Alexandera Garden

A proper woodland walk through native trees and winding paths - that's what Alexandera Garden delivers just outside Cardigan. It's a nature reserve rather than a manicured garden, so don't expect flowerbeds or formal layouts. Instead, you get the real thing: ancient oaks, wild undergrowth, and the sort of quiet you only find when you've walked far enough that the world drops away.

The reserve is ideal for anyone who wants to stretch their legs without committing to a full fell walk. Families with primary-school kids will find it manageable - paths are reasonably clear, though it's muddy after rain. Bird watchers and plant enthusiasts will spot things worth stopping for: woodland birds, ferns, the occasional deer if you're lucky. You're looking at an hour to 90 minutes to do it properly, longer if you dawdle.

Free to explore, though opening hours aren't officially posted - treat it as an open-access site and go when daylight allows. Spring and early summer are best; winter can feel a bit bleak. It's well-placed for a week based at one of the caravan parks near Cardigan - Gwbert Glamping and Mwnt Camping are closest if you're after something slightly less standard than the town-centre sites. Combine it with a coastal walk or a mooch around Cardigan itself, and you've got a decent day.