Regardless of the conditions outside, Aberaeron maintains a cheerful atmosphere. Almost each home in this seaside town along Cardigan Bay boasts a distinct color, ranging from vibrant greens to bright pinks like Barbie’s favorite hue. It is said that fishermen originally chose these colors so they could easily spot their houses upon returning to dry land. However, it turns out that a local innkeeper initiated this colorful tradition back in the 1950s.
Aberaeron was conceived in 1805 — among Wales’s earliest purpose-built communities — and its well-preserved Georgian architecture still closely resembles its original form. Nonetheless, it appears somewhat altered at present: construction for flood defense initiatives started in 2024 and is expected to continue until the completion date.
summer
However, the town has mostly returned to its usual state and serves as an excellent destination for a spring coastal getaway.
For more:
discoverceredigion.wales
.
Where to go and how to navigate
Between 1911 and 1965, trains operated to Aberaeron. Currently, the nearest station is Aberystwyth, which can be reached either with a 25-minute car journey or via a 40-minute trip on the T5 bus for £6.70. For those who prefer walking, it’s a 28 km trek along the coast.
Ceredigion Coast Path.
Aberaeron can be easily explored on foot. Actually, strolling along the waterfront and vibrant streets is quite enjoyable. Rocky pebble beaches flank both sides of the harbor. From May through September, dogs are not allowed on South Beach.
Where to stay
Standing tall and deep blue at the conclusion of Quay Parade, the
Harbourmaster
Aberaeron’s iconic hotel boasts 11 chic modern-nautical themed rooms, with one designed for wheelchair access. The staff provides welcoming service, and the cuisine is exceptional, featuring generous breakfasts and inventive dinner options. Each day, visitors can enjoy complimentary coffee and cake in the afternoons. Bed & Breakfast rates start at £150.
The new kid on the block is
Townhouse
, launched by the team at the Hive restaurant. Each of the six rooms is designed with intelligence and comfort in mind, offering thoughtful amenities. Two feature copper bathtubs. Guests enjoy access to a nearby gym, a complimentary mini bar, and a free serving of Hive ice cream. Bed & breakfast starts at £160.
Day One
Up with the sun
West-facing Aberaeron is more known for its sunset views. However, if you’re an early riser looking for coffee, you’ll find welcoming spots.
Deli Lazzaro
opens at 8am.
If it’s Saturday, think about participating in the weekly event.
Llanerchaeron Park Run
5 kilometers, taking place along the former railway path (9 AM). Should you prefer not to run, the trail also offers a pleasant walk beside the River Aeron during the morning hours.
At
Llanerchaeron
, you will come across an exquisite Georgian villa managed by the
National Trust
The farm and gardens remain accessible during weekends throughout the year; the Palladian-style residence was crafted by John Nash (admission £11 for adults, £5.50 for children).
Souvenir hunting
Browse Bridge Street.
Watson & Pratt
The independent food shop offers sourdough breads, baked goods like pastries, along with fresh veggies sourced directly from their own organic farm. In addition to these items, they also stock an array of treats including Welsh ketchup, artisanal cheeses, and craft gin.
Next door is
Seld
, a veritable cornucopia of presents and home decor items like Melin Tregwynt blankets, Anglesey soaps, and regional ceramics.
Across the road, bijou
Gwisgo Bookworm
boasts an intriguing collection of new, pre-owned, and Welsh-language books.
Don’t miss
Read Next:
I hail from Wales – these seaside towns molded my recollections.
Still looking for more? Make your way to the former sail loft located at the far end of the pier; today, it houses various shops.
Driftwood Designs
where Welsh-themed artwork is transformed into vibrant prints, cards, and gift items.
Next, initiate the Town Trail.
cymdeithasaberaeronsociety.org
The tour stops at 22 historically significant structures throughout Aberaeron – the first plaque can be found at what used to be a storehouse. Notable locations also encompass industrial sites like coal stores, an old poor house, and the Feathers Hotel from 1815.
Time for a sundowner
Sit outside the Harbourmaster and observe the sun as it descends.
Dà Mhìle gin
(distilled 20 km away) or a bottle of wine from Llaethliw (located in the Aeron Valley).
Or try the
Cadwgan
, a traditional, unpretentious pub named after an Aberaeron vessel. The sign out front sets the mood with the inscription: “On this spot Sep 5, 1782, nothing occurred.”
Dinner reservation
By the harbour,
Y Seler
was awarded Restaurant of the Year at the
Food Awards Wales 2024
Enjoy an aperitif at the piano bar prior to sampling their contemporary British cuisine, known for its abundance of seafood along with traditional options like Welsh lamb, beef, and vegetarian selections.
The Stubborn Duckling bistro
Recently relocated to the Victoria Hotel on Alban Square, Chef Dan Powell now has additional room to prepare his straightforward yet delightful meals, including house-smoked salmon served with crumpets and a Snowdonia cheese soufflé.
Day two
Hit the beach
The 10km stretch of
Coast Path
From Aberaeron to New Quay, the route is splendid, passing through springy meadows, layered cliffs, and streams cascading into the ocean. At low tide, you can walk directly onto the beach at Pont Llanina and continue towards New Quay; when the water rises, an alternate path leads past the location of Villa Majorda, formerly home to poet Dylan Thomas. You can also take the T5 bus between these towns for linear hikes ( costing £2.50 and taking about 20 minutes).
In the town, there are two pebble-beached areas located on opposite sides of the river, separated by groins. On a sunny day, you could potentially catch sight of Cardigan Bay’s porpoises and bottlenose dolphins swimming offshore.
Lunch time
In New Quay, visit
The Black Lion
, supposedly Thomas’s favorite, or pick up some fish and chips.
The Lime Crab
— you might want to sample the traditional cod or perhaps go for sea bass or enjoy some salt and pepper squid.
Time to relax
Should fortune not favor your attempt at dolphin watching from the shoreline, consider hiking up to the former coast guard station atop Bird Rock instead. Boat tours can be arranged through local providers departing from New Quay.
Dolphin Survey Boat Trips
and
SeaMor
from around £15pp.
A final treat
The Hive
He has been crafting honey ice cream for over 40 years. Additional flavors consist of pistachio and Biscoff; plans are underway to introduce a Jaffa Cake scoop soon.
Here are three lesser-known facts about Aberaeron…
1) The small town, with less than 1,300 inhabitants, boasts 248 listed structures.
2) Historian Alun Davies created amateur films featuring Aberaeron in the 1960s; these can be viewed at no cost on the BFI Player.
3) It is suggested that New Quay served as inspiration for the fictional village of Llareggub in Dylan Thomas’s “Under Milk Wood.”
