Aberystwyth University



Aberystwyth University has a proud history dating back to 1872, when it was established by the people of Wales as the first Welsh university.

Set on the coast of beautiful Ceredigion, the university has forged close links with the historic market town and holiday resort in which it sits. It combines long academic traditions with a fabulous location, beneath the mountains and beside the sea in a centre of national, regional, cultural and commercial importance.

Among its state-of-the-art facilities, the campus is home to one of only six copyright libraries in Britain and a ‘Beacon’ status arts centre.

Set in the centre of stunning Cardigan Bay in West Wales, with the Irish sea to the west and the Cambrian Mountains to the east, Aberystwyth has a great range of pubs, clubs, restaurants, cafés and shops. There is a lovely beach that enjoys great sunsets and visits from dolphins and porpoises, and lots of sites of special scientific interest in the area.

Aberystwyth has been voted the best university town or city in Wales – and eighth in the UK – by MSN Travel while the 2013 Daily Mail Complete University Guide named it the safest place in England and Wales.

The main campus on Penglais Hill is home to 12 of the university’s 17 departments and most of the student halls of residence.

Interestingly, Aberystwyth University features heavily in the filming of the Welsh police drama Hinterland. Part of the campus is used as a police station and students have benefited from placements on the show.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Starling Cloud, Aberystwyth by Marston’s Inns

Starling Cloud, Aberystwyth by Marston’s Inns

4 out of 5
Boulevard De Sainte Brieuc, Aberystwyth, Wales
Starling Cloud, Aberystwyth by Marston’s Inns
Gwesty'r Marine Hotel & Spa

Gwesty'r Marine Hotel & Spa

3 out of 5
46 MARINE TERRACE, Aberystwyth, Wales
Gwesty'r Marine Hotel & Spa
Aberystwyth Park Lodge

Aberystwyth Park Lodge

3 out of 5
Parc Y Llyn, Aberystwyth, Wales
Aberystwyth Park Lodge
The Cardigan Bay Guest House

The Cardigan Bay Guest House

3 out of 5
63 Marine terrace, Aberystwyth, Wales
The Cardigan Bay Guest House
The Four Seasons Hotel

The Four Seasons Hotel

3.5 out of 5
54 Portland Street, Aberystwyth, Wales
The Four Seasons Hotel
Queensbridge Hotel

Queensbridge Hotel

3 out of 5
Victoria Terrace, Aberystwyth, Wales
Queensbridge Hotel
Harleys Aberystwyth

Harleys Aberystwyth

2 out of 5
21 Eastgate, Aberystwyth, Wales
Harleys Aberystwyth
gwesTY Guest House

gwesTY Guest House

2 out of 5
South Road (Tan-Y-Cae), Aberystwyth, Wales
gwesTY Guest House
Harry's Hotel

Harry's Hotel

2 out of 5
40-46 North Parade, Aberystwyth, Wales
Harry's Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Aberystwyth University

While visiting Aberystwyth University, indulge in various outdoor activities like hiking and leisurely walks, especially during stunning sunsets. Don't miss the chance to play a round at the Aberystwyth Golf Club, a delightful spot for both novices and experienced golfers. This charming coastal town offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational pursuits, making it an ideal destination for a memorable vacation.

Shopping

In Aberystwyth, visit Jane Beck Welsh Blankets for unique handcrafted items. If you’re up for a drive, New Quay Honey Farm, located 32.2km away, offers a delightful selection of local honey and gifts, perfect for souvenirs.

Recreation

At Borth and Ynyslas Golf Club, enjoy a scenic round of golf surrounded by coastal beauty, just 8.0km from Aberystwyth University. Meanwhile, the Dyfi Bike Park, located 27.4km away, offers exhilarating biking trails amidst tranquil landscapes, perfect for relaxation and wellness.

Adventure

Embark on the Kingston upon Thames - Shepperton Ferry Trail, a delightful hiking experience located 4.8km from Aberystwyth University, offering scenic views. For water sports enthusiasts, Coastriders Kitesurfing, situated 24.1km away, promises thrilling adventures on the waves. Additionally, the Climachx Mountain Bike Trail, 29.0km distant, provides an exhilarating cycling challenge amidst beautiful landscapes.

Nightlife

Experience the nightlife in Aberystwyth with a visit to the Camera Obscura, just 805m from campus, offering stunning celestial views. For a cultural evening, enjoy a show at the Castle Theatre, 1.6km away, or catch a film at the Magic Lantern Cinema in Tywyn, 19.3km away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Aberystwyth University

Aberystwyth University and its surroundings offer an array of attractions, including beautiful beaches, historic bridges, and a majestic castle. These points of interest cater to adventurous travellers seeking outdoor experiences and cultural exploration. Whether you're looking to relax by the sea or delve into history, Aberystwyth promises memorable experiences amidst its stunning scenery.

  • Aberystwyth Beach: Just 1.4km from Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth Beach offers a delightful seaside experience. With its golden sands and stunning coastal views, it's the perfect spot to relax, enjoy a stroll, or indulge in beach activities while soaking up the local atmosphere.
  • Aberystwyth Castle: Located 1.6km away, Aberystwyth Castle combines romance and culture in a historic setting. Explore the ruins and imagine the stories of the past while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making it a captivating visit for history enthusiasts.
  • National Library of Wales: A mere 483m from the university, the National Library of Wales is a treasure trove of literature and culture. Ideal for families, it houses an extensive collection of resources and exhibitions, providing a unique insight into Welsh heritage.

Best time to go to Aberystwyth University

The best time to visit Aberystwyth University is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
July59.5°F (15.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
August59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
September56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
October52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
December43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Aberystwyth University

To save money on your trip to Aberystwyth University, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January, March, or October, and aim to book your accommodation about a month in advance for the best deals. Check Expedia for last-minute offers and remember that Monday stays are typically less expensive than Saturdays. Use the site’s search tool to filter by budget and explore package deals that combine flights and hotels for additional savings. Don't forget to look for free activities in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Aberystwyth University are January, March and October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Aberystwyth University about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Aberystwyth University is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Aberystwyth University is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at Aberystwyth University with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.