Located along Cardigan Bay, Aberaeron is a popular spot for staycations and on Welsh road trips.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to plan your visit.
Until the late 18th century, Aberaeron was just another small fishing village. However, a toll road running from Lampeter and the ensuing investment in the harbour changed the face - and the fortunes - of this Mid Wales destination forever.
Aberaeron became a hub for sea-trading, attracting new businesses and people, and providing a boost to farming and woollen industries, as well as creating an excellent - and profitable - base for shipbuilders.
In recognition of its new wealth, the Shropshire architect Edward Haycock was commissioned in the 1830s to design the layout around Alban Square (in what would be one of Wales’ only planned towns), creating many of the Regency-style houses in kaleidoscopic hues for which Aberaeron is now famous.
Fast-forward a couple of hundred years, and whilst the cargo ships no longer pass along these shores and ships are built far away, there remains a strong maritime focus in the town; the harbour is full of sail boats and small fishing vessels, seafood is always on offer at the local restaurants, and the air carries the scent of the sea.
Though quite compact, it’s also a super popular destination for summer holiday makers due to two large rocky beaches, an abundance of ice-cream shops, and pretty pops of picture-postcard colourful buildings.
In this guide we’ve shared all the best things to do in Aberaeron and essential advice to plan your own visit, whether using Aberaeron as a base to explore the rest of Cardigan Bay or just popping along for a day trip.
Things to Do in Aberaeron
Discover the Colourful Houses
Many of the towns and villages which lie along the Welsh coast are painted in the colours of the rainbow. This, it is said, acted as an architectural waymarker to help weary fishermen find their home long after the sun had set (much like the small Italian island of Burano).
What makes Aberaeron a little different however, is the retained features of the Georgian-era buildings upon which the colours lie, especially around the main square and the few streets leading off of it.
Indeed, within the town centre, one house in every four is listed as being of either special architectural or historical interest.
Spend Some Time at the Beach
Separated by the harbour, Aberaeron has two public beaches: Aberaeron North and Aberaeron South.
Aberaeron South
If you’re looking for a slightly more comfortable sunbathing experience, the south beach is our pick with its long sandy (albeit somewhat coarse) beach at low tide. Quite a bit of it is also blanketed with large pebble, so pick your spot according to your preference.
There are public toilets nearby, but do note that the beach’s location across the harbour means that you’re a good 10-minute walk from shops and restaurants, so do come prepared!
Although we weren’t lucky enough on our visit, it’s well-publicised that this is the best spot from which visitors can spot dolphins.
There is very limited free parking here, so don’t expect to find a space right by the beach.
Aberaeron North
Broken into multiple small sections by ‘groins’ (small wooden structures that we haven’t seen seen our time in Whitstable), the long stretch of northern beach is all shingle and small rocks. Popular with fishermen and wind surfers, it will likely still attract sunbathers in the summer months.
North beach has a long stay car park, as well as being a short walk from another one, and public toilets.
As far as we’re aware, neither of the Aberaeron beaches have seasonal restrictions on dogs, which are quite common elsewhere along the Welsh coast from 1st May to September 30th). Do have a look for signs though, and let us know if this changes.
Walk the Promenade to the Marina
Beginning behind Aberaeron North, this pedestrianised promenade stretches the full length of the beach, before tracing the edge of the harbour.
It’s a relatively short walk, and should take no longer than 20 minutes for a slow-paced amble. We’d recommend also heading over the small bridge which straddles the inlet (Google Maps) and extending your walk to South Beach, and past the harbour with all of its oh so photogenic fishing apparatus, boats and general marine-based activity.
Gorge on Fish and Chips
For us, fish and chips are a purely seaside affair. And so, on our four day jaunt along the Cardigan coast we devoured more than our fair share of deep fried goodness - and suggest anybody visiting this area does exactly the same!
Unfortunately, the portion we got from Llond Plât was a little underwhelming (we have very high standards when it comes to our chip shop chips!), but New Celtic proved a very popular choice amongst other tourists, and The Hive has similarly good reviews (as well as being a highly rated lunch/dinner option in general).
Let us know your favourite after you visit!
We’d recommend grabbing one of the benches along the harbour to enjoy your food if the weather is nice - just keep an eye out for seagulls!
Sample the Local Honey - And Ice cream!
Aberaeron is somewhat famous (locally at least) for its honey. Available to buy in jars, the most popular way for visitors to try it out is in a decadent ice cream at The Hive, a popular eatery on the harbourside.
Made on site, it is super creamy and super rich and an ideal sweet treat on a warm, sunny day.
We also tried the pistachio, and in the spirit of being brutally honest, we’d give it a miss (again, very high standards on that after spending a few summers in Italy). The honey though was excellent!
Alternatively, there are a number of ice cream shops and vendors dotted about the town, including the achingly photogenic Zuko’s. They were unfortunately shut when we visited, but the menu for sit-down food looked really good and included a number of vegetarian and vegan options.
Celebrate One of the Town’s Festivals
There are at least three to choose from!
Town Carnival | Combining an impressive float parade with town fair, Aberaeron’s Town Carnival is a popular event for locals and tourists alike! Held every August bank holiday weekend, visitors that need accommodation should reserve early, as things do tend to get booked up.
You can find out more here.
The Festival of Welsh Ponies and Cobs | Held every August in the centre of town, the non-competitive festival for Welsh ponies and cobs is a fantastic place for all horse lovers, and the perfect opportunity for any breeders to show off their pride and joy without being in a ‘show’ environment.
For further information, as well as confirmation of specific dates please see their website.
Aberaeron Mackerel Festival | Come late August, at the end of the mackerel season, the town holds one of its more obscure festivals. With a funeral for a 20ft papier-mâché fish, replete with pall-bearers, a parade through town, a wake held at the local yacht club and then a sunset beach-side cremation, it’s certainly a little unusual, but apparently a great party (we would definitely return to town for it).
Walk The Wales Coast Path
Thanks to 870 mile-long Wales Coast Path, the beauty of a trip to the Welsh coast is that you're really never far from a great walking trail.
If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, consider walking the 26km stretch between Aberystwyth and Aberaeron. It’s won’t be possible for everyone, but the views are incredible. Be sure to allow around 8 hours, one way.
Full details of the hike can be found here.
Alternatively, you can walk a shorter section - in the same direction - to Aberarth (1 mile) or Llanon (4 miles). This hike begins on South Beach in Aberaeron.
To return, catch the once-hourly T5 bus which connects the towns and villages of Cardigan Bay.
If you’re keen to get out on a hike but 26 km in one day seems a little too much for you - or you’d prefer to head in the opposite direction - consider the much more manageable route between New Quay and Aberaeron. This trail is around 9.5 km in length, and could be completed within a couple of hours.
As with above, jump on the T5 bus in Aberaeron to return to New Quay.
Further details on the hike can be found here.
There’s also the Aeron cycle trail, which follows a disused railway line. Suitable for walkers as well as two wheels, it joins Aberaeron with Llanerchaeron (a National Trust property) 4 kms away.
Where to Stay in Aberaeron
Hotels & Guest Houses
Harbourmaster Hotel | Located in a 19th century building overlooking the harbour, this popular hotel has been modernised to a wonderfully high standard, with lovely touches throughout. Find out more here.
Arosfa Harbourside Guest House | The rooms are a little on the small side, but it’s excellently located harbourside, has good reviews, is well-priced and has a good breakfast included. Find out more here.
LLys Aeron Guest House | Located a 10-minute walk from Aberaeron, this guest house is simply gorgeous. A period-property with cosy cottage vibes, delightful owners, large garden and highly-rated breakfast included. Find out more here.
Airbnbs & Apartments
Apartment Llys Bach | Located within the same property as Llys Aeron Guest House mentioned above, but a great option for those who would like a little more freedom during their stay. Find out more here.
Harbour View | A cute and cosy little two-bed right on the harbour with a comfortable and modern finish. Find out more here.
The River Perch | Located right on the edge of the River Aeron, this recently renovated two-bed former tannery is cosy, characterful, colourful and comfortable and also has a lovely riverside courtyard garden. Find out more here.
Ty Pen | Another excellent two-bed, this time with some quirky features. Recently refurbished, is well located and even has a little courtyard. Find out more here.
There’s also a large caravan park right by North Beach!
How To Get to Aberaeron
As with many places along Cardigan Bay, the easiest way to access Aberaeron is with your own vehicle.
There are two main carparks in town, one on the seafront (Google Maps) and another located a few streets back (Google Maps). Both offer per hour and per day parking rates at £1.50 and £2.80 respectively. For those planning to base themselves in Aberaeron for a holiday, it’s also possible to park there for a weekly rate of £9.60.
Alternatively, the T5 bus route runs hourly between most of the towns and villages along the Ceredigion Coast Path route, so it’s easy to visit Aberaeron as a day trip from a base nearby. You can check the full bus timetable here.
There is no train.
