Aberystwyth campsites

The Welsh coastline is made for walking, whether you’re looking for an afternoon stroll to take you to a beautiful view, or for a challenge like no other the west coast has it all. The Aberystwyth promenade can be enjoyed during a sunset at dusk during the summer or in the autumn and winter when the magnificent starling murmuration takes place. Around 2km long, the walk starts at the foot of Constitution Hill all the way to the harbour front.

Aberystwyth's graceful sweeping seafront is a favourite with visitors and locals alike. Whenever you visit, you'll be likely to find the promenade alive with walkers, joggers, skaters, roller-bladers, bikers - and those who just want to relax by the seaside.

Stroll along the full 2,000 metre length of the promenade and you'll pass a variety of Aberystwyth's sights and landmarks, from the harbour and marina in the south to the busy main beach and Constitution Hill at the northern end. Constitution Hill marks the quieter northern end of the promenade and features an impressive cliff railway up to the viewpoints, camera obscura and other hilltop attractions.

Inside the camera obscura, you can take turns to manoeuvre the 35cm lens which reflects an all-round view of the town and over one thousand square miles of the surrounding countryside on to the viewing gallery screen.

Unmissable for any visitor to Aberystwyth, the cliff railway will carry you all the way to the top of the Constitution Hill. As you progress up the hill at a leisurely pace, a great view of the town and the bay is gradually revealed to you.

Grab your bucket and spade and head for the beach.  North Beach is a mix of sand and shingle and by far the busiest section of the seafront.  But with plenty of space to watch the waves, take in the view or catch some sun it’s definitely worth a visit.

Take on the role of detective for the day to work on whodunit on the Aberystwyth Mystery Treasure Trail. It’s a chance to stretch your code busting ability while seeing the sights of this lovely historic town. Keep a keen eye peeled though as the clues you’re seeking will be hidden on statues, signposts and landmarks all over town.

Bring your family to the stunning valleys of Rheidol at The Vale of Rheidol Railway.

See parts of the valley only accessible by train, and go on a day out that parents, kids and grandparents will love. Keep an eye out for buzzards and red kites on your travels, as these birds of prey can regularly be seen soaring past the hills and over the train. This is an 11 mile journey that will take you from Aberystwyth to the famous Devil’s Bridge Falls.

Devil’s Bridge Falls is a world-famous tourist attraction 12 miles from Aberystwyth. These unique waterfalls have attracted many thousands of visitors since the 18th century. Today, the Falls Nature Trail provides a unique opportunity to see this great natural feature in the Rheidol Gorge.

Calling all adventurers... Shoreline Outdoor offers a range of adventures whether you want to be Robin Hood and practice archery, or you'd prefer to fight your friends in an outside laser tag or Nerf war tournament, Shoreline has you covered. Pick your weapon, add in some non-essential but entertaining extras like smoke bombs, and off you go. Shoreline offers a massive woodland filled with barriers, bunkers, and other sneaky hiding spots where these games can take place, as well as a specially enclosed shooting gallery.

Staying outdoors but a little more sedate, Rheidol Riding Centre are a family run, British Horse Society Approved Riding, Training and Examination Centre. The centre has full size floodlit indoor and outdoor riding arenas, a show jumping area and cross-country course, plus fantastic trekking and hacking territory around the lovely Rheidol Valley. This friendly and welcoming centre is enclosed by the River Rheidol on one side and by the Vale of Rheidol Railway on the other.

Venturing just north of Aberystwyth, The Animalarium in Borth is a collection of rather unusual and highly interesting animals to amuse and delight your family. They have domestic and farm animals which you can pet and feed in the petting barn plus there are more exotic and endangered species in the larger enclosures, where the good folks here breed animals in safety, whose natural wild environment is under threat.

Head east out of the town and you’ll arrive at The Magic Life of a Butterfly House. There are not only hundreds and hundreds of exotic butterflies of all sizes flying freely around the facility, but also unusual insects too and giant caterpillars, plus rare and exciting plant life. It's a wonderfully immersive and relaxing environment that most kids will adore. FYI the best strategies to encourage them to land on you are wearing bright clothes and standing very still.

Visiting the National Library of Wales is a lovely outing too, with intriguing exhibitions to discover as well as superb views over the town and out towards Cardigan Bay.

If it’s green spaces and wildlife you’re after, Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre sits at the head of a dramatic valley and has commanding views of Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Mountains. The visitor centre is the starting point for a range of waymarked trails for walkers, mountain bikers, runners and horse riders. It is well-known for its long-established tradition of daily feeding of red kites, Wales’s national bird of prey.