Category: Blog

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.