New Quay Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your New Quay Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

New Quay packs a lot into a small space. The town sits on a hillside overlooking Cardigan Bay, with narrow streets leading down to the harbour. It's one of the best spots in the UK for dolphin watching - Cardigan Bay is home to Britain's largest pod of bottlenose dolphins.

Boat trips run daily from the harbour during summer (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor). I recommend booking in advance as they fill up quickly. The 1-hour trips cost around £15 per adult but give you a 90% chance of spotting dolphins.

New Quay Honey Farm (SA45 9SB) is worth visiting even if you're not keen on honey. Open 10am-5pm daily, it has observation hives where you can watch bees at work and a tearoom serving homemade cakes (4/5 on TripAdvisor).

The Dylan Thomas Trail takes you past places where the famous poet lived and drank during his time here in the 1940s. Pick up a free map from the Tourist Information Centre. Black Lion pub was his favourite watering hole and still serves good food today.

Pet Friendly

Dogs love New Quay almost as much as their owners do. While the main Harbour Beach has seasonal restrictions (May-September), Traeth Gwyn just north of town allows dogs year-round. It's a lovely walk along the coastal path to get there.

The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre (SA45 9PS) welcomes dogs in their exhibition area. Staff are happy to tell you about local marine life while your dog gets a rest. They're open 10:30am-4:30pm daily in summer.

For eating out, The Bluebell Bistro has a dog-friendly section in their garden area and even offers water bowls. The Penwig pub on the front also welcomes dogs in their bar area and serves decent pub grub.

Most local shops are happy for well-behaved dogs to come in. We've found New Quay to be one of the most accommodating places for dogs in Wales. After a day exploring, your dog can rest while you enjoy that hot tub!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in New Quay

1. Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips - Nothing beats seeing these magnificent mammals in their natural habitat. Several companies operate from the harbour, but Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips Ltd has the best reputation (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor). Their 1-hour trips run throughout the day in summer. One visitor wrote: "Saw at least 8 different dolphins, some came right up to the boat. Best £15 I've spent in years."

2. Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre (SA45 9PS) - This free attraction offers fascinating insights into local marine life. Their interactive displays explain why dolphins love this coastline. They also run land-based dolphin watching sessions with experts who'll help you spot them from shore. A recent visitor commented: "Learned so much from the volunteers. Spotted dolphins from their viewing point without needing a boat trip."

3. New Quay Beaches - The town has three beaches within walking distance. Harbour Beach is most convenient, Dolau Beach is quieter and Traeth Gwyn offers more space. All have clean water quality ratings. The sheltered position means they're often warmer than you'd expect. Take a morning dip before returning to warm up in your hot tub!

Is New Quay good for families?

Yes! The sheltered beaches are perfect for children with generally calm waters. Crabbing off the harbour wall is a favourite activity that costs next to nothing. Most restaurants have children's menus and the ice cream from Creme Pen Cei is fantastic.

When is the best time to see dolphins in New Quay?

Dolphins can be spotted year-round, but your chances are highest from May to October. Early morning or evening trips often yield the best sightings. High tide is generally better than low tide.

Can you walk from New Quay to Aberaeron?

Yes, it's about 6 miles along the Ceredigion Coast Path. The walk takes around 3 hours one-way with stunning views throughout. There's a regular bus service (T5) back to New Quay if you don't want to walk both ways.

Are there any good restaurants in New Quay?

The Bluebell Bistro serves excellent locally-sourced food. The Lime Crab specialises in seafood caught that day. For more casual dining, The Penwig does good pub meals with harbour views.

Is New Quay the same as Newquay in Cornwall?

No, they're completely different places! New Quay (two words) is in Wales, while Newquay (one word) is in Cornwall. New Quay is much smaller and quieter than its Cornish namesake.

Do I need a car in New Quay?

While not essential, a car is useful for exploring the wider area. The T5 coastal bus connects New Quay with Aberaeron and Aberystwyth if you prefer public transport.

Some helpful links:

1. Discover Ceredigion - New Quay Guide
2. Cardigan Bay Tourism Information
3. Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre