THINGS TO DO IN ABERYSTWYTH
Here we outline some suggestions on the best of what is on offer in and around the Llanafan area. We talk about places you might visit, tourist attractions and other general suggestions of things to do in Aberystwyth.
Aberystwyth Town
Aberystwyth is a university town situated in the middle of Cardigan Bay on the west coast of Wales. Around 15,000 people live in the town with a mixture of University students and local people. There is a thriving bilingual community and there are many opportunities to learn more about the Welsh language and culture.
Aber, as the locals call it, is a regional centre providing a good range of shops and amenities both within the town centre and on the edge of town. There are a good range of pubs and restaurants showcasing the best of local produce together with more exotic cuisine.
Aber is flanked by Constitution Hill and the famous cliff railway to the north and to the south by the ancient hill fort of Pen Dinas. Beneath Pen Dinas, the rivers Rheidol and Ystwyth converge at the mouth of the harbour. Starlings gather under the Pier and take to the sky in large ‘murmerations’, especially towards dusk. The other significant feature on the promenade is the Old College Building, a grade 1 listed building, elements of which date back to 1790.
There are three beaches to enjoy. The north beach extends from Constitution hill to the pier and is often the background for events and activities held at the town’s bandstand. There are snacks and ice cream available from PDs diner on the adjoining promenade and also from a range of shops and take-aways. South beach runs from castle point to the harbour mouth and is normally the quieter of the main tourist beaches. Further south again is Tanybwlch beach which runs from the concrete jetty to the south of the harbour and is much quieter again. The north and south beaches enjoy lifeguard protection during tourist season. On any of the beaches, fresh air and clear water are assured.
Aber is also a working fishing port with an active harbour and quayside. The adjacent marina caters for more leisurely boating pursuits. The dolphins of Cardigan bay are well famed and can sometimes be seen from the shore.
The National Library of Wales is also situated in Aber and is a copyright library containing a vast collection of books, manuscripts and priceless artifacts. It also has landscaped grounds offering another excellent vantage point overlooking the town and Cardigan Bay.
VALE OF RHEIDOL VALLEY
One of the main tourist attractions in the area is the Vale of Rheidol Railway which runs return steam train trips through the scenic Rheidol Valley to Devil’s Bridge where passengers can visit the famous waterfalls. Trains run daily from Easter until the October half term and there are also special services at other times of the year. There are a mixture of enclosed and open air carriages to allow for variable weather conditions and refreshments are available at the Devil’s Bridge Station Café.
For details visit Rheidol Railway
Nant Yr Arian Visitor Centre
Bwlch Nant yr Arian is half and hour’s drive from Llanafan. In addition to walking and mountain biking routes, there is a visitor centre with café. You can also see the feeding of red kite birds of prey which takes place daily at 2pm during winter and 3pm in summer.
For details got to Natural Resources
Aberystwyth Cliff Railway
The electric cliff railway offers a smooth and silent trip up to the top of Constitution Hill. From here you can enjoy spectacular vistas looking down on the promenade, beaches, pier and castle. There is a café/bar, a gift shop, a bowling alley and a restored Victorian camera obscura. For a different perspective, visiting at sunset can prove interesting. You might even glimpse the fabled green flash as the sun drops below the horizon.
For details visit Aberystwyth Cliff Railway
Rheidol Power Station
The Rheidol power plant is a pioneering hydro-electric scheme established in the 1960s. Rainwater is gathered at the large Nant-y-Moch reservoir in the shadow of Plynlimon Fawr high in the Cambrian Mountains. From here water passes through the intermediate Dinas reservoir before being piped underground and down the side of the Rheidol valley into turbines. Water feeds out into a lower lake at the village of Cwm Rheidol where there is a visitor centre. Here you can learn about the scheme, its past and future. There is also a café, picnic area and a tropical butterfly house. You can also arrange guided tours of the power station but pre-booking is essential.
For further details visit the Statkraft UK website
Dyfi Osprey Project
The Dyfi Osprey Project and Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve near Machynlleth is a developing attraction revolving around the breeding and re-introduction of Ospreys into Mid Wales. There is a visitor centre and more permanent building being undertaken.
Details here Dyfi Osprey Project
Rheidol Riding Centre
Rheidol Riding Centre situated is in the middle of the picturesque Rheidol Valley,4 miles from the town of Aberystwyth. The Centre is enclosed by the River Rheidol to one side and the Vale of Rheidol Railway on the other! The centre offers riding lessons for all abilities from one hour schooling lessons to half day hacks round the mountains!
For more details visit Rheidol Riding Centre