Aberystwyth Attractions
About 6mi/10km to the south of Talybont is Aberystwyth (pop. 13,000), unofficial capital of Mid Wales, situated at the mouth of the rivers Rheidol and Ystwyth (hence the town's name, which in Welsh means "mouth of the Ystwyth"), which join just before reaching the coast. Besides being a university town and a shopping town for Mid Wales, the town is also a popular seaside resort. The university was founded in 1872 as a branch of the National University of Wales (together with Cardiff and Bangor). The university theater Theatr Werin enjoys an outstanding reputation. From the lengthy pier, which extends out parallel with the wide beach, there is a splendid view of Cardigan Bay.
Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge (railroad)
From Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge there is a narrow-gauge steam railroad, covering the 12mi/19km. It was originally built in 1902 to carry lead from the many mines in the hills, the last of which closed down in 1912.
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Devil's Bridge
The Devil's Bridge is built over the River Mynach where it flows through a narrow chasm and over a series of waterfalls.
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National Library of Wales
The National Library of Wales was founded in the very early 20th C and contains rare and important Welsh and Celtic manuscripts.
Aberstwyth - Nanteos
This fine Georgian country manor is currently under extensive restoration, thus giving visitors an opportunity to gain insight into the massive requirements of maintaining a house such as this.
Some fame has come to the house, as it once was visited by Richard Wagner, and was rumored to hold the Holy Grail of the Last Supper.
Some fame has come to the house, as it once was visited by Richard Wagner, and was rumored to hold the Holy Grail of the Last Supper.
Aberstwyth - Strata Florida Abbey
Little is left of Strata Florida Abbey (Welsh "Ystrad Fflur" = valley of flowers), a Cisterian foundation of 1196 near the source of the River Teifi, although it was in its day one of the leading monastic houses in Wales and a great cultural center. The finest surviving fragment is the west doorway, but there are also remains of the sacristy and chapterhouse as well as a number of tombstones. The medieval Welsh poet Dafydd ap Gwilym is buried here.
Aberystwyth Castle
Rising out over the seashore is this impressive ruined 13th century castle. Recent archeological efforts have revealed much of interest in the inner ward of the castle.
Aberystwyth Musicfest - International Music Festival and Summer School
This annual two-week festival runs from late July to early August.
Arts Centre
Overlooking the sea in Aberystwyth is one of Wales' major art centers. Aberstwyth Arts Centre contains a theater, concert hall and galleries with both contemporary fine and applied art. The center hosts the International Potters' Festival annually in mid-July.
Aberystwyth Arts Centre
Aberystwyth University
Penglais Campus
Aberystwyth SY23 3DE
Wales
Aberystwyth University
Penglais Campus
Aberystwyth SY23 3DE
Wales
Hours
January 1 to December 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 13:30 |
| Close | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 17:30 |
Parking
Free
Disabled
Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Facilities
Gift shop
Restaurant or food service
Restaurant or food service
Elan Valley
The Elan Valley and the Claerwen reservoir, though serving the purposes of water supply, are of great scenic beauty.
Elan Valley Visitor Centre
The Elan Valley Visitor Centre is set in an area rich in landscape and nature conservation value. Guided walks, exhibitions and special events highlight the features of the area for visitors.
Parking
Pay
Disabled
Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Facilities
Restaurant or food service
Llanfarian, Wales
(Near Aberystwyth)
At Llanfarian, 3mi/5km to the south of Aberystwyth, is Bryn Eithyn Hall, with a collection of Welsh furniture, dolls, ship models, etc.
Llanidloes, Wales
(Near Aberystwyth)
Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales
(Near Aberystwyth)
Llanwrtyd Wells - Cambrian Woollen Mill
The Cambrian Woollen Mill is a working woollen mill. Visitors will learn about the production of woollen cloth on a guided tour and from the video presentation at the mill.
Hours
January 1 to December 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Always opened on:
Spring Bank Holiday - Britain (last Monday, May )
Summer Bank Holiday - Britain outside Scotland (last Monday, August )
Summer Bank Holiday - Britain outside Scotland (last Monday, August )
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
Easter - Christian (Apr 08)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
Easter - Christian (Apr 08)
Parking
Free
Disabled
Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Guides
Guided tour included with admission.
Facilities
Gift shop
Restaurant or food service
Restaurant or food service
Llanwrtyd Wells - Saturnalia Festival
Llanwrtyd Wells three-day festival takes place in mid-January.
Nant y Moch
Just 3mi/5km to the north of Devil's Bridge is Nant y Moch Lake, well stocked with fish. Here there is a nature reserve with a number of waymarked nature trails.
Welsh International Film Festival
The Welsh International Film Festival takes place over ten days in mid-November.
Attractions in Other Popular Destinations
