The area around the River Dyfi and Aberystwyth is a special place to live, work and visit, special because of its people, its culture and its distinctive environment.
It has some of the finest examples of special landscapes and wildlife in Europe. And on top of that it has a community that cares about it and takes care of this special place.
Dyfi Biosphere is part of a network of sites around the world, sharing knowledge and experiences and exploring new ideas.
We work locally to innovate so that local heritage, culture and economy can flourish in harmony with the environment.
Visitor attractions and visitor centres
From the coast and estuary to the heathlands and uplands, Dyfi’s diversity of landscapes and habitats means that whatever you choose to do on holiday, after an adventure or a quiet family holiday, you’re sure to be enjoying the scenery the whole time.
We’ve selected activities and attractions throughout the region that will allow you to get up close and personal with the local landscape. Whether it’s admiring the beauty of the coastline from the saddle of a donkey, admiring the scenery from the comfort of a steam train, or exploring the local oil shale mines, there are plenty of things to keep the whole family entertained.
And, of course, no holiday is complete without shopping: the Corris Craft Centre is brimming with gift ideas to make sure you go home with more rags than you came in.
Visitor centres at Dyfi Biosphere
Centre of Alternative Technology
CAT is a world-renowned visitor centre, a research and living centre powered exclusively by wind, solar and water power. Covering all aspects of green living - from forest management to energy renewal and green building - the centre runs courses on sustainable living as well as educational programmes for schools and graduate training programmes. There are seven acres of interactive displays on site, as well as a shop and vegetarian restaurant. There are also two eco-houses on site - hot water is heated by a wood cooker or solar panels, and electricity is provided by wind and water turbines.
Corris Craft Centre
From Celtic-inspired jewellery to quirky woodland furniture created from recycled and recycled materials, the Corris Craft Centre buzzes with the creative buzz of 8 independent artisans. Whether you're looking for a special gift, want to order furniture or just want to get a sniff, there's plenty to do. There's a small playground and various rides to keep the kids entertained. There is a café where you can freshen up after a retail therapy session.
B&Bs, self-catering and tree houses
There are two main ingredients that combine to create a fabulous place to stay in the Dyfi biosphere. Firstly, the natural landscape: if your idea of the perfect rural retreat includes inspiring views and breathtaking surroundings, you'll be spoilt for choice in this little corner of Wales. The second element is the friendly, characterful owners: it's their spirit and hard work that makes a stay in a rustic farmhouse comfortable, and a week of no-frills camping unforgettable. They work tirelessly to create an unforgettable holiday experience that lingers in your memory long after you've gone. They all take steps to ensure their business doesn't negatively impact the landscape, and they deserve our recognition. We've tracked down the best places to stay, from paradise hotels and beautiful bed and breakfasts to cool campsites, and all have been chosen for their commitment to preserve their stretch of Wales and encourage their guests to embrace the local landscape.