Aberystwyth Tourist Attractions
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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.
National Library of Wales
The National Library of Wales (founded in 1907), in Machynlleth Street, is one of the six libraries of deposit which receive a copy of every book published in Britain. It possesses some two million books and many thousands of manuscripts, with particular emphasis on Celtic and Welsh literature. From time to time it puts on special exhibitions displaying some of its treasures, including the "Black Book of Camarthan", the oldest document in Welsh, dating back to 1105.On a rocky crag are the remains of a castle built by Edward I. Near the university is Pen Dinas, the site of a powerful prehistoric hill-fort.
Devil's Bridge
From Aberystwyth there is a beautiful road along the Vale of Rheidol to Devil's Bridge, about 9mi/15km to the east. Here the River Mynach flows down through a deep gorge in a series of spectacular waterfalls, with a total drop of 300ft/91m, to join the Rheidol. There are three bridges, the lowest of which, believed to date from the 12th century, is known as the Devil's Bridge. Tradition has it that this bridge was built by a monk from Strata Florida Abbey, 7mi to the south. The two other bridges were built in 1753 and 1901 (the highest one a rail bridge).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Booktide Childrens Festival (closed)
This annual festival takes place in late September.
Welsh International Film Festival
The Welsh International Film Festival takes place over ten days in mid-November.
Surroundings
Llanfarian
At Llanfarian, 3mi/5km to the south of Aberystwyth, is Bryn Eithyn Hall, with a collection of Welsh furniture, dolls, ship models, etc.
Rhayader
The road along the Elan valley from Devil's Bridge leads to the pretty little country town of Rhayader, in the upper Wye valley, a popular tourist center with fine Welsh craft goods to offer (hand-woven cloth, pottery). Here there are facilities for pony trekking in the surrounding hills with their picturesque little lakes.
Llanidloes
Llanidloes (pop. 2,416) is a market town located in central Wales on the Severn.
Llanwrtyd Wells
Llanwrtyd Wells is located northeast of Llandovery.
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.
Saturnalia Festival
Llanwrtyd Wells three-day festival takes place in mid-January.
