Ceredigion, historically Cardiganshire, is on the beautiful west coast of Wales, arcing around the golden sands of Cardigan Bay — which is so clear that it has no fewer than five Blue Flag Beaches, and is the only place in the UK with a permanent population of bottlenose dolphins. To the north is Snowdonia, to the east the Cambrian Mountains, and to the south along the coastline is the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Ceredigion has plenty to offer both those who want to enjoy the pristine beaches and the stunning inland scenery. We’ve discovered some charming country house conversions, boutique-style seaside hotels and chic little B&Bs.

Hinterland fans will be spoilt for cholce; there are so many picturesque estuaries, sandy coves, lush river valleys, and peaceful villages and market towns to discover. Aberystwyth is the largest centre, and probably the place to head to, but we also rate the pretty harbour town of Aberaeron.

If you’re here to walk, consider the Ceredigion Coast Path which runs from Cardigan to Ynslas, a spectacular 100kms along the coast. When Dylan Thomas lived in New Quay and Talsarn he spent time in Aberaeron and Lampeter too, and there’s a Dylan Thomas Trail, ideal for poetry-loving walkers. Ceredigion is a great destination for exploring on two wheels too, and a couple of our recommendations for the best places to stay in Ceredigion have bike storage facilities, and offer the kind of breakfast you need before cycling all day.

The Best Places to Stay in Ceredigion

For Bay Views

• Aberystwyth’s Gwesty Cymru is a boutique-style seaside hotel. There are just eight rooms and suites, our favourites feature Welsh slate and exposed beams, and ocean views from large bay windows. The hotel’s restaurant has more slate, art by local artists, and bespoke furniture made using Welsh oak. It’s also got a menu packed with local produce, and a terrace with a view.
• Aberaeron’s Harbourmaster Hotel has 11 rooms and suites, spread through three harbour-side buildings. The main building also has a cheerful bar and elegant, but informal, restaurant, which specialises in local produce and plenty of seafood. The rooms are simply decorated, in a range of different colour schemes. The seven rooms in the main building have some of the best views — including the top floor rooms, from where the Harbourmaster of the name was able to see all of the three harbours under his control.

For a Country Escape

• Nanteos has been converted from a magnificent Georgian country house surrounded by glorious woodland outside Aberystwyth. Nanteos oozes classical elegance, from the colour scheme in the 21 rooms and suites, and the huge windows affording wonderful views to the atmospheric library bar. Some of the rooms are well laid out for families with up to two children.
• Penbontbren is a luxury, six room B&B, converted from an old Welsh farm surrounded by 32 acres of grounds, and the beautiful Ceredigion countryside beyond. Each of the rooms is large, and all offer living space as well as bedrooms and bathrooms. The breakfast is substantial, and packed with local Welsh produce.

For Families

• Noyadd Trefawr is a beautiful Georgian country house turned five guest room B&B a few kilometres back from the coast. There are three rooms in the main house, plus a two bedroom self catering cottage. Interiors are simple, elegant and very homely. Here we love the peace, the views and the roll-top bath tubs.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Ceredigion doesn’t have any large towns or cities, Aberystwyth is the largest, and train routes on the Cambrian Line run from here to Birmingham and London etc. The journey from London via Birmingham takes about four and a half hours, leaving from Euston. Cardiff Airport is probably the closest airport to Ceredigion, about an hour away by road from Aberystwyth, or four to five hours away by public transport.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Ceredigion’s lack of heavy industry, and transport links, has left its Cardigan Bay beaches in beautiful condition, so it’s a beautiful summer destination, and never too busy. There’s plenty to experience here year round, but a lot of Ceredigion’s highlights are outdoors, so it’s more pleasant during the warmer months. Our Gurus recommend April through October. Whatever time of year you plan to visit it’s worth packing your wet weather gear, because like the rest of the UK, the climate here can be a little unpredictable!

Still not sure where to stay?

• Refine your search to one of Ceredigion’s centres: Aberystwyth or Aberaeron
• Expand your search to include all of the best hotels in south Wales, Mid Wales or nearby Snowdonia
• Refine your search by the kind of accommodation you’re looking for. Consider our Gurus' recommendations for the best pubs-with-rooms in Wales
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.