History

Rural Wales offers beautiful, unspoilt scenery that is the home of ancient myths and fascinating legends. Delve into history and you’ll discover stories of kingdoms and battles, dating back to well before Roman times.  

Like many rural villages in Wales, Glynarthen and Betws Ifan have, at the centre of their histories, their churches. Glynarthen is dominated by its chapel, built in 1797 and then rebuilt in 1841. By 1876 the chapel was at the centre of rural life, with over 400 members. It was renovated again in 1901, and today it still plays an important role in local life, with the vestry also acting as the village hall.

Betws Ifan is home to St John’s church, built in the simple style of R. J Withers’ plainist churches. The current structure replaced a tiny original church, although some of the old stonework was maintained.

Tourism & Recreation

Cardigan Bay and the rural inland areas of this picturesque corner of West Wales offer a wide range of tourist attractions and activities, all of which are easily accessible from both Glynarthen and Betws Ifan.

 Around five miles from these villages is the spectacular Welsh coast, home to some of Britain’s best sandy beaches. Uncrowded and unspoilt, take your time to discover beaches such as Llangrannog, Tresaith (with its waterfall) and Mwnt – to name just a few! 

If you enjoy learning new skills, you’ll find a number of schools for watersports such as sailing, surfing, windsurfing, water skiing and kayaking. Alternatively, it’s easy to find a great spot for a picnic!

Cardigan Bay is also an important area for marine wildlife, and the area is home to some of the UK’s rarest birds. Take a boat trip and you may see bottlenose dolphins, grey seals and porpoises. 

If you prefer to explore on foot, try walking the Ceredigion Coastal Path and visit the small ports and harbour towns of the Welsh coast. You’ll also be able to discover the rich seafaring history of this part of West Wales, in villages such as Aberporth and Aberaeron.

And if history is your thing, then Cardigan Castle is definitely worth a visit. Over 900 years old, you can visit the mediaeval walls and the castle remains, with knowledgeable guides on hand to bring your visit to life.

Shopping

One of the best things about shopping in this part of West Wales is the range of independent local shops. 

The nearest shopping for both villages is a CK’s supermarket in Gogerddan (2.1 mies from Glynarthen/1.9 miles from Betws Ifan) which offers a range of essentials and includes an in-store bakery and post office, with another shop at Brynhoffnant (2.6 miles from Glynarthen/4.2 miles from Betws Ifan), which has a local shop for a range of essential and locally produced supplies and also offers an in-store bakery. 

For major supermarkets, the market town of Cardigan has a Tesco, an Aldi and a Spar. Here you’ll also find a choice of banks (Lloyds, Barclays and HSBC), a post office, and some wonderful local shops including jewellery stores, surf shops, butchers, bakers and the Guildhall Market, which has over 20 stalls in a Grade II listed heritage building. 

Eating & Drinking

For a relaxed social life, the village of Brynhoffnant has a lovely local pub – the Y Bryn A’R Bragdy. Offering brewed-on-site craft beers, wood-fired pizzas, burgers and other dishes it’s undergone a major redevelopment and is attracting both locals and holidaymakers.

Alternatively, head to coastal villages such as LLangrannog, Tresaith or Aberporth, where you’ll find a choice of pubs, cafes and restaurants, some offering sea views, and plenty of fresh fish on the menu.

For even more choice, Cardigan has an increasing range of eateries, offering everything from traditional breakfast fry ups, to coffee shops, pizza restaurants and fine dining.

Healthcare

There’s a Health Centre in Cardigan, around a 17 minute drive from Glynarthen and 16 minutes from Betws Ifan. Open daily, Monday – Friday, there are both doctors and nurse practitioners available, as well as e-consultations for certain requirements.

Schools 

If you are considering moving to the area with young children, you’ll find the nearest primary school in Brynhoffnant, a six minute drive away.

In Cardigan there are both primary and secondary schools, as well as a further education college – Coleg Ceredigion – which offers a wide range of courses in areas such as the creative arts, construction, hospitality and ICT & Media. You’ll also find a secondary school in Newcastle Emlyn (7 miles from Glynarthen/5.8 miles from Betws Ifan). Buses are available to the secondary schools in both Cardigan and Newcastle Emlyn.

If you have a child who has educational needs, including profound disabilities, severe learning difficulties or autism, there is also an excellent school in Aberporth called Canolfan y Don. With a range of specialist facilities and an experienced team, the school accepts pupils up to the age of 11.

4 Bed Land - Small Holding 

Glynarthen, Llandysul

Offers in the region of £779,950

3 Bed Land - Small Holding 

Bettws Ifan, Llandysul

Offers in the region of £490,000

3 Bed Land - Small Holding 

Glynarthen, Llandysul

Offers in the region of £715,000

3 Bed Land - Small Holding 

Rhydlewis, Llandysul

£575,000