Traditions and culture in Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth has long been described as the true capital of Wales by some folk, situated at the nationalist heart of the country and the birthplace of the Welsh Language movement.

While the remains of a Celtic fortress on Pen Dinas hill suggest that its history could go back almost 1,500 years, most records date back to the start of the 12th century.

Aberystwyth Castle was the subject of much change down the years and was eventually razed by parliamentarian troops in 1649, although sections of its three towers still remain today.

During the Victorian era, the town began to ramp up its appeal as a holiday destination, with the construction of a number of hotels and grand townhouses winning it the nickname 'the Biarritz of Wales'.

In modern times, Aberystwyth is still hugely popular with tourists and it is also renowned for its university, with a 7,000-strong student population creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Things to do in Aberystwyth

One of the first things that people discover when they take a holiday to Aberystwyth is that watching the sun set over Cardigan Bay is a truly stunning experience.

The ruins of the castle offer a pleasant enough afternoon visit, while the 15-minute stroll up to the summit of Constitution Hill is also well-trodden all year round by tourists.

The countryside is particularly beautiful and Borth - situated a few miles up the coast and home to some impressive beaches - is well worth a visit, as is popular hiking spot Cadair Idris.

For more adventurous visitors, Aberystwyth offers plenty of opportunities to get involved in watersports, while the student population and huge number of pubs ensures that the nightlife is buzzing.

Finally, there are some good eateries to discover, such as Little Italy and the cosy Blue Creek Cafe, while finding a cheap hotel shouldn't be too taxing.

Weather in Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth has a temperate climate which ensures that both summers and winters tend to be fairly mild.

Indeed, any holiday guide should note that the average temperature variation between the two seasons is often less than 10C.

Destination checklist for Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth has a population of 11,607.

The town is on GMT.

The currency in Aberystwyth is the pound.

The official languages spoken are English and Welsh.

The town's international dialling code is +44.