Why winter in Wales is truly wonderful
Beach holidays are not just for those sunny, summer days. There are plenty of reasons why a winter holiday by the sea in Tresaith is a good option, and it's not just down to money. Sure, prices in the low and mid season can make holidaying at Ty Nant more affordable, but there are lots of other reasons to visit in the colder months too. Here are just a few of the things that we love about being in West Wales in the autumn and winter.
1. You can have the beaches all to yourself
If you love a bit of peace and solitude, nothing beats a walk on the beach when yours are the only footprints in the sand. Beaches like Tresaith, Penbryn, Mwnt and even Aberporth are often empty out of season, and if you do find yourself with company, it's rarely more than a handful of people. So come and have your own Robinson Crusoe moment. It's good for the soul.
2. The beaches are fully dog friendly
All of the beaches up and down the coast from Ty Nant are fully dog friendly in the winter months. Restrictions only apply to some areas between 1 May and 30th September. So bring your furry friends with you to Ty Nant (we welcome up to 2 well-behaved dogs) and let them enjoy the sand and sea along with you.
3. The walks are still spectacular
Walking in the colder months can be more comfortable, particularly along some of the stretches of Coastal Path which can go up and down ... and up and down again. And who doesn't love wrapping up warm and heading out for a walk on a crisp winter's day. You will be spoiled for choice for good walking routes, with some starting right from the doorstep at Ty Nant.
4. The weather is definitely not always wet but when it's wild it's wonderful
Trust us, the idea that the weather is always wet in Wales is a myth. We often find that Tresaith beach is basking under blue skies and sunshine even when it is misty or cloudy up on the top of the hills inland, and Ceredigion looks stunning on a crisp winter's day. It is often at this time of year when the views north to Eryri (Snowdonia) and the Llyn Peninsula are at their clearest, and in the coldest months, you can often see the snow on the tops of the mountains - especially from Aberporth and the cliff path between Tresaith and Aberporth. Stunning! But if you like your weather wet and wild, then when it is stormy, you are in for a treat on the coast. We love watching the waves crashing against the rocks at Tresaith Beach and on the northern end of Penbryn Beach, and nothing beats sitting in the cosy window seat of the Pentre Arms in Llangrannog and watching the waves as you sip on a pint or a glass of wine.
5. The pubs and restaurants are warm and cosy
As well as enjoying the wintry beach view from the picture window at the Pentre Arms in Llangrannog, you will find a warm open fire by the bar in The Ship Inn in Tresaith and other pubs/eateries offering a particularly cosy feel in the winter include The Pepperpot in New Quay and The Castle Inn in Cardigan. The kids will love eating pizza around the open fire in the middle of the tipi at Pizzatipi too. But do check opening times before you set off as some pubs/restaurants reduce their hours in low season.
6. It's rugby season!
If you're a sports fan, then there is no better place to be for the rugby than Wales. Many of the local pubs will have the Six Nations on the TV (the atmosphere in the Pentre Arms or the Castle Inn is particularly excellent) and we love supporting the local team Clwb Rygbi Aberteifi (Cardigan), who have a cracking ground and clubhouse complete with grandstand. Have a look on their Facebook page to see when they are playing next.
7. There is plenty of wildlife to watch in winter
The best time of the year to see seal pups in Cardigan Bay is actually in the early autumn, especially September and October. Take a cliff walk and see what you can spot along the shore, but please remember to keep your distance and stay well back if the pups are on the beaches. And if birdlife is your thing, then take a winter walk along the Teifi estuary - eg near Poppit Sands or St Dogmaels - or through the Teifi Marshes where there is a Wildlife Centre. The mudflats and open water areas are ideal places to see geese, teal, mallard, little egrets, bittern and wigeon. Drive up the coast to Aberystwyth in the autumn and early winter and you stand a good chance of seeing murmurations of starlings at sunset over the pier too. Fantastic!
8. And finally, nothing beats a bubble in the hot tub on a cold day!
No matter what the weather, the hot tub at Ty Nant will be warm and toasty, so hop in and enjoy. The stars in the dark night sky above the hot tub in the autumn are spectacular. Keep an eye out for those shooting stars!