Information for Visitors
There are many historic and picturesque places in Lampeter itself, as well as a variety of local walks. There are many other attractions to suit all tastes a short trip from the town. Lampeter also has a lively calendar of events throughout the year.
Attractions
Lampeter Town Trail
Lampeter's history is explained in the town heritage trail. It takes you to Lampeter Rugby Club, one of the founder members of the Welsh Rugby Union, The War memorial, designed by W Goscombe John and the University. It also explain's Lampeter's connection with the attempted murder of Dylan Thomas in 1945.
University of Wales, Lampeter
Lampeter is home to the oldest University in Wales. Founded in 1822, by Bishop Burgess of Saint David's. The University now offers a mix of traditional and modern courses, and is pioneering teaching over the internet. The grounds are open to the public, and you are welcome to visit. The Founders Library, in the Old Building contains a fascinating collection of books, and hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year. The University Chapel, also located in the Old Building is a must for any visitor.
www.lamp.ac.uk
Jen Jones Quilt Centre
Quilts from Jen Jones' collection are displayed in the Town Hall on High Street. The Centre is open from Tuesday to Saturday, and various courses are run throughout the year.
http://www.jen-jones.com/JJWQC.htm
The remains of Lampeter's manor house, Peterwell, can be found a short walk to the west of the Town Centre. At one time, described as one of the great houses of Wales, the house fell into disrepair, after its last owner. Sir Herbert Lloyd died in 1769. Its demise was hastened by the roof garden, but it was thought locally to have been the result of a curse, cast on the stones of a previous house, used in the building of Peterwell. .
The Lampeter Museum, located in the Town Library, Market Street houses a small collection of items illustrating the history of the town. The Town’s original Royal Charter is also on display here.The museum is open during Library opening hours, Monday to Saturday.
This 18th-century Welsh gentry estate with house, walled gardens and home farm, designed and built by John Nash is now in the care of the National Trust. It has many unaltered features including service courtyard with dairy, laundry, brewery and salting house. It is only 20 mins by car and the X40 bus service from Lampeter passes close by.
(01558) 82514
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-llanerchaeron
Visit the Dolaucothi Gold Mines in Pumsaint, in use from Roman times to the 20th century. There are guided tours of the underground workings andfantastic walks in the beautiful Cothi Valley. Only 15 minutes by car from Lampeter..
(01558) 825146
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-dolaucothigoldmines
Lampeter is only a few miles from the wonderful Cardigan Bay coastline with its clean and secluded beaches. A new footpath along the coast has recently opened..
Ceredigion Coast Path http://www.walkcardiganbay.com
Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation http://www.cardiganbaysac.org.uk
Activities
Lampeter is also 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 from the Newsagents or bookshops in town, as can the book, Walking Lampeter, produced by the Lampeter Ramblers, which suggests interesting walks in the area.
Lampeter is a great place to cycle. We have miles of quiet roads, and are only a short distance from Brechfa Forest mountain bile trails and the Ystwyth Cycle Trail..
Brechfa Forest http://www.forestry.gov.uk/Website/recreation.nsf/LUwebdocsBykey/WalesCarmarthenshireNoForestBrechfa
Ystwyth Trail http://www.ystwythtrail.org.uk/home.asp
Events
Held at the end of July every year, the show attracts food and drink producers from all over Wales. It's a must for lovers of fine food and drink.
www.lampeterfoodfestival.org.uk
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Lampeter Agrticultural Show
A celebration of Lampeter's agricultural hinterland, the show is held in August each year. Further information can be obtained from Mr Aeron Hughes (01570) 422654.
Eisteddfod Pantyfedwen is a celebration of Welsh culture with poetry, prose, music, singing and much more. It was first held in 1967, and takes place at Lampeter Comprehensive School over the August Bank Holiday weekend every year..