Well known for its clean, fresh and bracing air, Aberystwyth is a university town which, unlike many seaside towns, is open all year round. Huddled between three hills and focused around a seafront with two beaches, some castle ruins, a pier and a harbour, Aberystwyth is the centre for a wide rural area between the Cambrian Mountains and the sea.

Visit the Ceredigion Museum which is set in a restored Edwardian Theatre and houses a fine collection of historic objects. The Coliseum Gallery, one of the most attractive venues in Wales , houses temporary collections, mainly of high quality art. Permanent displays focus on lead mining, seafaring activities and agriculture.

For an award winning mining trail, visit the Llywernog Silver and Lead Mines. This underground guided tour in a silver and lead mine, disused since the 1860s, is both educational and fun. Visitors are able to try their hand at working the mine material for silver-lead and iron pyrites and get to take home what they find. There is a souvenir and gift shop offering minerals, jewellery and brass miners' lamps. It is recommended to allow a minimum of two hours for your visit.

Journey through the Rheidol Valley on a narrow gauge steam train which runs from Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge. This train was the last steam train owned by British Rail before it was privatised in 1989 and was originally built to serve the lead mines in the Rheidol Valley. Today, the two hour return journey offers some spectacular views of the Valley whilst you sit back and enjoy the ride. Once at Devil's Bridge there are walks to Mynach Falls, Devil's Punchbowl and Jacob's Ladder. Open from April to October.

The National Library of Wales is within walking distance of the town centre and sea front and the entrance is free. The library houses over three million books and gives the visitor an invaluable insight into the history of Wales . One of the permanent exhibitions is 'a Nation's Heritage' which hosts some of Wales ' most valuable collections.

St David's Cathedral, which was begun in 1181, is built on a site reputed to be that on which St David founded a monastic settlement in the 6th Century. St Mary's Hall is on the north side of the Cathedral and is all that remains of St Mary's College which was built in 1365. Once at the top of the famous 39 steps, a magnificent view of the Cathedral and neighboring Bishop's Palace can be admired. Since 1981, a week long music festival is held annually at the Cathedral hosting performances from international musicians.

The Cors Caron Nature Reserve offers exceptional mountain scenery and inland walks and is situated on the outskirts of Tregaron in Ceredigion. The circular walk is approximately 5 miles and offers an insight into how the country's landscape has changed over its 12,000 year history. The observation tower gives fantastic views of the north-east and west bog and the walk back from the tower offers scenes of unspoilt countryside with numerous opportunities for wildlife spotting.