Aberystwyth Dyfed Wales Aberystwyth is located on the central coast of Wales, along a scenic stretch of the sweeping curve that is Cardigan Bay. And it is this great setting that has given Aberystwyth its dual personality, as both a popular seaside resort and a thriving university town. Originally the area was officially established thanks to a charter presented to the area by Edward I. Back then it was a small fishing village, before later industries such as silver and lead mining really put it on the map. However, it was with the arrival of a railway in the region in 1864 that it took off as a fashionable seaside resort with visitors flocking to the area like never before. Today it is still popular with visitors especially during the summer months. The best way to get to know the place is to take a ride on board the electric railway, which remains the UK’s longest electric railway. The journey takes you from the main promenade up to Constitution Hill from where the views out over the water are a delight. Aberystwyth is not only an interesting resort in its own right but its location makes it the perfect base from which to explore some amazing scenery on its doorstep. Nearby places worthy of a visit include the Plynlimon Mountains and the Rheidol Valley.