Aberystwyth [abɛˈrəstʊɨθ], meaning “the mouth of the river Ystwyth”, is a small seaside town situated at Cardigan Bay on the West coast of Wales with an estimated population of just over 12,000. It is a popular tourist destination and is regularly voted into the Top 10 for student safety and affordability in the UK. Given its location and size, it comes with the advantage that everything, including the University, is easily reachable on foot. Regular bus connections from town to campus are also available. Due to its significant student population and popularity with tourists, it also offers a large variety of restaurants, pubs, bars, and accommodation options.
The city is a major tourist destination with its large exhibition and trade fair centre, the Masaryk Racing Circuit, the Spilberk castle and fortress, and the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul.
Major tourist attractions
The surrounding area offers stunning landscapes and opportunities for various walks, hikes, excursions and other activities for the whole family. Popular attractions include:
- Aberystwyth seafront, including the promenade, beaches, Old College and Aberystwyth Castle and Memorial
- The Cliff Railway and Constitution Hill: https://www.visitwales.com/attraction/train/aberystwyth-cliff-railway-1404349
- National Library of Wales: https://www.library.wales
- Pendinas Hill Fort: https://coflein.gov.uk/en/site/92236/
- Ceredigion Coastal Path: https://www.discoverceredigion.wales/outdoor-activities-and-adventures/walk-ceredigion/the-ceredigion-coast-path/
- Devil’s Bridge: https://devilsbridgefalls.co.uk
- Vale of Rheidol Railway: https://www.rheidolrailway.co.uk
- Bwlch Nant yr Arian (Kite Feeding Station): https://naturalresources.wales/bwlchnantyrarian?lang=en
- Hafod Estate: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/hafod-estate
- Corris Mine Explorers: https://www.corrismineexplorers.co.uk
- Silver Mountain Experience: https://www.silvermountainexperience.co.uk
- The Magic of Life Butterfly House: https://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/things-to-do/magic-of-life-butterfly-house-p1723931
- Ynyslas and Dyfi Estuary: https://naturalresources.wales/days-out/places-to-visit/mid-wales/dyfi-national-nature-reserve-ynyslas-visitor-centre/?lang=en
- Dyfi Osprey Project: https://www.dyfiospreyproject.com
- Aberystwyth Arts Centre: https://www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk
- Ceredigion Museum: https://ceredigionmuseum.wales
Payment Recommendations
The University is currently a cashless campus. So, you will only be able to pay by card/contactless. Therefore, please keep in mind that you need to bring a card you can use in the UK.
In town, most places also accept card payments, even on the weekly market. So, you will not need a lot of cash there. Some of the smaller shops/takeaways have minimum payments for cards (i.e. they prefer cash). This is advertised and, in that case, there are plenty of cash machines in town (and one on campus).
Useful links
- Discover Aberystwyth (University web pages): https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/discover-aberystwyth/
- Discover Ceredigion: https://www.discoverceredigion.wales/areas-of-ceredigion/ceredigion-beaches-and-coastal-communities/aberystwyth/
- Visit Wales: https://www.visitwales.com/destinations/mid-wales/ceredigion-cardigan-bay/insiders-guide-aberystwyth
- Visit Mid Wales: https://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/information/product-catch-all/aberystwyth-p1725221
- Tripadvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g186428-Aberystwyth_Ceredigion_Wales-Vacations.html
Pictures by Christine Zarges and Thomas Jansen.