The castle
Founded around 1110 by Gilbert de Clare during the Norman push into West Wales, later held by the Welsh lord Rhys ap Gruffydd, who hosted the first recorded National Eisteddfod there in 1176. Grade I listed; reopened in 2015 after a £12m restoration.
Why stay here
Heritage B&B and self-catering rooms (including Georgian East Wing rooms) inside a working Norman castle overlooking the River Teifi, with grounds hosting an on-site restaurant and open-air events.