St Tysilio Church

The little stone church sits on a headland above New Quay, commanding views across Cardigan Bay that justify the short walk alone. St Tysilio Church is genuinely old - we're talking medieval foundations - though what you see now is mostly Victorian restoration work. Inside, it's intimate rather than grand: whitewashed walls, a simple altar, wooden pews worn smooth by centuries of use.

The real draw is the setting. From the churchyard you can see right across the bay, and on a clear day the light hitting the water is something else. It's the sort of place walkers naturally gravitate towards, especially those doing coastal paths around New Quay. History enthusiasts will appreciate the fabric of the building itself, though don't expect elaborate decoration or major monuments.

Free to visit, and there's no formal opening hours - you can usually get in during daylight. Allow 20 minutes unless you're the type to sit and soak up the atmosphere for longer. The walk from New Quay itself takes barely ten minutes, making it a straightforward addition to a morning exploring the town's harbour and galleries.

If you're based at any of the nearby holiday parks - Ty Rhos Farm, Cardigan Bay, or the Vale Holiday Parks cluster - this is worth a quick detour. Pair it with a stroll around the clifftops or a walk down to New Quay's beach. It won't take hours, but it gives you genuine local flavour without the tourist machinery.