Aberaeron harbour
With its colourful Georgian houses and bustling harbour, Aberaeron is one of Cardigan Bay’s most captivating places to visit.
This welcoming seaside resort is located at the mouth of the River Aeron, in the Welsh county of Ceredigion, between Aberystwyth and Cardigan. Whether you want to explore the area’s coastal paths, peruse the town centre’s selection of independent shops or sit on the harbour wall and watch the sun set, Aberaeron is a relaxing place to visit. The town’s South Beach has been awarded the Blue Flag, an indicator of water quality and a safe environment for visitors. Sailing is popular here, and a variety of colourful boats can usually be found floating in the harbour. Aberaeron is famous for honey, honey ice-cream and honey mustard. A lively carnival takes place every August, when a dazzling procession and carnival queen make their way from the quay to Albon Square.
Every year, the town hosts the Aberaeron Festival of Welsh Ponies and Cobs, which celebrates the area’s long tradition of producing world-class cobs and ponies. The event makes for a fun day out, with plenty of entertainment, activities and displays of ponies and cobs.
Llanerchaeron by Glen Bowman - CC BY-SA 2.0
If you’re in the area in July, don’t miss the excellent Cardigan Bay Seafood Festival, when you can taste fresh seafood dishes which are cooked by some of the area’s best chefs, along the quayside.
One of the Aberaeron area’s most distinctive historical landmarks is Llanerchaeron , an elegant 18th century gentry estate. The grounds include parkland and an ornamental lake, while the villa has a service courtyard with its own brewery, dairy and laundry.
There are some lovely cafes and restaurants to try on your Aberaeron holiday, many of which serve fresh, locally caught seafood. The Cellar is one of the town’s most popular eateries, with a terrace overlooking the harbour and relaxed atmosphere. Chef Daniel Evans’ signature dishes include mussels steamed in white wine and garlic, oven-braised lamb shank and sea bream.
Another good option is the Harbour Master, an elegant hotel and restaurant where you can order tasty dishes including Cardigan Bay lobster, Thai butter, chunky chips and Asian coleslaw.
“With its colourful Georgian houses and bustling harbour, Aberaeron is one of Cardigan Bay’s most captivating places to visit.”
For good coffee, homemade cakes and a selection of savoury snacks, try Cegin Alban, a welcoming café in the heart of the town. Alternatively, check out Friends Coffee Shop, which has a nice outside seating area and is a good bet for a light lunch.
Check out our full range of Aberaeron cottages for even more holiday inspiration.