Visiting Aberystwyth University
Aberystwyth University sits above the town on Penglais Hill, with the campus spread across a hillside overlooking Cardigan Bay. The main campus is a 20-minute walk uphill from the town centre — allow more time than a map suggests, particularly with luggage or children. The campus is close to the National Library of Wales and the Arts Centre, making it easy to combine a university visit with other stops.
Open Days
Undergraduate open days run in October and late spring; postgraduate events are held at other points in the academic year. The university runs coaches from Aberystwyth station to campus on open day dates. Booking ahead is essential — open days are oversubscribed and walk-ins are not guaranteed entry to all sessions.
On open days the campus is at its most actively shown, with subject talks, campus tours, accommodation viewings and student Q&A sessions. See the full open day guide for practical logistics on parking, accommodation and what to bring.
The Campus
The main campus buildings are on Penglais Hill, with the Arts Centre — one of the largest arts venues in Wales — as the principal cultural building. The Arts Centre is open to non-students and hosts gallery exhibitions, cinema, theatre and the major annual festivals including the Comedy Festival, International Ceramics Festival and Musicfest.
The National Library of Wales is adjacent to the campus and is a natural addition to any campus visit. Free exhibitions; regular public events.
Old College — the Gothic seafront building that was the university’s original home — is on the promenade in the town centre rather than on the main campus, and is separately accessible.
Practical Logistics
Getting there: Aberystwyth is on a dedicated railway line from Shrewsbury (2 hours), with connections to Birmingham New Street (3.5 hours total). By car, the A44 from the east is the main approach. Campus parking is on Penglais Road and adjacent areas — check the university website for open day parking allocation, as general campus parking is limited.
Accommodation: Book early if visiting on an open day weekend. See where to stay for hotels and guest houses. Most seafront accommodation is a 20-minute walk from campus.
Town: The town centre and promenade are 20 minutes downhill from the main campus. A university visit works well combined with a night or two in town — there is more than enough to fill a weekend. See the weekend itinerary.
Explore Wales & the Borderlands