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Aberaeron is a pretty village located on the Ceredigion Coast.

Home to colourful townhouses, charming independent shops and, if you’re lucky, bottlenose dolphins playing in the bay – what’s not to love about this historic harbour town?

Heading to Ceredigion this year? Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Aberaeron…


Where is Aberaeron?

Colourful houses and the church in Aberaeron.

Aberaeron is a beautiful harbour town located on the Ceredigion coast in West Wales, located 10 miles north of New Quay and 16 miles south of Aberystwyth.

Aberaeron is a seaside town and has 2 lovely beaches, a picturesque harbour and an array of multi-coloured Georgian terraced houses.


History of Aberaeron

The harbour at Aberaeron.

The first planned town in Wales and the town centre as it is known today was established in 1807. The town was constructed around the harbour, the original ship builder’s homes and the original school. Both the original house and school were reclaimed by the sea. The harbour was built as a port and supported a shipbuilding industry in the 19th century.

Aberaeron became a prosperous and thriving town as shipbuilding flourished with over 60 sailing vessels built, 35 of them schooners.


Things to do in Aberaeron

Line of colourful houses in Aberaeron.

Explore Llanerchaeron Estate

Llanerchaeron is an 18th-century Georgian villa set in the wooded Aeron Valley in Ceredigion. The villa is currently owned and run by The National Trust and is open to the public.

Llanerchaeron Estate is a popular attraction and is one of the only locations where you are able to truly appreciate the history of the property with many of the dwellings still used for their original purpose.

Take a Ride on the Vale of Rheidol Railway

Running from Aberystwyth to Devils Bridge and back again, Rheidol Railway is a restored steam railway and a great adventure for children and adults alike.

Jump aboard this historic train and discover 12 miles of breathtaking Welsh scenery, visit the Devil’s Bridge Waterfalls and enjoy a tasty treat in the cafe at Devil’s Bridge.

Visit Aberystwyth’s Royal Pier

A fine example of a Victorian Pier can be found in Aberystwyth. Located just a half an hours drive from Aberaeron, The Royal Pier was the first pleasure pier to open in Wales in 1865.

Spend an afternoon walking along the promenade, before grabbing an ice cream at Aberystwyth’s Pier. The pier has everything you eed from restaurants and bars to game arcades and even a nightclub.

Discover Stunning Views on the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway

One of only a handful of funicular railway lines to be found in Wales and well worth the short journey to enjoy the spectacular views over Aberystwyth and Cardigan Bay.

The Aberystwyth Cliff Railway is the longest funicular electric cliff railway in Britain, operating since the 1800s.

Get Lost in a Book at The National Library of Wales

Possibly the Library with the best view in the world, a huge collection of film, video, books & newspapers, manuscripts, maps, sounds, photos, art and archives.

It’s completely free to enter and is home to over 6 million books. The National Library of Wales is a must-do for anyone visiting the area.

Walk the Ceredigion Coastal Path

The Ceredigion Coast Path starts at the border between Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion in Cardigan. The Coast path then follows Cardigan Bay all the way to Ynys Las near Borth.

Discover the natural beauty of the Cambrian Coast as you hike from Aberaeron to New Quay. This section of the Ceredigion Coastal Path is one of the most popular walks in the area, covering 10.5km.


Aberaeron Beaches

Aberaeron Beach.

Aberaeron has two charming beaches on either side of the harbour, known as Aberaeron North and Aberaeron South.

Aberaeron South Beach

Aberaeron South has coarse sand at low tide and is backed by pebbles and rocks. The beach is a great place to sit on a warm day and watch the many body boarders and surfers doing what they do best.

Keep your eyes peeled for the local wildlife! Can you spot the resident porpoise dolphin population?

Aberaeron North Beach

Aberaeron North is one of our favourite dog-friendly beaches in West Wales. A shingle and rock beach which backs up onto the coastal path, North Beach is used regularly by fishermen, sailing enthusiasts and windsurfers.

The beach is home to a small promenade where you can enjoy an evering stroll. North Beach also has a long stay car park along with a small cafe and toilets – perfect for a family day out.


Aberaeron Restaurants

The Hive Restaurant on the Harbour in Aberaeron.

Aberaeron has a fine selection of mouth-watering restaurants that run along the harbour wall and also throughout town. From the taste of classic fish and chips at Y Seler to a stylish dining experience at The Stubborn Duckling. Aberaeron has something for every taste bud.

Once you have indulged in a tasty meal, enjoy a stroll along the harbourfront and try the locally produced Honey Ice Cream from The Hive. You won’t be disappointed.


Events in Aberaeron

Colourful cottages along the harbour in Aberaeron.

The Festival of Welsh Ponies and Cobs

The Aberaeron Festival of Welsh Ponies and Cobs has become an important event in the summer calendar for this gorgeous town.

Owners and breeders of registered welsh ponies; cobs or part breeds are asked to come along to showcase their amazing animals in this non-competitive event.

The organisers of the event put on a fantastic show with a number of classes, performances and showcases illustrating the amazing versatility of these much-loved and outstanding animals.

The Aberaeron Tug of War

A great spectator event! The teams are set up on either harbour wall with one team on the south side and one on the north side.

Aberaeron harbour still plays a large part. The Aberaeron Tug of War is one of the only places where you get to go and watch a tug of war with one team inevitably ending up in the water!

Aberaeron Mackerel Fiesta

An annual festival that is held to celebrate the end of the Mackerel season. The harbour comes alive with a large array of stalls, bands and a parade led by a 20-foot Mackerel.

The parade makes it way from the Tourist information centre to Aberaeron Yacht club. The Aberaeron Mackerel Festival encourages visitors to try this amazingly beautiful and healthy fish.

The Aberaeron Town Carnival

The Aberaeron Town Carnival is held annually on August bank holiday weekend and attracts locals and tourists who all enjoy taking part. From a large number of floats to an atmospheric walking parade, Aberaeron carnival has something for everyone.

We suggest you bring a spare pair of clothes for the whole family as the floats are encouraged to bring water bombs and water pistols! After a parade around town, all the floats and participants congregate at the square field where you will find a number of stalls, rides and other fun.


Aberaeron Holiday Cottages

If you’re looking for a holiday cottage near Aberaeron, check out our range of accommodation in Ceredigion. From dreamy coastal cottages to rural retreats with sea views.

Book your Aberaeron holiday cottage with us today! Speak to our fantastic team at Coast and Country Holidays by calling 01239 801582.