Aberystwyth Cliff Railway & Constitution Hill

If you are visiting Aberystwyth, you should make time for the Cliff Railway. It carries you from the northern end of the promenade to the top of Constitution Hill, where the views across Cardigan Bay are superb.

The railway itself is part of the attraction. It has been carrying visitors up the hill since 1896 and is now the longest electric funicular cliff railway in Britain.

Ride the Cliff Railway

The journey is short, but that is part of the fun. You climb steadily away from the promenade while the town and coastline begin to open up below you.

The two railway cars work together on the steep track, passing each other near the middle before continuing towards the summit.

It is a particularly good choice if you want the views from Constitution Hill without tackling the steep walk to the top.

Take in the View

Once you step off the train, head towards the viewpoints before doing anything else.

On a clear day you can see along Cardigan Bay, across Aberystwyth and towards the mountains of Mid and North Wales. The railway says as many as 26 Welsh mountain peaks can sometimes be seen from the summit.

Even if the distant mountains disappear into haze, the view back along Aberystwyth promenade is worth the journey on its own.

Try the Camera Obscura

The Camera Obscura is one of the most unusual things to do at the top.

A large lens projects a moving colour image of the surrounding landscape onto a viewing surface inside the building. You can watch people moving along the promenade, waves breaking on the coast and activity across the town without looking through a conventional telescope.

Its 14-inch lens makes it one of the largest camera obscuras of its type, and on a clear day it can show a huge area of land and sea.

There Is More at the Top

You do not have to ride straight back down once you reach the summit.

There is miniature golf, a games room with activities including air hockey, pool and ten-pin bowling, plus open spaces where you can sit, picnic and enjoy the view.

Families can easily spend a couple of hours here, especially if the children discover the games before you manage to persuade them back onto the train.

Stop for Food with a View

Y Consti café and restaurant sits at the summit and gives you somewhere to stop for coffee, cake or a proper meal while looking over Cardigan Bay.

There is indoor seating as well as covered outdoor seating, which is useful when the Welsh weather decides not to cooperate.

If you time your visit well, sitting with a drink and watching the light change over the bay can be one of the nicest parts of the afternoon.

Walk Back if You Fancy It

You do not necessarily have to take the railway both ways.

A steep footpath climbs Constitution Hill, so stronger walkers can travel one way by train and walk the other.

There are also coastal walking options continuing beyond the summit towards Clarach, with excellent views along the Ceredigion coastline.

A Few Useful Tips

The railway is currently operating daily during the main season, with trains running every few minutes. You normally do not need to book in advance, so you can simply buy a ticket when you arrive.

There are discounted fares for children, students, seniors, disabled visitors and carers, along with family return tickets. Prices can change, so it is worth checking the current tariff before travelling.

Wheelchair users are well catered for. The lower station has ramped access, the trains have wheelchair spaces, there is a lift at the upper station and accessible paths continue around the summit.

Dogs are welcome on the trains and around the site as long as they are kept under control.

There is only limited parking next to the lower station, including spaces for adapted vehicles. A public pay-and-display car park is available nearby on North Road.

The Camera Obscura operates seasonally and is normally closed during the winter, so check before visiting if that is one of the main reasons you are going.