Quay Street Studios

Behind the whitewashed walls of a terraced building on Cardigan’s Quay Street, three apartments with an arty edge offer stylish stays for couples and independent travellers. Situated in the very heart of this west Wales market town they are seconds, rather than minutes, away from places to grab a coffee or a bite to eat, and perhaps a single minute from Cardigan’s castle and quayside. If you’re wondering about the closest arts venue, look no further than just downstairs as the ground floor and garden of 23 Quay Street hosts a once-a-month comedy club.

You can time your stay to coincide with this, or avoid the giggles depending on your preference. Either way, there’s no denying that one of the best things about this place is its location in the heart of a town that’s home to independent businesses and a thriving community spirit. The other great advantages of Quay Street Studios are the way they have been set up to offer simple self-catering stays — with a bucket load of style.

White walls, natural materials and simple colour palettes in each ensure a relaxing place to while away time between days out exploring the Welsh coast and evenings in Cardigan’s eateries. There are simple cooking facilities (portable hobs, counter-top ovens and microwaves) in the Attic and Art Rooms, but choose the Garden Room if you prefer to cook for yourself every day as its kitchen is more fully equipped. Each has an equally modern and clean en-suite bathroom with a good shower or deep bath, and each has access to the lovely, shared walled garden out the back.

A blackboard in the hallway details some of your host’s suggestions of places to visit, starting with the lively riverside 'Pizza Tipi' just steps from the front door. But there’s plenty more beyond the town, especially if you’re keen on walking – the Wales Coast Path passes directly down Quay Street: turn left on it and it’ll take you over the river to pretty St Dogmaels, a mile away, where the Pembrokeshire stretch of the coast begins. Poppit Sands is a little further on and a lovely place to swim, but of course there are plenty of those, with Pembrokeshire stretching south and Cardigan Bay to the north.