Set between the historic market towns of Newcastle Emlyn and Cardigan, the small villages of Neuadd Cross and Ponthirwaun are surrounded by beautiful countryside, while offering easy access to the stunning coast of West Wales with its water sports and wildlife.

There’s plenty of history to discover here too, with both Cardigan and Newcastle Emlyn boasting castles, and Neuadd Cross famous for its 1920s war memorial to the men of Llandygwydd killed in the First World War.

Read on to find out more about these villages, or visit our location guides to discover the many other villages of West Wales. If you’d like to hear about the latest homes for sale in Ceredigion please get in touch with Helen or Tania to register your requirements with us.

History

The history of West Wales dates back centuries and it is undoubtedly one of the most mystical parts of the United Kingdom, full of tales of battles and magic. Across the region, it’s still possible to see evidence of the prehistoric period, as well as of the Bronze Age and Iron Age, and to visit ancient hill forts and fascinating castles. You can read more about the history of Ceredigion here. 

History can also be seen at the beautiful house of Noyadd Trefawr near Ponthirwaun – where you can actually choose to stay if you’re coming to house hunt! Dating back to the Elizabethan era, it was one of the most important houses in West Wales from the 16th century. You should also take time to visit the war memorial in Neuadd Cross, recognising the local men who were killed in the First World War, and updated with those who died in the Second World War.

Tourism & Recreation

Move to this beautiful area and you’ll never be short of things to do! In fact, many people are choosing to move to Ceredigion because of the fantastic mix of rural charm and activities on offer.

Surrounded by beautiful countryside, Neuadd Cross and Ponthirwaun make it easy to enjoy walking, road biking, mountain biking and horse riding. Quiet roads, pretty trails and peaceful bridleways can be found all around the area, while on the coast there’s the Ceredigion Coastal Path which starts in Cardigan and meanders 60 miles north to Ynyslas. 

Less than 15 minutes in the car from Cardigan Bay, these villages offer easy access to some of the best beaches in the UK. Aberporth, Poppit Sands, and the National Trust beach of Mwnt are all perfect for a family day out, as is Tresaith Beach, with its incredible waterfall at one end. If you’re keen on sailing it’s also worth finding out more about the Tresaith Mariners Sailing Club, which is based here.

There’s also a wide choice of other water sports available, including surfing, which is hugely popular in this area and you’ll easily be able to find lessons to help you progress. There’s also water skiing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, sea kayaking, paddle boarding and more. Alternatively, if you prefer a more leisurely activity, the clean waters here are home to wildlife including dolphins and seals, and there’s some great fishing to be enjoyed.

As these villages are close to both Cardigan and Newcastle Emlyn, residents here benefit from the history and amenities of both of these towns. Cardigan has its historic castle, which looks out over the River Teifi, and Newcastle Emlyn has a ruined castle, while the Teifi Valley Railway, a narrow gauge railway with a steam engine, is also close by.

Other attractions in the area include the Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park, which is a great place to visit with kids who can meet the animals and spot wildlife. You should also visit the waterfalls at Cenarth, set on the River Teifi and a popular spot in autumn when people come to watch the salmon leaping.

Both of these larger towns also offer leisure centres and swimming pools if you are thinking about taking gym classes or organising swimming lessons – take a look at Cardigan Leisure Centre, Cardigan Swimming Pool and Newcastle Emlyn Leisure Centre. You’ll also find a cinema in Cardigan – Theatr Mwldan – which shows the latest film releases and a range of live shows.

Shopping

Living in rural West Wales you won’t find any shops in Neuadd Cross or Ponthirwaun, but both Cenarth and Llechryd have convenience stores selling a range of essential items. As a popular tourist spot, Cenarth also has a gift shop – Salmon Leap Gifts, and both Llechryd and Cenarth have a petrol station. 

A short drive away, Newcastle Emlyn has a good choice of independent shops as well as a Post Office and a Co-op Food store. For chocolate lovers you definitely shouldn’t miss the famed Cardigan Bay Brownies – everything from traditional brownies to chocolate orange or caramel brownies are available! There’s also a good butcher for locally produced meats, as well as clothes shops, jewellery stores and a florist.

Cardigan offers even more choice. This is where you’ll find the major supermarket chains of Tesco, Aldi and Spar, as well as branches of Lloyds, Barclays and HSBC. The largest town in the area, Cardigan offers plenty of retail therapy –  including the Grade II listed Guildhall Market, which has over 50 specialist stalls. There’s also a range of clothes shops such as Saltrock, jewellery stores, pet shops, surf shops and more.

Eating & Drinking

While Neuadd Cross and Ponthirwaun don’t have their own pubs or restaurants, the traditional country pub of Penllwyndu is just two to three minutes away! Here you can enjoy a good selection of real ales and home-cooked food, and they host regular music nights.

A little further away at Llechryd (about 3 miles away) you can try the  Coracle Fish & Chips, as well as the Flambards Hotel & Tea Rooms.

Alternatively at Cenarth (about 3 miles away) there’s the Three Horseshoes Inn & Steakhouse, which has a lovely pub – dating from 1805 – and a restaurant that serves excellent steaks. 

There’s even more choice of restaurants, pubs and takeaways in both Cardigan and Newcastle Emlyn. With Neuadd Cross and Ponthirwaun set between both of these larger towns, it’s easy to try places such as the famed Fisherman’s Rest Cafe in Cardigan, which serves delicious fresh fish, crab, lobster and more; or if you love vegetarian food try Crowes. In Newcastle Emlyn try Y Cwtch Coffi for a good range of coffees and homemade cakes, or for lovely views of the River Teifi visit Harrison’s Brasserie, with its riverside garden.

Healthcare

As specialist estate agents in Ceredigion, we’re here to give you advice on every aspect of your property purchase and and on living here in West Wales. If you’re new to the area then once you’ve moved into your new home it’s important to register with a GP. The closest GP surgeries to these villages are in Cardigan and Newcastle Emlyn – Where you choose to register will probably depend on where you live and work. 

In Cardigan, the Health Centre has five doctors and three nurse practitioners, as well as providing e-consultations for simple health requirements such as test results. It’s open daily from 8.30am until 1pm and then from 2pm until 6.30pm. 

In Newcastle Emlyn there’s the Meddygfa Emlyn practice, which is located on Lloyds Terrace. The surgery is open from 8.30am until 6pm Monday to Friday, with the secretary available from 8am to 6.30pm.

To register with a dentist you’ll find a choice of practices in both Cardigan and Newcastle Emlyn. In Cardigan the Cardigan Dental Practice is located in the Integrated Care Centre, the Charsfield Dental Practice on Priory Street and the {my}dentist Practice on Feidrfair. In Newcastle Emlyn there’s Emlyn Dental Care and Teifi Dental Centre, both of which are centrally located.

For back problems we would recommend West Wales Chiropractors in Blaenporth (only about a five minute drive from these villages).

If you have pets then there is Priory Vets in Cardigan, while in Newcastle Emlyn there’s Castle House Veterinary Practice.

Schools

If you’re moving to these villages with primary school aged children then there are local schools in both Cenarth and Llechryd. In Llechryd there is Llechryd Primary School – Ysgol Gynradd Llechryd and in Cenarth there’s Ysgol Cenarth – both have good reputations.

For secondary education, there is Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi in Cardigan, with school buses running daily from Neuadd Cross to the school. Depending on where you live there is also Ysgol Gyfun Emlyn secondary school in Newcastle Emlyn.

Further education is available at Coleg Ceredigion in Cardigan. This college is very popular as it provides a very wide choice of courses – including online courses and apprenticeships. Subjects include everything from finance and ICT, to beauty and automotive studies.

University education is also available at Aberystwyth University (about one hour away), a well-respected university that attracts undergraduate and postgraduate students from around the world. 

For families moving to the area who have children with severe learning difficulties or autism, consider Canolfan y Don at Aberporth School (around six miles from these villages). The school welcomes children up to the age of 11 and provides a range of specialist facilities.

Transport

In this part of rural West Wales a car is essential for getting around and making the most of everything that the area offers and the amenities of Cardigan and Newcastle Emlyn.

There is no rail service here and although bus services do connect Cardigan with Newcastle Emlyn and Carmarthen, they don’t go through Neuadd Cross or Ponthirwaun – the closest bus stop is in Llechryd or Cenarth. You can check daily schedules and times using this journey planner. 

Find Out More…

If you’re looking for a house for sale in Ceredigion, or a small holding or commercial property, please call us on 01239 562 500. We’ve lived and worked in the area all of our lives and are here to help you find your perfect property in West Wales and the Cardigan Bay area.

If you’re keen to find out more about the area you can also have a look on these other websites – 

• Things to Do – Click Here and Here
• Primary schools – Click Here
• Transport – Click Here and Here
• Property management and lettings – Click Here