Things to Do in Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth is a small town that rewards exploration. The core offer runs from Victorian coastal infrastructure — Cliff Railway, Royal Pier, promenade — through to genuinely world-class cultural institutions and some of the best accessible coastline in mid-Wales. The following covers the main draws in rough order of visitor priority.

The Cliff Railway & Constitution Hill

The Aberystwyth Cliff Railway is the longest electric cliff railway in Britain, running from the northern end of the promenade to the summit of Constitution Hill. At the top: a large camera obscura (one of the largest in the world), panoramic views over Cardigan Bay and on clear days as far as Snowdonia and Ireland, and a cafe. The railway itself dates from 1896. Allow 30–45 minutes for the return trip and a look around the summit.

The Beaches

Aberystwyth has two distinct beaches. North Beach is the main town beach — a long arc of sand running from the pier to the northern headland, with the promenade alongside it, beach huts, lifeguards in summer and the Royal Pier at its southern end. South Beach holds a Blue Flag award and sits between the castle headland and the southern end of the promenade — quieter, with views of the castle ruins. Dogs are banned from both beaches 1 May to 30 September.

Aberystwyth Castle

Aberystwyth Castle stands on the headland between the two beaches — open, free to enter, and one of Edward I's ring of Welsh fortifications (built from 1277). The ruins are less complete than Conwy or Harlech but the position is dramatic, with the sea on three sides and good views both along the promenade and back across the town. A worthwhile 20-minute stop.

Vale of Rheidol Railway

The Vale of Rheidol Railway is a narrow-gauge steam railway that runs from Aberystwyth station 12 miles east through the river valley to Devil's Bridge — a Victorian tourist railway still operating steam locomotives on the original route. The journey takes about an hour each way and the views of the Rheidol gorge are excellent. Seasonal operation; check timetables before planning around it.

National Library of Wales

The National Library of Wales on Penglais Hill is one of the six legal deposit libraries in the UK, holding a copy of every book published in Britain alongside millions of manuscripts, maps and archives. Free exhibitions are open to the public; events include talks, film screenings and concerts. A 10-minute walk uphill from the town centre — the view from the entrance is worth the climb alone.

Aberystwyth Arts Centre

Aberystwyth Arts Centre on the university campus is one of the largest arts centres in Wales, with gallery spaces, a cinema, theatre, craft shop and a strong programme of festivals and events throughout the year. The International Ceramics Festival (biennial) and the Aberystwyth Comedy Festival draw visitors from across the UK. Worth checking what is on before your visit.

Old College

Old College is the Gothic seafront building at the southern end of the promenade — the founding home of the University of Wales, built in 1864 as a hotel and converted to educational use in 1872. Currently being restored as a cultural and heritage centre after years of closure. Its position on the seafront makes it one of the most photographed buildings in the town.

UNESCO City of Literature

Since October 2025, Aberystwyth Ceredigion has been a UNESCO City of Literature — Wales’ first, and the sixth in the UK. The designation reflects the concentration of literary institutions here: the National Library, the Books Council of Wales, Aberystwyth University and a bilingual literary culture going back centuries. For visitors with an interest in books and language, this gives the town a depth that most Welsh coastal resorts cannot match.

Things to Do in Aberystwyth