ThingsToDoWelsh collections, exhibitions and stories / ABERYSTWYTH
National Library of Wales
The library is a place to explore Welsh culture through exhibitions, images and objects as well as books. A visitor can enjoy the public displays without planning a research session, with a café break making the hilltop journey worthwhile. Choose a few stories that interest you and give them time; the collection is far larger than a single afternoon could absorb.
Exhibition hours are shorter than general building hours: currently Monday–Friday until 5.30pm and Saturday until 4.30pm. Plan Sunday elsewhere.
The practical details
- Where to find it
- Penglais, Aberystwyth SY23 3BU, above the town.
Directions and arrival information ↗ - Tickets and booking
- General admission and exhibitions are free. The library opens Monday–Saturday, with separate gallery, café and reading-room hours; Saturday café service is limited. Reading-room research requires separate registration and advance preparation, not an ordinary exhibition ticket.
- Access and getting around
- The main entrance has a ramp and automatic doors; lifts reach public areas, with accessible toilets and wheelchairs available. Arrange a loan ahead if needed. Walking from town involves a steep climb, so consider transport even when the building itself suits your access needs.
Official access information ↗ - Visiting with children
- There is a play area for young children, free activities in some exhibition spaces and baby changing. The dedicated family page describes the play area for under-fives; ask about suitability for older children. Café access with a buggy is straightforward.
Practical information checked 15 September 2026. Confirm anything essential to your visit with the venue.
Make it part of your day
Allow 1½–2 hours, plus any meal for the visit, plus travel and breaks. This is a suggested planning allowance; opening times, access and availability may affect your plans.
Explore more ideas for your day →HELP IMPROVE THIS GUIDE
Was this useful?
Tell us what helped, what is missing or what needs correcting. Your feedback goes to the editor.