Colorful Coastal Getaway: Where Gourmet Ice Cream Meets Dolphin Watching

Regardless of the weather, Aberaeron remains cheerful. Almost every home in this seaside town along Cardigan Bay boasts a distinct color, ranging from vibrant lime green to bright Barbie pink. It’s said that fishermen used these varied hues to spot their houses upon returning to land. However, legend has it that a local innkeeper initiated this colorful tradition back in the 1950s.

Aberaeron was conceived in 1805 — among Wales’s earliest purpose-built communities — and its elegant Georgian architecture still stands largely intact today. Nonetheless, it appears somewhat altered at present: construction for flood defense started in 2024 and will continue until completion. summer Nevertheless, the town has mostly returned to its usual state and serves as an excellent destination for a spring coastal getaway.

For more: discoverceredigion.wales .

Where to go and how to navigate?

Between 1911 and 1965, trains operated to Aberaeron. Currently, the nearest station is Aberystwyth, which can be reached either with a 25-minute car journey or a 40-minute trip via the T5 bus for £6.70. For those who prefer exercise, it’s also possible to cover this distance as a 28km hike. Ceredigion Coast Path.

Aberaeron is quite easy to explore on foot. Actually, strolling along the waterfront and vibrant lanes is very enjoyable. Rocky pebble beaches can be found on both sides of the harbor. From May to September, dogs are not allowed on South Beach.

Where to stay

Proudly standing and deep blue at the conclusion of Quay Parade, the Harbourmaster Is Aberaeron's iconic hotel. It features 11 contemporary nautical-themed rooms, with one designed for guests who use wheelchairs. The staff provides welcoming service, and the cuisine is exceptional, featuring generous breakfasts and innovative dinner options. Visitors can enjoy complimentary coffee and cake each afternoon. Bed & Breakfast starts at £150.

The new kid on the same street is Townhouse , launched by the crew at the Hive restaurant. Each of the six rooms is stylish, cozy, and meticulously designed. Two feature copper bathtubs. Guests enjoy access to a nearby gym, a complimentary mini-bar, and a free serving of Hive ice cream. Bed & breakfast starts at £160.

Day One

Up with the sun

West-facing Aberaeron is more of a sunset town. But if you’re up early and need coffee, friendly Deli Lazzaro opens at 8am.

If it’s Saturday, consider joining the weekly Llanerchaeron Park Run 5 kilometers, taking place along the former railway path (at 9 am). Should you prefer not to run, the trail also offers a pleasant walk beside the River Aeron during the morning hours.

At Llanerchaeron , you will come across an exquisite Georgian mansion managed by the National Trust The farm and gardens remain accessible during weekends throughout the year; the Palladian-style residence was crafted by John Nash (admission £11 for adults, £5.50 for children).

Souvenir hunting

Browse Bridge Street. Watson & Pratt 'S independent eatery offers sourdough breads, baked goods like pastries, along with fresh veggies sourced directly from their organic farm. They also stock an array of treats including Welsh ketchup, artisanal cheeses, and craft gin.

Next door is Seld , a delightful collection of gifts and home decor items including Melin Tregwynt blankets, Anglesey soaps, and regional ceramics.

Across the road, bijou Gwisgo Bookworm boasts an intriguing collection of new, pre-owned, and Welsh-language books.

Don’t miss

Read Next: I was raised in Wales – these are the seaside towns that forged my memories.

Still browsing? Make your way to the former sail loft at the Quay's edge, which now houses various shops. Driftwood Designs , where Wales-inspired illustrations are turned into bright prints, cards and gifts.

Then start the Town Trail ( cymdeithasaberaeronsociety.org The tour stops at 22 historically significant structures throughout Aberaeron – the first plaque can be found at what used to be a storehouse. Notable locations also encompass industrial sites like coal stores, an old workhouse, and the Feathers Hotel from 1815.

Time for a sundowner

Sit outside the Harbourmaster and watch the sunset with a Dà Mhìle gin (distilled 20km away) or a bottle of wine from Llaethliw (located in the Aeron Valley).

Or try the Cadwgan , a classic, unpretentious pub named after a vessel from Aberaeron. The sign outside captures the essence with: "On this spot Sep 5, 1782, absolutely nothing occurred."

Dinner reservation

By the harbour, Y Seler was titled Restaurant of the Year at the Food Awards Wales 2024 Enjoy an aperitif at the piano bar prior to sampling its contemporary British cuisine, known for its abundance of seafood along with Welsh lamb, beef, and vegetarian options.

The Stubborn Duckling bistro Recently relocated to the Victoria Hotel on Alban Square, Chef Dan Powell now has additional room to present his straightforward yet delightful meals like homemade smoked salmon served with crumpets and a Snowdonia cheese soufflé.

Day two

Hit the beach

The 10km stretch of Coast Path From Aberaeron to New Quay, the route is exhilarating as it takes you through springy meadows, layered cliffs, and streams cascading into the ocean. At low tide, you can walk directly from Pont Llanina Beach to New Quay; when the water rises, an alternate path leads past the location where poet Dylan Thomas resided at Villa Majoda. You can also use the T5 bus service between these towns for linear hikes (costing £2.50, taking about 20 minutes).

In the town, there are two pebble-beached areas located on opposite sides of the river, separated by groins. On a sunny day, you could be fortunate enough to catch sight of some porpoises and bottlenose dolphins from Cardigan Bay out at sea.

Lunch time

In New Quay, visit The Black Lion , supposedly Thomas’s favorite, or pick up some fish and chips. The Lime Crab — go for the classic cod or perhaps sea bass, or even salt and pepper squid.

Time to relax

Should you fail to spot dolphins from the shoreline – consider hiking up to the former coastguard’s observation point overlooking Bird Rock – boat tours set sail from New Quay, organized by local companies. Dolphin Survey Boat Trips and SeaMor from around £15pp.

A final treat

The Hive has been crafting honey ice cream for over 40 years. Additional flavors consist of pistachio and Biscoff; plans are underway for a Jaffa Cake scoop option.

Here are three facts about Aberaeron you may be unaware of:

1) The small town, with less than 1,300 inhabitants, boasts 248 listed structures.

2) Historian Alun Davies created amateur films featuring Aberaeron in the 1960s; these can be viewed at no cost on the BFI Player.

3) It is claimed that New Quay served as inspiration for the fictional village of Llareggub in Dylan Thomas’s "Under Milk Wood."

Berbagi :