Cardigan Castle offers a mix of self catering and rooms with breakfast accommodation that is delivered from within Castle House inside the castle walls. It is not a hotel and reception is provided within the castle entry shop between 11-4. Outside these hours entrance is effected in a convoluted manner via key safes and a secure on site car park. An expanatory video is sent prior to arrival. Rooms are accessed via a staircase and our room Y Cei/The Quay is a double room with compact walk in shower room and a small seating area and desk that offers a view of the river Teifi and the quayside walk. Restaurant 1176 can be entered from Castle House and a delicious breakfast is on offer cooked to order or Continental style. The. Castle grounds are well maintained and planted imaginatively with tender plants. The main courtyard was set up with a concert stage and light/sound set. We noted that Natalie Imbrulia performs in a fortnight! We made do with the sounds from the pub across the road and bathroom noises from the next room.

According to the locals we spoke to this was sadly falling apart and inaccessible about 10 years ago, but has now been repaired and the inside reclaimed. Mainly the castle walls remain with a Georgian manor house and cottages now used as holiday rentals. The original kitchen garden and orchard has been restored and the main arena is used as a venue for music events over the summer. There are good views over the Teifi river and a copy of the giant carved chair awarded at the first Eisteddfod held at the Castle in 1176.

Only £7 per adult which is okay value for what was there. No buildings to go into however, there are plenty of signs and a short video tell you the history of the castle. The kitchen gardens were beautiful and the views were pretty from the towers. There is a cafe and a small gift shop. In addition, there is a play area for kids however, as we didn’t have children with us, we only spent 30mins looking round. Little disappointing and not really a castle.

We have visited this place a few times and the last time was this August 2023 when we were on holiday in Fishguard. We picked the perfect day to visit as HMS Wales was having an event showing off real live muskets and firing them as well as giving a very interesting insight into Admiral Nelson’s achievements and the life of the sailors and soldiers. Apart form that special event the castle itself is very interesting and you start by watching a film that gives you history and background into the Castle and the annexed buildings. Its fantastic to look at and to explore some of the historic artefacts and buildings and to learn about the history surrounding the place. You can explore at your leisure and there is a nice cafe where you can sit down and relax and enjoy a nice cup of coffee.

It could have been nice. The staff were friendly but our accommodation was basic. No TV , No tea and coffee facilities in our room. Nothing to do at night. When we booked it said there was an evening restaurant and bar in the Kitchen 1176. But this closed at 4.30 every night. If I had known all this I wouldn’t have booked our 4 night stay here. They should let people know if things are closed or you have to go downstairs to the communal kitchen to have a cup of tea. It was so bad we were glad to get home.