How to Get Here
Follow the directions at aberystwyth.org.uk
Notes for Travelling by Train:
Note our confusing train-splitting situation! If coming from England, you will likely go through Birmingham. From London, Birmingham Intl is usually a bit easier to change in than New Street. The train will usually be at the platform some time ahead, which leaves some time to get settled and also double-check with the conductor which part of the train to sit in. If more than 2 coaches long, it will split in half at Machynlleth; the front half goes to Aberystwyth, the rear half up the Cambrian Coast toward Pwllheli. (Note also the direction of travel will reverse in Shrewsbury.) The conductors normally go through and make sure everyone’s in the right spot, but you may want to be aware.
The trains through this part of Wales are prone to delay and sudden changes; we highly recommend leaving extra time, making sure your hotel reception will be open when you arrive, and bringing snacks, water, and patience!
Staying and Getting Around
Maps of the town and university, including visitor parking and accessibility maps of campus, can be found here.
There are a lot of hotels along the seafront as well as AirBnBs and short-term holiday lets. (See this guide.) This weekend is likely to be a busy one, as the students are moving out of halls, so best to book as soon as possible. Our one ‘chain’ hotel is Premier Inn; there are plenty of independent hotels and B&Bs throughout town. The nearest hostel is in at the far end of Borth, a 20-min bus or train ride away.
The symposium will take place on campus in the Visualisation Centre, which is just up the hill from the National Library and Pantycelyn hall of residence. (The link above will show you the map; you can use it to determine how far away your lodging is from the venue.) There is Pay & Display visitor parking available at the Arts Centre. (There is some limited availability for campus parking permits, so if you need a parking space on campus, please contact the organisers as soon as possible and we’ll do our best to arrange it.)
The whole town is very walkable, although Penglais hill can be tiring! There are regular buses from town that can take you up the hill (see Traveline.Cymru for details). Some are term-time only, but the T2 bus toward Machynlleth goes up the hill past campus every hour between 9:35 and 17:35 from the bus station (in front of the train station) or from the corner of North Parade near Harry’s bar. There are also plenty of taxis, either bookable by phone or waiting at the taxi rank outside the train station.