In and around Aberystwyth before and after your Open Day

Aberaeron

A short bus journey away to the south is the seaside town of Aberaeron, popular in the summer with visitors and locals alike. It is well known for its fish’n’chip shops, the Hive ice cream parlour (and its speciality honey ice cream), and the Harbourmaster Hotel, featured in the Good Food Guide since 2002 and renowned for its excellent food and locally-sourced organic produce. And you’ll probably notice how colourful the houses are too!

Borth and Ynyslas

Only a short journey to the north of Aberystwyth (also accessible by train) lies the village of Borth, whose beach is famous for the remains of an ancient ‘fossil forest’. There is also an Animalarium, which even includes exotic and endangered species including crocodiles and an African leopard. A short hop away is Ynyslas, a great destination for a day out with a vast beach and expansive sand dunes. It is also a popular destination for outdoor pursuits such as kite flying and windsurfing. For more information on the animalarium, visit their website, and general information on the area can be found here.

The Vale of Rheidol Railway

What better way to relax and take in the surrounding countryside of Aberystwyth than by taking the hour-long trip up the Rheidol Valley? The steam train has now been running for over a century, operating between April and October, and winds through hills, fields and woodlands on its way to Devil’s Bridge. And conveniently enough, it departs from the Aberystwyth Train Station. For updated timetables, visit their website.