Aberystwyth University



Aberystwyth University has a proud history dating back to 1872, when it was established by the people of Wales as the first Welsh university.

Set on the coast of beautiful Ceredigion, the university has forged close links with the historic market town and holiday resort in which it sits. It combines long academic traditions with a fabulous location, beneath the mountains and beside the sea in a centre of national, regional, cultural and commercial importance.

Among its state-of-the-art facilities, the campus is home to one of only six copyright libraries in Britain and a ‘Beacon’ status arts centre.

Set in the centre of stunning Cardigan Bay in West Wales, with the Irish sea to the west and the Cambrian Mountains to the east, Aberystwyth has a great range of pubs, clubs, restaurants, cafés and shops. There is a lovely beach that enjoys great sunsets and visits from dolphins and porpoises, and lots of sites of special scientific interest in the area.

Aberystwyth has been voted the best university town or city in Wales – and eighth in the UK – by MSN Travel while the 2013 Daily Mail Complete University Guide named it the safest place in England and Wales.

The main campus on Penglais Hill is home to 12 of the university’s 17 departments and most of the student halls of residence.

Interestingly, Aberystwyth University features heavily in the filming of the Welsh police drama Hinterland. Part of the campus is used as a police station and students have benefited from placements on the show.

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The Carrington Arms
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Gwesty'r Marine Hotel & Spa

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Starling Cloud, Aberystwyth by Marston’s Inns

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The Four Seasons Hotel

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Aberystwyth Park Lodge

Aberystwyth Park Lodge

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The Cardigan Bay Guest House

The Cardigan Bay Guest House

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Harleys Aberystwyth

Harleys Aberystwyth

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Celtic Bay Guest House

Celtic Bay Guest House

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The Glengower

The Glengower

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Things to do near Aberystwyth University

At Aberystwyth University, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including hiking and leisurely walks, perfect for taking in stunning sunsets. An audio tour is also available, providing an informative and engaging way to explore the campus and its surroundings. With its beautiful landscapes and vibrant atmosphere, Aberystwyth offers a delightful experience for tourists looking to immerse themselves in the local culture and scenery.

Shopping

In Aberystwyth, you can visit Jane Beck Welsh Blankets for unique local textiles. If you're up for a drive, the New Quay Honey Farm, located 32.2km away, offers delightful honey products and gifts that capture the essence of the region.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Borth and Ynyslas Golf Club, where you can embrace the stunning coastal landscape. Alternatively, Penrhos Golf Course offers a delightful golfing experience surrounded by nature. For a more adventurous outing, visit Dyfi Bike Park to unwind and immerse yourself in the tranquil environment.

Adventure

The Kingston upon Thames - Shepperton Ferry Trail, located 4.8km from Aberystwyth University, offers scenic hiking amidst nature's beauty. For an adrenaline rush, Coastriders Kitesurfing, 24.1km away, provides thrilling water sports experiences. Meanwhile, the Climachx Mountain Bike Trail, 29.0km distant, is perfect for adventurous mountain biking.

Nightlife

Aberystwyth offers vibrant nightlife with the Camera Obscura for a unique planetarium experience just 805m away. For a cultural evening, visit the Castle Theatre, 1.6km away, or catch a film at the Magic Lantern Cinema in Tywyn, 19.3km away, perfect for romance and entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Aberystwyth University

Aberystwyth University offers a delightful mix of attractions, including its beautiful beach, historic bridge, and nearby castle. Visitors can enjoy outdoor adventures and explore the stunning coastal scenery, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and excitement. Whether you're wandering along the beach or discovering the rich history of the area, there's something to captivate every traveller in and around the university.

  • Aberystwyth Beach: Located 1.4km from Aberystwyth University, this sandy stretch offers a quintessential beach experience. With its stunning views and relaxed atmosphere, it's perfect for unwinding, strolling along the promenade, or enjoying a refreshing dip in the sea.
  • Aberystwyth Castle: Just 1.6km away, this historical castle invites you to explore its romantic ruins and rich cultural heritage. Set against a picturesque backdrop, it's an ideal spot for history enthusiasts and those looking to soak up the local lore.
  • National Library of Wales: Situated a mere 483m from the university, this impressive library is a cultural treasure. It offers a family-friendly environment where visitors can delve into Welsh history and literature, making it a must-visit for culture lovers.

Best time to go to Aberystwyth University

The best time to visit Aberystwyth University can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Aberystwyth University falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Aberystwyth University falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
July59.5°F (15.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
August59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
September56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
October52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
December43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Aberystwyth University

To save money on your trip to Aberystwyth University, consider visiting in January, March, or October when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance or explore last-minute deals on Expedia, especially for Monday stays, which are the cheapest. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and preferences, and consider package deals to combine flights and activities for further savings. Don’t forget to look for free activities around Aberystwyth, such as enjoying the beautiful beaches and scenic walks, which can significantly enhance your experience without additional costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Aberystwyth University are January, March and October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Aberystwyth University about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Aberystwyth University is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Aberystwyth University is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and various other preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring that the most affordable hotels appear at the top. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Aberystwyth University with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.