Aberystwyth Wales

Aberystwyth is a small ancient market town and stunning seaside resort in Ceredigion on the west coast of Wales. Established as a castle town in the Middle Ages,

2 May 20 · 3 mins read

History of Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth is a small ancient market town and stunning seaside resort in Ceredigion on the west coast of Wales. Established as a castle town in the Middle Ages, the town has developed over the centuries into first a major port, then a popular tourist destination and centre of culture and education in Wales. This articles traces the history of the town to assist your tour of Aberystwyth.

View of the town from Constitution hill

Iron Age

Archaeological evidence suggests that Iron Age settlers established the site long before the town was built. The remains of a huge Celtic fortress on the hilltop called Pen Dinas overlooking Aberystwyth dates back to before 700 BCE.

Middle Ages

The first recorded history was not until centuries later when the first Norman castles were built in the area in the early 12th century. These was later replaced by a castle built by the Welsh led by Llywelyn the Great in 1208 before they withdrew from the area.

It was not until 1277 CE, however, that the town that has since developed into modern Aberystwyth was laid out. On 25 July, Edmund, brother of Edward I, arrived and supervised the construction of a Norman castle and walled town around the castle. The site was chosen given its location on the coast to be easily supplied with building materials and during times of attack.

Aberystwyth Castle Ruins

Like many other Welsh castles, Aberystwyth Castle was captured between 1404 and 1408 by Owain Glyndwr during his revolt against the Kingdom of England, before finally surrendered to Prince Harry (the future King Henry V of England).

Early Modern Period

In 1649, during the English Civil Wars (1642-1751), Oliver Cromwell’s Parliamentarian troops destroyed much of the castle, so much that it still remains mostly ruined, save portions of three towers. Following this the town was little more than a small market and fishing village.

But by the 18th century, the fishing industry had developed further, and the booming silver and lead mines created new occupations for the townspeople. The port became the main employer, handling coastal, Irish, and even transatlantic shipping – at once point being the second busiest port in Wales.

Marina with boats

Victorian Era

The town grew significantly from the late 19th century, spreading northward along the coast especially after the arrival of the railway. First arrived the coastal Cambrian Railway line from Machynlleth in 1864, followed soon after by rail links to Carmarthen. The town’s impressive railway station was built in 1863 for the steam trains.

The Cambrian railway sweeps past Harlech Beach with Mount Snowdon on the horizon.

With the arrival of the railways came a Victorian tourist boom. The town reinvented itself as a fashionable seaside resort destination and quickly developed into what many describe as the cultural capital of Wales.

A number of Victorian and Edwardian hotels and fine townhouses were built including the impressive Queens Hotel. And a large number of cultural institutions followed including the first college of the University of Wales in 1872, followed by the National Library of Wales in 1907. Reflecting its cultural importance, in 1955 the town was placed in running to be the nation’s capital.

River Afon in Trefechan, Aberystwyth

Modern Times

Today the historic town of Aberystwyth continues to thrive as a university town, hosting over 9000 students at Aberystwyth University, and as a popular sea-side holiday destination in the summer attracting tourists to relax within its picturesque scenery and at its numerous hotels, cafes, restaurants, bars and pubs.

Photo of Aberyswyth sea coast

Articles on Wales published by Odyssey Traveller.

External articles to assist you on your visit to Wales.

Related Tours

166 Total Tours
Iran Culture and History Escorted Small Group Tour for seniors

days

Jan, Apr, Sep, Nov

Iran Culture and History Escorted Small Group Tour for seniors

Visiting

⚠️ Tours Currently Suspended
All tours to this destination are currently suspended. This page is maintained for informational purposes only. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Unlike its neighbours to the west and northwest, Iran had not adopted Christianity and it was the explosive spread of Islam and its ready adoption, without the Arabic language or customs, which helped unite the culture and greatly enrich Persian heritage. This small group tour program includes the great cities of Iran, historic sites, mosques, gardens, bazaars and teahouses for couples and solo travellers.

Guaranteed
Iceland church in Vik

17 days

Sep, Apr

Iceland cultural and wilderness small group tour

Visiting Iceland

Discover the dramatic landscapes and rich heritage of Iceland on this fully escorted small group journey designed for mature travellers. Circumnavigating the island, the tour explores glaciers, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, geothermal wonders and charming Nordic towns, with highlights including Reykjavík, Thingvellir National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and whale watching in Husavík. Led by expert guides, this immersive itinerary combines Iceland’s natural beauty, Viking history and unique culture in the comfort of a relaxed small-group setting.

This tour can be combined with 4 days in Greenland.

From A$19,350 AUD

View Tour
Milan, Doumo Cathedral

13 days

Sep, May, Apr, Oct, Mar

Tour of Northern Italy’s Lakes and Alps | Short Small Group Tour for Seniors

Visiting Italy

Our small group tour begins in the cosmopolitan city of Milan and ventures to 2 of the region's lakes - Garda and Maggiore. Our tour uncovers a wealth of natural beauty, castles, serene waters, snow-capped mountains, and breathtaking scenery.

From A$9,685 AUD

View Tour
Guaranteed
Island of Sicily

12 days

Apr, Sep

Malta & Sicily - Mediterranean Islands small group tour

Visiting Italy, Malta

For centuries Malta and Sicily held the key to the Mediterranean. We explore ’s the Mediterranean natural beauty, its ancient Roman, and Imperial heritage, its World Heritage Sites, and world famous cities, all with some truly spectacular scenery along the way. This and more is all waiting to be explored on one of Odyssey’s small group tours of the Islands of Mediterranean, designed for the senior traveller, and led by experienced, and enthusiastic like-minded people. This escorted tour of western Mediterranean explores the geography, history, culture and peoples of these 2 islands.

From A$11,150 AUD

View Tour
Guaranteed
Island of Sicily

25 days

Apr, Sep, Oct

Mediterranean Islands Small Group Tour | Malta, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica

Visiting Corsica, Italy

For centuries Malta, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica held the key to the Mediterranean. We explore ’s the Mediterranean natural beauty, its ancient Roman, and Imperial heritage, its World Heritage Sites, and world famous cities, all with some truly spectacular scenery along the way. This and more is all waiting to be explored on one of Odyssey’s small group tours of the Islands of Mediterranean, designed for the senior traveller, and led by experienced, and enthusiastic like-minded people. This escorted tour of western Mediterranean explores the geography, history, culture and peoples of these 4 islands.

From A$20,750 AUD

View Tour
Bach Classical European Music Festival small group tour

16 days

Jun

Bach Classical European Music Festival small group tours

Visiting Germany

Experience the best of Bach on a small group tour designed for mature couples and solo travelers. Over 16 days, immerse yourself in not only the music but also the rich history and influences that shaped Bach's life. Journey through Germany, visiting key locations tied to his legacy, and culminate the experience with a visit to the renowned Bach Music Festival in Leipzig.

From A$1,400 AUD

View Tour
Bhutan points of interest

17 days

Apr, Sep

Bhutan | Small Group Cultural Tour

Visiting Bhutan

An unhurried ocean of calm in a crowded continent, Bhutan is scenically magnificent. Join our small group escorted tour and walk up the mountain to the famous Tiger's Nest monastery. The Bhutanese will welcome you to share their distinctive culture, unpolluted environment, and colourful festivals.We explore centuries of Buddhist tradition inherited from Tibet that have shaped this land with art, dance, music, and even medicine shaped by religion.

From A$14,695 AUD

View Tour
Pre-guaranteed
Egypt tour valley of the kings

18 days

Nov, Jan

Egypt tour: escorted small group history & cultural tour of Egypt

Visiting Egypt

Our small-group program, designed for senior couples and solo travellers, offers a rich journey through Egypt's past and present. You'll explore modern marvels like the Aswan Dam and immerse yourself in pivotal sites such as Tahrir Square, both key to understanding Egypt’s enduring influence on civilization. This tour is proof that Egypt remains a vital crossroads of history and culture. We explore Egypt's fairy-tale natural beauty, its ancient history, and Imperial heritage, its World Heritage Sites, and world famous cities, all with some truly spectacular scenery along the way. For those seeking an even deeper experience, we also offer opportunities to extend your travels with our tours in Morocco, Jordan, or Tunisia before beginning your Egyptian adventure.

From A$13,450 AUD

View Tour
Lanterns in Taiwan

11 days

Feb, Mar

Taiwan Lantern Festival small group tour

Visiting Taiwan

A small-group tour designed for senior couples and solo travellers to Taiwan. Timed to coincide with the Lantern Festival, held annually on the first full moon of the lunar calendar, this journey highlights one of the world’s most enchanting celebrations. Among the festival’s many events is the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, where thousands of glowing lanterns are released into the night sky.

Our Taiwan Lantern Festival program also explores Taipei, including the iconic Taipei 101 Tower, while giving travelers the chance to experience both the city’s modern highlights and its festive traditions.

From A$9,995 AUD

View Tour
Te Mata Peak landscape view across surrounding hills and Heretaunga Plains

17 days

Nov, Mar

Small group tour of New Zealand exploring Wine, Food and Landscapes

Visiting

Escorted 18 day small group tour of New Zealand. Off the beaten track, for curious about history, culture and spirituality. For mature couples and solo travellers,

From A$20,450 AUD

View Tour
Taiwan tours

11 days

Sep, Oct

Taiwan culture and history escorted small group tour

Visiting Taiwan

This small group program for mature and senior travelers, couple or solo includes many of Taiwan’s natural wonders; from Taroko Gorge, one of the seven wonders of Asia, to Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan’s largest lake; Kenting National Park, with its 60 kilometres of coral-rimmed shoreline to the East Coast National Scenic Area, stretching 170 kilometres. Fully escorted tour of Taiwan

From A$10,945 AUD

View Tour
Guaranteed
South American small group tour

25 days

May, Sep, Apr

South American Small Group History and Culture Tour

Visiting Argentina, Bolivia

Experience the jewels of South America on this in-depth itinerary featuring the dramatic contrasts of this great continent on a small group tour for senior couples and solo travellers. Journey through Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Brazil. Marvel at the ancient cultures and natural wonders of the Amazon, the snow-capped peaks of the Andes mountains, the calm waters of Lake Titicaca and the jewel coloured beaches of Rio.

From A$22,795 AUD

View Tour

Join 22,383 like-minded travellers receiving our weekly newsletter.

Special offers and promotions
A$500 AUD first trip travel voucher
The latest tours and articles