packed with wildlife, say hello to farm animals and discover the walled garden which has been growing fruits and vegetables for over 200 years.

Dinefwr Park

If you have a love for nature, then this National Trust site in West Wales is a must-visit. Situated 37 miles from Dolgoy Cottages, there is plenty of history to uncover here. Dinefwr Park is home to Newton House, lived in for over 300 years by the family and descendants of Lord Rhys. The surrounding parkland is just as impressive. It is recognised as a site of special scientific interest with an abundance of wildlife and an 18th-century deer park. 

Hafod Estate

Located 38 miles from our holiday cottages near Cardigan Bay, we highly recommend a day trip here. Hafod Estate is a walker’s paradise, with five routes available to discover an array of landscapes, including woodlands, gorges, waterfalls and gardens. 

Dolaucothi Roman Gold Mine

This one is for adventurers and history enthusiasts! Situated 28 miles from Dolgoy Cottages and amongst the green hills of Carmarthenshire, you will find the UK’s only-known Roman gold mine. Pre-book an underground tour to discover it for yourself. You will have an opportunity to learn about the history of gold mining in Dolaucothi, from the Roman era through to the 1930s. 

Make a day of it and explore the surrounding countryside with 25km of pathways boasting wonderful scenery. 

National Trust Beaches

We are lucky to have local beaches kept and maintained by the National Trust, which are great places to visit all year round. Winter sun is plentiful in this part of the world – who’d have thought it?

Penbryn is a secluded cove with sandy shores nestled at the end of a short woodland trail. It’s about a mile in length and is a great place to visit with your four-legged friends who have full access to the beach from the 1st of October to the 31st of March. After your walk, you can visit the Plwmp Tart cafe for refreshments.

Mwnt is another sandy cove that takes you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Here, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of dolphins, seals and other local wildlife. This beach is dog-friendly during the off-peak season of October to April and has a small kiosk to purchase snacks and drinks. 

Book your stay at Dolgoy Cottages

Keep an eye on our blog for more ideas and inspiration for your next trip to West Wales. Dolgoy Cottages is in the perfect location to explore all of the above and more – we would love to welcome you during your next visit. Click the link to find out more about our luxury holiday cottages and check availability.

A little wet and windy at Dolgoy but the ducks and geese have no complaints.
A little wet and windy at Dolgoy but the ducks and geese have no complaints. It is lovely watching them on the pond. Pure bliss for them and a delight for us as we cosy around the log burner waiting to gather the autumn leaves when the rain clears this afternoon.