Things to do in Aberystwyth
Known simply as ‘Aber’ to the locals, Aberystwyth is nestled between the Cambrian mountains and the Ceredigion coast.
This bustling town is jam-packed full of natural wonders, history, and lively culture in equal measure, making it spot on for visits away from our Quay West Holiday Park. Here are some interesting things to do near Aberystwyth that you can't miss!
Aberystwyth Castle
This castle may be centuries old, but in fact, the original Aberystwyth Castle was built around a mile south of where it now stands. Originally made from timber and stone, it changed hands several times during battles between the English and Welsh. Edward I built the version of the castle that stands today.
Much of this 13th-century castle is in ruin, but it’s a beautiful place to have a stroll with no admission fee. It’s ideal for families with dogs to explore, plus there are fairly flat, well-maintained gardens that make Aberystwyth Castle a pretty spot for a picnic on a sunny day. From here, you get a picturesque view of the town, seafront, and rolling hills. If after all that exploring you’re feeling peckish, there are plenty of places to eat nearby.
National Library of Wales
Just look at this mighty building! The first stone was laid in 1911 and has continually been added to over the decades. It’s home to a massive collection of books and artefacts displayed as stunning exhibits.
The library is open to all ages and is fully wheelchair accessible, with a play area and fun activities for little ones, too! As there’s so much to explore inside, you’re bound to get hungry. Although you can't bring your own food and drink into the venue, there’s a warm and conformable cafe serving light bites and hot and cold drinks.
Amgueddfa Ceredigion Museum
In an old Edwardian Theatre, you’ll find this museum that preserves Ceredigion county heritage in over 60,000 artefacts! It’s a fascinating experience for kids and adults alike, with permanent and temporary displays. There’s wheelchair access throughout most of the venue, with lifts and accessible toilets. Plus, did we mention it’s free to enter?
You could lose yourself among the displays for a few hours, but don’t fret — the museum’s positioned in the heart of town, so there’s plenty to eat and drink when bellies start to rumble.
Camera Obscura
Enjoy true Victorian entertainment in one of the world’s largest camera obscuras! It’slocated on the promenade on the castle grounds. Although the original one was taken down in the 1920s, it was rebuilt in 1985 and now offers a stunning view of 1000 square miles of land. Entry is around a quid — you’ll plunge into darkness and get to view a live projection of the surrounding area. As attractions in Aberystwyth, this is certainly a novelty!
Walk along the prom
What would a trip to Aberystwyth be without a stroll along the Victorian promenade? Starting at the castle end of the prom, you can make your way down past the war memorial statue and along the seafront where you’ll breathe in that fresh salty sea air and take in the beautiful Ceredigion rolling hills.
There’s everything you'd expect from a typical seaside resort here, including fish and chips, ice cream, and an amusement arcade. As you make your way along, enjoy views of the beach, plus restaurants such as Baravin and the Prom Diner.
Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre
On your hunt for places to visit near Aberystwyth, you’ll find this Visit Wales Gold Award-winning centre nestled between the Cambrian mountains and Cardigan Bay. If you love the outdoors, this is well worth a visit. Watch the tradition of feeding the red kites or amble along one of the many trails here on foot, mountain bike, or even on horseback. For toddlers and older kids, there are two play areas so they can climb and slide to their heart’s content.
For a break from your adventures, stop in at the cafe for a bite to eat. They serve up hot and cold refreshments every day. Did you bring your spending money? There’s a gift shop here too, selling local crafts, jams, and beers.
The Silver Mountain Experience
Have you ever wondered what it was like to be a miner? Mining is a huge part of Ceredigion heritage, so stop by the Silver Mountain Experience to get up close to the history and legends that are ingrained in the culture here. It’s located at a preserved silver mine, with a mining museum that you can wander around at your own pace — there are guided tours available, too.
That’s just the beginning — solve puzzles on the trail around the centre, dig for fossils, and even pan for gems! There’s a unique experience for kids and adults within Woo Hoo Woods, where you can play giant instruments, build dens, and explore the magic of the woodland.
You’re bound to be tired after all that mining, so stop at the Miner’s Rest Cafe for a hot or cold drink and a bite to eat.
Magic of Life Butterfly House, Rheidol Valley
In the heart of Rheidol Valley a little way from Aberystwyth, you can experience tropical, free-flying butterflies in their hundreds. The Magic of Life Butterfly House is run by botanists who house and breed around 100 varieties of tropical butterflies. When you visit, they will flutter along with you as you explore the venue and you can feed them in the palm of your hand!
This is a registered charity where you’ll also find many varieties of tropical beetle, coral, and plants that inspire wonder in our natural world. Dogs are welcome to come along for the journey. It’s a good idea to bring a picnic and your own refreshments for a break after you’ve enjoyed the centre.
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Important information
*New holiday homes from £29,995 – UPDATED 29 August 2024
*Holiday home price is based on a new 3-bedroom ABI Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 29 August 2024, price is available at selected parks Blue Dolphin, Craig Tara, Cleethorpes Beach, Caister, Combe Haven, Far Grange, Greenacres, Golden Sands, Haggerston, Orchards, and Quay West. Price can be withdrawn at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £14,995 – UPDATED 31 JULY 2024 *Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 31 July 2024, price is available at Blue Dolphin, Caister, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Greenacres, Golden Sands, Haggeston, Orchards, Quay West, Skegness and Wild Duck.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Site fees from as little as £150 a month with Let2offset at Lydstep Beach
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
“Site fees from as little as £150 a month with Let2offset” is available at Lydstep Beach. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance. Offer is subject to availability.
"Site fees from as little as £150 a month with Let2offset” is applicable to new customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. This offer is available at Lydstep Beach only and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade) for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Site fees from as little as £150 a month with Let2offset” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Lydstep Beach with a monthly site fee of £899.00 (includes purchasing discount of £29) and monthly letting income of £719.00. The monthly difference equates to £151 which will be charged to the owner's account monthly; to meet the site fee payment of £150 per month, an additional credit of £1 per month will be applied to the owner’s account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.