Overview

We visited Aberystwyth whilst touring the Welsh coast. I wanted to go up this funicular railway to benefit from the views over the bay and to have lunch at the cafe at the top. Our visit was in the last week of the summer holidays but the weather was wet and windy, so it wasn't busy. The lack of heat and the fact that there were no wasps out, resulted in my stress levels being pretty low and my tolerance levels higher than usual. This was one of those visits where my coping levels would have definitely made a difference to how it went.

Transport & Parking

First of all, there is a small car park at the base station, with some blue badge spaces. However, we arrived by motorhome and parked in the South Beach car park. It was then about a mile walk to the funicular. With hindsight, we should have turned off the prom and taken the long slow climb on the back street rather than heading to the end of the prom where it is then a very steep hill up to the station. I needed a lot of help to get up there!

Access

As we approached the station, we noticed a small step at the entrance. Because it is uphill, I wouldn't have been able to wheel over it. As we got closer, I spotted a wheelchair ramp to the left. This was a better gradient and I could manage independently while hubby went in to buy a ticket. If I'd been there by myself, I'm not sure how I'd have managed to buy a ticket. I waited at the top of the ramp and only then realised that I should have checked which side train was due. If the train had come in on the opposite side, I wouldn't have been in the right place. I think there is a similar ramp on the other side but fortunately, I happened to be on the correct side, but only by sheer luck. The wheelchair accessible carriage is at the front of the train. When the train arrives, a member of staff comes out to assist and puts a small ramp over the gap beween the platform and the train. It's relatively flat but a bit wonky. Once inside, they shut the door. There is no window, but there is a roof. In heavy rain, you do get a bit wet. The trip up the hill takes about 10 minutes, plus waiting time whilst they load. At the top, another member of staff comes with a ramp to help you get off. Again, it's a bit wonky but I managed fine. Then you go through a door and there's a normal lift to take you up to the top of the station. When you come out at the top, the first bit is another very steep hill. I needed hubby behind me to stop me tipping backwards. After that, the paths are flatter and well surfaced. There is a cafe, toilets and stunning views.

Toilets

There is an accessible toilet in the cafe building. Follow the signs round towards the right of the cafe and behind it. There is a ramp up to the toilets. The toilet itself is okay. There was plenty of space for me, good grab rails, it was clean.

Staff

All staff were lovely. They clearly wanted to make the experience as inclusive as possible. They were remarkably cheerful considering they were standing outside in torrential rain at one point.

Photos