Things To Do In Aberaeron
Things To Do In Aberaeron: Your Complete Guide To Mid Wales’ Most Charming Coastal Town
If you’re looking for things to do in Aberaeron, you’ve come to the right place. Just a short 10-15 minute drive from Seven Springs holiday park, Aberaeron is one of Mid Wales’ most loved coastal towns and once you’ve visited, it’s easy to see why.
With its iconic pastel-coloured Georgian townhouses, bustling harbour, award-winning restaurants and stunning Cardigan Bay coastline, Aberaeron offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, a history enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates a beautiful view, this gem of the Ceredigion coast never disappoints.
Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Aberaeron.
- Explore Aberaeron Harbour
No visit to Aberaeron is complete without spending time at its iconic harbour. Surrounded by elegantly painted Regency-style townhouses, the harbour is the beating heart of the town and one of the most photographed spots on the entire Welsh coast.
Stroll along Quay Parade, watch the boats come and go, and soak up the atmosphere. In the summer months the harbour buzzes with activity, from boat trips and crabbing to picnics and sunset watching. It’s the kind of place you sit down for five minutes and end up staying for hours.
- Spot Dolphins in Cardigan Bay
Aberaeron sits right on the edge of Cardigan Bay, one of the best places in the UK to spot bottlenose dolphins in the wild. From the harbour walls and South Beach, you can often spot dolphins and porpoises playing in the bay, particularly in the warmer months.
For the best chance of a sighting, head to Aberaeron South Beach or join one of the dolphin watching RIB boat trips that depart from the harbour daily throughout the summer. It’s an experience that never gets old and one of the real highlights of staying near Aberaeron.
- Walk the Ceredigion Coast Path
Aberaeron sits right on the Wales Coast Path, making it the perfect starting point for a coastal walk. The Ceredigion stretch of the path is widely regarded as one of the most dramatic and unspoilt sections of the entire 870-mile route.
Head north or south from the town and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping clifftop views across Cardigan Bay, hidden coves and the chance to spot wildlife along the way. The walk south towards New Quay is particularly stunning and well worth the effort.
- Visit Llanerchaeron
Just a couple of miles from Aberaeron, Llanerchaeron is a beautifully preserved 18th century Welsh gentry estate managed by the National Trust. Designed by the renowned architect John Nash, the villa and its surrounding estate offer a fascinating glimpse into Welsh rural life of the past.
Explore the walled gardens, farm buildings and lake, or follow the riverside walk along the River Aeron that connects the estate back to the town. There’s also a lovely café on site making it the perfect half-day out.
- Discover the Food Scene
Aberaeron has quietly become one of the best foodie destinations in Wales. The town’s restaurant and café scene punches well above its weight for a town of its size.
Y Seler is one of the most popular spots, known for its locally sourced seafood including Carmarthenshire mussels, scallops and sea bass. The Harbour Master on the waterfront is another firm favourite, offering spectacular views across the harbour alongside its menu. And of course, no visit to Aberaeron is complete without trying the legendary honey ice cream, a local institution that draws visitors from across Wales.
- Enjoy the Beaches
Aberaeron has two public beaches divided by the harbour, Aberaeron North and Aberaeron South. South Beach is the pick of the two, offering a long sandy stretch at low tide with fantastic views out across Cardigan Bay. It’s also one of the best spots along this stretch of coast to look out for dolphins from the shoreline.
North Beach is all shingle and a great spot for a brisk coastal walk, while the promenade stretching the length of the beach is perfect for a leisurely stroll at any time of year.
- Take in the Georgian Architecture
Aberaeron holds the distinction of being one of Wales’ only planned towns, developed in the early 1800s by Reverend Alban Jones-Gwynne. The result is a town like no other in Wales, with elegant Regency-style buildings painted in a kaleidoscope of colours lining the harbour and surrounding streets.
With 248 listed buildings in the town, Aberaeron was voted the Best Place in Wales by the Royal Town Planning Institute and walking its streets it’s easy to understand why. Whether you’re interested in architecture or simply love a pretty townscape, Aberaeron’s Georgian character is genuinely one of a kind.
- Browse the Shops & Galleries
Aberaeron has a lovely selection of independent shops, galleries and craft outlets that are well worth an afternoon browse. Gallery Gwyn is the town’s main contemporary art exhibition space, hosting regular workshops, open studios and a gallery shop.
For gifts, crafts and homeware there are several independent shops dotted around the harbour and market street, perfect for picking up something unique to take home.
- Experience the Local Festivals & Events
Aberaeron comes alive throughout the year with a packed calendar of local festivals and events. Highlights include the Aberaeron Carnival in August, a colourful street celebration with floats and themed dress codes, as well as the Aberaeron Mackerel Festival, the Regatta, food & drink festivals and a Christmas craft fair at Llanerchaeron that draws visitors from far and wide.
If you’re planning a visit around a particular event, it’s worth checking the local calendar in advance as accommodation in and around Aberaeron can get booked up quickly.
Make The Most Of Aberaeron – Stay At Seven Springs
With so much to see and do in Aberaeron, it makes sense to have a base as close as possible. Seven Springs holiday park is just a 10-15 minute drive from Aberaeron, set in 5 acres of rolling Mid Wales countryside with stunning views across Cardigan Bay.
Owning a holiday lodge at Seven Springs means Aberaeron’s harbour, restaurants, beaches and coastal walks are never more than a short drive away, ready whenever you are, 52 weeks a year.
Interested in finding out more about holiday home ownership at Seven Springs? Book a viewing today or request a brochure and discover what life on the Mid Wales coast really feels like.
Seven Springs Lodge Park is located near Llanon, Ceredigion, just 1 mile from the coast and 5 miles from Aberaeron.
