Justin’s mum and sister came to look at our new house yesterday. After a potter around and cups of tea, we decided to go for a drive – and show them one of our favourite places that’s on the doorstep. Well, not quite doorstep, but only 30 minutes drive. The place in question is the small harbour town of Aberaeron.
It’s a lovely destination to visit, whether just for an hour or two… or for a much longer stay.
There are pretty, brightly painted houses everywhere you look.
These provide the perfect backdrop for an equally attractive harbour area where boats are moored.
The first time we came here there had just been severe flooding in the area, and it was quite a scene of devastation. Large pieces of debris had been brought downstream by a raging river torrent and smashed into the small sea craft (as you can see at the left hand side of the photo below). Many vessels were affected, particularly closer to the mouth of the river. It must have taken some clearing up. It’s back to its gorgeous best now though and we had a very nice couple of hours in the sunshine, taking in the fresh sea air and having a bite to eat.
There’s no shortage of places to eat or have coffee. Pubs, restaurants, cafés, fish & chip shops and ice cream parlours. Personally, we’ve sampled meals and coffee The Harbourmaster, ice-cream at The Hive and fish & chips at The New Celtic . They all come highly recommended!
In addition to the various catering establishments, there are also some lovely little independent shops. These include interiors shop Seld, which we always like to have a mooch around when we’re there. There’s always something to tempt us. And there’s more temptation just round the corner – Manor Farm Barn Antiques stocks some fabulous country furniture.
Aberaeron also has food, garden and craft festivals. In fact, one of our recent trips coincided with Feast – Aberaeron which was going with a real swing when we arrived.
You can find bustling spots or quiet corners. Whichever you choose, just sit, take it all in – and enjoy.
If you’re ever driving along the Ceredigion coast road, be sure to pull the car over and take a break here. Or make it the destination for a section of the coastal walk perhaps. Or even book a cottage for a week and spend a few days discovering the various attractions of the town and surrounding area.