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Cardigan

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Cardigan town (see photo 1) sits near the mouth of the Teifi river about 20 miles south of Aberaeron.

Click for a map of Cardigan. See this site's map page for details on printing the map. Note that on the map:

• The A487 leaving the map at the top right goes to Aberaeron.
• The A487 leaving the map at the bottom centre goes to Fishguard.
• North Road becomes Aberystwyth Road which joins the A487 just off the top of the map. You can only use this A487 junction if you are heading up the map. If you are going down the A487 then pass the junction to the first roundabout and then double-back.
• The coloured road that runs off the top of the map where North Road becomes Aberystwyth Road is the Gwbert Road.

Tourist Information

The Tourist Information Centre is in the theatre at the end of Bathouse Road and not as shown on the map. The Centre's phone number is: 01239 613230.

For websites on Cardigan try:

• www.cardigan-chamber.co.uk
• www.visitcardigan.com

Information last reviewed: 11th/7/06.

Parking

The main car parks are:

• Next to the theatre and Tourist Information Centre at the end of Bathouse Road (pay and display).
• A large pay and display next to the river at Quay Street.

Information last reviewed: 11th/7/06.

Cardigan Heritage Centre

This nice two room museum (see photo 2) and tea rooms is situated just over the river bridge at the end of Bridge Street (shown as High Street on the map). The main focus for children is the reconstruction of a Victorian class room complete with sound effects. There are Victorian toys to play with and colouring activities to do. My daughters at 3 and 6 both found lots to keep them occupied here. As the door between the two museum rooms is quite large we could keep an eye on them whilst looking at the rest of the exhibits. There are good toilet facilities including a nappy changer.

For more details use the BBCi website or phone: 01239 614404.

Information last reviewed: 11th/7/06.

Shops and Eating

The main shopping area is situated:

• Along Pendre and High Street.
• Priory Street.
• There is an indoor market behind the Guildhall (where Priory Street joins High Street).

The town has mainly small local shops but there is a Woolworth and WH Smith. There is a Somerfield in the Quay Street car park and a large Tesco at the Aberystwyth Road A487 junction mentioned above.

We normally eat in the Castle Cafe at the corner of Quay Street and High Street.

Information last reviewed: 11th/7/06.

Toilets

There are basic toilets in the two car parks mentioned above. The Quay Street car park's toilets are down the side of the Somerfield.

Information last reviewed: 11th/7/06.

Other Attractions in the Area

Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park

To get to the farm park you will need to take the B4548 towards Gwbert (Gwbert Road on the map description above). The entrance to the park is just the other side of Gwbert itself.

For more information look at the farm park's website or phone 01239 612196.

The farm park has a large outside adventure playground, a picnic area and there is a new indoor cafe with superb views. As the whole site is quite exposed this visit is best avoided in the wet.

The actual farm area has animals that the kids can feed. We particularly enjoy the cheeky gangs of little piglets. This part of the site is probably accessible with a large wheeled buggy.

The best bit of a visit is going to see the wild seal colony next to Cardigan Island itself. The walks by the cliffs are across cut grass and probably not possible in a buggy. There are tractor rides to this area however.

Information last reviewed: 11th/7/06.

Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve

Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve (phone: 01239 621600) boasts a spectacular looking visitors centre with a cafe serving high quality food. The shop is substantial and has a good range of pocket money priced items. The toilets are good and there is a nappy changer.

There are a range of different walks, a good number of which are buggy friendly. Both my children (at 3 and 6) enjoyed the the field of buffalo and the enormous wiker otter.

To get to the reserve follow the A487 to just off the bottom of the map. At the roundabout take the A478 (first left). After about 2 miles turn left for Cilgerran and follow the signs for the reserve.

Information last reviewed: 11th/7/06.

National Woollen Museum

This museum covers the history of the Welsh woollen industry (see photo 3). Both my 4 and 7 year olds enjoyed their visit here because there is ample opportunity for children to have a go at the wool making processes. There are always guides at hand to answer any questions and to help with the interactive exhibits. The museum site has a cafe, shop and retail area.

The museum is in Drefach Felindre. From Cardigan take the A484 to Newcastle Emlyn. Stay on that road for another few miles and the museum will be signposted on your right. For more information phone: 01559 370929 or visit the National Museums of Wales website.

Information last reviewed: 7th/9/06.

Disclaimer: This site is based on the author's experiences with his own children and therefore the advice may not be applicable to other children. The comments provided are the author's own opinions and should be treated as such. The author does not accept any responsibility for any damage, loss or injury resulting from the use of this site.