A Welsh coastal university town with a Victorian promenade, 13th-century castle ruins, and the UK's longest electric cliff railway. Home to the National Library of Wales.
Aberystwyth stretches along Cardigan Bay in western Wales, with three hills framing its two beaches. You can ride the Victorian cliff railway up Constitution Hill, walk along the 1864 pier, or explore the ruins of a 13th-century castle. The town is home to both the National Library of Wales and Aberystwyth University, with students making up a large part of its population of 13,000.
Walking the Victorian Seafront
The mile-long promenade connects Constitution Hill to the harbor. From here, you can see the oldest pier in Wales and walk past rows of Victorian and Edwardian buildings. The wide walkway shields these buildings from the Irish Sea, and you'll find benches along the route where you can rest and watch the sunset. Students and visitors fill the promenade during summer months, while winter brings strong waves that splash against the sea wall.
Exploring Constitution Hill
Take Britain's longest funicular railway up Constitution Hill - the Aberystwyth Electric Cliff Railway has carried passengers since the 1800s. At the top, step into the world's largest camera obscura, where you can see a 360-degree view spanning more than 1000 square miles. When the weather is clear, you can spot Snowdonia's mountains to the north and the Preseli Hills to the south.
Ancient Fortifications
The remains of Aberystwyth Castle sit on a rocky headland overlooking the sea. Charles I's garrison held the castle during the Civil War until Cromwell's forces captured it in 1277. Look south of town to see the remains of an Iron Age fort on Pen Dinas hill, which still marks the skyline.
Academic and Cultural Life
Inside the National Library of Wales, you'll find copies of every book published in the UK, plus the National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales. Around 8,000 students attend Aberystwyth University, which opened its doors in 1872. The Aberystwyth Arts Centre - Wales's largest - hosts exhibitions, performances, and films throughout the year.
Local Food Scene
Small cafes occupy the narrow streets of the old town. You can try Welsh dishes or Mediterranean food at restaurants throughout the center. Near the harbor, restaurants serve fresh fish caught in Cardigan Bay. Many places have tables outside during warm weather.
Getting Around
Regular trains connect Aberystwyth station to Shrewsbury via Machynlleth. For a scenic journey, take the Vale of Rheidol steam train to Devil's Bridge. Buses run frequently to nearby coastal towns, and you can use Aberystwyth as a starting point for walks along the Ceredigion Coastal Path.
