I’ve just returned from a holiday in Aberystwyth, Wales and I think I have fallen a little bit in love with Welsh coastal living.
Aberystwyth, known locally simply as ‘Aber’ , is a colourful seaside town located right in the middle of the rugged Ceredigion coastline. The long sweep of beach, mile long Victorian Promenade and proximity to the 180 mile Coastal Way route make Aber a great option for walkers.
Perfect for post walk relaxing, Aberpoeth offers a Nordic sauna experience on Aberystwyth’s pretty sea front, just steps away from the Irish Sea shoreline.
Combine the two and you have the perfect walking and wellness day in mid-Wales.
Walking The Wales Coast Path in Aberystwyth, Wales
The Wales Coast is the longest continuous coast path in the world, running the full length of the Welsh coastline. All 870 miles of it. It’s a stunning walk, packed with cliffs, coves and stories.
Walking it all in one go might be a bit much, but I’m happy to say that there’s a manageable section of this route that is easily accessible from Aberystwyth promenade. The section of the walk stretches across the cliff tops above the town and you’ve got two options for getting up there.
The promenade is linked to the Wales Coast Path and the hills above by Constitution Hill: a steep slope that rises dramatically from the sea at the northern end of the promenade. Known locally as, ‘Consti’, you can walk up and call it a warm up, or save the legs and take the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway.
This local landmark is the longest electrical funicular cliff railway in the UK and has been transporting visitors to the top of Constitution Hill since 1896. It’s a vintage gem and the most fun (and easiest!) way to reach the path at the top.
Full Guide to Aberystwyth Cliff Railway coming soon.
Once up at the top of Constitution Hill- ‘Consti’- it’s really easy to pick up a section of Wales Coast route. Walk as far as you like, and back again. The views are spectacular: back over Aberystwyth, across Clarach Bay and to the mountains of North Wales in the distance.
Great views, salty air and the sound of the Irish Sea. Walking perfection.
Aberpoeth: A Beach Sauna Experience in Aberystywth
My love of a good sauna started when we lived in Germany, and it makes me very happy to see sauna culture gaining popularity across the UK. When I found out that there is a beach sauna in Aberystwyth, I didn’t hesitate to book.
Aberpoeth- poeth being Welsh for heat- is a Nordic inspired sauna experience located at the North end of Aberystwyth’s promenade, at the foot of Constitution Hill.
Inspired by their own passion for wellness and personal experience of the benefits of sauna after time spent in Denmark, the team behind Aberpoeth have combined Nordic influence with Welsh coastal charm to create a wonderful wellness experience by the sea.
When I say, ‘by the sea’, I do mean it. The stony beach and Irish Sea are just steps away, maybe a little closer or further depending on the tide, but always close enough for a sea water dip between sauna sessions. I did immerse myself in the icy, salty water and it felt amazing.
I’m a big fan of a wild swim and cold water exposure, but if you’d rather not or just prefer a gentler approach, there is a shower at the side of the sauna pod. For a sea-free cool down, there’s also the traditional pull bucket of cold water.
The hand crafted, glass fronted sauna house is perfectly placed for sea views as you sauna. It’s a very immersive experience- the heat, the sound of the sea, the scent of the wood. Stretched out on the benches, watching the waves roll in and letting the heat seep into my muscles is the most relaxing thing I’ve done in a long time.
Adjacent to the sauna is a relaxation area.The perfect place to cool off between sessions and take in the sea air. Comfy seating, views out to sea or along to Aberystwyth’s Victorian era promenade.
The Victorians were mad for the idea that sea air could cure all things and I think they were onto something. I also wonder what they’d make of us now, sauna-ing and sitting out on the promenade in swimwear.
Aberpoeth can be booked as a communal or private experience. In a communal session, you’ll be sharing with up to seven other sauna users. We booked a private session for two and it was worth every penny.
Either way, each session is 50 minutes of sauna time with a ten minute buffer for showering and changing.
For post sauna refreshments- or just a coffee by the sea- pop into neighbouring ‘Y Nyth’. Described as , ‘more than just a cafe’, Y Nyth sells a range of hot and cold drinks and healthy snacks including wholesome bakes and Açai Bowls.
There’s a lot of things to do Aberystwyth, but I think this has to be the most relaxing of them all.
Aberpoeth Beach Sauna FAQ
How do I book Aberpoeth?
All bookings are made through the online booking system, find details here.
How much does a sauna session cost?
Shared public communal session- 50 minutes cost £15.00
Private session for up to 10 people- 50 minutes cost £80.00
What facilities are there at Aberpoeth?
Changing room, lockers, open air relaxation area. Footwear available to use if needed. Cold shower and sauna bucket. Y Nyth cafe next door for refreshments. No toilets on site, nearest public toilets are 800m away.
What should I bring with me?
Two towels- one to sit on and one to dry. A bottle of water. Swimwear for the sauna and something comfortable to wear after.
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Helen x
It looks great. Beautiful sea view from the sauna. I’m not a fan of a cold dip though
I think the whole cold water thing is a bit marmite- I love it!
I’ve done bits of the Welsh Coastal Path and would love to do more. But I might skip the cold dips (for ‘might’, read ‘would definitely’).
I don’t think I’ve ever been to Aberystwyth, even in the dim and distant past. I’d like the coastal walk but would pass on the sauna! Not my thing at all.