Borth and Ynyslas

The village of Borth, and the neighbouring nature reserve at Ynyslas can be found just up the coast from Aberystwyth.

Borth itself is a long, narrow village fronted by sandy beaches. During summer its many campsites and holiday parks are home to hundreds of visitors to the area - many of whom have been returning here for years.

One of the main draws at Borth is its long sand and shingle beach which is popular with a mixture of families and surfers.

There is also Borth Animalarium, a zoo in miniature that's been entertaining locals and tourists for years. It's home to a mixture of exotic and unusual animals such as monkeys, wallabies, snakes and crocodiles and more domestic animals that visitors can pet and feed.

At the southern end of the beach, you can sometimes see ancient remains of a submerged forest. Some people like to think that these are remains of Cantre'r Gwaelod, a legendary Welsh land that was flooded and lost through the carelessness of its night watchman.

Ynyslas

Ynyslas is a particularly attractive stretch of Mid Wales coastline that provides quite a contrast to the stony beaches at Aberystwyth.

Situated a short drive north of Borth, the Ynyslas National Nature Reserve is dominated by an ever-changing sand dune landscape, which is home to an array of rare plants and wildlife, including colourful orchids early in the summertime. You may also see creatures such as lizards and wading birds the area.

With views inland and across the estuary to Aberdovey, Ynyslas is a great spot for walking or relaxing with waymarked boardwalks, trails through the dunes and a visitor centre open from Easter till September that has more information about the plants and wildlife of the area.

Though not a safe place to swim, the estuary is a popular spot for kite-flying, and many an informal driving lesson has taken place on the flat, sandy expanses, too!