The 10 Best Things To Do In Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth is a small seaside resort in the county of Ceredigion on the west coast of Wales.

A thriving seaside town and a historic town of Aberystwyth is better known as a university town and the centre of learning for Wales, as it is also home to the National Library of Wales and boasts the largest Arts Centre in Wales.

The town is huddled between three hills and two beaches. The seafront boasts the Old College, a harbour, marina, a small pier and the atmospheric ruins of the castle, a favourite place from which to watch the sunset over the bay.

1. See the sunset from Consitution Hill

Rambling to the top Constitutional Hill is a little workout but well worth it for the views from the top. This is especially true around sunset when the town glows from the sun setting over the sea. Once at the top, there’s even a little cafe that’s open in the summer months, too.

2. Head on the Cliff Railway

Speaking of the Cliff Railway, you can’t really visit Aberystwyth without a little jaunt on it!

After all, it’s the longest funicular electric cliff railway in Britain and has been operating since the 1800s.

Now run by a non-profit organisation, return tickets cost between £3-5 and is open in the summer months. It’s easily one of the best things to do in Aberystwyth, especially for how historic it is.

3. Explore Aberystwyth Castle

Speaking of historic things, Aberystwyth Castle is probably one of the oldest structures in the whole town.

Perched right on the seafront, it’s an Edwardian fortress that dates well back to the 1200s.

4. Take the steam train to Devil’s Bridge

If you’re fancying a little jaunt from the town, take the Vale of Rheidol Railway that connects Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge.

Now, it might sound totally ominous, but it’s actually a pretty lovely spot to visit for a few hours.

You see, after getting off the train, you can wander down to the waterfalls and stop off at the cafe and restaurant for a little meal before heading back.

5. Walk the promenade

On a sunny day, one of the best things to do in Aberystwyth has to be to walk the promenade. Dating back to Victorian times, the promenade stretches the whole length of the town and will take you around an hour to a leisurely stroll.

Just make sure you keep your eyes peeled for the local dolphins that call this bay home.

6. Visit the National Library of Wales

So, if you’re a total bookworm, then you’ll likely love the National Library of Wales. Free to enter, it’s one of only a few libraries in the UK that has every book ever published within it.

Standing, overlooking the town, the library is easy to get to in a taxi or a walk from the centre itself. It’s the building that looks like Buckingham Palace up on top of the hill.

7. Ceredigion Coastal Path

Another great thing to do if you love a ramble is to join the Ceredigion Coastal Path that stretches the coastline.​

8. St. Michael’s Church

Perched right behind the castle, St. Michael’s is an impressive church that’s steeped in history.

Free to enter, it’s a great place to see one of the most impressive churches in all of West Wales.​​

9. Visit the Pier

So, one of Aberystwyth’s most famous assets has to be the pier that juts out into the sea itself. Here, they have everything from restaurants, games arcades, a night club and a few bars, too.

10. Gorge at Pysgoty

If you’re fancying some tasty Welsh cuisine, hop on over to Pysgoty that’s become a firm favourite in Aberystwyth.

Each day, the team have a range of fresh fish and specials that are so tasty to try.

Thanks for reading, call in and see us at Shukers Aberystwyth.