Aberystwyth Cliff Railway
& Camera Obscura
Constitution Hill Aberystwyth home of the longest Cliff Railway in Britain
and the biggest Camera Obscura in the World.
You must visit this fascinating attraction and sample the delightful atmosphere of a Victorian pleasure park.
Constitution Hill, known locally as 'Consti' rises dramatically 430 feet from the north end of Aberystwyth promenade .The views from the top are spectacular. On a clear day you can see 26 Welsh mountain peaks including Snowdon, whilst the view of Cardigan Bay from the Llyn Peninsula to Strumble head extends for 60 miles.
The Cliff Railway
The Aberystwyth Electric Cliff Railway is the longest in Britain and
the only one in Wales. Its 778 feet undulating track and tilted carriages
are the unique work of Victorian engineer G. Croyden Marks. It opened
in 1896 operating on the water balance system but since 1921 a powerful
electric motor and 2 high tensile steel cables have hauled the carriages
at a stately 4 miles an hour. This gives you time to enjoy the panoramic
views as you climb to the summit station and marvel at the Victorians
ingenuity. "Safe?" Of course it is! Four independent braking systems,
maintained to the highest standards, will give you total peace of mind.
The Camera Obscura On the summit
is the biggest Camera Obscura in the world. The huge 14 inch lens takes
a birds eye view of more than 1000 square miles of land and seascape in
a 360 degree sweep around Aberystwyth, a view reflected onto the circular
screen in the darkened viewing gallery below.
Souvenir Guide:
The guide details the fascinating history of Constitution Hill from its early development into the focal point of Mid Wales' leisure activities to its current status as a 'must see' attraction to all visitors to Wales.
The Summerhouse:
Probably the oldest café in Aberystwyth. The Summerhouse is the perfect spot to enjoy morning coffee, afternoon tea or a delicious homemade snack at any time during the day.