Explore further afield

Cardiff is the capital of Wales and is well worth a visit as it is just over an hour’s drive away from the cottages as you can do anything you want, from ice skating to opera. Cardiff Bay is well worth a visit with many places to eat and Cardiff city centre is the place to go if you need retail therapy! There are two very special places to visit in Cardiff and one exceptional restaurant

Based in the middle of Cardiff city centre is a Norman Marcher stronghold founded by William the Conqueror and built on the site of a Roman fort. The castle is most famous for it’s sumptuous Victorian apartments designed by William Burgess for the 1st Marquis of Bute who created a neo-gothic vision, with trompe l’oeil and fascinating gargoyles. Ruth remembers as a young girl, her father putting her on his shoulders to see the fascinating mythological creatures on the outer walls. This castle is truly u inquest and is most definitely worth a visit. https://www.cardiffcastle.com/

Also known as St Fagan’s, this is a truly remarkable place to visit, it is an open air museum and provides a true reflection of Welsh life. It opened in 1948 to provide a view of the culture, spirit, mind and view of Welsh people from bygone days. There are many re-erected buildings to visit, buildings from all over Wales, dismantled and then painstakingly re-erected brick by brick to create a magnificent museum showcasing the history of Wales through everyday life. The buildings include, Cilewent farmhouse, Esgair Moel woollen mill, Penrhiw chapel, Kennixton farmhouse Llainfadyn slate quarryman’s cottage. There is also Rhyd-y-car iron workers cottages, from Merthyr Tydfil. This is a row of cottages which shows different generations, including periods within living memory Derwen bakery is a must visit as you can buy bread, bars brith and Welsh cakes all freshly baked on the premises Nantwalter cottage is a mud built cottage this is where a farm labourer and his family lived and nobody can miss visiting Gwalia Stores, built in 1880 in Ogmore Vale, Glamorgan, it is like stepping back in time, you can still buy sweets and a range of Welsh produce. There is so much to see at St. Fagan’s, there is even a Celtic village built from archaeological evidence . You will need to spend a full day here, especially if you also want to visit St Fagan’s castle which is an Elizabethan mansion with an amazing kitchen and beautiful gardens. Entry is absolutely free of charge although you will need to pay for parking

https://museum.wales/stfagans/

This is a truly amazing dining experience. Antonio Cersosimo and his team provide beautifully prepared dishes made from simple, local ingredients to produce authentic Italian cuisine. Casanova is the best and most authentic Italian restaurant in Wales. Freshly prepared food, paired with the best Italian wine with exceptional service. Salim, the maitre d, ensures that each person is looked after, from the very moment you walk through the door and your coat is taken to the moment you leave feeling satiated, happy and looking forward to the next visit! This is Ruth’s favourite restaurant.
https://casanovacardiff.uk/

Aberaeron is centrally placed along the Ceredigion coast, just under an hour away from the cottages. This is a picture postcard coastal town, with colourful, pretty buildings and a friendly harbour full of life and activity with many shops, cafes and restaurants. A place frequented by Dylan Thomas Aberaeron seafront and beach is divided by Aberaeron harbour mouth, where the river Aeron flows into Cardigan Bay. There is also a beautiful Georgian villa called Llanerchaeron, designed by John Nash in 1880, complete with walled garden, lake, landscaped garden and farm. It is well worth the visit and the house is a chance to step back in time.

https://www.visitwales.com/destinations/mid-wales/ceredigion-cardigan-bay/must-do-aberaeron

Tenby is a mediaeval walled town and it’s sandy beaches seaside charm make it one of the most loved places in Wales. It can be busy during the summer but it’s warm atmosphere and Victorian houses provide a bustling place to explore. There are many cafes, interesting shops and the Tudor merchants house and many book shops are interesting. In summer months, take a boat Caldey Island, and visit the Cistercian monks who continue the tradition which began in Celtic times, this is a haven of tranquility and peace.

https://www.visitwales.com/destinations/west-wales/pembrokeshire/things-do-tenby

World renowned for books and bookshops with one foot in both England and Wales, it is a captivating place with many antique shops and an array of Knick knack shops and Hay castle. Thursday is market day and there are many stalls selling local produce and hand made items, there is definitely something for everybody in Hay-On-Wye

https://www.hay-on-wye.co.uk/