Cadwgan

Cardigan Castle overlooks the River Teifi in the town of Cardigan. The site dates back to the late 11th century and was rebuilt in 1244. Rhys ap Gruffydd rebuilt it in stone, and in 1176 the first recorded eisteddfod was held here. After years of decay, it was restored and opened to the public.

Tip: There is no on-site parking for day visitors, so use the car park at the bottom of Quay Street, a minute's walk away.

Folly Farm began as a dairy farm and has grown into an award-winning family attraction with four areas: a farmyard, a zoo, an undercover vintage funfair with a Wurlitzer organ, and play areas. The zoo has over 200 species, including African lions, Humboldt and Macaroni penguins, and critically endangered eastern black rhinos in Kifaru Reserve.

Tip: Pre-booking a date isn't required, and online tickets save 5%. A free return visit within seven days is offered if you can't see everything in one day, but get the ticket validated before you leave.

Aberystwyth Castle is a Grade I listed fortress on the Ceredigion coast, begun by Edward I in 1277 during the first Welsh war. It was built as a diamond-shaped concentric castle, with a twin-towered gatehouse and towers at each corner, and was finished in 1289.

Tip: Bring a windproof layer, as the castle sits right by the sea and the Welsh coast can be breezy and wet.

Carew Castle stands on a limestone bluff overlooking the Carew inlet, part of the Milford Haven Waterway. It began as a Norman stone keep around 1100 and was rebuilt and extended over the centuries, so you can see several architectural styles in one place.

Tip: Look for the Tudor range on the north side, and find the tidal mill, the only restored one in Wales.

Carmarthen Castle is a ruined medieval fortress in the county town of Carmarthen, on a high terrace overlooking the tidal River Towy. It began as an early 1100s timber motte and bailey, was rebuilt in stone and was captured, destroyed and rebuilt many times. Owain Glyndŵr took it in 1405, and Henry VII's father, Edmund Tudor, died here as a prisoner in 1456.