ceredigion tourist attractions

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Ceredigion

Things to do in ceredigion, explore popular experiences, popular cities in ceredigion.

Top Attractions in Ceredigion

What travellers are saying

• Vale of Rheidol Railway
• Poppit Sands Beach
• Cei Bach Beach
• Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre
• Ynyslas National Nature Reserve
• Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park
• Tresaith Beach
• A Bay To Remember Wildlife Boat Trips
• Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips
• SeaMor Dolphin Watching Boat Trips
• Epic Fishing Trips
• Dolphin Survey Boat Trips

Must-see attractions in Ceredigion

Cardigan Castle

Cardigan Castle holds an important place in Welsh culture, having been the venue for the first competitive National Eisteddfod, held in 1176 under the…

Llanerchaeron

This beautifully maintained Georgian country estate offers a fascinating insight into the life of the Welsh gentry and their staff 200 years ago. The…

National Library of Wales

On a hilltop east of town with a sensational view of Cardigan Bay, the National Library is a cultural powerhouse. Founded in 1916, it holds millions of…

Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre

You can learn more about Cardigan Bay's marine life here (in New Quay, 7 miles from Aberaeron) and also join a dolphin-survey boat trip, as researchers…

Hafod Estate

Nearly 200 hectares of sublime, picturesque grounds await at Hafod Estate, a lovely Georgian park not far from Devil's Bridge. Five walks of between 1…

Devil's Bridge

Mysterious Devil's Bridge spans the Rheidol Valley on the lush western slopes of Plynlimon (Pumlumon Fawr; 752m) where the Rivers Mynach and Rheidol…

Ceredigion Museum

This museum is in the three-storey Coliseum, which opened in 1905 as a theatre, then from 1932 served as a cinema promising 'amusement without vulgarity'…

Mwnt Church

This lovely, lonely church, 5 miles from Cardigan along winding country lanes leading to sea cliffs, is striking for its simplicity and remoteness…

Strata Florida

On an isolated, peaceful site southeast of Aberystwyth lies this ruined Cistercian abbey. The best preserved remnant is a simple, complete arched doorway,…

Aberystwyth Castle

Erected between 1277 and 1289, Aberystwyth Castle was captured by Owain Glyndŵr at the start of the 15th century, then retaken by the future Henry V using…

Old College

Built around a late-18th-century John Nash structure, this Gothic-revival building flaunts castellated towers, conical spires and flamboyant gargoyles. It…

Ysbyty Cynfyn

Ysbyty Cynfyn (es-bet-ty kun-vin) is a fascinating example of the grafting of the Christian onto the pagan, so widely evident in Wales. Here, the remains…

Constitution Hill

Constitution Hill rises from the northern end of the seafront promenade; on a clear day you can see the Llŷn Peninsula from its blustery top. After you've…

Completed in 1860, Cardigan's 'modern Gothic' Guildhall is home to community meeting spaces, the Corn Exchange gallery and an eclectic indoor market,…

Forest of Borth

Low tide on the beach at Borth, 7 miles north of Aberystwyth, exposes the gnarled stumps of a prehistoric forest linked in local lore to the 'drowned…

A much-truncated version of the 242m pleasure pier opened in 1865, the Royal Pier, repeatedly shortened by storm damage, lumbers 91m out to sea under the…

Camera Obscura

A re-created 'relic' of the Victorian era, the camera obscura is an immense pinhole camera allowing you to see practically into the windows of the houses…

Clock Tower

Commanding the junction of Great Darkgate and Pier Sts, Aberystwyth's clock tower is a replacement for the 1858 original, which had fallen into disrepair…

More destinations you need to see

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Ceredigion

Things to do in ceredigion, explore popular experiences, popular cities in ceredigion.

Top Attractions in Ceredigion

What travellers are saying

• Vale of Rheidol Railway
• Poppit Sands Beach
• Cei Bach Beach
• Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre
• Ynyslas National Nature Reserve
• Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park
• Tresaith Beach
• A Bay To Remember Wildlife Boat Trips
• Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips
• SeaMor Dolphin Watching Boat Trips
• Epic Fishing Trips
• Dolphin Survey Boat Trips

Top Things to Do in Ceredigion

Things to do in ceredigion, explore popular experiences, popular cities in ceredigion.

Top Attractions in Ceredigion

What travelers are saying

• Vale of Rheidol Railway
• Poppit Sands Beach
• Cei Bach Beach
• Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre
• Ynyslas National Nature Reserve
• Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park
• Tresaith Beach
• A Bay To Remember Wildlife Boat Trips
• Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips
• SeaMor Dolphin Watching Boat Trips
• Epic Fishing Trips
• Dolphin Survey Boat Trips

Top Things to Do in Ceredigion

Things to do in ceredigion, explore popular experiences, popular cities in ceredigion.

Top Attractions in Ceredigion

What travellers are saying

• Vale of Rheidol Railway
• Poppit Sands Beach
• Cei Bach Beach
• Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre
• Ynyslas National Nature Reserve
• Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park
• Tresaith Beach
• A Bay To Remember Wildlife Boat Trips
• Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips
• SeaMor Dolphin Watching Boat Trips
• Epic Fishing Trips
• Dolphin Survey Boat Trips

Top Things to Do in Ceredigion, Wales - Ceredigion Attractions

Things to do in ceredigion, explore popular experiences, popular cities in ceredigion.

Top Attractions in Ceredigion

What travellers are saying

• Vale of Rheidol Railway
• Poppit Sands Beach
• Cei Bach Beach
• Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre
• Ynyslas National Nature Reserve
• Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park
• Tresaith Beach
• A Bay To Remember Wildlife Boat Trips
• Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips
• SeaMor Dolphin Watching Boat Trips
• Epic Fishing Trips
• Dolphin Survey Boat Trips

Go to: coastal wildlife spotting

spotting Cardigan Bay marine wildlife: bottlenose dolphins

Go to : Ceredigion Coast Path

Ceredigion Coast Path at Mwnt

Go to: Cycling and mountainbiking

Cycling at Nant y Moch

Go to: watersports in Ceredigion

Sailing at New Quay

Go to: Ceredigion gardens

Llanerchaeron

Go to: Dark Sky discovery

The Milky Way over Nant y Moch

Activities and Adventures in Ceredigion's great outdoors

Holidays in Ceredigion offer you a chance to escape the routine of urban life, and to discover a new part of Wales.  Be invigorated by sublime coastal and upland landscapes, the rich wildlife, clean environment and a range of outdoor activities. 

When planning your adventure in new landscapes, it's always wise to follow the guidelines of ' Adventure Smart' . 

Walk the Wales Coast Path in Ceredigion

Walking in Ceredigion takes you along the shores of Cardigan Bay and to the lofty peaks of Pumlumon in the Cambrian Mountains, and the lakes which are the source of mighty rivers.

You can follow long distance trails from sea to source and along ancient mountain routes across Ceredigion's vast inland landscape.  

Coast Path guided and circular walks

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the opening of the Ceredigion Coast Path, Ceredigion's Coast and Countryside Rights of Way team invite you to join them on six guided walks during the summer of 2023. 

To explore the coast independently there are 26 circular walks that you can follow that link to the Coast Path, and bring you back to base.

Walks and rambles

Ceredigion has over 2,500km of paths, bridleways and byways to enjoy.

Stay local, explore around town or follow longer countryside trails - there's plenty of choice.

There are five routes to reach the summit of Plynlimon, whilst spring and autumn bring sounds and colours to savour to the river and woodland glades.  

Ceredigion gardens

Ceredigion’s mild climate and acid soil create perfect conditions for creative gardening.

Ceredigion gardeners and nurserymen understand the landscape and west coast weather and climate, and have brought colour and life to some surprising locations with gardens which are also wildlife havens.

Cardigan Bay coastal wildlife spotting

The waters of Cardigan Bay's Special Area of Conservation are home to Europe's largest population of bottlenose dolphins.

Spot these beautiful wild animals in their natural environment from the shore, or join a wildlife expert on a licenced wildlife spotting boat trip.  

Dark Sky discovery

Ceredigion's naturally dark skies are ideal for stargazing and spotting planets, comets and galaxies  - at any time of year.

Visit our Dark Sky Discovery Sites, or join Dark Sky events to explore the Celtic Cosmos.

Discover intriguing habits of wildlife, such as starling murmurations at dusk and enjoy awesome Cardigan Bay sunsets and dawn over the Cambrian Mountains.  

Wildlife and wilderness

Inland Ceredigion has beautiful wild places to explore - a haven for wildlife.  Discover the wide open moorland and mountain torrents of the Cambrian Mountains or wooded slopes and flower filled hedgerows of the river valleys.

Visit one of our many and varied nature reserves or wildlife centres, or let our local guides and experts show you the best on walks, talks and tours.

Birdwatching

From the marshes and saltflats of the Teifi and Dyfi river estuaries and the rocky crags and sandy cliffs of Ceredigion’s Cardigan Bay coast to the ancient woodlands and high moorlands of the Cambrian Mountains there will be something special to see or hear at all times of year. 

Cycling and Mountainbiking

Cycling and mountainbiking in Ceredigion is a fantastic way to experience our great outdoors, whether you'll want to be on or off road, mountain biking trails or gentle rides along country lanes - there's plenty to choose fro​m.

Watersports

Surfing, windsurfing, landsurfing or kitesurfing - Ceredigion's coast is a favourite with experts and beginners alike, with New Quay's sheltered bay and Borth's open sands among Wales's most popular beaches for watersports. Be adventurous -  discover the outdoors and find your epic along Ceredigion's coast.

Fishing in Ceredigion

Ceredigion’s waters are a fisher's delight, be it  challenging game fishing on our rivers and lakes, or spin and float fishing on the coast.

​​The rivers Teifi, Aeron, Rheidol and Ystwyth are renowned for their trout, salmon and sewin (sea trout).  Along the coast you can also join Ceredigion's experienced sea anglers on guided fishing excursions.

Ceredigion's golf courses are set in wonderful scenery, from hilltops to sand dunes, with championship courses providing challenging golf for experienced golfers, and well designed courses providing friendly encouragement and reward for both enthusiasts and beginners. 

Horse riding

Ceredigion is home to the best riding horses in the world - the Welsh Pony and Cob.

You can enjoy the land they  thrive on as you ride out on Ceredigion’s quiet country lanes and  bridleways, along wooded river valley trails and follow ancient mountain tracks used over the centuries by shepherds and drovers.

Trail and park running

Feel the freedom and fresh air as you along the Ceredigion coast or into the hills and forests of the Cambrian Mountains. There is a great choice of marked trails to explore, competitions and challenges you'll enjoy.

Trips by train and bus

Why not try a day out without the car?

The Cambrian Line brings you into Aberystwyth and provides a link to  six of The Great Little Train Lines of Wales.  The fast Traws Cambria bus services connect Ceredigion's main towns with others across Wales, whilst local routes transport you along pretty lanes to country villages and Ceredigion's best beaches. 

Explore Ceredigion

Plan Your Ceredigion Holiday: Best of Ceredigion

Find flight deals to Ceredigion

Essential ceredigion.

Easter break ideas for the whole family

Ceredigion is great for.

Sand & surf

Eat & drink

• National Trust
• Historic buildings

© Hawlfraint y Goron / Crown Copyright

Aberaeron, Mid Wales

Must do in Aberaeron

Whether you enjoy a stroll around a Georgian country estate, chilling out on the beach or a hearty harbour meal after a train ride, Aberaeron, on the Ceredigion coast, is a place where all visitors can explore and unwind.

The first thing most people see when they approach Aberaeron are the charming, colourful houses adorning the town like jewels. Here's a place to come and relax - mooching around the harbour, exploring the independent shops and craft centres and enjoying a homemade cake and cuppa. The town is right on the Wales Coast Path and  The Coastal Way . Ceredigion's coast is also well-known for wildlife including the famous Cardigan Bay bottlenose dolphin pods. Here's our short guide to things to see and do in Aberaeron and the surrounding area.

Aberaeron's colourful harbour, Ceredigion, Mid Wales

Fresh food overlooking the harbour

Aside from the obvious perk of beautiful views across the harbour in all weathers, Y Seler  is one of Aberaeron's best rated restaurants, with a cosy atmosphere and specialities including Carmarthenshire mussels, scallops, cod, shrimp and sea bass. The dog friendly terrace is the setting for tapas during the summer months.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Y Seler Hotel & Restaurant (@yseler_aberaeron)

Experts in fresh fish and ice cream

Fresh fish and seafood are sold by the waterside here at The Hive , while squid, crab, pulled pork and steak feature on the restaurant menu. Sweet teeth are catered for in unique style with homemade honey ice cream (including a Turkish Delight version), and you'll be entertained by live music at the weekend.

The Hive, Aberaeron, Ceredigion, Mid Wales

Llanerchaeron Georgian villa and gardens

There's a lot to take in at the National Trust owned  Llanerchaeron . This minor gentry estate is largely unchanged since the 18th century, when John Nash designed its villa and walled kitchen gardens. Meet sheep, pigs and Welsh black cattle on the working organic farm or wander around artefacts left by its last resident 25 years ago.

Glorious farm fresh produce

Crossing 45 acres of wildlife, Blaencamel Organic Farm is an award winning family farm in nearby Ciliau Aeron, renowned for its organic produce, ecological ethos and woodlands. Take a stroll along the River Nant and visit the acre of greenhouses to find out the secrets behind their specialities, then visit the shop to pick, taste and sample for yourself. Check out the Blaencamel Facebook page for more info.

Dolphin spotting in Cardigan Bay

Cardigan Bay  is just one of two places along the British coast where bottlenose dolphins can be spotted. Over 300 of them spend part of the year in the area, usually throughout the summer, peaking in numbers during September and October. There are several companies operating  boat trips , mainly from nearby pretty village of New Quay, to watch these wonderful creatures cavorting in their natural habitat.

Dolphin spotting, Cardigan, Ceredigion, Mid Wales

New Quay Honey Farm: a hive of serenity

Honey wine was an inebriating favourite among Welsh people during Roman times, so this passionately run complex of hives added a tipple making meadery to its tea room and shop, which had been supplying sweet treats since the mid 1980s.  An intriguing accompanying exhibition  is laid out on the top floor of a chapel. New Quay Honey Farm 's Heather Mead has won awards, featured on the Great British Menu on TV and called the best mead I've ever tasted by a writer in The Times.

Explore further afield

Hafod estate - a landscape designed to please.

From the mid 18th century, Thomas Johnes – perhaps the best known owner of Hafod , a spectacular 200 hectare estate - laid out its paths in a picturesque style to suit picturesque walks. 200 years later, his success means you can plot your path (from easy to strenuous) along bridges, monuments, cascades and valleys. Hafod is around 50mins drive form Aberaeron - there's a choice of routes you can take to explore the gorgeous Ceredigion countryside.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hafod NT/YG (@hafodnt)

Vale of Rheidol Railway

See stunning scenery in style. A short drive down the coast road to Aberystwyth brings you to the Vale of Rheidol Railway , or you can catch the train from Devil's Bridge. Opened to the public in 1902, it's one of the most scenic narrow gauge routes in the world. The last steam railway owned by British Rail before being privatised in 1989, it's now a gentle way to wind through stop-off points from Devil's Bridge to Aberystwyth.

Devil's Bridge waterfalls and the Vale of Rheidol Railway

Further information

You are spoiled for choice with lovely places to stay in the area. The Georgian influence is strong in the town itself with elegant guest houses, sea view apartments and harbourside hotels to choose from. Further out in the countryside you can camp, glamp in yurts and cosy shepherd's huts or find a large family sized self-catering barn or a sweet, romantic cottage for two. 

Search for attractions and activities  near Aberaeron.

Aberaeron, Ceredigion, Mid Wales

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