If you’ve never visited Wales, where should you start? Aberystwyth is one of the best places to start. Aberystwyth is a historic market town and holiday resort located in Ceredigion, West Wales. This town has an extensive area to explore and has a beautiful seafront that delights anyone who visits it.
It is practically isolated, which only adds to its charm and certainly doesn’t stop it from being a touristic destination. But what is there to see and do in such a quiet town? It depends on how much you’re willing to walk and how fond you are of nature, but Aberystwyth seems capable of impressing anyone. Here are the best things you can do in Aberystwyth:
1. Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre
This visitor center is the beginning of many trails for anyone who wants to explore Aberystwyth. Whether you’re walking, riding a bike or even a horse, this is where you should start if you’d like to reach the best places to get incredible views of Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Mountains. During your journey and especially if you’re there in the afternoon, you might even watch the feeding of red kites, Wale’s National Bird of Prey!
Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre
Address: Bwlch Nant yr Arian, SY23 3AD Ponterwyd, Aberystwyth
Website: Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre
Contact: +44 01970 890453 or bnya@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk
Opening times: 10am-5pm
2. Take a break from reality at Hafod Uchtryd
Considered a hidden gem in the Welsh countryside, this impressive wooded estate will delight even the pickiest visitor of all. This is the place you should go to escape all your worries and immerse yourself in an emerald green world. There is a little church you can visit to find out a bit more about the estate and then you’re free to choose which way you want to go through first. The Lady’s Walk is the most beloved amongst the visitors, with its idyllic scenario and stunning views but every single one of the paths will take you through a beautiful and unique journey.
Hafod Uchtryd
Address: Hafod Estate, Aberystwyth,, SY23 4AG Cwmystwyth, Aberystwyth
Website: Hafod Uchtryd
3. Aberystwyth Castle: A remain of ancient history
If you’re approaching Aberystwyth from the South, you’ll instantly feel the impact of the Aberystwyth Castle in the landscape. Although it is in ruins, it still manages to impress with its imposing and mysterious appearance. Aberystwyth Castle is an important remain of the Iron Age that is still standing, against all odds, in the same place where it was built over two thousand years ago. Located in the center of Aber promenade, the castle offers great views up and down the coast.
Aberystwyth Castle
Address: 579816 Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, West Wales SN
Website: Aberystwyth Castle
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4. Aberystwyth seafront and promenade: A walk to remember
It is impossible to go to Aberystwyth and not take a walk by its lovely seafront. The promenade is more than one mile long and is constantly buzzing with joggers, roller-bladers and those who choose it to go for a stroll. Blend yourself with the locals and enjoy the sea view, whilst passing some of Aberystwyth’s landmarks.
Aberystwyth seafront and promenade
Address: Aberystwyth, SY23 2AU
Website: Aberystwyth seafront and promenade
5. Aberystwyth Cliff Railway: A quest for the best views
From the northern end of Aberystwyth promenade, you’ll be able to climb the Constitution Hill, which is probably the best place to get uninterrupted views of the town, Cardigan Bay and, if you’re lucky and the day is clear, of the 26 mountain peaks surrounding the area. But why climb when you can get there by train? Spare your feet of some pain and enjoy the relaxing journey on the longest funicular electric cliff railway in Britain.
Aberystwyth Cliff Railway
Address: Cliff Railway House, Cliff Terrace, SY23 2DN Aberystwyth
Website: Aberystwyth Cliff Railway
Opening times: 10am-5pm
Prices: 4 GBP (approx. 5 USD)
6. Camera Obscura: see all of Aberystwyth at once
Once you reach the top of Constitution Hill you can experience the views offered by one of the world’s largest camera obscuras. The place gives you a bird’s eye view of 2,600 square kilometers (1,000 square miles) of land and seascape and there are also historical exhibitions available, as well as a gift shop, café and children’s play area. Choose your day of visit wisely as this is a very high and exposed place.
Camera Obscura
Address: Cliff Terrace, SY23 2DN Aberystwyth
Website: Camera Obscura
Contact: +4401970 617642 or manager@aberystwythcliffrailway.co.uk
Opening times: 11am-4pm (depending on weather)
7. Clarach Bay: Green against blue
Clarach Bay is located north of Aberystwyth and is made up of coarse sand and shingle, flanked by cliffs. Behind the beach, there’s a valley with holiday parks filled with hundreds of caravans and chalets, where locals and tourists choose to stay for their great facilities and friendly environment. Clarach Bay is very popular for activities like swimming, windsurfing, and canoeing, but also for its stunning beauty. The cliffs are covered in a green blanket and if you climb right to the top, you’ll get incredible views of the beach.
Clarach Bay
Address: SY23 3DL Aberystwyth
Website: Clarach Bay
8. Ceredigion Coast Path: A natural adventure
The Ceredigion Coast Path is for nature and adventure lovers. This waymarked footpath runs along the coast of Cardigan Bay, crossing the dunes of Ynyslas, high cliffs, storm beaches, sandy bays and sea caves. The breath-taking views will make all your effort worth it and even though some of the areas are steep, you might have the chance to see dolphins and seals along the way. How much better could it possibly be?
Ceredigion Coast Path
Address: SY23 3DL Aberystwyth
Website: Ceredigion Coast Path
9. Vale of Rheidol Railway: An unforgettable journey
Have you ever wanted to get on one of those movie-like old trains? Here’s your chance: the Vale of Rheidol Railway allows you to ride on a steam engine train through the stunning Wales’ landscape. During the summer, they even offer open carriages where you can sit back and enjoy the view with the wind on your face. Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to appreciate the local wildlife and watch red kites fly above your head, while the train takes a sharp curve and you’re awestruck by the beauty of everything around you. Not to be missed.
Vale of Rheidol Railway
Address: Park Ave, SY23 1PG Aberystwyth
Website: Vale of Rheidol Railway
Contact: +4401970 625819 or info@rheidolrailway.co.uk
Opening times: check the full timetable here
Prices: from 23.50 GBP (approx. 29 USD)
10. Aberystwyth Arts Centre: New vs. old
This award-winning Aberystwyth Arts Centre is one of the UK’s largest arts centers and is considered a ‘national flagship for the arts.’ It receives thousands of visitors per year who are curious to see its vast artistic program which covers all art forms, from dancing to drama, to film and visual arts. The Centre has a great atmosphere, modern architecture and plenty of choices for entertainment. All you have to do is choose the first thing you’d like to see and enjoy it while it lasts!
Aberystwyth Arts Centre
Address: Aberystwyth University - Penglais Campus, SY23 3DE Aberystwyth
Website: Aberystwyth Arts Centre
Opening times: Monday-Saturday: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday: 12 to 8 p.m.
Prices: depending on choice of event
A beauty worth it all
Aberystwyth will reward you with spectacular beauty and pristine nature if you decide to give it the chance it deserves. So, don’t forget your camera and the comfiest shoes you own. You will need them.