Aberystwyth

This seaside resort and university town on the central coast has several attractions that include a castle, a cliff railway and the National Library of Wales. It is a halfway stop for many backpackers travelling between South and North Wales.

Practical Information

Aberystwyth Tourist Information Centre

Terrace Road, Aberystwyth

Tel (01970) 612125

Website www.visitwales.com

Open winter Mon-Sat 10am-5pm; summer 10am-6pm daily

Coming & Going

Aberystwyth is a busy transport hub, which lies on the rail line to goes to Strewsbury with onward connections to Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester. It is also possible to take a train to the north coast, but this requires a change at Miniffordd for the narrow gauge Festiniog tourist railway to Blaenau Festiniog where you can transfer to another train to Llandudno.

Buses run up and down the coast going to places where there are no train lines. Destinations include Cardigan and Fishguard. The bus is also the quickest way to reach destinations in north Wales including Holyhead and Llandudno.

Accommodation

Plas Dolau

Lovesgrove, Aberystwyth SY23 3HP
Bus 501, 531
Tel (01970) 617 834

Borth YHA

B4353, Morlais, Borth, Ceredigion SY24 5JS
Tel (01970) 871 498 or 0870 770 5708

Sights

Aberystwyth Arts Centre

Wales's largest arts centre hosts a varied programme of exhibitions and performances.

University of Wales, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth

Tel (01970) 622822

Website www.aber.ac.uk/artscentre/

Aberystwyth Castle

Edward II built this castle by the waterfront in 1277, however the castle now lies in ruins.

Admission free

Ceredigion Museum

The Ceredigion County Museum features a varied programme of exhibitions that focus on art and local history and culture.

Coliseum, Terrace Road, Aberystwyth

Tel (01970) 633 088

Website www.ceredigion.gov.uk

Admission free

Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm

Cliff Railway & Constitution Hill

A steep cliff railway climbs 130 metres to the top of Constitution Hill where there are breathtaking views of the town and coastline. The top of Constitution Hill also features the world's largest camera obscura, which portrays this view from a different perspective.

Tel (01970) 617642

Admission free to all attractions at the top of Constitution Hill

Open 10am-5pm daily

National Library of Wales

It may seem strange for a small seaside town to be home to the country's National Library, which houses virtually every book every published in Welsh including some important historical documents. Exhibitions of Welsh art and photography are also held here.

Tel (01970) 632 800

Website www.llgc.org.uk

Admission free

Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-6pm, Sat 9.30am-5pm