Located along Ceredigion’s coast, you’ll find the quaint seaside town of Aberystwyth. Complete with rugged coastal views, scenic walks and cultural hotspots, it’s a lovely place to visit when embarking on a West Wales adventure.
Thinking of staying at one of our holiday cottages in Aberystwyth or the surrounding area? Here are some of our favourite things to get up to.
What to Do in Aberystwyth
- Aberystwyth Castle
- Pen Dinas Hill Fort
- Ceredigion Coast Path
- Pier and Promenade
- Aberystwyth Beaches
- Aberystwyth Cliff Railway
- Camera Obscura
- Aberystwyth Arts Centre
- National Library of Wales
- Amgueddfa Ceredigion Museum
1. Aberystwyth Castle
Soak up a bit of local heritage at the ancient remains of Aberystwyth Castle. Dating back to the 13th century, the castle has a long and tumultuous history. It changed hands repeatedly and saw lengthy sieges and conflicts before eventually being slighted by Oliver Cromwell in the 17th century.
The castle ruins sit on a headland overlooking some spectacular sea views out to Cardigan Bay. Access is free and the site is great for a wander before taking a stroll along the Promenade or visiting one of the town’s beaches.
2. Pen Dinas Hill Fort
On the other side of the Rheidol river, you can take a walk up Pen Dinas, a large hill topped with an Iron Age hill fort. Various artefacts have been uncovered here over the years, including Iron Age jugs, Roman coins and pottery shards from later centuries. The hill is a prominent feature in the area and makes for a great, relatively short hike.
Once you’ve made the 20-minute climb up the steep slopes you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views – you’ll be able to spot the Castle, river and distant Cambrian Mountains. Atop the summit, you’ll also see a mid-19th century memorial to the Duke of Wellington, commemorating his victory at the Battle of Waterloo.
3. Ceredigion Coast Path
If you’re keen on more walking, a traipse along the Ceredigion Coast Path is another great way to explore the area. Ceredigion’s Coast Path spans 60 miles and includes multiple access points – you could aim to end up in Aberystwyth after a day of walking or start off from the town and make your way along either the northerly or southerly trail.
The path up from Aberystwyth towards Ynyslas provides some brilliant geological marvels, including a pebble causeway and distinct rock patterns. There are some steep climbs along the route here before you reach the Ynyslas sand dunes with views out to Cadair Idris mountain.
The southern trail from Aberystwyth takes you down to Llanrhystud. Here you’ll pass several historical landmarks and will likely spot a range of seabirds and maybe even grey seals on the rock platforms below. The route here can provide some especially dramatic scenes but may be more challenging for some walkers.
4. Pier and Promenade
If you want to stay a little closer to the town centre, the promenade provides a delightful walk along the front. Enjoy views of the grand Georgian and Victorian buildings on one side and the beach on the other. The promenade also offers easy access to nearby shops and restaurants so you can easily grab a tasty refreshment.
Towards the south end of the seafront promenade, you’ll find the beloved Royal Pier. Aberystwyth’s Pier opened in 1865 and boasts status as Wales’ first pleasure pier. In the years since, it’s seen a number of changes but remains a great place for food, drinks and fun at the arcade.
5. Aberystwyth Beaches
As a historic seaside town, you’ll of course want to explore one of Aberystwyth’s beaches, whether it’s to have fun playing in the sand or taking a dip in the water.
North Beach is easily accessible from the promenade, and complete with an inviting crescent of sand and pebbles, it provides a classic seaside experience. It also has Blue Flag beach status.
On the other side of the headland, you’ll find South Beach, another stretch of sandy shore that’s usually slightly quieter than North Beach. The southern end of the beach is popular with surfers and sometimes you may be able to spot dolphins and porpoises too!
Dog Friendly Beaches Near Aberystwyth
Both North and South Beach are dog friendly except during the peak season (1st May and 30th September), when they are prohibited.
For beaches that are dog friendly all year around, head a little ways up the coast to Borth Beach and Ynyslas Beach, which both offer plenty of room for your pup to roam. If you’re travelling south from Aberystwyth, Llanrhystud Beach is another beautiful spot that is dog friendly all year around.
For even more great seaside adventures to enjoy with your four-legged friend, see our map of dog friendly beaches in West Wales.
6. Aberystwyth Cliff Railway
Another of Aberystwyth’s most prominent features is the impressive cliff railway. Beyond the northern end of the promenade you’ll find the dramatic incline of Constitution Hill – walking up here would be hard work, so why not take the train for a relaxing trip up to the summit?
The tranquil journey up gives you a whole new perspective and provides an unbeatable angle for enjoying the majestic scenes across the Welsh countryside and town below.
7. Camera Obscura
Once you reach the top, you’ve got the wonders of the camera obscura to discover. With a 14-inch lens, it is the world’s largest camera obscura and a nod to the town’s past as a Victorian resort.
The attraction projects a bird’s eye view encompassing 1000 square miles of land, once again giving you some magnificent views of the surrounding areas.
8. Aberystwyth Arts Centre
Located at Aberystwyth University’s Penglais campus, the Arts Centre is a renowned venue that hosts a range of events and shows including live music, comedy, theatre and art exhibitions. The centre is a cultural hub that brings the community together with a diverse programme of things to see and do. Whether you love live theatre or want to try your hand at some pottery throwing, there’s usually plenty going on to keep you busy!
The site also hosts a cinema which screens a range of films, including the latest blockbusters and family entertainment.
9. National Library of Wales
With over 6.5 million books and various archives and resources, the NLW is the biggest library in Wales and one of the largest research libraries in the UK. As well as being an invaluable resource for the preservation and research of Welsh history, the library also hosts a range of events and exhibitions, making it a great place to visit even if you’re not an academic.
Events include various tours and workshops with fun options for kids too – there is even a children’s play area packed with sensory activities. The library also hosts a range of exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing various treasures from their collections.
10. Amgueddfa Ceredigion Museum
Another hotspot for the celebration of Welsh heritage, the Amgueddfa Ceredigion Museum displays a range of artefacts and exhibits that invite you to explore Wales’ rich history. As a restored Edwardian theatre, the interior of the museum itself is also a marvel to behold.
Delve into the past with the museum’s intriguing selection of exhibits, with collections showcasing Ceredigion’s heritage and artefacts from further afield.
Where to Stay in Aberystwyth
We have a fantastic, diverse collection of holiday cottages in Aber and along the Ceredigion coast, ensuring you can find the perfect stay and make the most of your break.
Whether you’re after a cosy cottage, a chic townhouse or an oasis with ocean views, we’ve got you covered!
Photo credits:
- Aberystwyth, Wales – SAC Special Areas of Conservation, West Wales Marine by Llywelyn2000 / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Aberystwyth Castle in 2018 by Jopparn / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Pen Dinas and Iron Age Fort overlooking Aberystwyth by Spacequack / CC0 1.0
- Wales Coast Path, Aberystwyth by Robin Drayton / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Starlings over Aberystwyth Pier by Ian Capper / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Aberystwyth North Beach by Christopher Hilton / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Aberystwyth cliff railway by Colin Madge / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Camera Obscura Aberystwyth by Norman Griffin / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Aberystwyth Arts Centre by Ian Capper / CC BY-SA 2.0
- National Library of Wales by Ian Capper / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Amgueddfa Ceredigion Museum, Aberystwyth by Rick Crowley / CC BY-SA 2.0