New Gate

The medieval town walls of Cardigan tell their story through New Gate, one of the few surviving entry points into this old Pembrokeshire stronghold. It's a modest structure by fortress standards - a solid stone archway that once controlled who passed in and out of the town - but standing beneath it puts you right in the footsteps of centuries of traders, soldiers and townspeople.

You won't need more than twenty minutes here unless you're the type to linger over every carved mark in the stonework. The gate sits right in Cardigan town itself, making it easy to combine with a wander along the high street or down to the river. History buffs will appreciate what it represents about medieval town planning and defence, though families with young children might find it a bit underwhelming on its own - it's the kind of stop that works better as part of a wider explore of Cardigan's older quarters.

There's no visitor centre or fancy interpretation, which is refreshing in its own way. You're looking at genuine medieval architecture rather than a recreation, and that's worth something. If you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Cardigan Camping sits just over a mile away, with Happy Campers and Cardigan Bay Holiday Park equally close - it's an easy pop into town. Weather permitting, it's an honest bit of Welsh history that doesn't demand much of your time but delivers genuine character.