Aberystwyth Castle

Aberystwyth SY23 2AG

discoverceredigion.co.uk

In the marvellous sweep of Cardigan Bay stand the ruins of one of Edward I's late 13th century castles. Of the seven major English strongholds he established in Wales, Aberystwyth has fared least favourably in the survival stakes.

Cilgerran Castle

Cilgerran
Cardigan SA43 3SF

wales.gov.uk

Perched on the edge of a steep gorge above the river Teifi, the Normans first built and earth-and-timber castle here around 900 years ago. Lost and won several times over, it was the Marshal family, earls of Pembroke, who raised the imposing stone castle seen today.

Llanerchaeron - National Trust

Ciliau Aeron
near Aberaeron SA48 8DG

nationaltrust.org.uk

This rare example of a self-sufficient 18th-century Welsh minor gentry estate has survived virtually unaltered. The villa, designed in the 1790s, is the most complete example of the early work of John Nash. It has its own service courtyard with dairy, laundry, brewery and salting house, and walled kitchen gardens (with all its produce for sale when in season).

Strata Florida

Pontrhydfendigaid SY25 6ES

goo.gl

This most remote and tranquil abbey was home to Welsh literature and learning for almost 400 years.