A small, traditional market town, Llandysul stands alongside the twin community of Pont Tyweli, which lies directly across the Teifi River in Carmarthenshire: one of the finest fishing rivers in Wales, providing good numbers of salmon and sewin (sea trout).
The water of local rivers was also important for operating machinery before electricity arrived in the area, and there are several buildings which are recognisable as former watermills.
The ancient church of St Tysul sits next to the lower main street; the upper street running parallel to this is the site of old-fashioned shops and pubs and a diversity of architectural styles: ancient cottages stand next to grand town houses. A large proportion of the town is now a conservation area.
The Town
Llandysul is centrally located for exploring the beautiful counties of Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and the Brecon Beacons. It is almost equidistant from the larger towns of Carmarthen, Cardigan, and Lampeter.
The town offers a variety of shops and for the energetic there are plenty of outdoor activities in which to participate, including paintballing, go-karting, golfing, horse riding, canoeing, fishing and tennis. Llandysul & Pont-Tyweli also form a Walkers are Welcome area.
Canoeing on the River
Llandysul Paddlers Canoe Club was founded in 1984 by Chris Berry and Trevor Grace, and its membership continues to increase at a steady pace. Two vacant houses next the river Teifi were converted into the clubhouse that is used today.
Activities are Slalom, Freestyle, Surf and Canadian Canoeing. The club welcomes families, disabled, competitive and recreational paddlers; there is no age limit.
Welsh Harps
The town is also the home of Telynau Teifi, The Harp Centre of Wales. Regarded as the Welsh national instrument, the harp is very important in the culture of Wales. Teifi Harps have a truly distinctive sound - rich and warm, with a clear, ringing treble. Even if you are not musical it is well worth stopping by to appreciate the craftsmanship involved in making one.
The Railway
Problems with raising capital for the construction meant that work was slow on the Carmarthen to Cardigan line. Begun in 1857, it took 7 years to extend as far as Llandysul and a further 31 years to reach Newcastle Emlyn. More financial problems led to the abandonment of the final stretch to Cardigan. The line was closed to passengers in 1952 and to freight in 1973.
Nowadays, there is a lovely lazy walk along the old railway line. A great variety of flowers proliferate along the old embankments, many of which favour the alkaline soil conditions induced by the limestone chippings on the track bed.
Other Attractions
The steep-sided Tyweli valley is lined with lovely woodland and you can see a dry oxbow lake in the meadow across the river from Pont Ty-Poeth (a former meander cut off when the river changed its course).
A leisure centre and swimming pool are located on the site of the secondary school, Dyffryn Teifi. It has 4 badminton courts, a fitness suite and offers a range of classes. You can contact them on (01559) 363561 or on the Ceredigion.gov website.
Have a meal at the Daffodil Inn at Penrhiw-llan on the A475 towards Newcastle Emlyn.
See more things to do in Cardigan Bay
Looking for somewhere to stay in the Llandysul area?
See holiday cottages in Cardigan Bay or holiday cottages in the Heart of Carmarthenshire