Aberaeron Cardigan Bay
Photo of Aberaeron - Janet Baxter
Aberaeron is a charming Georgian
port town on the Cardigan Bay coast of West Wales. Well worth a
visit when you holiday in Cardiganshire
History of Aberaeron
Aberaeron has a long history as a fishing port with many local people supplementing
their income by fishing for herring during the season.
In 1805 plans were laid to construct the harbour at the mouth of the Aeron River. This resulted in the town being greatly expanded with many fine houses being built. The railways brought about the development of many coastal towns such as Aberaeron, Bournemouth and Brighton as holiday destinations, and although Aberaeron does not have hotels on the scale of the Britannia Bournemouth it does have charming guest houses and excellent restaurants. The great classic architect John Nash who built the near by Llanerchaeron mansion was reputedly involved in the planning of the new town.
Shipbuilding also flourished with over 60 sailing vessels being built including 35 schooners 'the greyhound of the ocean' Aberaeron became a thriving and prosperous town.
Today in Aberaeron
Aberaeron retains its Georgian
charm with elegant brightly painted town houses and is still a
focal point for the rural communities in mid Cardiganshire.
Enjoy a stroll around the harbour along Quay Parade.
Lunch or afternoon tea at the Hive on the Quay and visit the fascinating
Aberaeron Sea Aquarium.
Take a boat trip to explore Cardigan Bay’s marine
ecology and Heritage Coast from the harbour.
Plus many charming shops including the Aberaeron Craft Centre,
eating places and pubs to enjoy.
Aberaeron to Llanerchaeron Cycleway
Take the 3k trip from the edge of town along the old railway track to the historic National Trust mansion and Walled garden at Llanerchaeron
Events
Each
year Aberaeron hosts the following events
For exact dates see the events page on this
site
June:
Country and Western Festival
July:
Cardigan Bay Seafood Festival
August:
Festival of Welsh ponies and Cobs
Aberaeron Regatta
Aberaeron Carnival Day
Aberaeron is easy to find on the main
A487 Cardigan to Aberystwyth road.
There is a regular bus service between Cardigan and Aberystwyth
that stops at Aberaeron. There is also plenty of parking in the
town. The excellent restaurant - The Harbour
Master is situated on the harbour.