Victoria Gardens

Right in the heart of Cardigan sits Victoria Gardens, a proper Victorian park that's been knocking about since the 1800s. It's the kind of place where you can actually feel the bones of Welsh town life - tree-lined paths, open green spaces, the occasional Victorian bandstand or monument tucked away. Nothing flashy, but that's rather the point.

You'll wander through manicured lawns and flower beds, find benches for a sit-down, and get a genuine sense of how the Victorians imagined public leisure should work. It's free to access and as long as you like, though honestly most people spend an hour here rather than half a day. Early morning or late afternoon is when it feels properly atmospheric - fewer families about, better light through the trees.

For holiday park stays round here - Happy Campers is barely a mile away, or Cardigan Bay Holiday Park at 2.2 miles - it works as a five-minute stroll into town when you want to escape the campsite. History buffs will appreciate the period detail. Kids won't be bored if there's space to run about, but it's not a theme park, so manage expectations. The real draw is sitting on a bench with a coffee from somewhere in town, watching Cardigan life potter past. Pairs well with exploring Cardigan's riverside walks and the medieval castle ruins nearby. Modest but worthwhile if you're staying in the area.