Where to Go, What to See, and How to Make the Most of Your Visit...
Perched on the west coast of Wales, Aberystwyth it’s more than just a seaside town. It’s somewhere that carries a lot of memories, a fair bit of nostalgia, and that wonderful ability to surprise me every single time I go back.
When I was younger, Aberystwyth was the place we’d pack up the car and head to for school holidays. These days, it’s a stop I never miss on a Welsh road trip. There’s a charm to the town itself, but what really makes it special is what lies just beyond it. A short drive in any direction and you’ll find somewhere that feels completely different, a wide sandy beach, a dramatic valley, a colourful harbour town. It’s a little pocket of Wales that has it all.
There are some places you visit once, tick off the list, and move on. Wales has never been that for me. It’s a place I’ve returned to time and time again, and never get bored. After so many trips exploring its coastlines, valleys, and colourful towns, I ended up writing my Wales Road Trip Guidebook! One of my favourites to put together because it felt so personal.
If you’re planning your own adventure, you can grab a copy to discover my favourite spots, hidden gems, and tips for making the most of a road trip across Wales. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, I can guarantee you’ll find somewhere new to explore!
Must-see Places To Visit in Aberystwyth & Mid Wales
1. Borth & Ynyslas
Let’s start just north of Aberystwyth in the seaside village of Borth. It’s a laid-back spot great for relaxing. The beach stretches for miles, and the mix of shops, cafés, and pubs makes it ideal for a full day out.
But if you keep going just a little further, you’ll hit Ynyslas, one of my favourite places! Ynyslas Beach and the Dyfi National Nature Reserve honestly look like something out of a postcard from Australia (just swap the palm trees for sand dunes). The expanse of golden sand, backed by the reserve’s grassy dunes, is absolutely stunning, especially if you’re lucky enough to catch it on a sunny day.
I have some really fond memories of coming here as a kid. We’d spend hours running in and out of the waves, and our old collie Jess would happily charge up and down the beach like it was her personal playground. It’s one of those places that still gives me a bit of nostalgia every time I visit.
If you’re road-tripping, parking is easy, and there’s something about standing there, looking across the Dyfi Estuary to Aberdyfi, that feels so peaceful. Although, here’s a top tip: don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a quick hop across the water. Driving there will still take you about 45 minutes, but honestly it’s definitely worth it!
2. Aberystwyth
Ah, Aberystwyth. Or Aber, as most people call it. This town really does have my heart. Growing up, a lot of my school holidays were spent here, so I know it pretty well, from the fish and chip shops to the clifftop views.
It’s a university town, so there’s always a buzz about the place. The town centre is crammed with shops, pubs, cafés, and restaurants, and you’ve got not one but two main beaches to choose from. On a sunny day, grabbing an ice cream and wandering along the promenade is pretty much compulsory.
Now, if you’re up for stretching your legs, there are a couple of viewpoints you shouldn’t miss. First up is Constitution Hill, which you can either hike up (if you’re feeling energetic) or take the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway. The views from the top are incredible! You’ll see Aber laid out below you, and on a clear day, you can even spot Clarach Bay in the distance. Dogs are welcome too, which is always a big win in my book.
Then there’s Pen Dinas Hill Fort, which gives you a completely different perspective over the town and valleys. It’s a bit of a climb, but standing at the top, looking out over the coastline and green rolling hills, makes you appreciate just how beautiful this part of Wales is.
Oh, and one more thing: don’t leave Aber without getting fish and chips. Trust me. Whether you grab them from the pier or the chippy opposite, it’s the perfect way to round off a day in town.
3. Powis Castle
Okay, so technically this one’s not right in Aberystwyth itself, but Powis Castle is 100% worth a detour. Perched dramatically on a rock, this 13th-century castle is one of those places that feels completely unreal.
The gardens are world-famous and inspired by Italian and French designs. There’s sweeping terraces, manicured hedges, and bursts of colour everywhere you look. Walking around here in the summer feels like you’ve been transported to another world.
Inside, the castle is just as impressive. The Clive Museum holds one of the UK’s most significant collections of Indian objects. It offers a unique glimpse into history and culture. Give yourself time here the exhibitions are detailed, and it’s not a place to rush.
Also, here’s the thing I love a good castle being a history nerd, but Powis really does stand out. There’s so much history layered into its walls, and yet it feels alive, with events happening year-round that bring the place to life.
4. Elan Valley
If you’re looking for that jaw-dropping, can’t-believe-this-is-in-the-UK kind of scenery, Elan Valley is the place for you. Hidden away in the Cambrian Mountains, this sprawling area of dams, reservoirs, and valleys is nothing short of breathtaking.
The landscape is dramatic! There’s towering dams releasing cascades of water, shimmering lakes surrounded by lush greenery, and winding roads that make for some of the best scenic drives in Wales. It’s also a paradise for photographers. Every corner seems to reveal a new angle, a new reflection, a new play of light on the water.
But the magic of Elan Valley doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. It’s an official International Dark Sky Park, which means the stargazing here is out of this world, literally. With 45,000 acres protected against light pollution, you’ll see constellations and shooting stars like never before.
Elan Valley has a way of slowing you down. Whether you’re walking, cycling or just pausing with a flask of tea, it’s a place that makes you appreciate being outdoors.
5. Aberaeron
A half-hour south of Aberystwyth sits Aberaeron, a town that feels like it has stepped out of a paintbox. The rows of colourful houses around the harbour are its biggest draw, and they never fail to brighten a visit.
It’s not a huge place, which is actually part of the appeal. An hour or two is plenty of time to wander the harbour, peek into the shops, and grab lunch on the water’s edge.
Food is a big deal here, especially seafood. I’ll admit, I’m not the biggest seafood fan, but Aberaeron has a real reputation for it. Fresh fish is the star of many menus. For something tasty, The Hive, The Cellar (Y Seler), and The Stubborn Duckling are all well worth checking out.
Aberaeron is one of those towns that’s more about atmosphere than ticking off sights. A gentle mooch around the harbour, ice cream in hand, is exactly how it should be enjoyed.
6. New Quay
Head a little further along the coast and you’ll find New Quay. Not to be confused with Newquay in Cornwall, this is Wales’ answer to a perfect harbour town.
The first thing you’ll notice is how picturesque it is. The harbour, sandy beaches, and cafés clinging to the sloping hill make it a postcard-ready spot. On a sunny day, it has that unmistakable Cornish holiday feel.
But New Quay has something Cornwall doesn’t…dolphins! This is one of the best places in the UK to see them. Wildlife boat trips head out from the harbour every day, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot dolphins gliding through the waves.
On our last visit, the sun was shining, the beach was alive with families, and the atmosphere was spot on. We grabbed pasties from Pasty Pasty, found a table outside The Blue Bell, and enjoyed them with an ice-cold pint. Sometimes it’s the simple moments that make a place stay with you, and New Quay is packed with them.
These Aberystwyth highlights are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exploring Wales. For a closer look at all the sights, views, and hidden gems, head over to my YouTube channel, and start planning your own road trip.
