Canolfan Alun R. Edwards Library

Aberystwyth's main library sits bang in the town centre, and it's far more than a rainy-day refuge. The Canolfan Alun R. Edwards is a proper community hub housed in a modern building with decent natural light and actual character - the kind of place locals genuinely use rather than just pass through.

Inside you'll find the expected books, but what makes it worth a visit is the Welsh language collection and local history section. If you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks - Aberystwyth Holiday Village is practically on your doorstep - this is where you'll get a sense of how the town actually works. The staff know their stuff about Ceredigion and can point you towards proper local walks and quirks that don't make it into the tourist brochures.

Come on a weekday morning if you can. Weekends get a bit rammed with schoolkids doing homework. Admission is free, and you can easily spend an hour browsing without feeling rushed. It's not a destination attraction - you're not going to plan a trip around it - but if you're based in the area for a week, popping in once makes sense. Grab a coffee, check the community noticeboard, maybe pick up something about Cardigan Bay or the Ceredigion coast that'll enhance your walking plans. The library closes Sundays and bank holidays, so plan accordingly.