Aberystwyth Sunsets Starlings and Storms

Aberystwyth has the reputation of being one of the best places to study and work. Located on the west coast of Wales on the shores of Cardigan Bay, the town is blessed with some of the most spectacular landscape in the country. That mix of pastoral, picturesque, romantic and sublime landscape has for over two centuries continued to attract artists such as Richard Wilson, J.M.W. Turner, John Sell Cotman and John Piper amongst so many others.

Aberystwyth has a long history: overlooking the town and the harbour are the ramparts of an Iron Age Fortress still clearly visible on Pen Dinas Hill. The harbour, which lies at the confluence of the Rheidol and Ystwyth rivers, was once a busy fishing port that boasted ship building - today it has become a marina, popular with the yachting fraternity, surfers, canoists and rowers. A short walk from the harbour are the ruins of the Thirteenth Century Aberystwyth Castle, built by Edward I in 1277. Originally a walled medieval town dependent upon mineral mining, farming and seafaring; today  the town is an eclectic mix of Victorian, Edwardian, Gothic and Classical Revival architecture.

Although a small town – with a resident population of only 12,000; Aberystwyth is described as being the most lively seaside town in Wales. Certainly during term time when the population rises to over 20,000 with the influx of students, the town becomes a thriving cosmopolitan centre served by excellent bars, cafes, restaurants, The Art Centre, National Library, and Ceredigion Museum. The town is also an important administrative centre for the region. This year the Welsh Assembly opened offices in a spectacular new building on the edge of the town.

Accessible by train from London Euston, the clean fresh air, changable and dramatic weather and the very remoteness of Aberystwyth prove to be the big attractions, drawing those who wish to get away from the humdrum of city life. Surrounded by fabulous scenery, Snowdonia is but an hour and a half away to the north and Pembrokeshire is a similar distance to the south. Perfect for any artist.