What Aberystwyth has to offer...
Being situated in on Aberystwyth Promenade means that The Glengower is near many areas of natural beauty and interest.
There are plenty of local attractions in and around Aberystwyth to keep you occupied during your stay. Some of the key attractions in the area can be found below. For a more detailed offering of events and activities in the local areas please visit www.visitwales.com / www.visitmidwales.co.uk / www.discoverceredigion.wales.
At the top of Constitution Hill, at the north end of the prom just along from the Glengower, you’ll find the world’s largest Camera Obscura, which provides a bird’s eye view of more than 1000 square miles, in a 360 degree sweep around Aberystwyth.
The longest cliff railway in Britain. Offering fantastic views of Aberystwyth, Cardigan Bay and on a clear day, 26 Welsh mountain peaks. The most relaxing way to enjoy this glorious panorama, is to travel on the longest electric funicular cliff railway in Britain, which has been transporting visitors to the summit since 1896.
This really is a garden with something for everyone, yet without compromise. There is a huge range of plants for the plants people, with plenty of interest at every time of year, there is inspiration for both experienced and novice gardeners, and peace and tranquillity for the stressed.
Great for a family day out in mid-wales, filled with history, myth and legend. Based at the beautifully preserved Llywernog silver-lead ore mine, just outside Aberystwyth.
The Vale of Rheidol Railway re-creates the Edwardian spirit of adventure. Step aboard one of their restored steam trains for a stunning journey along the Rheidol Valley.
Specialist-led guided tours through the landscape and into the underground caverns of mid-Wales’ ancient metal mines.
Petting farm that is open every day and also a private sanctuary for exotic animals. A family run animal sanctuary specialising in giving a home to unwanted or abandoned animals.
We sit right on the historic mile long Victorian promenade. You will see many a walker, jogger or just world-watcher taking in the sea air and enjoying some peaceful time on the prom. The pier is Wales’ oldest pier, built in 1864 offering stunning views of the coast, however for the best views, get up high on Constitution Hill.
An Iron Age hillfort located at the top of Pen Dinas Hill. It's a short and sharp climb to get to the top. There is a large stone monument dedicated to the Duke of Wellington, built in the 1850's, overlooking Cardigan Bay and Aberystwyth. The monument takes the form of an eighteen metre high upended cannon.
Aberystwyth Castle was built, along with Flint Castle, Rhuddlan Castle and Builth Wells castle, by King Edward I as part of his campaign against the Welsh. It's actually a 13th century English built castle, this Grade I listed Edwardian fortress was built to keep the Welsh out.
The National Library is one of the great libraries of the world. Since 1911 it's enjoyed the right to collect, free of charge, a copy of every printed work published in Britain and Ireland. Situated on Penglais Hill overlooking Aberystwyth.
Only 12 miles from Aberystwyth, the waterfalls sit in the heart of the Cambrian mountains. Devils Bridge Falls is a world-famous tourist attraction in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains and 12 miles from the seaside town of Aberystwyth.
Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre is well-known for its long-established tradition of daily feeding of red kites.
There is a wide range of waymarked trails for walkers, mountain bikers and runners.
This spectacular memorial commemorates local people who died in the First and Second world wars. It was unveiled in 1923.
The Dyfi Osprey Project is one of Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust’s flagship projects based on the Cors Dyfi Reserve near Machynlleth.
70 square miles of dams, reservoirs and rugged Welsh landscapes. There’s plenty to see and do including the Elan Valley Visitors Centre. By day, explore this special landscape by bike, car or on foot. When the sun sets and the night falls, look up and marvel at the star-studded skies.
Ceredigion's section of the Welsh coastal path is a 60 mile section of the full 870 miles. Its rugged yet beautiful terrain offers a diverse landscape, breath-taking views of Snowdonia and Pembrokeshire (on a clear day!), an array of wildlife and geological wonders.
It's up to you how far you want to walk but Discover Ceredigion has some great recommended walks along the coastal path.
A pleasant ramble along the front to see Aberystwyth Castle.
Starting place: The Glengower
Distance: Approximately 2 miles
Time: Approximately 1 hour
Accessibility: Easy – flat all the way. Few steps up to the castle grounds.
A pleasant ramble up a solid footpath to the top of the hill.
Starting place: The Glengower
Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles
Time: Approximately 1 1/2 hours
Accessibility: Moderate – Path is rather steep but solid underfoot. Suitable footwear is recommended.
A stunning walk hugging the coastline all the way to Borth.
Starting place: The Glengower
Distance: Approximately 5 miles (or 10 miles round trip)
Time: Approximately 2 and a half hours (or 5 hours round trip)
Accessibility: Moderate – Relatively easy terrain involving some hills however areas of the walk can be muddy so suitable footwear is advised.
A leisurely ride from Cardigan Bay to the Teifi Valley.
Starting place: Aberystwyth
Distance: Approximately 20 miles (40 mile round trip)
Time: Approximately 2 hours (4 hours round trip)
Accessibility: Easy – Suitable for all levels. If you decide that one way is enough then you can catch the bus back to Aberystwyth. Click HERE to view bus timetable (timetables are subject to change).
A leisurely ride along designated cycle paths and quiet country lanes to Devil’s Bridge.
Starting place: The Glengower
Distance: Approximately 18.5miles (37 miles round trip)
Time: Approximately 3 hours (6 hours round trip)
Accessibility: Intermediate. Undulating ride with steep climbs and descents.
If you decide that one way is enough then you can catch the bus back to Aberystwyth. Click HERE to view bus timetable.
For the off road lovers….a trail centre offering something for everyone
Starting place: You will need a car to drive to Nant Yr Arian which is approx. 19 miles/30 mins away
Distance: Various trails – Pendam Trail (9km), Summit Trail (16km) or Syfidrin Trail (36km)
Time: Varies depending on trail and skill
Accessibility: Off road – suitable for mountain bikes only
Nant-yr-Arian forest sits high on the mountains just inland from Aberystwyth. With trails heading out into the epic scenery of the Cambrian Mountains, this is a fantastic area for those who like their riding rugged. Just be prepared for everything from true mountain climbs to river crossings and technical rocky descents.
Coed y Brenin is the original mountain biking centre from retro, rocky, classics to modern contempory trails.
Starting place: You will need a car to drive to Coed Y Brenin Mountain Bike Centre, Snowdonia National Park which is approx. 42 miles/1 hour away
Distance: Various trails – from beginner trails to difficult technical trails up to 31km in length
Time: Varies depending on trail and skill
Accessibility: Off road – suitable for mountain bikes only
For the outdoor rugged riders out there take a visit to this stunning valley for some amazing riding.
Starting place: You will need a car to drive to Machynlleth which is approx. 19 miles/30 mins away
Distance: Various trails – Mach1 (16km), Mach2 (24km) and Mach3 (30km)
Time: Varies depending on trail and skill
Accessibility: Off road – suitable for mountain bikes only
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