Corlan Aber

Llanfarian is a relatively small and closely knit village with a sizeable, scattered community living on former, or active farms.  It has retained its rural charm and strong welsh culture, (with most residents speaking both Welsh and English), despite being so close to the university and holiday town of Aberystwyth.There is a small children's play area, riverbank, an opportunity to paddle or swim in the river, visit the old village, go fishing to local anglers, a dog friendly beach, visit the local Oak pub or go and explore on the cycle path. 

Things to do and see - 

Aberystwyth Beach - 2.5 miles   

As an eternal optimist I hope you will be able to spend a lot of your holiday at the beach - of which there are many along Cardigan Bay.  Aberystwyth town has two sheltered sand and shingle beaches; North beach which is a Blue Flag award winning beach and South beach. There is a promenade running and at the north end there is a pier, a castle and at the south end you have the harbour. 

Vale of Rheidol Railway - 2.5 miles    

Take your family to the stunning valleys of Rheidol at The Vale of Rheidol Railway. See parts of the valley only accessible by train, and go on a day out that parents, kids and grandparents will love. Keep an eye out for Buzzards and Red Kites on your travels, as these birds of prey can regularly be seen soaring past the hills and over the train. This is an 11 ¾ mile journey that will take you from Aberystwyth to the famous Devil’s Bridge Falls. See the sights of the valley with your family and enjoy a relaxing and breath-taking day out with the kids.

Devils Bridge Waterfalls - 11 miles 

Catch an old steam train through woodland and rugged mountains and end up at Devils Bridge, where you can take a walk around the world-famous waterfalls, or drive.  It's up to you.  Either way, the journey is worth the effort.  You could also book a table at the Hafod Hotel restaurant for a lunch or high tea. 

Ynys Las National Nature Reserve / Sand Dunes - 10 miles            

Ynyslas is 3 gorgeous miles of golden sands and is dog friendly too.  You can experience a rich variety of habitats including sand dunes, seashore, farmland and then saltmarsh with stunning views of the estuary.  Ynyslas Visitor Centre is open daily from 9am to 5pm.  This is one of my favourite places to go for an afternoon with the dog and the kids regardless of the weather.

Watersports:  Surfing Paddleboarding, Kayaking, Windsurfing, Kitesurfing - 2.5 miles    

Aberystwyth has been attracting keen water sports enthusiasts for decades.  Surfers have come to experience the delights of the Harbour Trap on a big swell. There's a mixture of sandy bays and reefs here so something for everyone but the reefs tend to be the best option when the surf is firing.  Kayakers, SUPers, Windsurfers and Kitesurfers are often seen along the coastline from very early in the morning until after the sun has set.  This coastline attracts experts and beginners alike, and you can hire equipment locally and there are plenty of options for lessons if you fancy trying it for the first time.  

Walking / Rambling 

Ceredigion has over 2,500km of paths, bridleways and byways to enjoy.

Ceredigion Coastal Path 

Ceredigion's 60 miles (96km) Coast Path is a very special part of the Wales Coast Path, with probably the most varied landscape and terrain of the 870 mile (1400km) route. As well as great views north towards Snowdonia and south towards Pembrokeshire, the Ceredigion Coast path has a wealth of wildlife, geological and archaeological features and a colourful history to discover along the way.  You can go south from Aberystwth to Llanrhystud (10.6miles) or north from Aberystwyth to Ynyslas (11.7miles).

Mountain Biking, Cycling & Aberystwyth Cycle Festival   (all our cottages have outdoor , bike racks)        

The Ystwyth Trail is a 20 mile (32km) route between Aberystwyth and Tregaron and goes right passed the doorstep in our cottages.  Off road sections of the trail follow the track of the old Great Western Railway line, and are are suitable for families with young children and you can cycle all the way from the village into Aberystwyth on the pictured trail.  If you head south east from the cottages you can cycle approximately 6 miles on the trail without coming to any highways.  The complete trail is suitable for experienced cyclists. Note that the route crosses public highways at several points. There's great mountainbiking in Ceredigion's Cambrian Mountains and many of Ceredigion's bridleways are also suitable for mountainbiking.  There is a mountain biking centre at Bwlch Nant yr Arian near Aberystwyth which is great for views as well as technical challenges.  There's a choice of three routes​, each with a different character:  The Summit trail is exactly what the name suggests, superb views and flowing single track rides. The Pendam trail also has fantastic views, combined with some technically challenging sections. The third, Syfydrin,​ trail extends out onto the open hills.  A purpose-built 'pump track' has a number of loops with 'rollers' and 'tabletops' - features that riders of all abilities can have a go at, practice their skills on, or just warm up before taking to the longer trails which start from the same spot near the visitor centre. Aberystwyth's annual Aberystwyth Cycle Festival​ brings together a spectacular downhill mountain biking competition and an even tougher uphill challenge, as well as the 'Welsh Wild West' sportive with a choice of route lengths, fun races for children and 'town and gown' criterium races. 

Silver Mountain Experience - 12 miles 

Where history, myth and legend collide in a fantastic day out for the whole family. Embark on an adventure with a choice of guided tours discovering the history of the original Victorian Silver-Lead Mine, or experience Welsh fantasy and myth in one of the theatrical experiences. Set against the dramatic Cambrian Mountains, The Silver Mountain Experience is not your usual day out.

Bottlenose Dolphin Spotting - 3miles Aberystwyth - 20miles New Quay

A wildlife spotting boat trip is a top Ceredigion coast 'must do' as the inshore waters of Cardigan Bay's Special Area of Conservation are home to Europe's largest population of bottlenose dolphins. A boat trip is a great way to see the Ceredigion coastline from a different perspective and to spot a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, seals, porpoises, turtles and unusual species such as the sunfish.  New Quay is one of the 'hotspots' for spotting Cardigan bay's bottlenose dolphins, from the shore as well as from a guided boat trip. Both the Wildlife Trust of South West Wales and the Seawatch foundation have a base in New Quay, and scientists often accompany trippers on the boats to survey the population of dolphins and porpoises that are semi resident in Cardigan Bay.  However, every summer I spot them early in the morning when I head in for an early walk. Tours vary in length from one-hour excursions to whole day trips lasting 8 hours. Choose from 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2 hours, 4 hours and 8+ hour trips. Check the individual boat operators’ sites for timetables, fares, and special trips.

Fantasy Farm - 8 miles 

At Fantasy Farm Park there is a heated indoor play area for toddlers, with ride on equipment, inflatable slides, ball pit and the usual bright and colourful soft play frame.  Facilities include a couple of castle themed bouncy castles, double level climbing maze and huge crooked orange slide - ideal for under 7s.

​Llanerchaeron - 15 miles      

Llanerchaeron is a remarkable Georgian villa, which is fully self-sufficient and has not been changed in over 200 years. You can find out what life in the 1790s was like - explore the rooms of Llanerchaeron and learn fascinating stories about the ladies of the house over the years. You won’t see many areas that are roped off, so you’ll be free to look around.

Bwlch Nant Yr Arian Forest - Red Kite Feeding & Visitor Centre - 11 miles      

Walking trails, bridleways, mountain biking trails (as above), picnic areas, children’s play area, disabled trails, breath-taking views, gift shop, café and Red Kite feeding. 

Centre For Alternative Technology 

Surrounded by 7 acres of beautiful woodlands, Centre for Alternative Technology or Canolfan y Dechnoleg Amgen in Machynlleth, is an educational charity which inspires thousands of families each year to get involved and make a positive impact on environmental change. Offering hands-on displays, adventure play and woodland trails buzzing with wildlife, the Centre for Alternative Technology is a great day out for your whole family.

Corris Mine Explorers - 25 miles

Delve around the secret underground world of a Welsh slate mine, with one of Wales' top Mine Explorers; abandoned and forgotten yet full of relics, stories & adventure.

The trips take you into parts of the mine, hand-dug and worked by Victorian miners in 1836 and areas worked up until the 1970s when the mine was abandoned. As the door shut for the very last time a virtual time capsule was left behind which you can now explore.

There are 3 trips available, a 1 hour Mini Mine Explorer which is great for younger explorers (8+), a 2 hour Maxi Mine Explorer (10+) which takes you deeper into the old slate mine workings using ropes, ladders and your hands and knees. There is also an Exclusive Mine Expedition (13+) which is likened to an off-piste adventure taking you into newly discovered areas of the mine. This exclusive expedition is for groups of 6+ only.

King Arthurs Labyrinth   

King Arthur’s Labyrinth is a magical underground experience led by costumed characters, installations and legends of yore.  Travel deep under the mountain where you’ll be greeted by a mysterious boatman; he'll sail you on your quest through a waterfall and way back to the Dark Ages. As you leave the boat you'll be guided through immense caverns and tunnels where ancient Welsh tales are told and brought to life with dramatic scenes, light and sound effects.

Aberystwyth Cliff Railway & Constitution Hill   - 3 miles 

Aberystwyth’s funicular railway up Constitution Hill with great views of Cardigan Bay.  Café and Camera Obscura at the top.  You can walk up and down Consti (as it’s affectionately known by locals) if you wish – 20 mins each way.

Aberystwyth Castle   

Large children’s play area, picnic area, explore the ruins, putting green and crazy golf.

National Library of Wales   

Houses nearly every book ever published; hosts travelling exhibitions; and unrivalled for its collections of art and manuscripts in Welsh history and cultural information.

Magic of Life Butterfly House   

Run by biologists, you can walk amongst 100’s of butterflies and have guided tours.

Horse Riding / Pony Trekking - 6 miles      

Ceredigion is home to the best riding horses in the world - the Welsh Pony and Cob. You can enjoy the land they thrive on as you ride out on Ceredigion’s quiet country lanes and  bridleways, along wooded river valley trails and follow ancient mountain tracks used over the centuries by shepherds and drovers. Rheidol Trekking Centre are a family run, British Horse Society Approved Riding, Training and Examination Centre. The Centre is enclosed by the River Rheidol on one side and by the Vale of Rheidol Railway on the other; a charming narrow gauge steam train runs along the valley taking tourists up to the famous Victorian Devil's Bridge Falls, too! A great way to extend your day's outdoorsy adventure!

Golfing - 3 miles      

Ceredigion's golf courses are set in wonderful scenery, from hilltops to sand dunes and there are three 18 hole golf courses within a 20 minute drive from the cottages:Ceredigion's 18 hole golf courses are set along the coast, but not all are links courses.Aberystwyth Golf Course, set in a valley on the edge of town has several panoramic views across Cardigan Bay. If the views aren't distracting enough, then the prevailing wind will challenge you on the 13th hole! Aberystwyth was one of the courses designed by the legendary six times Open Champion, Harry Vardon. 

Fishing - 0.1 mile - 3 miles

Ceredigion’s waters provide challenging sport for anglers, whether it be game fishing on our rivers and lakes, or on the coast. ​​The rivers Teifi, Aeron, Rheidol and Ystwyth are renowned for their trout, salmon and sewin (sea trout) stocks.  The river Ystwyth runs within 300 metres of the cottages and can be accessed through some woods, or on the main road.    Along the coast you can also join Ceredigion's experienced sea anglers on guided fishing excursions.

Food & Drink 

Baravin 01970 611189

Serves pizza, fish and a bit of everything.  Great sea views and a nice place to drink a cocktail and watch the sun go down.

Little Italy 01970 623338

Freshly cooked Italian favourites in an intimate traditional, charming setting, this is always a firm favourite of ours and our guests.

Upstairs At The Pier 01970 636123

This restaurant has great sea views and another great place to watch the sunset. 

The Hafod  01970 890232

A beautifully renovated hotel/restaurant near the world-famous Devils Bridge Falls, about 10 miles outside of Aberystwyth.

Y Ffarmers 01974 261275

Traditional Welsh family run pub in a beautiful little village 5 miles out of Aberystwyth. Great food, great atmosphere and great service.

Ultracomida 01970 630686

Superb Spanish, Catalan, Mediterranean restaurant for tapas, dinner, lunch and even sandwiches.  Great deli for cheese, meats, wine and lots more!  Based near the sea front.

Medina 01970 358300

Based in Aberystwyth town centre, it serves amazing Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Vegetarian and Vegan food.  Great take out salads too. 

In summer months, they also open a pop up restaurant/bar/café overlooking Aberystwyth Marina too which is fantastic.