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Getting ready for Christmas at Dolgoy Cottages

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. 

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Must-visit National Trust Properties in West Wales

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.

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The weather for ducks

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.