Aberystwyth

This lively university town sits in a beautiful spot on the Welsh coast. Enjoy the nightlife, visit cultural hotspots and try numerous watersports.

Take a trip to charming Aberystwyth and promenade along its famous seafront and pier. Survey the surrounding Welsh countryside and coastline. Visit the museum and art centre and explore historical locations, such as the ruins of 13th-century Aberystwyth CastleOpens in a new window. Spend your evenings mingling with locals and students at one of the town’s dozens of pubs and clubs.

Find the National Library at the top of a hill just outside town. Browse the vast collection of books the library is entitled to a copy of every book published in the U.K. Admire historical rarities in the Hengwrt Room, including the Black Book of Carmarthen, the oldest Welsh text still in existence.

Tour the Ceredigion Museum to view a range of exhibits. Learn about the history of the town and even see a display dedicated to the popular British comedy show Little Britain. Visit Aberystwyth Arts Centre, one of the largest art centres in Wales. Enjoy the galleries or watch a show. The cinema shows a range of world films and the theatre stages a variety of dramas and operas.

Head to the Royal Pier and watch the sun set over Cardigan Bay. The pier offers varied entertainment throughout the day and night. Get some food, play a game of pool or participate in a night of clubbing. During the day the bay is a popular spot for watersports. Book a lesson and learn to surf or kayak in New Quay, which is sheltered from the wind. If you’re already experienced, try Gwbert for excellent surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions.

Reach Aberystwth by car, train or long-distance bus. You’ll find a large number of cafés, restaurants and takeout food options. The town is also famous for its large number of pubs and nightclubs. Drink real ale at a traditional pub, sip cocktails at a trendy bar or dance all night at a club.