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.
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.
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.
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.
Address: Strata Florida Abbey, Aberystwyth SY25 6BT, Wales
Parking: Free
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
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.
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.
Address: Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Aberystwyth University Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth SY23 3DE, Wales
Hours:
January 1 to December 31: 10am-8pm; Sun:1:30pm-5:30pm
Tips: Admission prices are specific to performances and exhibitions.
Parking: Free
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
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.
Address: Elan Valley Tourist Office, Elan Valley, Rhayader LD6 5HP, Wales
Parking: Pay
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
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.
Address: Cambrian Woollen Mill, Llanwrtyd Wells LD5 4SD, Wales
Hours:
January 1 to December 31: 9am-5pm
Always opened on: Spring Bank Holiday - Britain (last Monday, May ), 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
Parking: Free
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
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.
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Devil's Bridge
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Llanfarian, Wales
Elan Valley, Aberystwyth
Aberystwyth Castle, Aberystwyth
Elan Valley, Aberystwyth
Elan Valley, Aberystwyth
Elan Valley, Aberystwyth
Elan Valley, Aberystwyth
Elan Valley, Aberystwyth
