Aberaeron among 10 finalists competing to be Wales Best Place

Aberaeron is one of ten finalists competing to be crowned Wales’ Best Place in a competition run by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Cymru, to celebrate some of our most attractive and inspiring places and the role planners have played in helping to protect or shape them for Welsh communities

Widely cherished for its stunning examples of striking Regency-style architecture, Aberaeron is regularly recognised as one of Wales’ most attractive seaside towns. The tranquil and picturesque setting of this harbour town, equally coupled by its thriving establishments and close-knit community, make Aberaeron one of the jewels in the crown of Ceredigion.

The top 10 best places in Wales have been whittled down by the Wales Best Places Judging Panel from over 200 nominations from the public.

The other finalists are:
• Aberaeron, Ceredigion
• Caernarfon, Gwynedd
• Cardiff Bay Inner Harbour, Cardiff
• Denbigh, Denbighshire
• Gower, Swansea
• The Hayes, Cardiff
• Llandudno Promenade and High Street, Conwy
• Merthyr Tydfil Town Centre, Merthyr Tydfil
• Snowdonia, Conwy and Gwynedd
• Tenby, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

The public can now vote for their favourite which will be crowned Wales’ Best Place.

Councillor Gareth Lloyd, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Economic and Community Development Services, Ceredigion County Council said: “Aberaeron was one of the first planned towns in Wales, and is recognised for its balanced offering of community, business and environmental needs. This is reflected by residents and workers who love living and working in the charming seaside town, and by the hundreds of thousands of visitors that come to the area every year to enjoy its delights.”

Peter Lloyd, Chair of RTPI Cymru said: “The competition has reminded us of the passion we have for places we love. The finalists, places clearly loved by the public, have been protected, carefully planned or improved by the planning system. I encourage everyone to get behind their favourite place to ensure it wins!”

The voting for Wales Best Places is being officially launched by RTPI Cymru at this year’s National Eisteddfod in Abergavenny. Similar successful competitions were held last year in England and Scotland in 2014.

Voting is open until Friday 30 September. There are 3 easy ways to vote:
1. Submit your vote online www.rtpi.org.uk/walesbestplace
2. Email it to walesbestplace@rtpi.org.uk
3. Tweet your vote for your chosen place, tagging  @WalesBestPlaces