Dolgoy Cottages is nestled in the idyllic countryside, while just being a short distance away from the best beaches in West Wales. Our unique location means that we are a haven for some of the most spectacular wildlife that can be found in the UK, from playful dolphins to magnificent birds of prey.
Wildlife spotting often feels like a novelty – how often do you see bottlenose dolphins during your commute to the office? But, spending time immersed in nature helps us take a step back from our busy day-to-day lives, helping us to relieve stress and improve our wellbeing. It’s the perfect activity for recovery holidays and for those who simply just wish to relax.
Our luxury adult-only holiday cottages are the perfect base from which to explore, as well as providing a peaceful setting to rest and rejuvenate after a day of exploring. Each cottage has a private hot tub to soak up the tranquil surroundings and our secluded location keeps noise at a minimum.
In this blog, we have put together a short guide on the types of wildlife you can see, and when and where you can expect to spot them during your stay at our dog-friendly, coastal holiday cottages in Wales.
Bottlenose Dolphins
Cardigan Bay is one of the UK’s most renowned spots for seeing bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. Often thought of as tropical creatures, there is something quite magical about spotting groups of bottlenose dolphins emerging from the blue waters of Cardigan Bay.
New Quay is the best location to see them, with several companies offering wildlife boat trips. You may also see other sea creatures along the way, as well as panoramic views of the coastline which you won’t want to miss.
You will have the most opportunities to see the dolphins during the Summer months, between June and September.
Atlantic Grey Seals
Can you believe that Atlantic Grey Seals slumber on our shores, too? It can be rare to see Grey seals, as they spend the majority of their time out at sea, but they can be spotted around Cardigan Bay by taking a breezy walk along the coast or during an organised boat trip.
The best places to spot Atlantic Grey Seals are Cwmtydu and Mwnt, snug amongst the hidden coves and secluded caves, basking on the rocks and sandy shores.
They will come ashore during the autumn months, September to October to care for their newborn pups.
Please be mindful not to get too close. Keep a good distance of 50 metres or more – they are also extremely scared of dogs and the last thing we want to do is cause the pups to escape into the waves before they are ready to swim.
Harbour Porpoises
Related closely to dolphins, harbour porpoises are known for being shy and reserved compared to their exuberant cousins – making them slightly harder to spot. They are also the only species of porpoise that reside in UK waters.
You will have a good chance of seeing harbour porpoises during a walk along the Ceredigion Coast Path, particularly the stretch from Llangrannog. Head to the end of the iconic Ynys Lochtyn for the best opportunity to see them.
Harbour porpoises can be seen throughout the year but it is more common to see them in the summer months.
Bird Life
From sea birds to birds of prey, Cardigan Bay and the surrounding areas are a birdwatcher’s paradise.
During the spring and summer months, take a trip out to the Ynys-hir RSPB Reserve by the Dyfi estuary in Ceredigion to see razorbills, guillemots, and even puffins. The cliff tops at Mwnt beach also provide a good lookout to spot these seabirds.
Graceful but cunning Red Kites can often be seen around our cottages, gliding and swooping through the skies. If you fancy a trip further afield, there is a Red Kite feeding centre near Aberystwyth for the chance to see them up close.
Last but not least, and only frequenting the West side of the UK, are the agile Choughs. Known for being impressive flyers, they dart and dive around the coastline. Similar to the seabirds mentioned above, the cliff tops at Mwnt and New Quay offer the best birdwatching spots for Choughs, and they can often be seen all year round.
Book your luxury adult-only holiday and plan wildlife-spotting excursions
Are you ready to experience nature and enjoy a tranquil adult-only break in the UK?
We have four, dog-friendly holiday cottages available for your stay. Each has its own private hot tub and a host of contemporary amenities to create a home away from home, where you can switch off and relax.
Check availability and book today – look out for discounts at checkout.