The charming coastal town as beautiful as Brighton but without the busy crowds

Step into a town where Victorian charm meets seaside beauty, offering visitors a peaceful break with a hint of history, culture and good food.

This stunning seaside town is also a university hub, but without the big summer crowds you’d expect in Brighton.

The long seafront is a favourite for gentle strolls with views of the bay and easy access to the sand. Families can enjoy classic beach days with buckets and spades, while the lively student presence keeps the town buzzing.

Photo © Ian Capper (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Aberystwyth is full of independent shops, perfect for picking up holiday gifts. Polly boutique is popular for fashion, while Coastal Vintage and Ystwyth Books are packed with second-hand treasures.

Siop Y Pethe, which means “the shop of cultural things,” sells a little bit of everything. Local artist Lizzie Spikes also runs Driftwood Designs, a charming gift shop.

Food lovers will be spoiled too. Visit Wales calls Aberystwyth “a foodie’s paradise” thanks to the wide choice of restaurants, cafés and pubs for every taste and budget.

Coast magazine describes the town as “a charming mix of old-fashioned shop fronts, foodie restaurants and friendly bars.”

Photo © Peter Trimming (cc-by-sa/2.0)

No trip here is complete without a walk along the promenade. The town’s pier, built in 1864, is the oldest in Wales and one of the best spots for views.

For even better sights, head to the top of Constitution Hill, which rises 430 feet at the end of North Beach.

At the summit sits the world’s largest Camera Obscura, offering a 360-degree view across more than 1,000 square miles. You can reach it by riding the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway, the longest of its kind in Britain. It’s a family-friendly attraction and a must-see, especially during the starling murmurations in autumn and winter.

Other sites worth visiting include Pen Dinas Hill, home to an Iron Age fort and the 1850s monument dedicated to the first Duke of Wellington.

History fans will also love Aberystwyth Castle, an English stronghold built in the 13th century to keep the Welsh out, alongside other castles such as Flint and Rhuddlan.

Getting here is simple, with Aberystwyth station just a short walk from the town centre. It’s also easy to reach by car via the A487 and A44 main roads.

Remember - LeaveNoTrace!

As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!

Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.

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