Aberaeron Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Aberaeron Hot Tub Cottage Break

I've put together this guide to help you make the most of your Aberaeron hot tub cottage holiday. This small harbour town packs a surprising punch when it comes to things to do, places to eat and coastal scenery to explore. The hot tub will be waiting when you get back!

Aberaeron sits right on the Ceredigion coastal path, making it perfect for walkers. The town itself is compact enough to explore on foot, with its Georgian architecture and brightly painted houses giving it a distinctive character unlike anywhere else in Wales.

We think Aberaeron works brilliantly as a base for exploring the wider Cardigan Bay area. Within a 30-minute drive, you can reach New Quay's dolphin-watching boats, Aberystwyth's promenade and the National Trust's Llanerchaeron estate.

Sightseeing

Aberaeron's harbour is the natural starting point for any visit. The small working port is lined with colourful Georgian houses and has several benches where you can sit with an ice cream from The Hive (their honey ice cream is famous throughout Wales).

Llanerchaeron (SA48 8DG) is a must-visit National Trust property just 2.5 miles east of town. This 18th-century villa was designed by John Nash and includes a working farm, walled gardens and woodland walks. Open 10am-5pm March-October, it scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor.

The Wales Coast Path runs directly through Aberaeron, offering spectacular walks in both directions. Head north toward Aberystwyth for dramatic cliff-top paths, or south to New Quay for potential dolphin spotting from the headlands. The path is well-marked and suitable for most fitness levels.

Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre in nearby New Quay (SA45 9NT) gets 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and offers fascinating insights into the dolphins, porpoises and seals that call this coastline home. Their exhibition is free and they run boat trips from April to October.

Pet Friendly

Dogs love Aberaeron! The town has several dog-friendly beaches nearby, though some have seasonal restrictions. Aberaeron South Beach allows dogs year-round, while the main beach has restrictions from May to September.

The Harbourmaster Hotel (SA46 0BT) welcomes dogs in its bar area and outdoor terrace, making it perfect for a post-walk pint. Their staff will happily provide water bowls and treats for your four-legged friend.

For longer walks, the disused railway line between Aberaeron and Llanerchaeron offers a flat, traffic-free route that's ideal for dogs. It follows the River Aeron through woodland and meadows for about 2.5 miles.

I recommend bringing towels specifically for your dog - the Welsh weather can make for muddy walks and you'll want to clean them up before they jump into the hot tub with you! (Just kidding, dogs and hot tubs don't mix well).

Top 5 attractions you have to see in Aberaeron

1. Aberaeron Harbour - The heart of the town with its distinctive coloured houses, small fishing boats and excellent crabbing spots. Kids love dropping lines off the harbour wall (local shops sell crabbing kits). The harbour comes alive during the annual Aberaeron Festival in August with boat races and food stalls.

2. The Hive (SA46 0AE) - This harbourside restaurant and ice cream parlour is an Aberaeron institution. Their honey ice cream has won multiple awards and uses honey from their own farm. One TripAdvisor reviewer called it "the best ice cream I've had outside Italy" (4.5/5 overall rating).

3. Llanerchaeron National Trust Estate (SA48 8DG) - This Georgian villa and working farm offers a fascinating glimpse into 18th-century Welsh country life. The walled gardens supply produce to the café and there are often demonstrations of traditional farming techniques. A recent visitor wrote: "The gardens alone are worth the entrance fee" (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor).

4. Cardigan Bay Boat Trips (departing from New Quay, SA45 9NR) - Just 15 minutes' drive from Aberaeron, these trips offer an 85% chance of spotting bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. The 1-hour trips (£15 adults, £10 children) run from Easter to October and get consistently high reviews (4.5/5).

5. Aberaeron to New Quay Coastal Path - This 6-mile section of the Wales Coast Path offers some of the best coastal scenery in Ceredigion. The path takes you along cliff tops with stunning views across Cardigan Bay. On clear days, you might spot dolphins from the headlands. One walker described it as "breathtaking in every sense - the views and the hills!"

Aberaeron FAQs

Q: When is the best time to visit Aberaeron?

A: June to September offers the warmest weather and all attractions open. However, May and October can be lovely with fewer crowds. The Aberaeron Seafood Festival in July and the Cardigan Bay Seafood Festival in August are highlights of the summer calendar.

Q: Are there any good beaches near Aberaeron?

A: Aberaeron has a small pebble beach, but for sand head to New Quay (15 mins drive) or Penbryn (25 mins drive). Llangrannog beach (30 mins) is a beautiful cove with excellent facilities and a beachside pub.

Q: Where's the best place to eat in Aberaeron?

A: The Harbourmaster (SA46 0BT) is widely considered the best restaurant in town, serving locally caught seafood. The Hive is great for casual dining and The Cellar (SA46 0AQ) offers excellent tapas and wine.

Q: Can you see dolphins from Aberaeron?

A: Sometimes! While New Quay is the dolphin-watching hotspot, they're occasionally spotted from Aberaeron harbour. Your best bet is a dedicated boat trip from New Quay or walking the coastal path to the headlands.

Q: Is Aberaeron good for shopping?

A: The town has several independent shops selling Welsh crafts, local food products and clothing. The Craft Centre on Market Street has work from local artists. For bigger shops, Aberystwyth is 16 miles north.

Q: Do I need a car in Aberaeron?

A: While the town itself is walkable, a car is useful for exploring the wider area. There are bus services to Aberystwyth and Cardigan, but they're not frequent.

Q: What if it rains during my stay?

A: The Internal Fire Museum of Power (SA48 7RR) is a fascinating rainy-day option. Aberystwyth's National Library of Wales and Ceredigion Museum are worth the short drive. Or just enjoy your cottage's hot tub - they're great in the rain!

Q: Are there any good walks directly from Aberaeron?

A: Yes! The River Aeron walk to Llanerchaeron (2.5 miles each way) follows the old railway line. The coastal path north toward Aberarth and south toward New Quay offers spectacular sea views.

Helpful Links

Discover Ceredigion: www.discoverceredigion.wales

Aberaeron Town Guide: www.aberaeron.wales

Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre: www.cbmwc.org

Wales Coast Path: www.walescoastpath.gov.uk