Things to do

It is widely recognised that rugby was introduced to Wales by the Rev. Professor Rowland Williams, who became Vice-Principal of St David’s College in 1850 and who played Rugby Football as a student at King’s College, Cambridge.  Lampeter’s importance as the birth of rugby in Wales, is recognised by the Welsh Rugby Union. Articles in the University’s Archives mention rugby being played at Lampeter in the 1850s. 

Remember to visit the monument situated on the University Campus between the Library and Canterbury Building. There you’ll find out more about the historical significance and contribution made by Lampeter to the world of rugby.

A famous landmark in the town’s landscape is the Town Hall, a listed building which previously housed the County Court and was home to the Town Council.

It is now home to the internationally renowned Welsh Quilt Centre, which houses a world famous collection of Welsh quilts. Various exhibitions are held at the centre - www.welshquilts.com - and once you have completed your visit, there are a range of gifts, crafts and quilts available at the shop. There is also the Town Hall Café and Deli to visit which is located next door.

Here you can gain an insight into the rich and varied historical background of Lampeter. The Museum is located at the entrance to the University Campus in the old Porter’s Lodge, College Street.

Opening Hours: Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am and 4pm. 

The Town’s Heritage Trail explains the history of Lampeter, as it leads you around the town. It takes you to various locations of interest, including Lampeter Rugby Club, one of the founder members of the Welsh Rugby Union, The War Memorial, designed by W Goscombe John and the University and the Saint David’s Building. You can also learn about Lampeter’s connection with the attempted murder of Dylan Thomas in 1945.

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David, formerly known as St David’s College, was founded in 1822, by Bishop Burgess of Saint David’s.  It received its Royal Charter in 1828, and is the oldest Royal Charter in England and Wales along with those of Oxford and Cambridge Universities. Since its amalgamation with Trinity College, Carmarthen and Swansea Metropolitan Univeristy, a wide range of traditional and modern courses, including remote teaching are now on offer to local, national and international students. The University for example are currently working with the Academy of Sinology and the partnership offers students an insight into the wealth of Ancient Chinese Language, Philosophy and Culture.

The University is currently developing the exciting Canolfan Tir Glas project, which should open the door to even more new and exciting courses.

The Founders Library, in the Saint David’s Building, contains a fascinating collection of books and hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year. The ornate University Chapel, also located in the Saint David’s Building is a must for the visitor.

The University actively welcomes the community onto it’s campus and organises a range of events on the Lampeter Campus, such as recently an Open Air Cinema, the Music of the Stars Concert and lectures. The University also offers accommodation to visitors and is a popular venue for conferences and for weddings.

The grounds have been landscaped and offer a wellbeing walks and a link through the campus following the Dulas river to Brondeifi Chapel.

It’s well worth visiting the Dolaucothi Gold Mines in Pumpsaint, only 15 minutes by car on the A482 from Lampeter. This is the only known Roman Gold Mine in the UK and was in use from the ancient times until the 20th Century. Visitors can try their hand at gold panning and are welcome to visit the exhibition. Should you wish to visit underground, then you will need to pre-book a guided tour. There are fantastic walks in the beautiful Cothi Valley and from here you can visit Llyn Brianne reservoir and the RSPB reserve at Gwenffrwd-Dinas. 

Lampeter is ideally located within a short distance from the world-famous Cardigan Bay coastline, with its clean and secluded beaches. Most of the entire stretch of coastline can be explored on foot – for further information go to www.llwybrarfordircymru.gov.uk

Lampeter is also at the centre of a network of country walks along footpaths, bridleways or quiet roads. These lead to lakes, picturesque river banks, abandoned hill forts and standing stones. OS Maps detailing the paths in the area can be purchased.  The book, Lampeter Walks, published by the Ramblers’ Association Lampeter Group, suggests some interesting walks in the area. A copy is available at Lampeter Public Library

Ceredigion County Council provides information on the Lampeter – Aberaeron footpath (11 miles) along the beautiful Aeron Valley. Also on walks in the Lampeter area to Longwood and Alltgoch Iron Age settlement.

A visit to the Longwood Community Woodland, on the outskirts of the town, provides a network of footpaths through the woodlands, which overlook the town. Further information is available at www.longwood-lampeter.org.uk/community/

Lampeter is a great place to cycle. We have miles of quiet roads, and are only a short distance from Brechfa Forest mountain bike trails and the Ystwyth Cycle Trail. Fee/ free to join the weekly bike rides, arranged by Sarn Helen Running and Cycling Club, who meet weekly, to cycle various local routes.

Brechfa Forest: offering various walks and MBT trails for a range of abilities

Ystwyth Trail: a 32.1km cycling route, linking Tregaron and Abersytwyth

Bwlch Nant Yr Arian: series of walks and MBT trails, in particular the Barcud Trail, which is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

The Gorsedd, was put in place in 1984, when the National Eisteddfod was held in Lampeter and symbolises the link between, present day poets and musicians and the ancient druids.