Aberystwyth Tourist Information

Aberystwyth Beaches, Pier & Promenade

Aberystwyth has long been pulling in the holiday crowds. The railway came here in 1864, and Aberystwyth simultaneously remade itself as a resort. A selection of character old Georgian hotels line the promenade backing onto panoramic North Beach. Taken in full, Aberystwyth Promenade and Seafront covers a mile and a half from the harbour to Constitution Hill (the site of the Cliff railway). Walking along the promenade is pleasurable strolling indeed.

North Beach is the nearest to Constitution Hill, and a short walk along the prom brings you to Royal Pier, a stocky pier crammed with amusements and caf (see weblink right). Aberystwyth's pier dates from 1864 and used to be a lot longer, stretching out 900 feet to sea (currently it's only 300 feet).

Refurbished and spruced up in recent years the promenade includes a kids paddling pool, a Bandstand and plently of buildings and sites of interest along the way including Aberystwyth Castle and the Old College building just beyond the pier. The two beaches, North Beach and South Beach, are mostly dark sand and single - both are excellent bathing beaches and nicely sheltered.

Aberystwyth Tourist Information Centre, Lisburne House, Terrace Road, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 2AG. Tel: 01970 612125.

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Aberystwyth Castle

Dating from 1277, Aberystwyth Castle was finally completed in 1289. Another in the long line of Edward I castles, after his defeat of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, the Welsh didn't give up on recapturing it back and there were two Welsh uprisings. Indeed in 1404 Owain Glyndwr succeeded in capturing it back, although it was stolen back again by the English in 1408.

The English recognised it's strategically important position and established Aberystwyth Castle as a key seat of Welsh government. It's also been a prison, holding French prisoners in 1415, and later in 1637 a royal mint was even set up here.

The arrangement of bardic circle stones you see within the castle walls today were put up for the 1916 Eisteddfod. Also up here is a war memorial, a kids playground and lots of places to sit and picnic whilst admiring splendid views out to Cardigan Bay.

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Aberystwyth Victorian Cliff Railway & Constitution Hill

Rising up to 430 feet, Constitution Hill is an iconic feature of Aberystwyth, jutting upwards at the end of North Beach. You can either walk up to the top (not too taxing at all, with well marked trails all the way) or you can take the historic Cliff Railway. Whichever way up, the views up here are memorable, spanning as they do across to the Llyn Peninsula on a clear day, and the other way across to Snowdon & Snowdonia. Fine views can also be seen of the Cardigan Bay coast up to Aberdovey and beyond!

The cliff railway up Constitution Hill is the longest electric cliff railway in Britain, and visitors have been hopping aboard here since 1896. How this cliff railway works is fascinating, let along the pleasure of the trip. It operated on a sophisticated water balance system when it opened in 1896, but went electric in 1921. The carriages shunt upto the top of Constitution Hill at 4 miles per hour.

Lovers of old funicular constructions dating from the Victorian period will be familiar with the name of George Croydon Marks who designed the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway - Marks went on into politics and like Lloyd George became a Liberal peer.

Once at the top glorious views await, plus there's the Luna Theme park offers attractions such as crazy golf. There's a caf up here too. The cliff railway means that everyone can enjoy these splendid views. Note the ornate Cliff Railway House at the base of the cliff railway. Cliff Railway House, Cliff Terrace, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY232DN. Tel: 01970 617642. The Cliff Railway is open 7 days a week from mid-March until early November. Check the Cliff Railway weblink right for ticket prices.

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Vale of Rheidol Railway, Narrow Gauge Scenic Railway

It's not just the Cliff Railway awaiting you at Aberystwyth. Here you can hop aboard the 1 hour ride on the sublime narrow gauge Rheidol Railway (weblink right). This is one of the most popular railway routes in Wales, taking you through 12 miles of the River Rheidol Valley right upto Devil's Bridge.

The route dates back to 1902, and originally served the lead mines in the Rheidol Valley. Today it's a mecca for tourists. Views of the wooded Rheidol Valley along the way are idyllic, and once at Devil's Bridge there's a number of walking trails including the popular trail to Mynach Falls, with other trails leading to Devil's Punchbowl and Jacob's Ladder.

The terminus for the Rheidol Railway is adjacent to Aberystwyth's main railway station, and steam trains depart mostly in peak season from April to October. Check the Timetable on the Rheidol Railway weblink right.

Vale of Rheidol Railway, Park Avenue, Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire, SY23 1PG. Tel: 01970 625819. (see website right for more details)

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The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth

More attractions await at Aberystwyth, including the National Library of Wales high on the hilltop. An archiving treasure, the oldest Welsh text is here - Black Book of Carmarthen dating from the 12th century, There's also a visitor centre on-site with exhibitions which open up the collections.

Four Million printed volumes of books, periodicals, newspapers and so on are held here. If you're researching any subject on Welsh history, heritage or culture then this is where to head. Check the weblink right for current exhibitions and a taste of some of the archives held here.

The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Cymru/Wales SY23 3BU. Tel: 44 (0)1970 632 800. (weblink right)

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Aberystwyth Arts Centre & the School of Art Gallery and Museum/University of Aberystwyth

As you'd expect in a bustling Welsh university town, there's plenty of opportunity to view a choice of art, film, theatre and more. The Aberystwyth Arts Centre is a popular attraction, and sits within the university campus. (weblink right). Cinema, both independent and mainstream, blends with innovative art exhibitions. Also on-site is a cafe, theatre and children's theatre, a dance school, a craft and design shop, a bookshop and two great bars.

Also just a short walk from Aberystwyth town centre is the School of Art which holds an impressive collection of art and pottery.

Aberystwyth Arts Centre, The University of Wales, Aberystwyth, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3DE. Tel: 0197 622882. Box Office 01970 623232.

School of Art Gallery and Museum, University of Wales. Buarth Mawr, Aberystwyth SY23 1NG. Tel: 44 (0)1970 622460. (weblink is right for information on the full collection held here). Open all year round. Admission is Free!

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