Castles & Dragons

10 mins by car is Newcastle Emlyn with an atmospheric small ruined castle set in a pretty horseshoe bend of the Teifi which serves as a natural moat. History and myth mingle here: it is the site of a fateful defeat of Owain Glyndr’s Welsh army by the English as well as, reputedly, the place where the last dragon in Wales was killed. A fine sculpture of the dragon sits astride the gate to the castle. The town is also a nice place to explore with many small independent shops.

Further downstream (30 mins) is Cilgerran Castle, operated by the National Trust. It, too, occupies a dramatic position over the Teifi gorge with imposing stone ramparts. You can also take guided canoe trips on the river here.

Slightly further afield (45 mins) Laugharne makes for a great day out with which an evocative medieval fortress and gardens with great views out over the Taf estuary. Laugharne itself is a nice historic town to explore and there is a signed walking tour to help guide you. Dylan Thomas’ boathouse is here and he and his wife Caitlin are buried in the churchyard.