26 February 20244 February 2025activities, Days Out, News

Events in Mid Wales 2024

When you’re planning your holiday to Coedmor Cottages you may need some ideas for days out. Here is a handy list of events in Mid Wales 2024 including festivals, fairs and concerts to help you to make the most of your time in wonderful Wales. Events in West Wales are easily accessible from our cottages too. All these days out are doable as a day trip from our cottages and each listing is a clickable link so you can find out more about the event.

Events in Mid Wales 2025 - food and drink festivals

March

1st & 2nd March 2025 St David’s Day Food & Drink Festival
Pembrey Country Park

Date TBC March St David’s Day Food & Craft Weekend
National Botanic Garden of Wales (10:00 – 16:00)

28th-30th March 2025 – The Laugharne Weekend
Laugharne

April

12th & 13th April 2025 – Spring Steam Rally
Pembrey Country Park

19^th April 2025 – Lampeter Stallion Show
Talsarn, SA48 8QB

Date TBC April – Pride in Aberystwyth
Bandstand, Marine Terrace

26^th April 2025– Barley Saturday – Horse Parade
Cardigan

Date TBC April – A Taste of Wales Spring Festival
National Botanic Garden of Wales (10:00 – 17:00)

26^th & 27^th April 2025- Wonderwool Wales
Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

Mach comedy Festival Events in Mid Wales 2025

May

2nd – 4th May 2025 – Machynlleth Comedy Festival
Various venues Machynlleth

14^th May 2025 – International Dylan Thomas Day

17^th & 18^th May 2025 – Spring Festival
Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

Date TBC May – Ceredigion Garden, Craft & Food Festival
Alban Square, Aberaeron

Events in Mid Wales 2024 - royal welsh show

June

5^th – 9^th June 2025 – Westival
Manorbier, Pembrokeshire

Dates TBC June – Pembrokeshire Street Food Festival
South Beach, Tenby

8^thJune – Aberystwyth & Ceredigion Show
Gelli Angharad Fields, Aberystwyth

15th June – Llandeilo Pride
Market Street, Llandeilo

28^th-30^th June – Wales Balloon Festival
Carmarthen Showground

29th-30th June – Towy Valley Vintage Show (Vehicles)
Pontargothi Showground, Llandeilo

July

6^th & 7^th July – Wales National Airshow
Swansea

8^th July – Tivyside Agricultural Show
Glan-Llyn Fields Newcastle Emlyn

12th-14^th July – Saundersfest
Saundersfoot

13th July – Llanelli Pride
Selwyn Samual Centre, Park Crescent

19^th – 21^st July – Brecon Choir Festival
Brecon

20th July – Aberaeron Sailing Regatta
Aberaeron Yacht Club

22^nd-25^th July – Royal Welsh Show
Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

27^th July – Lampeter Food Festival
University of Wales Trinity Saint David Campus

28^th July – West Wales Shire Horse Annual Show
Alban Square, Aberaeron

August

2^nd– 4^th Aug – New Quay Music Festival
New Quay FC Parc Arthur

3^rd August – Brecon County Show
Brecon County Showground

3^rd August – Cardigan County Show
PantyGrwndy, Cardigan

TBC Aug – Cilgerran Festive Week
Cilgerran

9^th – 11^th Aug – Tresaith Beach Party
Tresaith Beach

9^th – 11^th Aug – Cardigan Bay Regatta
New Quay

Events West wales 2024 Aberaeron regatta

10^th Aug – Aberaeron Beer & Cider Festival
Aberaeron Yacht Club (12:00 – late)

14^th-16^th August – Welsh National Sheepdog Trials
Pontrhydfendigaid, Tregaron

16^th-18th August – Tresaith Beach Party
Tresaith Beach

17^th Aug – Cardigan River and Food Festival
Quay Street Cardigan (10:00 – 17:00)

17^th August* – Llandeilo Show
Cawdor Fields, Ffairfach

24^th Aug – Aberaeron Mackerel Fiesta
Aberaeron Yacht Club & The Harbourmaster

Events in Mid Wales 2024 bog snorkelling

25^th Aug – World Bog Snorkling Championship
Waen Rhydd Bog Llanwrtyd Wells

25th August – Cruise Culture Car Show
Carmarthen Showground

23^rd – 25^th August Aberystwyth Street Food Festival
Aberystwyth Marina

23^rd – 26^th August – Tresaith Regatta & Beach Party
Tresaith Beach

26^th Aug – Aberaeron Carnival
Aberaeron Harbour (Parade starts at 13:45)

26^th August – Tregaron Show
Tregaron

30^th August – 1^st September – Rali Ceredigion
Aberystwyth

Aberglasney events in 2024 West wales attractions

September

6^th – 8^th September – Craft Festival Wales
Cardigan Castle (10:00-17:00)

7^th & 8^th Sept. – Aberglasney Food & Music Fayre
Aberglasney, Llangathen

14^th & 15^th September – Llandovery Sheep Festival
Market Square, Llandovery

27^th September – Apple Weekend at Llanerchaeron
Llanerchaeron, Ciliau Aeron

28^th & 29^th September – Narberth Food Festival
Town Moor, Narberth (10:00-18:00/10:00-16:00)

28^th& 29^th Sept. – Steam Rally & Country Fayre
Pembrey Country Park (11:00 – 16:00)

October

4^th – 6^th October – Aberystwyth Comedy Festival
Aberystwyth

11^th – 14^th October Brecon Baroque Festival
Brecon Cathedral/Theatr Brycheiniog

31^st October – 2^nd November – Other Voices Cardigan
Various venues, Cardigan

November & December

8th – 10th November – Tenby Blues Festival
Various Venues in Tenby

15^th – 17^th November – Llandeilo Festival of Senses
Llandeilo

25^th & 26^th November – Royal Welsh Winter Fair
Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

29^th November – 1^st December – Aberglasney Winter Fair
Aberglasney, Llangathen (10:00-16:30)

30th November – Aberystwyth Lantern Parade
Aberystwyth

30th November – Christmas Fair at Cardigan Castle
Cardigan Castle (10:00am – 4:00pm)

30th November – 24th December – Polar Express Train Rides
Vale of Rheidol Railway Aberystwyth

6th December – Cardigan Giant Lantern Parade & Fireworks
Cardigan (19:00 – 20:00)

7th December – Lampeter Christmas Fayre
Lloyd Thomas Dining Hall, Lampeter University (10:30-15:00)

6th – 8th December – Llanercharon Christmas Fair
Llanerchaeron, Ciliau Aeron

8th December – Nanteos Mansion Christmas Market
Nr Rhydyfelin, Aberystwyth (11:30-4:30)

Check available dates for our cottages: Romantic Holiday Cottages for Couples

All Images © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2024) Cymru Wales.

30 January 20242 September 2024Days Out, Fauna & Flora, Walks

Awesome Llyn Brianne & the Uk’s Tallest Dam

The drive from Coedmor Cottages to Llyn Brianne is a delight in itself. You want to take your time and savour the views as you enter the Cambrian Mountains. It is about 20 miles / 45 minutes from Coedmor Cottages.

There are a few places to stop and admire the views. This viewpoint is just off the Carreg Clochdy car park & picnic spot – the What3words address is ///hogs.raven.clinic
Not technically a Natural Wonder, the lake is actually a reservoir created in the late 1960’s/ early 70’s. The scenery is reminiscent of Canada or Scandinavia – just beautiful.

Fannog Farm – Fferm y Fannog

There is another small car park and picnic area at Fannog (what3words: ///self.crinkled.angel . In 2022 the water level was so low that we got to see Fferm y Fannog (Fannog Farm) which appears very rarely. This was an abandoned farm that was covered by the water when the reservoir was created. See a little Reel of Fferm y Fannog from our Instagram

Fannog Farm revealed, Fferm y Fannog, Llyn Brianne

Fannog Farm uncovered, Fferm y Fannog, Llyn Brianne

Llyn Brianne Dam

The dam at Llyn Brianne is the UK’s tallest at 91m (300 ft). You can walk across the top of the dam and see martins swooping below.There is a good track to walk around part of the lake from here. There is a big car park and toilets (which are sometimes open) – what3words: ///cuddled.villas.tinkle
The woodland here is famous for being one of the last places you can see Red Squirrels. You will also likely see Red Kites and Buzzards overhead.

Llyn Brianne - Cambrian Mountains Red Squirrels.

If you are keen on stargazing, the car park at Llyn Brianne is also a Dark Sky Discovery Site – part of the Cambrian Mountains Astro Trail.

Heading Home from Llyn Brianne

The drive around the lake is a great way to take in the scenery and for an alternative route back to the cottages the road between Llyn Brianne and Tregaron is worth a detour for spectacular Cambrian Mountain views.

If you drive back towards Llandovery, you will come across the Towy Bridge Inn – right next to the bridge on the River Towy (where else would it be!) Pop in for a drink or some food (do check opening times beforehand as they can be limited to weekends). This route also takes you past RSPB Gwenffrwd-Dinas and through Rhandirmwyn valley which is just stunning.

Cycling

If you are a keen cyclist, then the Big Wilderness Adventure takes in Llyn Brianne along the route. It is a 65 mile circular route that you can get onto just 5 minutes from our cottages. You can make it shorter by not going all the way to Llandovery!

23 January 202412 February 2025activities, Adventures, Experiences

Stargazing – Dark Sky Areas Near the Cottages

We have wonderfully dark skies here – around the cottages on a clear night it is stunning. And we also have lots of Dark Sky Discovery sites within easy reach of the cottages around the Cambrian Mountains and Cardigan Bay if you want to experience truly epic stargazing. 🤩

Leigh has become pretty good at Astro Photography, capturing pictures around the cottages and our meadows.

Stargazing - dark sky areas. Dark Sky Discovery sites.

Red Kite Cottage Starlapse image.

The Milky Way taken in Picnic Meadow.

Another shot of the Milky Way from the cottages’ Picnic Meadow. The best seasons for stargazing are Spring, Autumn & Winter.

Venturing further afield, Leigh went on a night time expedition up Drygarn Fawr in the Cambrian Mountains near Tregaron for even darker skies.

Dark Sky Discovery Sites

There are plenty of great designated Dark Sky Discovery sites within easy reach of the cottages. From the map above the three easiest to get to are:

7: Llyn Brianne

8: Mynydd Llanllwni

9: Llanerchaeron

Penbryn Beach is another wonderful location for really dark skies to make the most of the stars.
Find out more: Dark Sky Discovery Sites

Check available dates for our cottages here: Dark Sky Holiday Cottages for Couples

Photos 1 & 8 – © Dafydd Wyn Morgan. All other photographs © Coedmor Cottages.

20 September 202313 February 2025Days Out, Walks

Splendid Isolation in the Cambrian Mountains

Our romantic holiday cottages are located in the foothills of the Cambrian Mountains Area of Astounding Natural Beauty. You can even see the highest mountain – Pumlumon Fawr – in the distance from our meadows.

The natural beauty of the plateaux, valleys and gorges of the Cambrian Mountains is equal to and often greater than some British national parks. Although distributed among three counties – Powys, Ceredigion & Carmarthenshire – the Cambrian Mountains are geographically one area, and form the main watershed of Wales.

The rivers Severn, Wye, Elan, Irfon, Tywi, Cothi, Teifi, Ystwyth, Rheidol, and Twymyn all have their sources here. There are only a few roads across the mountains and they are acknowledged as some of the most scenic routes in Britain.

Cambrian Mountains - Hafod Estate — Hafod Estate

Cambrian Mountains - Abergwesyn Pass — Abergwesyn Pass

The walker is king in the Cambrian Mountains and you can find many routes online, such as the ones on Walking Britain. The landscape is vast, but not featureless. There are plenty of lakes and reservoirs that will make you feel like you could be in Canada!

Cambrian Mountains - Llyn Clywedog — Llyn Clywedog

Interesting features like Strata Florida, The Teifi Pools, Vale of Rheidol Railway and Devil’s Bridge mean that you can easily spend a week or more exploring the area.

Cambrian Mountains - Strata Florida — Strata Florida

Cambrian Mountains - Claerddu waterfall — Claerddu Waterfall, Teifi Pools

Cambrian Mountains - Vale of Rheidol Railway. — Vale of Rheidol Railway

Cambrian Mountains - Devil's Bridge — Devil’s Bridge

There are also amazing wildlife habitats like Cors Caron Nature Reserve which has great walking trails and is recognised internationally as an important wetland reserve.

Cambrian Mountains - Cors Caron — Cors Caron

And no visit to the Cambrian Mountain is complete without stopping off at the most remote phone box in the UK! You can even post letters from the post box there (we have seen the postie collecting mail from it). 😂 To find it, the What3words is ///campsites.guarding.brain

Of course, one of the outstanding features of the Cambrian Mountains is the Dark Skies. There are a number of Dark Sky Discovery Sites within easy reach of our cottages.

Cambrian Mountains Dark Skies stargazing

The Cambrian Mountains are such a special place and still relatively unknown. They are unspoilt and always quiet and peaceful – sometimes you will hardly see another soul all day! Don’t miss out on exploring this astoundingly beautiful area if you stay with us.

30 August 20232 September 2024Days Out, Walks

Best Things to do at Dinefwr National Trust

Visiting Dinefwr National Trust – a historic estate located in Carmarthenshire. Dinefwr is known for its grand mansion, extensive parkland, and rich history dating back many centuries. The estate encompasses Dinefwr Castle, Newton House, and a large area of parkland that has been designated as a National Nature Reserve. It is about a 40 minute scenic drive from Red Kite & Woodpecker Cottages. There is a large car park which is free to NT members or £5 for a full day for non-members. The easiest way to find it is with What3Words : Compelled : Trailer : Park

Newton House

A Georgian mansion that was built within the estate during the 17th century. It served as the home of the Rhys family, who were descendants of the Lord Rhys. The mansion is a prime example of Georgian architecture and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. It is open to the public and offers visitors a glimpse into the estate’s history. Entry to the house is currently £9 per adult for non NT members.

There is so much to do at Dinefwr. You can explore the castle ruins, tour Newton House, enjoy walks through the parkland, and appreciate the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The estate offers a combination of history, architecture and nature.

Dinefwr Castle

A medieval fortress that sits on top of a hill overlooking the River Tywi. It has a strategic location that allowed its occupants to control and monitor the surrounding landscape. The castle has a long history, with its origins dating back to the early 12th century. Over the years, it was the seat of the Lord Rhys, a powerful Welsh prince, and played a significant role in Welsh history during periods of conflict with the English. You can visit the castle for free and the views over the Tywi Valley are stunning.

Parkland and Nature Reserve

The parkland surrounding Dinefwr is known for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. The estate’s landscape includes woodlands, meadows, and the picturesque Dinefwr Deer Park. The park is home to a herd of fallow deer that roam freely, adding to the scenic charm of the area. The estate’s parkland has been designated as a National Nature Reserve, emphasising its ecological importance.

Rare Breed Cattle at Dinefwr © Coedmor Cottages

The walks around the estate are beautiful in all seasons. Late spring is especially lovely when the bluebells are out.

Bluebell time at Dinefwr Estate. © Coedmor Cottages

Here’s a handy map showing all the different areas. There are plenty of picnic areas scattered through the estate and also a cafe for refreshments. You can definitely spend a whole day exploring! Find out more on the NT website: National Trust Dinefwr

11 November 20222 September 2024Days Out

Our Visits to Cenarth Falls Through the Seasons

Cenarth Falls is a picturesque waterfall on the River Teifi located in the village of Cenarth. It is on the border of Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire. The Teifi is one of the longest rivers in Wales. It cascades over a series of rocky steps to create Cenarth Falls. The waterfall is particularly stunning during times of heavy rainfall when the water flow is at its peak.

The village is such a pretty place with a lovely riverside walk and plenty of cafes for a cream tea.

There are boardwalks along the riverside making the walk easy and accessible. There is a circular walk you can do along the river, then up through woodland and back through the village to the car park.

The area is also well-known for fishing, and the River Teifi is abundant with salmon and sea trout.

In addition to its natural beauty, Cenarth is also famous for its history, with a long-standing tradition of coracle fishing. Coracles are small, round boats made of wicker and coated with tar or bitumen. Fishermen have used these unique vessels for centuries to navigate the river and catch fish. The National Coracle Museum by the river is worth a visit.

There is a Car Park at the Falls. Parking is £3 per car for all day parking (9am – 6pm). Cenarth is easily reached in around 30 minutes from Red Kite & Woodpecker Cottages.

We’ve visited Cenarth three times this year and each time has been so different. First time in May there had been so little rain that the falls were small and you could see much of the underlying rock.
In September they were perfectly flowing. This week after so much rain they are a force of nature, so powerful! Whenever you visit, Cenarth is very pretty.

Here’s a Reel I made for our Instagram showing the different seasons.

Tag: Carmarthenshire