The Seafront

Aberystwyth's seafront is, of course, a focal point of the town and a favourite with visitors and locals. The mile-long Promenade is popular with walkers, joggers, skaters, roller-bladers, bikers - and those who just want to relax by the seaside.

A stroll along the Promenade will take you past a variety of Aberystwyth's sights and landmarks, from the harbour and marina in the south to the busy main beach and Constitution Hill at the northern end.

Constitution Hill and Victoria Terrace

Constitution Hill marks the quieter northern end of the Promenade and features a cliff railway to the summit, as well as an unusual Camera Obscura.

Under the shadow of 'Consti' you might also spot locals "kicking the bar". This traditional tap on the railings on reaching the end of the Promenade is an established Aberystwyth ritual - though its origins are unclear.

Marine Terrace and North Beach

The busiest section of the seafront is Marine Terrace, fronted by the sweeping bay and home to hotels, houses and student halls. North beach is mainly shingle and dark sand and the sea is clean, if sometimes rather cold.

The main Promenade also features a children's paddling pool and the Bandstand. During the summer season, the Bandstand becomes a venue for several events with appearances from local bands, performers and choirs.

As well as the usual mix of locals and holidaymakers, the Promenade is also a popular meeting place for a large number of bikers from near and far.

This part of the seafront is also home to Aberystwyth Pier. Constructed in 1864, this soon became a popular attraction. Long since reduced from its peak of 242 metres in length to barely 90, the pier now houses bars, nightclubs, an ice-cream parlour, amusement arcade, snooker club and brasserie.

New Promenade

Completed in the early 1900s, New Promenade begins at the Pier and then winds tightly around the edge of the castle grounds, passing the war memorial, St Michael's Church and the Old College.

A seafront landmark, the Old College was originally built as a hotel in the 1870s; when this venture failed, founders of the recently-established University took the opportunity to secure a permanent base for the institution. Although Aberystwyth University is now mainly based on the hillside Penglais campus, this ornate, Gothic-style building still houses a few University activities.

South Marine Terrace and Harbour

South of the castle, guest houses and private homes line this quieter stretch of seafront. There's also the large expanse of South Beach and the harbour, developed in the 1990s to include a new marina.