LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
 Devil's Bridge
At Devil's Bridge there are the world famous Mynach falls, overlooking the spectacular steep wooded gorge.
Three bridges have been built over the river Mynach - one on top of the other. The story goes that the first bridge was built by the Devil to enable an old woman to cross to rescue her cow. But, in reality, the Abbot of Strata Florida Abbey most likely had the first bridge built so that the monks could reach the sheep pastures to the north.
The bridges and the Mynach Falls can be seen from the Jacob's Ladder Walk. Nearby is the Devil's Punchbowl.
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 Vale of Rheidol Railway
One of the Great Little Trains of Wales. It was the last steam railway owned by British Rail until it was privatised in 1989. Opened in 1902, it was originally built to serve the lead mines in the Rheidol Valley. Passengers and timber also formed the mainstay of traffic on the narrow gauge route which passes through some of the most rugged terrain of any railway in the United Kingdom. Despite the narrow gauge of the rails, the locomotives and carriages - built at the Great Western Railway's Swindon Works - are as wide as their standard gauge equivalents.
Today the Vale of Rheidol Railway runs for nearly 12 miles from Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge. The terminus is adjacent to the national network station at Aberystwyth, and on the hour-long journey passengers have spectacular views of the wooded Rheidol Valley. At Devil's bridge, there are walks to Mynach Falls, Devil's Punchbowl and Jacob's Ladder.
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 Hafod Gardens
Recognised as one of the finest examples in Europe of a Picturesque landscape. Its most celebrated owner, Thomas Johnes (1748-1816), built a new house in this remote location and laid out its grounds in a manner suited to displaying its natural beauties in sympathy with the 'Picturesque principles' fashionable at the time, with circuit walks allowing the visitor to enjoy a succession of views and experiences. Johnes also used the land for farming, forestry, and gardening, in each case trying out new ideas and experimental methods. Hafod became an essential destination for the early tourist in Wales.
Today the Hafod estate occupies some 200 hectares of the Ystwyth valley and surrounding hills. Most is owned by the Forestry Commission who, in partnership with the Hafod Trust, is managing a conservation and restoration project with public and private funding.
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 The National Library of Wales
One of the great libraries of the world. Its home is in the seaside town of Aberystwyth in Ceredigion. Since 1911 it has enjoyed the right to collect, free of charge, a copy of every printed work published in Britain and Ireland. In addition they have a huge collection of works about Wales and the other Celtic countries: books and pamphlets, magazines and newspapers, microforms, ephemera, and a wealth of electronic material.
The Library is not only a library. They also have thousands of manuscripts and archives, pictures and photographs, maps, sound recordings and moving images, available for all adults to consult in the building.
Additionally, they arrange exhibitions throughout the year, as well as lectures and other events. Groups and individuals who wish to visit are welcome.
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 The Animalarium in Wales
Situated at Borth, there are domestic and farm animals which you can pet and feed in the petting barn. In the larger enclosures you will find exotic and endangered species, where they attempt to breed animals whose natural environment is under threat.
Animals to see at the Animalarium include: monkeys, wallabies, snakes, iguanas, leopard, crocodiles, fruit bats, spiders, bearded dragon, burmese python, guinea pigs, goats, sheep, parrots, tortoises, squirrels, chickens, rats, ponies, frogs and ocelot.
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 Llanerchaeron Gardens (National Trust)
A rare survivor of a classic Welsh gentry estate of the late 18th century. The elegant house was designed and built by John Nash in 1794-6, with an equally well-proportioned service wing and courtyard. The model home farm, kennels and stables complete the picture. The estate park was landscaped in the spirit of the Picturesque and commands fine views over the surrounding countryside.
Today Llanerchaeron is a working organic farm and the walled gardens produce fruit, herbs and vegetables. The estate park has fine views over the surrounding countryside. Llanerchaeron also houses the Pamela Ward collection of fine Georgian treen and glassware.
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 Llywernog Silver-Lead Mine
Authentic 18th century silver mine. A visit to Llywernog offers a fascinating insight into life nearly 200 years ago, when the mine employed over 60 people. Today, Llywernog is a fascinating and educational family adventure, and continues to be developed as a major all-weather attraction.
The "Miners' Trail" is a self-guide footpath around the old workings of the mine site. It is an award-winning Mining Heritage Trail with colourful exhibitions and the best collection of Silver-lead mining curiosities in Wales. Both educational and fun! Access is easy underground. With only 8 steps in the whole tour it is suitable for young and old alike (under 5's - at the Mine Manager's discretion).
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 Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre
Owned by the Forestry Commission, the Bwlch Nant yr Arian centre is set in a stunning lakeside setting with breathtaking views. The forest is shaped like a horseshoe above a deep valley which stretches all the way to the Ceredigion coastline.
There is something on offer here for all the family, from waymarked forest walks and mountain bike routes to watching the daily Red Kite feeding.
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 RSPB Ynyshir Nature Reserve
North of Aberystwyth, the Ynishir RSPB Nature Reserve covers 427 hectares (1,056 acres) and encompasses a wide range of exciting habitats, from moorland, through woodland and pasture, to marsh and estuary. Each habitat has a hide, and the hides are joined by pleasant footpaths, so Ynyshir is a place where any birdwatcher is sure to be in heaven!
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