Local area | Holidaycottages

Welcome to Ferryside, Carmarthenshire.

Nestled on the scenic banks of the River Towy estuary, Ferryside is a charming coastal village in Carmarthenshire, Wales, renowned for its tranquil ambiance and breathtaking natural beauty. This idyllic destination is perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat, surrounded by picturesque landscapes and rich Welsh heritage.

Ferryside is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of coastal charm and rural serenity. The village boasts stunning views across the estuary, where you can often see the majestic Llansteffan Castle perched on the opposite shore. With its sandy beaches and serene waters, Ferryside is an ideal spot for leisurely walks, picnics, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discover the timeless charm of Ferryside, where every day brings a new adventure, and every sunset paints the sky in hues of gold and crimson. Whether you're here to relax, explore, or create lasting memories with your pets, Ferryside offers a truly unforgettable experience.

At Hafan Bach, we understand that your pets are part of the family. Our dog-friendly holiday cottage is the perfect home away from home for you and your four-legged companions. With easy access to year round pet-friendly beaches, walking trails, and local parks, Ferryside is a fantastic destination for dog lovers.

Enjoy a taste of local Welsh cuisine at the village's welcoming cafes, pub and restaurant. The community's warm hospitality ensures that you feel right at home during your stay.

Traeth Coffee is a charming little café. It's situated right on the beach, offering lovely views of the water. The café is known for its great coffee, delicious homemade cakes (we highly recommend the carrot cake), and friendly atmosphere.

The café is dog-friendly, stocks dog treats and ice-cream and has both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can enjoy your coffee while taking in the coastal scenery. It's a relatively new addition to the village, and it's quickly become a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

The owners, Catrin and Keith, have put a lot of love and effort into creating a cosy and inviting space. They focus on sustainability, sourcing ingredients locally and using reclaimed items for the café's décor. Traeth coffee facebook page

Coffee and Friends Cafe is a new addition to Ferryside, just a few minutes walk from the cottage. It's a cosy café situated at the community centre, perfect for a relaxing coffee break or a light meal. The café has received excellent reviews for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, friendly service, and reasonably priced food.

They offer a nice selection of breakfast and lunch options, including favourites like bacon baps and lattes. The café is also dog-friendly, with a treat jar on the counter for furry friends. Plus, it's conveniently located next to a park, making it an ideal spot for a coffee and cake break or a leisurely lunch while enjoying some outdoor time. Coffee and Friend Facebook page

The White Lion Pub in Ferryside is a popular local spot known for its friendly atmosphere and welcoming staff. It's located on Port Way, just along the road from the cottage and has receives great reviews for its cosy ambiance and good service, the pub is dog- friendly and regularly hosts local bands.

The Three Rivers Hotel in Ferryside offers a cosy pub and restaurant experience. The hotel is situated on the southern boundary of Ferryside, overlooking the beautiful Three Rivers estuary and Carmarthen Bay. Approx 10 minutes walk from the cottage, the hotel can be reached by walking along the beach when the tide is out. The pub and restaurant have a friendly, laid-back vibe with eclectic décor featuring local paintings, arts, and crafts.

The pub is dog friendly and open all day, serving alcoholic beverages, hot drinks, and lunchtime snacks. The restaurant is open for evening bookings and offers a cosy setting with stunning views, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing meal.

Village shop - we are pleased to announce the opening of the new CK's store, situated in the centre of the village just a couple of minutes walk from the cottage.

Kidwelly - 10 minutes from the cottage

Kidwelly is a historic township. Known for its impressive medieval castle, Kidwelly offers a blend of rich history and natural beauty. The town has charming streets, traditional architecture, and a welcoming community. With its riverside location, Kidwelly provides stunning views and opportunities for outdoor activities. It's a peaceful destination for visitors looking to explore and enjoy a tranquil atmosphere.

Kidwelly Castle: A stunning medieval fortress with rich history and beautiful views. Dogs welcome. Kidwelly Castle

Parc Y Bocs Farm Shop and cafe: An award-winning farm shop and cafe, serving a wide variety of meal using locally sourced produce. Lovely gardens and outside seating. Parc y Bocs

Time for Tea: A charming cafe with a variety of British and healthy options, including homemade cakes and vegan ice cream, very dog friendly. Time for tea

The Old Moathouse: A cosy gastropub offering British and Welsh cuisine with a focus on small plates and tapas-style dishes. It's known for its friendly atmosphere and excellent food. The old Moathouse

Taj Mahal Tandoori Take-Away: A popular choice for Indian and Balti cuisine, offering take-away options. Delivery available.

Kidwelly Deli: A dog-friendly cafe offering breakfast, tasty sandwiches, salads, and homemade quiches. Kidwelly Deli

Kidwelly Market: A vibrant monthly market held on the first Saturday of the month, reviving the historic market tradition. Kidwelly Market

Wah Yuen: Offers a delightful mix of Chinese dishes and fish and chips. Well-loved for its friendly and helpful staff. Take away only, accepts telephone orders, cash only.

Mario’s Pizza and Kebab: A popular take-away known for its delicious pizzas and friendly service, offering a variety of pizza options, including vegetarian and vegan choices. Delivery available.

Marsh Water Ponds: A peaceful spot for fishing and enjoying nature.

Kidwelly Quay: A scenic location with stunning views of the estuary, ideal for walking and birdwatching.

Pembrey Country park and Beach - 20 mins from the cottage

Pembrey country park website

Cefn Sidan Beach, an eight-mile stretch of golden sands, perfect for long walks with your furry friend. The beach's immense size ensures plenty of space for everyone, you will often have it all to yourselves. The beach is dog friendly all year with the exception of a section from May to September. When the tide goes out you can discover the fascinating shipwrecks along the shoreline, adding a touch of adventure to your seaside strolls.

If you are feeling fit, at weekends you can walk right along to the Wreck of The SV Paul, one of the most famous shipwrecks on Pembrey Beach. Originally launched in 1919 as the Mount Whitney, the ship was renamed Margaret Sayer in 1924 and later Paul in 1925.

In 1925, while carrying 2,000 tons of timber from Halifax to Dublin, the SV Paul encountered severe gales and lost many sails and anchors. Unable to escape, the ship ran aground on the Cefn Sidan sands. Despite several attempts to refloat her, the ship remained stranded. Over the years, much of the timber cargo was salvaged, and the wreck has slowly broken up, but substantial timbers and wrought-iron fastenings are still visible.

The SV Paul is the largest remaining timber wreck on the beach and has become a fascinating historical site for visitors to explore. Its story adds an adventurous element to the beautiful and vast Cefn Sidan Beach.

Also within the country park:

Wander through over 800 acres of beautiful pine forest with sandy trails, picnic spots, and remnants of a historic ammunition factory. It's a dog-friendly paradise!
Explore 100's of acres of award-winning parkland with scenic walking trails.
Dry Ski Slope and Toboggan Run: Enjoy skiing and tobogganing even in the summer. Includes cafe area.
Golf Course: A scenic 18-hole golf course for golf enthusiasts.
Nature Trails: Explore the diverse wildlife and scenic trails
Yr Orsaf Resturant and Bar, is a dog-friendly, fully licensed restaurant located within the park, offering delicious barista-made coffee, cooked breakfasts, and a variety of classic dishes for lunch and dinner. The newly refurbished patio area is dog-friendly and provides plenty of seating options, whether you're looking for shade or shelter from the elements.

Burry Port - 20 mins from the cottage

Burry port is a charming coastal town located near Pembrey Country Park
A picturesque marina with beautiful views, perfect for a leisurely walk or a boat trip.
The iconic Burry Port Lighthouse is a great spot for photos and enjoying the coastal scenery.
A lovely beach where dogs are welcome year-round. It's a great spot for a seaside stroll with your furry friend.
Enjoy delicious meals at local cafes and restaurants, such as The Cornish Arms and harbour lights, which are dog-friendly.
Walk the Millenium Coastal Path to Pembrey country park or Llanelli and enjoy stunning views of the Loughor Estuary, the Gower Peninsula and surrounding countryside.
Enjoy fish and chips as you watch the sun go down over the water.

More information about Pembrey and Burry Port can be found here

Botanic garden of Wales - 30 mins from the cottage

Great Glasshouse: The world's largest single-span glasshouse, featuring a Mediterranean landscape.
Waun Las Nature Reserve: A stunning 568-acre nature reserve with meadows, woodlands, and wetlands to explore.
Themed Gardens: Over 8,000 different plant varieties in themed gardens.
British Bird of Prey Centre: Home to various birds of prey and educational displays.
Historic Regency Landscape: Explore lakes, dams, bridges, and cascades.
Events and Activities: Regular events like food festivals, live music concerts, and outdoor theatre productions.
Garden shop: Take home a piece of the garden with a wide range of plants and garden-related products for sale.
Botanic kitchen cafe: Enjoy a delicious meal made from locally sourced ingredients, with options for all dietary preferences.

Dogs are welcome at the National Botanic Garden of Wales on Doggy Days, which are every Monday and Friday, as well as the first weekend of each month. On these days, you can walk your dog in and around the garden, but please keep them on a non-extendable lead at all times. Dogs are not allowed in the Tropical House or the Great Glasshouse.

Kidwelly - 10 minutes from the cottage

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