Aberystwyth has a legitimate claim to be the cultural capital of Wales. Addition to the Aberystwyth University it also boasts the hugely respected National Library of Wales, The Aberystwyth Arts Centre and is a focal point for contemporary Welsh language and culture. Like many towns along the west coast of Wales, Aberystwyth has a history that encompasses the Iron Age, Glyndwr’s rebellion and the Civil War. Today the town thrives as a tourist destination and student village. Nestled between the hillside University campus and the Victorian seafront, the transitory population of the town afford it a vibrancy and dynamism that is unmatched anywhere in mid-wales. The unique cosmopolitan virtues of Aberystwyth also broaden and enrich the range of restaurants, entertainment and accommodation on offer. The seaside town is also said to benefit from a micro-climate, enjoying significantly warmer weather than its neighbouring towns and perhaps explains its popularity amongst visitors. Besides all the attractions one would expect to find at a thriving coastal resort Aberystwyth also offers a host of other activities and sites of interest. Constitution hill overlooking the beach can be scaled with the help of Britain’s longest electric railway, and once at the summit it boasts a Camera Obscura and views as far as Pembrokeshire. At the other end of the beach the ruins of Aberystwyth’s 13th century castle provide a romantic spot to watch the sun slip behind the horizon. Ceredigion County Museum offers a compelling narrative in local history whilst the walking trails in Parc Penglais make for a tranquil escape from the bustle of the town centre. Search and book accommodation online. Search Aberystwyth Hotels, Self Catering, Bed & Breakfast. Aberystwyth is a fantastic place for a romantic break or a central base for exploring all that the Cardigan Bay / Cambrian Coast has to offer. In 1983 an unexplained aerial crash provided TV historian Mark Olly with a subject for the film ‘Europe's Roswell: UFO Crash at Aberystwyth’ and put the town at the centre of an investigation into the paranormal world of UFOs.

CARDIFF is the most competitive city in Wales for business, but connectivity issues mean it still lags behind the best in the UK, according to a new report. The UK Town and City Index produced for Santander examined business competitiveness across the UK. It scored 74 major towns and cities across the UK on 20 factors including business survival rates, median income and broadband speeds. Cardiff posted the highest overall score in Wales, coming in 27th out of the 74 towns and cities examined. Newport came in at a lowly 48th, while Swansea ranked at 52nd overall. The report’s author Francis Greene, professor of small business and entrepreneurship at Birmingham Business School, grouped the 20 factors impacting on the competitiveness under five broad themes – Enterprise, Talent, Connectivity, Costs and Well-being. Cardiff scores particularly well in the talent category, with the 38.9% of residents who are educated to NVQ4 level or above being well ahead of the 74 city average of 29.1%. Cardiff was ranked 20 in the UK for talent overall, with the report noting that the high score is "helpful for promoting favourable business conditions because any town or city relies on its residents: ‘smart’ towns need ‘smart’ people." However, issues with broadband speeds meant the city scored less strongly for ‘connectivity’ coming in at 52nd of the 74 cities examined. Professor Green said that with better connectivity Cardiff could have scored even higher. "Cardiff has one of the best universities in the UK and obviously that acts as an anchor for a talented population, " he said. "One of the things that is important for business competitiveness is having smart people doing smart things. "But if you want smart people doing smart things you would expect higher levels of connectivity and that’s what’s pulling the rating down. "Cardiff would do a lot better without those connectivity issues." The picture for Newport was more mixed. The city came in at 41st for talent, but its overall ranking was hit by its ranking of 55th overall for connectivity. The report identified strengths of the city as relatively low council tax (a proxy for business rates) and good sectoral diversity, making the city better able to respond to economic shocks. However, the city’s carbon dioxide emissions were considerably higher than the average, and the report said this was an indicator of pollution levels that may impact on the attractiveness of the city. Swansea scored strongly for costs (joint 24th overall) and talent (joint 28th), but it suffered particularly in the enterprise category, coming joint 64th overall. The report noted that the city had a higher than average rate of business churn, with the city losing more businesses than it created. The employment rate at 60%, was markedly below the 74 city average of 69%. Swansea also had a lower than average satisfaction score, something that may have a negative impact on consumer and business confidence. "Relative to other places in the UK, Swansea has struggled in terms of business enterprise activity, " said Professor Green. "One of the key things that comes out is that its business population has suffered more than Cardiff or Newport’s during the economic downturn. "It has lower levels of employment and what that means is that it is harder to sustain businesses." Outside of Wales, Cardiff’s closest rival Bristol came in at ninth on the index, with Cambridge taking the top spot overall followed by Oxford. But towns and cities in the north of England scored particularly poorly, Sunderland propped up the table in 74th Barnsley at 73rd and Oldham at 72nd.

It was nice of President Obama to urge Americans to visit Wales, but I'd like to sound a note of caution: the Welsh are very, very chippy. If a visitor does or says anything that could be construed as an insult, however unintended, the natives are likely to take offence. Indeed, several Welshmen will probably take umbrage at that last sentence, accusing me of indulging in a grotesque caricature, and thereby confirming that it's true. I speak from experience. Back in 2001, when I was promoting How to Lose Friends & Alienate People, I had an unfortunate experience in Bangor. I was heading towards the local BBC studio for a radio interview, but got lost on the way and called the studio manager. “Where are you?” she asked. “I’m standing outside somewhere called Gorsaf Station so I think I’m in a town called Gorsaf, ” I replied. “Oh no, Mr Young, Gorsaf is the Welsh word for station. You’re in the right place. Wait there and I’ll come and fetch you.” During the broadcast I retold this story, pointing out how ridiculous it was that all road signs in Wales are in Welsh and English when only a small percentage of the population actually speaks Welsh. Obviously, saying such a thing on BBC Radio Wales was a colossal blunder, but I didn't realise quite how much of a mistake it was until afterwards. As I was leaving through the green room, I was buttonholed by the station manager. “I’ve got some rather bad news, Mr Young, " she said. I noticed that she couldn't repress a smile as she said this – a characteristic I've come to associate with the Welsh on delivering bad news. She continued: "One of our listeners took rather an exception to your remarks about the Welsh language and he’s come down to the studio to ’ave it out with you, like.” “Well, you’d better show me out the back way then, " I said. “Oh no, there is no back way. I’m afraid you’re going to ’ave to face the music.” She pronounced music with an upward lilt on the second syllable, almost as though she'd broken into song. By now it was clear that she was absolutely delighted by the turn events had taken. I stared through a little porthole separating the green room from the reception area and saw this little red-faced man stamping up and down, ears flushed red with anger: Rumplestiltskin! I braced myself and stepped through the door. "I'm terribly sorry about my – " "You carpet-bagging, English b–––––––, " he said. "You have the audacity to come to my country – my country, mind you – and tell me I don't have the right to be speaking my own bloody language!" For a second I was convinced he was going to hit me – by now the studio manager was openly laughing – but he managed to stop himself by exercising superhuman restraint. Instead, he treated me to a 45-minute lecture on the importance of the Welsh language as the linchpin of Welsh national identity. To describe it as "fascinating" would not be accurate. So be warned, Yanks. Soak up the beautiful scenery. Enjoy the lamb. Go and see Swansea beat Manchester United. But don't whatever you do make a light-hearted remark about the Welsh or their language.

The hotel bedrooms have been recently refurbished and offer stunning views of the grounds and the breathtaking foothills of Snowdonia National Park. The hotel has 12 ensuite rooms with modern facilities, six rooms in the main hotel and six rooms in the ´Stables annexe´. In the main house the rooms have an individual character and display many original features of the beautiful 17th century house. The Stables annexe adds a new dimension to the hotels appeal. The ground floor rooms offer the facility for the less mobile guest, and upstairs the Executive and Superior rooms provide a balcony for sitting and viewing the mature gardens and watching the wildlife. Access statement Our bedrooms are individually furnished and decorated, some with balconies or terraces. All have remote control Teletext TV, radio, direct-dial telephone, internet access, hair dryer and hospitality tray. In line with the Smoking ban, all bedrooms and public areas are smoke free. There are bedrooms with balconys and patios which may be requested for an additional charge; there is also a smoking area on the patio by the dining room.

1 Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Share: Pembrokeshire is an excellent base from which to explore the marvelously scenic southwest coast of Wales. A particularly delightful hike is along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Footpath. Laid out in 1970, it covers a distance of 167 mi along the coast from Carmarthen Bay to Cardigan Bay, and in doing so crosses the Pembrokeshire Coastal National Park. As walkers pass remote beaches and romantic steep cliffs, they're charmed by the landscape's magic as well as the chance to see rare sea birds such as puffins or razor-billed auks. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park covers an area of 225 sq mi and is Britain's only coastal national park. Address: Llanion Park, Pembroke Dock, Pembrokeshire 2 Pembroke Castle The most imposing Norman coastal fortress in Wales towers on the crest of a hill near the town of Pembroke. Built in 1090 by Arnulf, Earl of Pembroke, the castle offers magnificent views of the surrounding area from atop its massive round keep (75 ft). Adjoining the keep are the Prison Tower, the Norman Hall and the North Hall, from which a staircase leads down into the huge natural cavern known as the Wogan. On-site exhibits include the story of the many Earls of Pembroke, a medieval banquet, displays focusing on the Civil War battle that took place here between Cromwell's troops and the Pembroke Royalists, as well as the history of the famous Pembroke Yeomanry. Hours: Daily, 9:30am-5:30pm Admission: Adults, £5.50; Children (3-15), £4.50 Carmarthen: Merlin's Birthplace According to legend, Carmarthen - the oldest town in Wales - is the birthplace of the Celtic magician Merlin of Arthurian legend. Located on the River Towy just 9 mi inland from the bay of the same name, it's the county town of Dyfed (which consists of the counties of Carmarthen, Pembroke and Cardigan, and is well known for once having been an important market town and seaport).

Like George Owen (see post on 21st July) Humphrey Llwyd was an Elizabethan polymath: physician, antiquary and MP for Denbigh, it was later in life that he created the cartographic work for which he is best known. In a letter written just before his death in 1568 he sent the manuscript (now lost) of his map of Wales to Abraham Ortelius, who published it in his 1573 Additamentum (supplement) to Theatrum Orbis Terrarum , with the title Cambriae Typus. Cambriae Typus is the first printed map to show Wales as a separate region. It’s been suggested that the poor delineation of the coastline is because Llwyd based his map on earlier works, now lost, or even that Ortelius made a mistake in transferring the original manuscript into the final printed version. This map shows Wales as extending to the River Severn, thus including large parts of what is now England. The reason for this is that Llwyd was creating a historical and cultural map rather than a map to show the contemporary political situation. The inaccuracies in Llwyd’s map are even more inexplicable when compared to other contemporary maps of Britain which show the Welsh coast more accurately; as is the case with Saxton’s proof map of Wales of 1580. Unlike Owen and Llwyd, Christopher Saxton was a professional surveyor and this map appears to be an attempt to create a map of Wales. The map was never published, though much of the information appears in his wall map of England and Wales. The combination of printed plates and manuscript information, make this map unique; the first accurate rendering of features such as Anglesey, St Bride’s Bay and the Lleyn and Gower Peninsulas, makes this an invaluable historical and geographical source.

Romanticism in the Welsh Landscape Pulpit Room, Owen Owen Gallery, Bridge & Tannery Gallery A major exhibition of works from public and private collections to explore the seminal role of Wales in the origin and renewal of Romanticism, from the late eighteenth century to the present. Works by contemporary artists are set in the context of the ‘father’ of landscape painting, Richard Wilson of Penegoes, the great artists of the Romantic era and Neo-Romantics such as John Minton, John Piper and Graham Sutherland. Curated by Dr Peter Wakelin. Steven G. Bonfield The Language Landscape Ruralist Room Interactive paintings and sculptures filled with or covered by writing. Steven’s work fuses contemporary poetics, fine art and design to create objects whose physical characteristics are indivisible from the poem. Each piece is made to be touched as well as seen and read. Borth – Yma O Hyd Foyer Gallery On a shingle bank on the coast of Wales, surrounded by water on three sides, the village of Borth supports a defiantly individualistic, vibrant community. The photography of Bruce Cardwell, beautifully augmented by the insightful wordcraft of poet Elin ap Hywel and the evocative palette of painter Rhodri Evans, has created an intriguing portrait showcasing some of the many facets of this idiosyncratic village in Wales. Glenn Morris Anthropocene Sculpture Space ‘Anthropocene’ is a sculptural response, by artist Glenn Morris, to the very real and enormous impact man has on the environment and the future of mankind itself. Three massive figures made of reclaimed materials will occupy the Sculpture Space, two of which have been made for this exhibition. Jacob Buckland Line and Colour This is Jacob Buckland’s first exhibition at MOMA Wales showing paintings especially created for this show. His work reflects personal observations and feelings about a place, focusing on rural Welsh landscape and nature, and has an intriguing ephemeral quality. Wynne Jenkins Summer Canvases Through his painting Wynne Jenkins takes the opportunity to transform “everyday” scenes into an art form – the timelessness of Wales’ seascapes and mountains artistically unfold. He prefers the challenge of the palette knife, rather than the brush “to express with precision the emotional response to nature”.

Google's Chrome operating system could mark a turning point in computing, but many questions remain. Today's rumor is the OS will be released to developers next week, answering some questions but probably raising even more. Google had previously promised Chrome OS, in some form, before the end of this year. Chrome OS strikes me as being just enough Linux to allow an underpowered computer to run Chrome browser and connect to cloud-based applications. How exciting can that really be? On a netbook, Chrome OS may be enough to provide mobile functionality. On a desktop, Chrome OS may turn a PC into a glorified terminal, relying on the Internet for nearly everything the user does. There are many questions about Chrome OS, some of which may be answered when Google releases whatever it decides to make available to make good its promise to release the OS, in some form, before the end of this year. Among those questions: Just how limited will Chrome OS be? What will and won't it do? Will it natively run third-party applications on the hardware where it resides? Or just to connect to applications in the Internet cloud? Will cloud apps need to be written specifically for Chrome? Will Chrome create a standard for the look-and-feel for cloud application? Might Chrome only run applications that Google hosts? Will Chrome require-or even use-a hard drive? Might Chrome OS netbooks have a small silicon drive and nothing else? When Google promises an end to security hassles, such a viruses, malware, or updates, what trade-offs are required? Google has previously said Chrome is intended to be lightweight and get users connected to cloud applications quickly. The company seems to believe that cloud apps will become pervasive and will not require a very powerful machine to run them. Thus, Google is creating a very lightweight browser (Chrome) to run atop what amounts to an embedded operating system (Chrome OS) running on netbooks (to be released next year). I also expect the OS to include Gears, Google's technology for offline access to its cloud-based applications. What will Chrome do beyond that? Maybe nothing. If Google really believes its cloud rhetoric and is really serious that Chrome OS will be virus-free, maybe the new OS won't run applications, just the browser and Gears? Add a robust security mechanism, to make certain the cloud-based applications and Web sites haven't been tampered with, and Chrome could be a more secure operating system than we're used to. If only by keeping the computer from doing anything besides interacting with Web sites and web-based applications. I find that idea strangely attractive, though it will certainly result in devices with limited functionality, just like today's netbooks. However, performance may actually be better since netbooks could be freed from laboring to run Windows and heavy Windows applications. Google Chrome OS introduces a new computing model and may even change how we think about operating systems. Its importance hinges upon how widely and quickly cloud applications take center stage, what trade-offs customers are willing to make, and most importantly, what Chrome OS actually turns out to be.

Mid Wales Travel boasts the most modern luxury and executive coach fleet in the whole of Wales. Passenger safety and comfort is the most important factor in our business, and here's some of the reasons why customers prefer our coaches: - Plenty of leg room - we remove seats to make more leg room Reclining Seats - seats can be laid back to allow passengers to sleep in comfort Air Suspension - air suspension ensures the smoothest possible ride Double glazed windows - minimises road noise on the journey Air Conditioning Seat Belts Large storage space for luggage Individual Passenger Night lights Curtains On-board Toilet Hot and Cold water Tea and Coffee facilities Please note, not all these facilities are available on every coach - please ask for more details. Safety, Maintenance and Servicing Our coaches are checked above and beyond the requirements set out by law. We perform safety and maintenance checks whenever our coaches leave the depot, and regular servicing ensures our coaches are in the best condition. All our servicing is in-house at our purpose built workshops. We have full time mechanics and safety technicians employed to ensure the smooth running of our entire fleet. Green Coaches and the London Emission Zone We are a green company and take great care to ensure our coaches are modern and efficient. We are one of only a few coach companies in the area who's coaches are within the limits set by the London Emission Zone standards. This means our coaches can be driven within the London Emission Zone. Vanhool T9 - Executive 13 &14 Plated vehicles 43, 49 or 51 seats Toilets Air-conditioning Extra Leg Room (please request when booking) Servery (tea and coffee) Plaxton Profile Luxury Coaches 2009, 2010 Plate - 57 seater Coaches with Air-conditioning 60 Plate - 70 seater Coaches

The popular choices of Nepal, Colombia and Jordan have headed a top 10 list of countries to visit in 2016. But number eight on the list is a little closer to home – as Wales has been included, beating Kenya and Sri Lanka, and falling just behind El Salvador. The county bagged a spot in the top 10 by Rough Guides for its “extraordinary beauty” and “remarkably preserved historical sites”. The 240ft Llanrhaeadr waterfall is among the highest in England or Wales and sits within reach of the Shropshire border Mid Wales has plenty to shout about – and is enjoyed every year by thousands of Salopians who cross the border for short breaks and day trips. In fact, of the ‘Seven Wonders of Wales’ – Snowdon, Llangollen, Wrexham, Overton, Gresford, Llanrhaeadr and St Winefride’s Well – the majority lie within half an hour of Shropshire’s border. They include the Pontcysyllte World Heritage Site, which extends from Llangollen, with its Horseshoe Falls, the International Eisteddfod, heritage railway and nearby Pontcysyllte aqueduct, to the Shropshire border at Chirk, with the canal tunnel and impressive aqueduct spanning the England-Wales border. The tiny village of Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant, not far from Oswestry, is well off the beaten track but also attracts visitors in their droves each year. The village is the home to Pistyll Rhaeadr, one of the Seven Wonders of Wales. At 240ft Llanrhaeadr (Tan-y-Pistyll) waterfall is among the highest in England or Wales, with footpaths leading to the top of the falls and a cafe at the bottom. In Welshpool the medieval castle, fortress and grand country mansion of Powis Castle attracts thousands of visitors each year to explore its magnificent gardens. Heading further into the Mid Wales countryside visitors can discover Lake Vyrnwy with its wood sculpture park and RSPB nature reserve. The lake is a popular destination for days out, bird watchers, cyclists and hikers who want to explore Glyndwr’s Way, as well as hosting a variety of charity events each year. On its website, Rough Guides, which produces travel guide books, said: “There’s no better time to explore one of the finest natural playgrounds in Europe. “Many still underestimate this small country, often overshadowed by its neighbours. But these are exciting times for Wales – the country is winning accolades for its extraordinary beauty and remarkably preserved historical sites. “Culture vultures, foodies, festival junkies, adventurers, hikers and extreme sports enthusiasts will be spellbound here, be it amid the rugged peaks of Snowdonia, on the sandy beaches of the Gower Peninsula or in the quaint rural towns and villages.” While the big towns of Cardiff and Swansea in south Wales attract weekenders, and the north Wales coastal resorts of Llandudno and Conwy have always proved popular with holiday makers, there is plenty to attract visitors in Mid Wales as well. Val Hawkins, chief executive of Mid Wales Tourism, said she felt the area was sadly under-appreciated by many people. “People go to the towns in the south or the coast in the north, and it’s such a shame that people miss Mid Wales, ” she said. “The Mid Wales region is bordered by two national parks and the Cambrian mountains. It’s a fantastic area and so close to the Midlands. From Telford over to the coast is only a couple of hours, and you can get a train from London in the same sort of time. “There’s a huge amount of things to see and do. We’ve got phenomenal walking and cycling, we’ve got the coastal path, and we’ve got amazing wildlife, like the ospreys at Machynlleth. “In the Marches area we’ve got the lovely countryside and wonderful hotels. The quality of the accommodation is fantastic with a lot of award-winning hotels and farm bed & breakfasts. There’s a lot to offer and all so close.” Ms Hawkins said recognition by Rough Guides can only help make people more aware of what the region has to offer. Heritage sites make BBC shortlist Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, near Oswestry, shortlisted for best heritage site in Britain A heritage site that crosses from Shropshire into Wales has been shortlisted for the title of best heritage site in Britain, along with a South Shropshire manor house. BBC Countryfile magazine is running its annual competition to find the best of British – from beaches and nature reserves to gardens and pubs. There are just five nominations in the Heritage Site of the year, including the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, north west of Oswestry, and Stokesay Castle, near Craven Arms. Presenter, John Craven, who nominated Whitby, Hadrian’s Wall and Dunluce Castle, praised the merits of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. He said: “This engineering masterpiece was Britain’s longest, highest aqueduct when one of my heroes, Thomas Telford, completed it in 1805. It still carries the Llangollen canal over the Dee Valley in a 307m-long cast-iron trough, held by 19 pillars of 30m. Cross by narrow boat or on foot – you’ll need a head for heights.” He said Stokesay Castle was his “favourite little gem from the Middle Ages”. He added: “On seeing it I promptly fell for its charms.” One fan of the aqueduct, part of the 11-mile world heritage site from Chirk Bank in Shropshire to Ellesmere, is businessman is Peter Jones who has run the Jones the Boats company on the aqueduct for the past 25 years. He offers several different trips, from a 45-minute return crossing of the aqueduct to a longer Sunday lunch trip on a special restaurant boat. “I never tire of the aqueduct, the area is beautiful and changes with every season. The aqueduct is such a spectacular structure and yet many people don’t know it exists. They are really surprised when they get here. “The number of visitors has increased dramatically since it was named a world heritage site. We have tourists from American, Japan, China and of course Europe. This year we have a lot of coach trips from Germany booked in. And there is still room for our lovely local guests.”