Lampeter Campus

Lampeter Town

Although Lampeter is by no means a large town, it is the biggest one in the area, which means it has a surprisingly comprehensive selection of shops and services. It's obviously not the ideal place for those who can't live without the bright lights and buzzing nightlife of a big city, but if you prefer a friendly, safe atmosphere and a range of cosy pubs, it's perfect.

What are the shopping facilities like?

For essential provisions, there is a Sainsbury's supermarket close to the University and a large Co-op on the edge of town. The local Spar supermarket offers less choice but its late opening hours means that it is popular with students. There is also an assortment of all the smaller shops you would expect in a market town: a proper butchers, numerous bakeries, a health-food shop, chemists, hardware stores, newsagents, bookshops, gift shops, and various clothes and shoe shops.

What about the other services and facilities?

There is also a travel agent, post office, various hairdressers, four banks and a Doctors' Surgery.

There is a town swimming pool and students have free use of this facility during term at certain times of the day. Golf is relatively cheap and easily accessible at the nine-hole golf course just outside Lampeter.

There are many clubs and societies in Lampeter, both sporting and non-sporting. The sporting possibilities include cricket, rugby, snooker, pony-trekking, rambling, aerobics, fencing, karate and judo, among many others. For a full list of clubs and contacts, buy a copy of the excellent (and cheap) "Guide to Lampeter Town," available from local newsagents, or just ask a friendly local.

Amongst Lampeter's places of worship are the following: the Roman Catholic Our Lady of Mount Carmel on Church Hill, the Church in Wales St Peter's Church at the top of Church Hill and the Methodist St Thomas' Chapel on St Thomas' Square. The Baptist Noddfa Chapel at the bottom of Bridge Street, the Presbyterian Siloh Chapel on Temple Terrace and the Independent Soar Chapel on St Thomas' Square hold services in Welsh only.

Look in the local press (e.g. Cambrian News) for details of church services and special events.

Where can I eat out or go for a drink in Lampeter?

There are numerous cafés in town: one of them, Conti's, is a long-standing Lampeter institution that has served generations of students. There are also Chinese and Indian restaurants and take-aways, fish-and-chip shops, and a late night kebab shop. You can also get a meal at most of the dozen or so pubs in and around Lampeter. Particularly recommended for food are the Cwmann Tavern, the Royal Oak, and the Black Lion.

You'll soon decide which pubs have the kind of atmosphere, music, facilities, drinks and company that you like best. Many have pool (a kind of billiards) tables and dart boards. The Quarry, a local club, is a popular student haunt.