Aberaeron
The picturesque town of Aberaeron in Ceredigion has something for everyone!
A green field, surrounded by attractive Georgian houses provides a unique focal point for the centre of the town, known as Cae Sgwar or 'the Square Field'. Many of the surrounding Georgeon houses still possess the trademarks of the original builders on the keystone designs above the doors and windows. Llanerchaeron and the beautiful 'Milford House' ( also known as 'The Stamp House' after featuring on a postage stamp in 1970) have become places visitors to Aberaeron must go an see. Above Aberaeron Sea Aquarium there is also a collection of photographs of old Aberaeron taken by Percy Lloyd on glass plates in the 19th century - well worth a look.
The town has an abundance of interesting shops to explore. The Aberaeron Craft Centre, Sartori Designs and The John Williams Gallery are just a few places to buy unusual gifts and souvenirs.
Besides being a busy port in the nineteenth century, many ships were built here and it's definitely worth taking a leisurely stroll along the seafront. At Aberaeron Sea Aquarium you can see the creatures and fish that live in the waters of Cardigan Bay and find out about life at sea, the fish you eat and a sustainable future for fishing. You can even go on a 'Coastal Voyage' exploring the Heritage Coast and New Marine SAC (Special Area of Conservation) of Cardigan Bay. The skipper will manoeuvre the boat amongst rocks and coves whilst the on-board marine naturalist provides an informed commentary about the sea life.
Aberaeron even has its very own family golf course. The nine-hole pitch and putt is an ideal course for beginners and children. For those who want to see more of the beautiful coastline, hot air balloon flights are launched from golf course throughout the season.
The National Trust headland overlooks the secluded nearby sandy beach of Mwnt, which was awarded a Green Coast Award last year. On the headland you can see the tiny Church of the Holy Cross, which dates from around 1400 and stands on the site of a much earlier Celtic church. The church was once a strategic point on the pilgrim's route to Bardsey Island where twenty thousand Celtic Saints are said to be buried.