In August last year we holidayed in West Wales, we loved it so much that this year the May half term was spent in the same place in New Quay, the Welsh one, two words. Many folk said "oh we love Cornwall why are you going via Crickhowell?" We weren't going to Newquay, we were going to New Quay.
Big Welsh spent his childhood holidays with extended family in a caravan in New Quay and we had not been back for 25 years so when we were looking at a week away in Wales (where it doesn't always rain) we decided that it would be New Quay, we looked at heaps of properties that were either too small or not available for the time we wanted and eventually, thanks to Hannah, found Ty Top a 3 bedroom cottage that sleeps 6 in a quiet road with parking and garden. Perfect!
Neris who owns the cottage filled me in on all the happenings in New Quay, she told me about all the local shops and restaurants as well as mentioning that supermarkets do also deliver but to be honest you can source everything locally. When we arrived there was a bottle of Prosecco chilling, a plate of Welsh Cakes and a full list of things to do and see.
Ty Top is a traditional 18th century stone cottage which was originally a working smithy.
Located on a quiet no through road in the small village of Maenygroes, less than a mile from New Quay beach.
The property has the luxury of being suitable for couples, walkers and families with the hustle and bustle of New Quay left behind as you return to this cosy holiday home to fire up the barbecue or light the log fire. Relax in the spacious garden or take one of the many woodland walks available on the doorstep.
The cottage is perfect. With one single room, a double and a double with a day bed there was room for us all, the kitchen was well equipped with a dishwasher, washing machine and microwave. Just outside the back door there's a hot tub and a decent sized garden with various seating areas.
The week in August 2015 was one of happy family bliss! We had decent weather, it wasn't too hot and it wasn't too cold. Whilst we were bathed in sunshine we didn't give one thought to what the weather was like at home, we were having fun and we were all together. Big Welsh took his bike with him and went out on cycles first thing in the morning leaving the girls and I time to come to and get prepared for whatever we had planned to do. We went to the beaches Big Welsh had known as a child, we went for walks, sat on the harbour wall and watched the dolphins, we had fish and chips whilst watching the fishing boats come in, ate ice cream and frozen yoghurt, visited friends in Cwmtydu, spent a day at the beach in Llangrannog and generally had a slow paced week.
We checked out the medical centre which is just down the hill after Laree, helped prepare lunch and then bumped into someone very familiar who didn't mind having her photo taken!
Halfway through the week when the weather wasn't that great Laree and I did some pottery painting at Peapod Junction which was very friendly. Not only is it a pottery painting cafe but they sell all kinds of lovely things, perfect for gifts and mementos! As our items wouldn't be ready before we left they were posted out to us. The studio is cosy and I would recommend booking to avoid disappointment. Meanwhile the older girls snuggled down infront of the open fire and caught up with Netflix.
I ventured off one day to the New Quay Honey Farm (which I've since found it is run by a friend of a friend!) and stocked up on honey, mustard and marmalade - some as gifts, some for keeps which have obviously all gone and I wish I had bought more of the Ginger and Honey Marmalade, but thankfully they also have an online shop.
In May this year our holiday was slightly disjointed as Big Welsh and Loops were working so they came along after work on Friday only for Big W to return home via the hospital on Tuesday morning where Mook was having her ACL op. However in those few days we had fun on the beach, watched the dolphins, had fish and chips on the harbour wall, frolicked in the hot tub and enjoyed being a family of 5, albeit with one hobbler.
We did make it to Penlon Cottage Brewery for a quick pint and the stumbled home.
Not long after Big W left friends arrived with an array of goodies from Cashells in Crickhowell and we headed to the beach, with all we needed in my Hinza bag. Yes the beach, where we had the perfect spot and more than perfect weather for the rest of the week. Tamara hadn't been to New Quay before and loved it as much as we do. We pottered in the shops, queued for ice cream, frequented the new deli and generally had a brilliant time outside.
Iona turned up and we headed to the beach to watch the sunset and play cricket whilst the team from Cardigan Bay Wildlife Marine Centre did their magic to ensure that all beach users had a clean, safe and perfect beach the next day.
When the others left we went out on a dolphin spotting boat trip which was great fun, we didn't see many dolphins but we did see New Quay from the sea. One word of warning don't go on a boat expecting to be home and dry, the sea was quite choppy and we got splashed a fair few times but it didn't reduce our fun and enjoyment.
All too soon though it was time to pack up and head off, with one last drive around the town and a parting wave to the sea, we set off with a promise to return.
