Local Attractions - In and around Aberystwyth before and after your Open Day

Promenade

A walk along the famous promenade, whether it’s an early morning stroll or to watch the sunset, perfectly sums up what it’s like to live by the sea! No stroll is complete without ‘kicking the bar’ at the end of the promenade, below Constitution Hill. It’s an old tradition, and no-one knows for sure when or how it originated, but it supposedly brings students good luck! Find out more at here.

The Pier

Aberystwyth’s Pier has plenty to offer to daytime visitors, including the Brasserie Restaurant, an amusement arcade, snooker hall, ice cream parlour and a beer garden stretching out to sea. If you’re lucky you might even spot some seals or dolphins in the Bay! As well as a pub and wide coverage of sports channels, it also houses one of the most popular nocturnal haunts for students, Pier Pressure nightclub. Full information is available on their website.

Constitution Hill

No visit to Aberystwyth would be complete without a trip up Constitution Hill (‘Consti’ to locals), offering splendid views of the surrounding area and Cardigan Bay. On a clear day you can even see Snowdon (and even catch a glimpse of Ireland), with a camera obscura at the summit, offering a bird’s eye view. It is open all year round, with an Electric Cliff Railway running between April and October, as well as a winding footpath. For more information, check their website.

The Castle

Situated on the seafront, just past the Old College and the Pier, are the ruins of Aberystwyth castle, built by Edward I and destroyed in the English Civil War. Though very little of the structure remains standing, it still makes for a pleasant stroll, and offers great views of the promenade and Constitution Hill, as well as Aberystwyth’s south beach and Pen Dinas. A brief history of the castle can be viewed online.

Pen Dinas

If Constitution Hill dominates the landscape to the north of Aberystwyth, then Pen Dinas is its southern equivalent. The hill is accessible from the coastal path, and offers a great view of the Cardigan coast and up the Rheidol valley. It is easily identified by the chimney-like structure at the summit. Directions on how to walk up can be found here.

National Library of Wales

The National Library is one of only five copyright libraries in the UK, which means that it houses a copy of all the books, journals and pamphlets published in the UK, as well as important historical manuscripts (which makes it very handy for students!). As well as a cafeteria, numerous exhibitions are often held too. Check their website for the latest information.

Ceredigion Museum

Housed in a restored Edwardian Theatre, the Museum lies on Terrace Road, a short walk from the Prom, and is home to artefacts and objects from the county from all ages, mostly from the Victorian period and later. For more information about their collection, visit their website.

Commodore Cinema

The Commodore is a family-owned independent cinema, with a single screen and a 400-seat capacity. Situated in the heart of town, it screens the latest Hollywood films, usually within a week or two of their release, making it perfect for a bit of comfortable evening entertainment. To check what’s on and when, check online.

Parc Penglais

The county’s first nature reserve is situated on Penglais Hill, and offers excellent views of the town as well as providing for a beautiful woodland walk. There is a great array of wildlife, and in springtime is especially noted for its bluebells. And the best thing about it? It’s only a short walk from the university’s main campus. For directions on how to get there, check online.