Old College, Aberystwyth University
Yr Hen Goleg
A seaside Gothic Revival building. Originally a railway hotel, it became Wales's first university college in 1872.
The Old College was originally built as a railway hotel in the 1860s. Before it was finished, it was converted into a college of the University of Wales, now Aberystwyth University, which opened in 1872 as Wales's first university. The building is in the Gothic Revival style, with elaborate towers, mosaics and carvings. It stands at the southern end of the seafront promenade, next to the castle. After a major restoration in recent years, it has been converted into a cultural, exhibition and learning centre and is gradually opening to the public. Interior opening arrangements are subject to official announcements. The exterior can be seen at any time, and it's worth visiting together with the castle and the harbour.
Opening hours
Exterior open all day; interior hours per official announcements
Nearby sights
- Aberystwyth Castle
- Aberystwyth Promenade & Royal Pier
- Ceredigion Museum
- Constitution Hill Cliff Railway & Camera Obscura
- Vale of Rheidol Railway
- Pen Dinas Hillfort
- National Library of Wales
- Clarach Bay