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Aberystwyth is situated at the mouth of the river Ystwyth, located in the heart of Wales’ stunning Ceredigion coastline. It’s one of the larger towns in Wales, and it’s a vibrant place to live due to the large student population who come to study at the University of Aberystwyth. Easy to get around, and packed with things to do, you’ll hear Welsh spoken in the streets while being surrounded by the stunning coastal scenery for which the region is widely known. Here’s our pick for ten things you won’t want to miss in Aberystwyth.
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1) Aberystwyth Pier
Good for: A classic seaside experience.
What it is: The oldest pier in Wales, and one of the longest.
Why you should go: Aberystwyth Pier first opened way back in 1865, and was the principality’s first purpose-built pleasure pier, built on 244 metres of cast-iron piles driven into the rocky seabed. This Grade II listed structure has art-deco styling and provides all the fun of the seaside, with a bar, amusement arcade, and outdoor seating along its traditional wooden promenade. Great for a stroll on a summer afternoon.
2) Ystwyth Books
Good for: Picking out your next good read.
What it is: Easily one of Wales’ top spots for new and second-hand books.
Why you should go: Ystwyth Books houses a whopping 90,000 books, many of which are rare or out of print editions covering a very wide range of subjects with a particular emphasis on Welsh literature, language, history, poetry, wildlife, conservation, art, and architecture. The characterful building has lived many lives and is a charming place to spend a few hours.
3) Steam Train to Devil’s Bridge
Good for: Railway enthusiasts.
What it is: A fully restored scenic steam train experience, though Wales’ ancient woodlands.
Why you should go: Climb aboard the Vale of Rheidol Railway and experience the Edwardian spirit of adventure by taking a trip to Devil’s Bridge, one of the regions finest hidden gems and home of the famous Devil’s Bridge Waterfalls. This powerful steam locomotive, first opened in 1902, takes you through 12 miles of stunning woodland where, if you’re lucky, you’ll see birds of prey like red kites and buzzards soaring high above the valley floor.
4) Little Italy
Good for: Tickling your tastebuds.
What it is: An intimate Italian restaurant with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Why you should go: We know this one isn’t typically Welsh, but Little Italy is one of the best rated restaurants in the area, and definitely somewhere you’ll want to check out. Situated in an old townhouse and set over two floors, their freshly cooked menu is ideal for a romantic dinner for two or for a gathering of friends. Special mention goes to their homemade tiramisu. Delizioso!
5) Camera Obscura
Good for: Seeing things differently.
What it is: The world’s largest camera obscura, mounted at the top of Constitution Hill.
Why you should go: Enter the darkened camera room, and gaze into a 14 inch glass lens which projects a 360 image of the surrounding area into a circular viewing gallery below the camera. This is pre-1920 technology at its finest and it’s still a sight to behold. You can move the lens with a control stick on the side of the wall, to create sweeping magnified views of the bay and town. Admission for the camera is £1 and it’s open between April and October.
6) Mama Fay's
Good for: Sensational flavours.
What it is: Delicious homestyle Jamaican food and good vibes.
Why you should go: Now this place is an absolute gem. More of a café vibe than a restaurant, Mama Fay’s is certainly the best Caribbean cuisine in town (and maybe even the country!). Try their jerk chicken, pork and lamb platter with rice, peas and wash it down with a couple of beers. They serve homemade desserts too, and the head chef is the son of the original Mama Fay, so you know it’s as authentic as it gets. They really care about their food and it shows.
7) North Beach
Good for: Dipping your toes in the sea.
What it is: Popular beach with promenade and traditional attractions.
Why you should go: If you’re looking for old-fashioned seaside delights, then North Beach is the place to be. Build a sandcastle, eat an ice-cream, or take the plunge and go for a swim in the summer months, since the beach has a seasonal lifeguard service. The beach is composed of dark sand and shingle and is a regular Blue Flag Award winner.
8) Aberystwyth Farmer’s Market
Good for: The freshest of fresh produce.
What it is: Weekly farmer’s market with over 30 stalls every first and third Sunday.
Why you should go: Aberystwyth Farmers' Market has been going for more than 20 years, and continues to draw a crowd due the quality of its goods and local crafts. You’ll find seasonal fruit and vegetables, local cheeses, artisan bread, organic meat, free-range eggs and more. Plus there’s hot food vendors selling tasty snacks for you to munch right there on the spot. Beautiful!
9 ) Why Not Bar & Lounge
Good for: A drink and a boogie.
What it is: Popular sports bar with nightly DJs.
Why you should go: Well, why not? It’s fair to say that Aberystwyth isn’t overflowing with late night party venues, so places like this are in high demand. Why Not Bar & Lounge is a great place to kick back with a pint, and watch full coverage of sport fixtures from football and rugby to cricket, boxing and much more. Later on, the bar transforms into one of the best nightclubs in town, with DJs playing until 4am.
10) The Libertine Cocktail Bar
Good for: Late night sipping.
What it is: An accessibly upmarket cocktail joint in the centre of town.
Why you should go: This one’s a great find. The Libertine provides a cosy ambience with extra attentive bar staff who can guide you through a world of flavours, scents, notes, mouthfeels and all the necessary cocktail jargon. Just take it from us, they know what they’re doing. The music is great too, and it gets quite busy at the weekend, so book a table to guarantee a place to sit.
Key info about Aberystwyth
The University of Aberystwyth has a population of around 10,000 students and it’s known as a major centre of learning within Wales. The town is also home to the National Library of Wales and boasts the country’s largest Arts Centre. It’s a wonderfully walkable place to live, with some of the most stunning scenery to be found anywhere in the UK and this makes it a student favourite, with very good student satisfaction ratings.
