The Magic of Life Butterfly House

Walk into a warm tropical greenhouse and you've left West Wales behind entirely. The Magic of Life Butterfly House, just outside Aberystwyth, is exactly what it sounds - hundreds of live butterflies flying freely around you in carefully controlled conditions. It's brilliant if you've got restless kids or you're simply after something different on a rainy afternoon.

You wander through different zones, each one warmer and more humid than the last, watching butterflies in various stages of their lifecycle. Some are emerging from chrysalises, others are absolute tanks - the size of your hand - just floating about looking ridiculous. The staff know their stuff and will point out what you're looking at if you ask. Realistically, allow an hour, maybe ninety minutes if you're the type who reads every label.

It's the sort of place that works brilliantly as a half-day activity alongside a coastal walk or a visit to Aberystwyth proper. You won't want to spend your entire holiday here, but combined with the camping spots nearby - Aber Camping is just up the road, or there's proper glamping at Brynllwyd or Dôl Swynol if you want more creature comforts - it makes sense as part of a longer trip. Worth checking opening hours and admission prices before you head out, mind. The weather doesn't matter one bit once you're inside, which is frankly the whole point of visiting Ceredigion in winter.