Aberystwyth

The unofficial capital of mid Wales

The largest town on Cardigan Bay and liveliest seaside resort in Wales, Aberystwyth is a charming Victorian seaside resort and the unofficial capital of mid Wales. It’s the seat of local government and is home to the University College of Wales. The National Library of Wales is also based here, housing some of the oldest surviving manuscripts in the Welsh language. The town can be traced back to the late 13^th century when Edward I began building Aberystwyth Castle in an attempt to subdue the Welsh. The castle withstood a siege in 1282 but in 1404 it fell to Owain Glyndwr during fighting that destroyed the surrounding town. During the Civil War, the castle fell to the Parliamentarians and Cromwell destroyed it but you can still see the ruins on the rocky headland. The town has plenty of culture and entertainment as well as all the usual seaside attractions. There’s a 700 foot long pier and a stroll along the promenade is a perennial favourite. For something a bit different, take a trip on the longest electric cliff railway in Britain. It goes up the cliff face at a sedate four miles an hour. Your railway ticket also includes admission to the Great Aberystwyth Camera Obscura on the hilltop.