Red kite feeding area

The red kites around Aberystwyth are something of a local obsession, and once you've watched one of these magnificent raptors spiral overhead, you'll understand why. This feeding area in Ceredigion draws these reintroduced birds in remarkable numbers - you're looking at dozens on a good day, their forked tails and russet plumage unmistakable against the Welsh sky.

It's genuinely free, which is rare for wildlife watching this good. Timing matters though. Early morning or late afternoon gives you the best chance of seeing them actively hunting or being fed by locals who've made this their ritual. Winter tends to be quieter than spring, but the birds are here year-round.

You'll want a decent pair of binoculars and possibly a camera with a reasonable zoom. An hour is realistic if you're patient; two hours if you're the sort who can stand still watching raptors all day. The spot itself isn't a formal visitor centre - this is outdoor watching in real conditions, so dress for the weather.

For families, it depends on your kids' temperament. If they're into wildlife documentaries and can manage standing around without constant entertainment, they'll find it brilliant. Younger children might lose interest quickly unless a kite happens to dive overhead.

Staying at one of the nearby camps - Aber Camping is closest at under two miles - puts you perfectly for an early morning visit before doing other Ceredigion walks. It's the kind of thing that rewards commitment rather than casual dropping-in.