Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
CARDIGAN BAY'S DOLPHINS
Cardigan Bay is home to an amazingly rich variety of marine animals and plants, but the star attraction is
Europe's largest population of bottlenose dolphins. With reliable sightings from May to September, there are few
places where these sociable creatures are more easily seen in the wild. Along with the dolphins, harbour por-
poises, Atlantic grey seals and a variety of bird life are regularly seen, as well as seasonal visitors such as sunfish,
basking sharks and leatherback turtles.
Some of the best places to spot bottlenose dolphins from the shore are the beaches around New Quay at
New
Quay North
,
Little Quay
,
Cwmtydu
and
Llanina
, as are the beautiful sandy beaches at
Penbryn
and
Tre-
saith
north of Cardigan.
Aberystwyth
,
Aberporth
and
Mwnt
also have regular sightings.
You can learn more about Cardigan Bay's marine life at the
Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre
(
01545-560032;
www.cbmwc.org
; Glanmore Tce, New Quay; 9am-4pm Apr-Nov) where you can
also join a dolphin survey boat trip as researchers collect data on the bottlenose dolphins and other local marine
mammals. Choose from four different trips: one-hour (adult/child £12/6), two-hour (adult/child £18/10), four-
hour (adult/child £35/20) and full day trips (£55). Check the website for dates.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Aberaeron
POP 1420
The elegant harbourside village of Aberaeron with its brightly painted Georgian houses
was once a busy port and ship-building centre, its genteel architecture the result of
planned expansion in the early 19th century. Heavy industry is long gone but today Aber-
aeron is quietly bucking the trends of economic decline and its stylish streets are lined
with independent shops and cafes, chic B&Bs and boutique hotels and a glut of excellent
restaurants.
Sights & Activities
Llanerchaeron
(NT; 01545-570200;
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
; adult/child £7.10/3.60; 10.30am-5pm)
This lovingly re-
stored 18th-century country estate offers a fascinating insight into the life of the Welsh
gentry and their staff 200 years ago. The villa itself was designed by John Nash and is one
of his most complete early works and features curved walls, false windows and ornate
cornices. The estate was self-sufficient and remains virtually unchanged in that respect
with staff in period dress tending to the fruit, veg and herbs in the walled garden and look-
HISTORIC BUILDING
