The Magic of Life Butterfly House
Walk among free-flying tropical butterflies in a lush indoor rainforest in the heart of the Rheidol Valley, where nature, education and conservation come together in a unique, dog-friendly sanctuary.
Nestled in the lush Rheidol Valley near Aberystwyth, The Magic of Life Butterfly House is a tropical indoor sanctuary where hundreds of free-flying butterflies flutter among exotic plants, giant insects, and coral reef tanks. Run by biologists as a registered biodiversity charity, it offers a hands-on, all-weather experience for all ages. Visitors can gently feed butterflies, explore a native butterfly garden, and learn about life cycles in a warm, humid rainforest environment. Dogs are welcome, making it a rare pet-friendly butterfly attraction.
A brief summary to The Magic of Life Butterfly House
- CwmRheidol, Aberystwyth, SY23 3NB, GB
- +441970880928
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early in the day to enjoy the butterfly house with fewer visitors and see butterflies at their most active in the morning light.
- Wear comfortable, flat shoes and be prepared for warm, humid conditions inside the tropical house; light layers are ideal.
- Bring a camera or phone, but avoid using flash; the butterflies are sensitive to bright light, and natural light creates the best photos.
- If you have a dog, they are welcome here – keep them on a lead and move slowly to avoid startling the butterflies.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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By car
From Aberystwyth, follow the A44 towards Capel Bangor, then take the road signposted to Cwm Rheidol. Continue for about 10 miles along the valley road; the butterfly house is on the left, next to the Statkraft Power Station Visitor Centre. Free parking is available on site. Note that some satnavs may route you incorrectly up a steep, narrow lane; look for the brown tourist sign and the tarmac car park by the reservoir.
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By public transport
The nearest railway station is Aberystwyth, approximately 10 miles away. From there, local bus services and taxis serve the Rheidol Valley area. A taxi ride from Aberystwyth station to the butterfly house takes around 20–25 minutes and costs roughly 20–30 GBP, depending on the operator and time of day.
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By bicycle
The Rheidol Cycle Trail starts in Aberystwyth and follows the valley up to Cwm Rheidol, ending near the butterfly house. The route is mostly traffic-free and suitable for families, taking about 1–1.5 hours to cycle from Aberystwyth, depending on fitness and stops along the way.
The Magic of Life Butterfly House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Magic of Life Butterfly House
A Tropical Rainforest in the Welsh Valleys
Step through the doors of The Magic of Life Butterfly House and leave the cool, damp air of Ceredigion behind. Inside, a carefully maintained tropical environment hums with life: the air is warm and humid, thick with the scent of damp earth and flowering plants. Towering palms, banana leaves, and cascading vines create a dense canopy, while hundreds of free-flying butterflies drift and dart on silent wings. This is not a display case but a living, breathing ecosystem where visitors walk among the butterflies, watching them sip from nectar stations, rest on leaves, or even land on an outstretched hand.Butterflies, Beetles and Beyond
The heart of the experience is the butterfly house itself, home to up to 70 different species from tropical regions around the world. These include some of the largest and most vividly coloured butterflies on Earth, their wings flashing electric blues, deep oranges, and shimmering greens. Around them, giant caterpillars munch on host plants, and a variety of beetles, stick insects, and other invertebrates are displayed in the reception area. Outside, a well-established native butterfly garden attracts local species, offering a contrast between the exotic and the familiar. The site also features coral reef tanks and tropical fish, adding another layer of biodiversity to explore.A Charity with a Mission
The Magic of Life Butterfly House is run by biologists as part of a registered biodiversity charity, with a clear focus on education and conservation. The aim is to foster an appreciation and understanding of nature, particularly the intricate life cycles of insects and the importance of tropical ecosystems. Many of the butterfly pupae are sustainably farmed in the tropics, and the plants inside are chosen to support the butterflies’ needs. This educational ethos is woven into the experience, with opportunities to learn about metamorphosis, pollination, and habitat conservation in an engaging, hands-on way.A Welcoming, Hands-On Experience
One of the most memorable aspects is the chance to interact with the butterflies. Visitors can gently dip a finger into pots of sugar water and, if they are patient and still, may be rewarded with a butterfly landing to feed. The environment is designed to be accessible and family-friendly, with clear paths, hand-washing facilities, and accessible toilets. What makes this place truly unusual is that dogs are welcome, allowing pet owners to share the experience with their four-legged companions in a setting where such access is rare. The nearby information centre and picnic area make it easy to turn the visit into a relaxed day out in the valley.Planning Your Visit
The butterfly house is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, making it a reliable all-weather destination in the Rheidol Valley. It is located a short drive from Aberystwyth, with free parking available on site. The surrounding area offers woodland walks, waterfalls, and the Rheidol Cycle Trail, so it fits well into a broader day exploring the natural beauty of Ceredigion. Admission is charged, with concessions for children, seniors and groups, and the site is wheelchair accessible. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a family looking for an engaging day out, or simply curious about the delicate beauty of butterflies, this tropical haven in the heart of Wales offers a unique and memorable encounter with the natural world.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Hafod Estate
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Vale of Rheidol Railway
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Pen Dinas Hill Fort
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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White Leaf Clothing Boutique
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
