Arts & Crafts

If your interests lean towards cultural pursuits, then Penbeili is an ideal base from which to explore what the area has to offer. Cilgerran Castle is half an hour’s drive away from Penbeili Mawr. An air of romance surrounds the grounds and the castle hosts a range of events throughout the year including Shakespearean plays and drawing sessions with artists: unique experiences in a beautiful setting.

Photo credit to Moriath Glass

Photo credit to Moriath Glass

Over in Aberystwyth, the Arts Centre is a renowned space that houses several galleries that routinely display collections from world-renowned artists; a small cinema where you can often catch films from the National Theatre and the RSC as well as new releases; live productions staged in the performance theatre, and comedians/musicians on stage in the Great Hall.  The National Library of Wales in the town also hosts a range of exhibitions from their vast and unique archive that encompasses old manuscripts, photography, screen and sound collections and an array of fine art (including works from Kyffin Williams), as well as the Nanteos Cup, believed by some to be the Holy Grail.

If you’re keen to experience some local artists, they come in various forms. The Moriath Glass studio, just down the road in Drefach Felindre, creates abstract, Expressionistic works that take their inspiration from the natural world of Mid Wales. Also in Drefach, Rose Wood Jewellery where you can make your own rings! This is a great experience, and a good laugh too with family and friends.

The Helen Elliot Studio Gallery in Newcastle Emlyn houses the artist’s collection, inspired by the local area and her observations of the changing seasons, encompassing the feeling of hiraeth every Welsh person feels when away from home. Our most local artist, Diane Mathias has a shop based not too far away in Henllan where you can see some of her gorgeous paintings across West Wales.

Near Machynlleth, the medieval capital of Wales, the Corris Craft Centre has nine craft studios in which a wide range of homemade items can be viewed and purchased, including contemporary Celtic jewellery and handmade chocolates.

Fancy getting crafty? Peapod Junction offer pottery painting classes for children (sorry adults!) but it’s a very popular activity so please do get in touch with them to book in advance. For the adults you could always go to Stiwdio 3 Cafe & Craft Courses in Cardigan ( High St, Cardigan SA43 1HJ) they also do food if you fancy a meal.