Aberystwyth 

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Aberystwyth is the capital of the mid-Wales region and home to one of the University of Wales' most prestigious colleges and these factors combine to make a lively seaside resort on the west coast of Wales. With pubs, food, nightlife and a young vibrant atmosphere it can be a good place to stop if you've had your fill of pretty villages and castles.

The National Library is here in Aberystwyth and houses most of Wales’ most important books and manuscripts. Here you find the Black Book of Carmarthen, dating form the 12th centruy and the earliest manuscript in the Welsh language alongside quite literally millions of historical records.

The town also boasts castle ruins: though Aberystwyth Castle was once one of the most impressive in Wales over time it fell into disrepair. Through the years Llewelyn the Great’s building offered poor defence against modern weaponry and the corrosive sea took its toll.

• On the coast of Cardigan Bay, Aberystwyth has both pebble and sand beaches. It also has Britain’s longest cliff railway. From the top, on a clear day, you can see the Preseli hills to the south, the mountains of Snowdonia to the north and the whole of Cardigan Bay stretching out to the west.