ABERYSTWYTH - CEREDIGION - WALES - UNITED KINGDOM

ABERYSTWYTH

Principal holiday resort of the west coast of Wales

Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth is a seaside and university town which claims to be the cultural capital of mid-Wales. The liveliest seaside resort in Wales, Aberystwyth is an essential stop along the Ceredigion coast. The largest town in Cardigan Bay, Aberystwyth’s population is increased much of the year by students, and, home to the National Library, there are plenty of cultural and entertainment diversions, here as well as an array of Victorian and Edwardian seaside trappings.

There has been little change along the promenade since the 19th century Constitution Hill, a steep outcrop at the northern end which can be scaled in summer, at four miles an hour, on the Cliff Railway. Built in 1896, the Railway is the longest of its kind in Britain. When you get to the top, there are panoramic views over the bay an inland to the Cambrian mountains. Camera Obscura, at the top, housed in an octagonal tower, offers a 14inch lens, the biggest in the world, that projects views of the town.

The ruined Aberystwyth Castle is located south of the promenade in the town centre. Housed in a beautifully restored Edwardian music hall, right in the centre of town, is the Ceredigion Museum. With ‘probably the most beautiful museum interior in Britain’, the museum displays objects of all ages from the county of Ceredigion (Cardiganshire). Most of the displays are of the Victorian period and later.

Aberystwyth’s twin train stations are adjacent to each other on Alexandra Road, a ten-minute walk from the seafront. Although the tourist office gets very busy, staff are helpful in finding local accommodation and will assist in obtaining tickets for local events.