Cardigan Bay 

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Stretching for 150 miles from the Lleyn Peninsula in north Wales to Strumble Head near Cardigan in the south, the arms of Cardigan Bay envelop dramatic, craggy cliffs to small bays, pleasant seaside towns and harbours and of course plenty of open stretches of wonderful sand.

The bay is probably most famous for its wildlife however and is the first stretch of coastline to become a Marine Heritage Coast. It is home to some 140 of the only bottlenose dolphins in the UK as well as porpoises, grey seal and abundant seabirds.

There are plenty of places to stay if you want to explore this wonderful coastline. The university town of Aberystwyth lies almost in the centre and is a lovely town to base yourself in; New Quay and Cardigan lie in the south while Harlech and Porthamdog are in the north.

• There are any number of companies offering activities and excursions in and around the water and the Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society organise tours and dolphin watching trips.