Aberystwyth is Mid-Wales' largest seaside town and has been a popular tourist destination for over a century. Visiting Aberystwyth's Victorian promenade and pier is still one of the best things to do in Mid-Wales, plus it has a museum, a vintage railway track, and much more.
Being from Mid-Wales myself, I have spent a lot of time in the town and, in this guide, I'll share the 12 best things to do in Aberystwyth.
1. Explore the ruins of Aberystwyth Castle
Aberystwyth was one of King Edward I's great castles of Wales, but unfortunately, its location next to the wind and waves from the sea along with its involvement in several conflicts, means that it isn't so grand today.
Nonetheless, the ruins are worth adding to your Aberystwyth itinerary since you can freely walk through and over what's left of the castle. Plus, there's no admission free either.
There are some information signs around the castle that provide limited information about its history, but I've put together a full guide to Aberystwyth Castle with more information. It's difficult to grasp the layout based on the ruins, but I've included a photo of a model depicting how the castle might have looked in its prime. You can find this model in the Ceredigion Museum which I'll mention later on.
As well as the ruins, the castle offers a playpark for children, public toilets, and lots of green space to sit and relax. On the edge of the castle near the seafront stands the spectacular war memorial that pays tribute to all those that fought in the World Wars whilst in the centre of the castle is Aberystwyth's Gorsedd Stones which were last used when the National Eisteddfod was held here in 1992.
2. Visit Aberystwyth Pier
Aberystwyth’s Royal Pier was the first pleasure pier to open in Wales way back in 1865 when it attracted 7,000 visitors on opening day alone. It has been rebuilt many times with previous structures being damaged by storms. However, the current pier has stood strong since the 1980s.
Today, the pier houses a range of attractions, including an amusement arcade, fish and chip shop, ice cream parlour, pub, pool and snooker hall, and restaurant. There is also seating at the end of the pier where people can sit and enjoy panoramic views of Cardigan Bay as shown in my photo above.
3. Learn about Aberystwyth's past at the Ceredigion Museum
The old Edwardian theatre on Terrace Road is impressive enough as it is, but to make it even better, the restored building is now home to the Ceredigion Museum. Sprawled across three enormous floors, this museum is dedicated to preserving the heritage of the county and offers an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits that provide insight into the lives of the people who have lived in the area over the centuries.
The museum has exhibits from as far back as the Neolithic and Stone age up until life in the 20th century. Personally, I preferred learning about the more modern history such as the penny fathings and old coins that were minted in Aberystwyth, but everyone will be different.
The museum's art collection is also impressive, with a range of works by local artists as well as pieces from further afield. Many of the works are focused on local landmarks with Aberystwyth Castle featuring heavily. For those with an interest in local industry and trade, the museum has a fascinating display on the history of wool production in the area with traditional looms, spinning wheels, and other equipment on display, some of which I've shown above.
The museum is great for all ages including those with kids, there's even a small puzzle area if the kids get too bored with the exhibits. They also have a program of events including screenings of student films. I would allow a full two hours to properly explore this museum, entry is via the tourist information centre next door.
4. See butterflies at the Magic of Life Butterfly House
The Magic of Life Butterfly House is an indoor tropical house in the Rheidol Vallery that's home to a vast collection of free-flying tropical butterflies, and giant insects.
It's essentially a small room where tropical conditions have been recreated, allowing many rare and exotic plants to thrive. This is the perfect environment for butterflies to thrive and they can have up to 70 species at any one time. Each month they breed a number of giant caterpillars too which often belong to the silk moth family.
If you stand still enough in the butterfly house, they might even land on you. The guides here are super knowledgeable and very friendly, they even let me in right before closing time because they could see how much I wanted to see the butterflies.
The centre is right in the middle of the Rheidol Valley, next to a giant lake which you can walk around as well as within close distance to Aber Falls which I'll mention later.
5. Enjoy good food and local ales at the Glengower
There are several great places to eat in Aberystwyth but my absolute favourite has to be The Glengower. It has a great seafront location and serves up decent pub food at an affordable rate. You might struggle to get an outside table on a sunny day but the inside is just as nice with rustic decor and an open fire.
I can recommend the steak and ale pie (shown above), plus I enjoyed it with a beer from the Wye Valley known as Butty Bach. The pub is family-friendly and suitable for well-behaved dogs too.
Not only does it have good food and drink, but it's also a historical location. It's made up of two former townhouses one of which was lived in by Sir John Williams, the first president of the National Library of Wales who donated his huge collection to it.
6. Visit the beaches of Aberystwyth
Aberystwyth itself has two main beaches known as North Beach and South Beach. Many years ago, these beaches were actually sandy but as the wind and waves have pushed the sand further up the coastline, they are now just pebble beaches.
Whilst some people might enjoy the pebble beach, it's not for me so I prefer to venture north of Aberystwyth where you'll find some much better sandy beaches.
- Borth Beach is a Blue Flag and Seaside Award beach just 15 minutes from Aberystwyth. It's more like a traditional sandy beach than Aberystwyth with long stretches of golden dunes. Amenities close to the beach include parking, toilets, cafés, restaurants, shops and pubs.
ㅤ - Ynyslas Beach is linked to Borth Beach and provides people with the opportunity to walk between both locations and makes up part of the Wales Coastal Path. Ynyslas Beach is part of the Dyfi Nature Reserve and takes around 20 minutes to reach from Aberystwyth.
Find out more in our full guide to the best beaches near Aberystwyth.
7. Take a cultural experience at the National Library of Wales
The National Library of Wales is a legal deposit library, meaning it has the right to a copy of every publication printed in Britain and Ireland. Included in its vast collections are 250,000 hours of video, 6,000,000 books and newspapers and 950,000 photographs, as well as much more
As well as the extensive collections there is also a café, shop, and different events and exhibitions on offer all throughout the year.
There is ample parking available at the library, however, there is a small fee for this.
8. Enjoy one of the many activities on offer at Aberystwyth Arts Centre
Did you know that Aberystwyth Arts Centre is award-winning and is also Wales’ largest art centre? It is also recognised as a ‘national flagship for the arts'
The arts centre is a department of Aberystwyth University and sits within the same complex. Some of the activities that can be enjoyed by young and old include, regularly changing exhibitions, a café that boasts an extensive menu, a gift shop, a book shop, and a cinema.
In addition to the above permanent activities, the arts centre also provides seasonal ones such as outdoor music events and cinema screenings during the summer months.
Parking is readily available on-site, which is free of charge at the weekends.
9. Hike up Pen Dinas to the Wellington Monument
Pen Dinas is where an extensive Iron Age, Celtic hillfort of international significance is situated
The walk is accessed via Penparcau road, opposite the campsite and takes you on an enchanting walk through woodlands to begin with, followed by a short, intense climb to the top where you will find the monument.
When at the top you’ll be presented with astounding panoramic views of Cardigan Bay to the west, and Aberystwyth and the Cambrian mountains to the east. On a clear day, you can see Snowdonia to the north and the coastline south towards Snowdonia National Park and North Pembrokeshire.
10. Visit Constitution Hill via the longest cliff railway in Britain
The cliff railway starts at the bottom of Constitution Hill (or ‘Consti’ as its known locally), which is located at the north end of Aberystwyth promenade. The cliff railway has been in operation since 1896 and at 237m, it's one of the longest in Britain
Constitution Hill also forms part of the Wales Coastal Path and it is possible to walk from Aberystwyth to the holiday village of Clarach, and onwards to Borth. Wales Coast Path
At the top of Consti, you’ll find a range of attractions for all to enjoy, including, a café, indoor skittles, an outdoor bouncy castle (weather dependent!) and outdoor crazy golf. This is also one of our favourite activities to do in Mid-Wales with dogs as the cafe at the top is dog-friendly.
11. Experience the wonder of the Devil’s Bridge and Mynach Falls
According to legend, it is thought that the bridges above the waterfalls of Devil’s Bridge were built by the devil himself
Devils Bridge is actually three bridges, built on top of each other which makes it unlike any other in the UK. Next to the bridge, Mynach Falls (also known as Devil's Bridge Falls), features a 90m drop over 5 different levels.
When visiting the falls there are two walks to choose between:
- Nature Trail: The first is a longer trail that will give you spectacular views of the waterfall and the three bridges, you’ll descend Jacob’s ladder and have the opportunity to discover ‘robbers cave’.
ㅤ - Punchbowl and Three Bridges: The second is named the ‘punchbowl and three bridges’ walk and will take approximately ten minutes. It is here you will discover the awesome power of the mighty punchbowl, a large hollow in the Earth.
The Devil’s Bridge Falls are located twelve miles outside of Aberystwyth and as well as the walks there’s also a chocolate shop, small café, toilets and a restaurant. See the next point for an interesting way to reach it.
12. Take a ride on the Vale of Rheidol railway
Our final activity is another way to visit Devil’s Bridge Falls, via the Vale of Rheidol steam train.
The original purpose of this line was to carry materials such as timber and iron ore from the Rheidol Valley to the mainline in Aberystwyth
En route to Devil’s Bridge Falls, the train will take you through small villages such as Capel Bangor, and then climb up through the hillside passing through forests. Whilst aboard you will have spectacular views of the Rheidol Valley towards Aberystwyth.
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Published: 22 May 2022 · Last updated: 26 August 2023