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11 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Swansea

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Mar 22, 2023

The second largest city in Wales, Swansea is also the name of the county in which this important cultural and economic center can be found. This coastal town is known as "Abertawe" in Welsh, and its suburbs extend as far as the scenic Gower Peninsula .

A port at the mouth of the River Tawe, Swansea grew in size thanks to the export of iron, coal, and copper, the latter once so important that it leant Swansea its nickname of "Copperopolis." These days, Swansea is now an important trading center, university town, and industrial base.

It's also a big draw for tourists and one of the top places to visit in Wales thanks to its vibrant cultural life. Find the best things to do in this lovely coastal town with our list of the top tourist attractions in Swansea, Wales.

1. Explore the Gower Peninsula

2. three cliffs bay, 3. the dylan thomas birthplace, 4. take a stroll in clyne gardens, 5. shopping in swansea market, 6. visit during the swansea international festival, 7. the mumbles and swansea bay, 8. national waterfront museum, 9. the swansea museum, 10. the dylan thomas centre, 11. glynn vivian art gallery, map of tourist attractions in swansea, swansea - climate chart.

The Mumbles form the gateway to the Gower Peninsula (Penrhyn Gŵyr), a limestone massif of great scenic beauty. In fact, it's so attractive that the charming Welsh south coast here has been classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It's also a nature reserve that, apart from the towns and villages, is only accessible on foot. It's one of the top places to capture beautiful pictures in Wales .

There are a number of great beaches to explore here, including sandy stretches at Langland and Caswell Bay. Both are particularly popular among surfers. In fact, the Gower Peninsula is becoming an increasingly popular place to visit for tourists who like outdoor adventures. Whether you like to walk, waterski, abseil, sail, wakeboard, or play golf, you're sure to find something fun to keep you occupied.

If there's time in your travel itinerary, try to visit a Norman castle, the castles at Pennard and Oystermouth in particular are worth a trip. You can also stop to see Arthur's Stone , a famous monument along the ridge at Cefn Bryn .

The peninsula boasts a mild oceanic climate and good soil on its chalky clay deposits, making it ideal for agriculture. This fact is reflected by the wide variety of crops grown in the market gardens around Bishopston and Killay.

Also of interest is Weobley Castle. Located on the opposite side of the Gower Peninsula from Swansea, this attractive 13th-century house combines domestic comfort with security.

Location: West Glamorgan, Wales

Also often referred to as "Three Cliff Bay," this breathtakingly beautiful bay is situated on the south coast of the Gower Peninsula just 20 minutes' drive away from downtown Swansea. So named for the three cliffs that jut into the bay, it's a perfect place for a walk or picnic.

Although getting down to the beaches can be a bit steep and cumbersome, the view when you get there is worth every step. The bay is actually home to a number of beaches each side of the main beach. Be warned, though, that they're usually only accessible when the tide is out, when the area appears to be one large beach.

Many tourists enjoy the spot so much that they park caravans nearby to enjoy a camping holiday. Others bring their dogs along to frolic in the water.

This restored home of famed Welsh poet and writer Dylan Thomas allows tourists to step back in time. Guests can enjoy an Edwardian afternoon tea party, lunch, or dinner in Thomas's old abode. They can even eat in Thomas's parlor and snoop through his study while soaking up stories of the poet's life on a guided tour.

If walking through the house isn't enough, guests may even choose to spend the night here. Tourists are more than welcome to snuggle up in one of the house's cozy, perfectly restored bedrooms, which remain much as they would have in 1914.

Another plus: the owners of the house offer guided tours of Thomas's old haunts. A well-trained guide takes tourists through Swansea, the Uplands, Mumbles , and Gower , and makes them feel as if they're seeing these places through Thomas's eyes.

Those who really want to impress their friends can even hire actors to perform Thomas's works at the house. Be sure to call before visiting, as the house may be booked for an event.

Address: 5 Cwmdonkin Drive, Uplands, Swansea, Wales

Official site: http://dylanthomasbirthplace.com/

Swansea boasts many magnificent parks. But its Clyne Gardens are perhaps the city's most popular green space. Established in 1860 and famed for its colorful displays of rhododendrons and azaleas, this superb botanical garden, once part of the old Swansea Castle, consists of 47 acres of parkland and gardens.

All told, the grounds feature more than 2,000 species of plants, including over 800 varieties of the aforementioned rhododendrons. A lovely gazebo is a park highlight and was built by an old admiral in order to keep an eye on ships entering Swansea Bay.

Other features to check out are the bamboo-filled Japanese garden, an artificial lake with scenic bridges and a waterfall, the bog garden and bluebell wood, as well as the 1908 Clyne Chapel.

Address: Mayals, Swansea, Wales

Official site: www.swansea.gov.uk/clyne

Swansea's mostly indoor market offers a perfect escape from the rain, not to mention a good excuse to treat oneself to something tasty or shiny. Although markets have been held in the streets of Swansea since the Middle Ages, much of the city's modern day market is held indoors, and has been since the 1700s.

Today, this shopping mecca is not only the largest indoor market in Wales, it's also home to more than 100 stalls selling everything from jewelry to tomatoes. Delicacies include varieties of strong Welsh cheese, mussels from nearby Burry Bay, and laver bread made from seaweed and served with oatmeal. With so much to choose from – shoes, ornaments, clothing, books, and greeting cards are also available here – everyone will find something nice to take home. The market is held everyday except Sunday.

Once you have finished browsing, enjoy wandering through the wide Kingsway at the heart of the town center. Those who are still fighting the shopping bug can visit the city's main shopping areas along Union Street, Oxford Street, High Street, Princess Way, and Portland Street.

Address: Oxford Street, Swansea, Wales

Official site: www.swanseaindoormarket.co.uk

The cultural life of Swansea, which counts the eloquent Welsh poet Dylan Thomas (1914-1953) among its sons, is always lively, with the theater and the arts well supported.

The Swansea International Festival (formerly the Swansea Festival of Music and the Arts) is the high point of the town's social calendar. This world-renowned event takes place every October (and sometimes during late September) at a variety of venues around town.

These include Brangwyn Hall, All Saints Church, Great Hall, Taliesin Arts Centre, the National Waterfront Museum, and Volcano Theatre. This popular annual festival includes various large-scale concerts by world-famous orchestras, as well as local musical talent, theatrical productions, opera performances, and art exhibits.

Another popular Swansea event is the Gower Festival . This two-week festival offering nightly performances of choral and chamber music.

Official site: www.gowerfestival.org

The Mumbles, a headland that is part of wide Swansea Bay, is a wonderful place to walk and explore. Called "Mwmbwls" in Welsh, this fishing village sits at the western edge of the bay. Thanks to its long promenade, piers, cafés, restaurants, and numerous entertainment facilities, it's a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

The Mumbles is a great place to cycle, rest, or wander while soaking up the refreshing atmosphere. With a bevy of play areas throughout, kids love coming here, too.

On a hill above the Mumbles lie the ruins of 13th-century Oystermouth Castle with its gatehouse, great hall, and chapel. A prominent lighthouse stands on Mumbles Head, the two cliffs from which the area gained its name.

Address: Castle Ave, The Mumbles, Swansea, Wales

A mere 10-minute walk from the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, the architecturally stunning National Waterfront Museum (Amgueddfa Genedlaethol y Glannau) is a must-see when in Swansea. Highlighting over 300 years of industry and innovation in Wales, this fun museum uses hi-tech displays and exhibits to show just how important the region was to the development of Britain.

Highlights of the museum's 15 themed galleries are old steam-powered machines and railway engines, as well as a variety of maritime-related artifacts. Once you've had your fill of innovation, walk by the Swansea Docks to the Swansea Marina , where you can gawk at historic sailing vessels and inhale the deep-sea air. Admission is free.

Address: Oystermouth Road, Maritime Quarter, Swansea, Wales

Official site: https://museum.wales/swansea/

No visit to this Welsh city is complete without taking a look at the Swansea Museum. The oldest museum in Wales, the Swansea Museum was established in 1841.

Today a visit to this fine establishment is undoubtedly one of the best things to do for free in Swansea. Among its six galleries are everything from ancient Egyptian mummies to fascinating exhibits dealing with life in the city during two World Wars.

Swansea Museum also has a number of interesting annexes. Located in the city's Maritime Quarter are a number of historic vessels, including a lightship and a tugboat, as well as a large collection of memorabilia and artifacts related to public transit housed in the city's former tram shed. A gift shop is located on the premises.

Address: Victoria Rd, Maritime Quarter, Swansea, Wales

Official site: www.swanseamuseum.co.uk

Located in the historic old Swansea Guildhall, the Dylan Thomas Centre houses a superb exhibition focusing on the work and life of the great Welsh poet after which it's named. A permanent exhibit, "Love the Words," uses Thomas' writing, including letters and published works, as well as photographs, to explore the poet's rich life.

The center also serves as a focal point for a variety of leading literary events and festivals, including the annual Dylan Thomas Festival held each autumn. It also hosts a regular program of music performances and book readings.

Address: 6 Somerset Place, Swansea, Wales

Official site: www.dylanthomas.com

The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery was founded in 1911 to display the artistic works donated by Richard Glynn Vivian, a well-travelled art collector from a wealthy copper family. The gallery received a multi-million-dollar renovation in 2016, which turned it into a more modern place to store art collected over the past century.

Today, the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery is supported by a grant from the Arts Council of Wales and the Heritage Lottery Fund. It boasts a varied collection of a range of visual arts, including works from masters such as Monet and contemporary Welsh artists like Bedwyr Williams, Gwen John, Ceri Richards, and Augustus John. It's also affiliated with the much-celebrated Tate galleries in London.

The gallery also features a vast collection of Swansea China and porcelain, as well as European and Oriental ceramics and glass paperweights. Those who are feeling peckish can grab a quick bite in the café before taking in a lecture or performance event.

Address: Civic Centre, Oystermouth Road, Swansea, Wales

Official site: www.glynnvivian.co.uk

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Places to Visit near Swansea: Cardiff is a must-stop for those with time to spare. About an hour's drive from Swansea, the nation's capital offers plenty of things to do and see. From castles to museums, there's something for everyone. Cardiff is a great jumping-off point for other fun day trips, including Brecon Beacons National Park and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. For more ideas on what to see and do in Wales, have a look at our list of the top tourist attractions in Wales .

Exciting Places to Explore: Wales offers endless amounts of activities for those who love adventure. Hike 3,560 feet to the top of Mount Snowdon or ride the Snowdon Mountain Railway in Snowdonia National Park . Swim in a pool at the base of the 90-foot-high Henryd Falls in Coelbren or get up close and personal with stalagmites and stalactites in Dan yr Ogof , both of which top our list of top tourist attractions in South Wales .

Fans of myths and legends will love Carmarthen, Wales's oldest town and the supposed birthplace of the Celtic magician Merlin (of Arthurian legend fame). Read our list of the top tourist attractions on the Pembrokeshire Coastline to learn more.

Castles Galore: Who doesn't love a good castle? Wales is filled with these relics, many of which offer spectacular views, as well as a glimpse into the life of the royals of yesteryear. A few of our favorites include Beaumaris , Conwy , and Caernarfon castles. All three made our list of top tourist attractions in North Wales. Another of our most loved? Pembroke Castle, a Norman coastal fortress, which sits on the Pembrokeshire Coastline .

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Swansea / Abertawe

Swansea or Abertawe in Welsh, which means “mouth of the Towe”, is located in South Wales, is a vibrant and historic city that has played a significant role in shaping the cultural, industrial, and maritime heritage of the United Kingdom. With a rich tapestry of history, breathtaking landscapes, and a thriving community, Swansea stands as a testament to the resilience and spirit of the Welsh people.

Nestled on the stunning coastline of Swansea Bay, the city boasts a mesmerising blend of natural beauty and urban charm. Its picturesque beaches, such as Swansea Bay and Caswell Bay, attract visitors from near and far, offering opportunities for relaxation, water sports, and scenic walks along the promenade. The breathtaking Gower Peninsula, Britain’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is just a stone’s throw away, boasting rugged cliffs, golden beaches, and an abundance of wildlife.

Swansea’s history dates back to medieval times when it was a small market town. However, it was during the Industrial Revolution that the city experienced significant growth. With the discovery of vast coal reserves in the region, Swansea became a major centre for the copper and coal industries. The copper smelting industry thrived, earning Swansea the nickname “Copperopolis.” Today, remnants of this industrial heritage can still be seen in the city’s architecture and museums, such as the National Waterfront Museum and the Swansea Museum.

The city has also been a hub of cultural and intellectual activity. Swansea University, a prestigious institution renowned for its research and academic excellence, attracts students and scholars from all over the world. The Dylan Thomas Centre, dedicated to the life and works of the famous Welsh poet, celebrates Swansea’s literary heritage. The city’s vibrant arts scene is showcased through various festivals, including the Swansea Festival of Music and the Arts.

Sports hold a special place in the heart of Swansea’s residents. The Liberty Stadium, home to both Swansea City Football Club and the Ospreys rugby team, unites fans in their passion for these sports. Swansea City’s rise to the English Premier League in recent years has brought national recognition to the city and added to its sporting legacy.

Swansea’s people are known for their warmth and friendliness, making it a welcoming destination for tourists and residents alike. The city centre offers a diverse range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, catering to all tastes and preferences. From traditional pubs serving hearty Welsh dishes to international cuisines, there is something to satisfy every palate.

In terms of transportation, Swansea is well connected. The city has a comprehensive bus network, making it easy to navigate within and around the area. Swansea railway station provides convenient access to other parts of Wales and the rest of the UK. For those looking to travel further afield, Cardiff Airport is within a reasonable distance.

Swansea’s future looks promising, with ongoing developments aimed at enhancing its cultural, economic, and environmental sustainability. Projects such as the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon, a proposed renewable energy scheme, and the regeneration of the city’s waterfront area demonstrate the commitment to innovation and progress.

In conclusion, Swansea encapsulates the best of Wales: a city steeped in history, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, and embracing a vibrant community spirit. Whether you seek adventure along the coast, cultural enrichment, or simply a warm Welsh welcome, Swansea is a destination that will leave a lasting impression.

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The most heavily populated part of Wales, and by far the most anglicized, is the south. This is a region of distinct character, whether in the resurgent seaport cities of Cardiff and Swansea , the mining-scarred Valleys or the dramatically beautiful Glamorgan and Pembrokeshire coasts.

The Wye Valley

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Monmouthshire, Wales’s easternmost county, abuts the English border and contains the bucolic charms of the River Wye and Tintern Abbey . To the west and north, although the coal mines no longer operate, the world-famous Valleys retain their tight-knit towns and a rich working-class heritage, and some excellent museums and colliery tours, including Big Pit at Blaenafon and the Rhondda Heritage Park in Trehafod.

The Valleys course down to the great ports of the coast, which once shipped Wales’s products all over the world. The greatest of them all was Cardiff , now Wales’s upbeat capital and an essential stop. Further west is Wales’s second city, Swansea – rougher, tougher and less anglicized than Cardiff, it sits on an impressive arc of coast that shelves round to the delightful Gower Peninsula , replete with grand beaches, rocky headlands, bracken heaths and ruined castles.

Carmarthenshire , often missed out, is well worth visiting: of all the routes radiating from the county town of Carmarthen , the most glorious is the winding road to Llandeilo along the Tywi Valley , past ruined hilltop forts and two of the country’s finest gardens. Immediately east sits Wales’s most impressively sited castle at Carreg Cennen , high on a dizzy rock-plug on the edge of the Black Mountain. The wide sands fringing Carmarthen Bay stretch towards the popular seaside resort of Tenby , a major stop on the 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path . The rutted coastline of St Bride’s Bay is the most glorious part of the coastal walk, which leads north to brush past the impeccable mini-city of St Davids , whose exquisite cathedral shelters in a protective hollow. Nearby are plenty of opportunities for spectacular coast and hill walks, boat crossings to nearby islands, wildlife-watching and numerous outdoor activities.

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Dylan Thomas called SWANSEA (Abertawe) – his birthplace – an “ugly, lovely town”, which fellow poet Paul Durcan updated to “pretty, shitty city”. Both ring true. Sprawling and boisterous, with around 200,000 people, Swansea may be only the second city of Wales, but it’s the undoubted Welsh capital of attitude, coated in a layer of chunky bling. The city centre was massively rebuilt after devastating bomb attacks in World War II, and a jumble of tower blocks now dot the horizon. But closer inspection reveals Swansea’s multifarious charms: some intact old corners of the city centre, the spacious and graceful suburb of Uplands , a wide seafront overlooking Swansea Bay and a bold marina development around the old docks. Spread throughout are some of the best-funded museums in the country, including the stunning National Waterfront Museum.

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Brief history

Swansea’s Welsh name, Abertawe, refers to the mouth of the River Tawe , a grimy ditch that is slowly recovering after centuries of abuse by heavy industry. The city itself dates back to 1099 when William the Conqueror’s troops built a castle here. A settlement grew around this, later exploiting its location between the coalfields and the sea to become a shipbuilding centre, and then, by 1700, the largest coal port in Wales. Copper smelting took over as the area’s dominant industry in the eighteenth century, and this attracted other metal trades, developing the region into one of the world’s most prolific metal-bashing centres.

Maritime Quarter

The spit of land between Oystermouth Road, the sea and the Tawe estuary has been christened the Maritime Quarter – tourist-board-speak for the old docks – with legions of modern flats surrounding a vast marina.

National Waterfront Museum

On the marina, Swansea’s sublime National Waterfront Museum was carved out of the shell of the old Industrial and Maritime Museum, which has been stunningly extended to house a breathtakingly varied set of exhibitions dealing with Wales’s history of innovation and industry. The museum is divided into fifteen zones, looking at topics such as energy, landscape, coal, genealogy, networks and money, and each section is bursting with interactive technology. Within the complex, there are shops, a café and a lovely waterfront balcony.

The Wye Valley , along with the rest of Monmouthshire, was finally recognized as part of Wales in the local government reorganization of 1974. Before then, the county was officially included as part of neither England nor Wales, so that maps were frequently headlined “Wales and Monmouthshire”. Most of the rest of Monmouthshire is undoubtedly Welsh, but the woodlands and hills by the meandering River Wye have more in common with the landscape over the border. The two main centres are Chepstow , with its massive castle, and the spruce, old-fashioned town of Monmouth , sixteen miles upstream. Six miles north of Chepstow lie the atmospheric ruins of the Cistercian Tintern Abbey .

The Three Castles

The fertile, low-lying land between the Monnow and Usk rivers was important for easy access into the agricultural lands of South Wales, and in the eleventh century the Norman invaders built a trio of strongholds here to protect their interests. In 1201, Skenfrith , Grosmont and White castles were presented by King John to Hubert de Burgh, who employed sophisticated new ideas on castle design to replace the earlier, square-keeped structures. In 1260, the advancing army of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd began to threaten the king’s supremacy in South Wales, and the three castles were refortified in readiness. Gradually, the castles were adapted as living quarters and royal administration centres, and the only return to military usage came in 1404–05, when Owain Glyndŵr’s army pressed down to Grosmont, only to be defeated by the future King Henry V. The castles slipped into disrepair and were finally sold separately in 1902, the first time since 1138 that the three had fallen out of single ownership.

Tintern Abbey

has inspired writers and painters for more than two centuries – Wordsworth and Turner among them. Such is its popularity, however, that it’s best to go out of season or at either end of the day to avoid the crowds. The abbey was founded in 1131 by Cistercian monks from Normandy, though most of the remaining buildings date from the massive rebuilding and expansion of the fourteenth century, when Tintern was at its mightiest. Its survival after the Dissolution is largely due to its remoteness, as there were no nearby villages ready to use the abbey stone for rebuilding.

The centrepiece of the complex is the magnificent Gothic church , whose remarkable tracery and intricate stonework remain intact. Around the church are the less substantial ruins of the monks’ domestic quarters and cloister, mostly reduced to one-storey rubble. The course of the abbey’s waste-disposal system can be seen in the Great Drain, an irregular channel that links kitchens, toilets and the infirmary with the nearby Wye. The Novices’ Hall lies handily close to the Warming House, which together with the kitchen and infirmary would have been the abbey’s only heated areas, suggesting that novices might have gained a falsely favourable impression of monastic life before taking their final vows.

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Swansea Bay

Day trip ideas from Swansea for your clients

Swansea is a great base for FITs and groups. These itinerary ideas features museum and galleries, the coast, castles, golf, gardens, whisky tasting and an opportunity to learn about the life of the Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas.

These suggestions are generally suitable for FITs and groups but we have noted if any are not applicable. We have also included coach parking information where relevant.

The city of Swansea is a great base for exploring Swansea and the surrounding area. There is easy access to the sandy 5 mile (8 km) sweep of Swansea Bay and the spectacular coast of the Gower Peninsula and the open green countryside, enabling many contrasting day trips. Here are some suggestions.

Coach parking information for Swansea, Mumbles and Gower.

City of Swansea

Swansea ( Abertawe in Welsh, meaning the mouth of the River Tawe) sits on the edge of Swansea Bay . There is little left of Swansea’s industrial past, as “Copperopolis", a dock for the heavy copper smelting in the Swansea Valley.

Swansea Castle

A modern Maritime Quarter, buzzing with bars and cafes, has replaced most of the old docks. Dylan Thomas, a son of Swansea, is the most quoted writer in the English language after Shakespeare. The Dylan Thomas Centre in the Maritime Quarter has the Man and Myth exhibition which captures the essence of Dylan’s life. Guided tours of the exhibition can be arranged for groups.

Visitors can also visit 5 Cwmdonkin Drive, Dylan Thomas birthplace and where he lived for 23 years, writing two-thirds of his work. There are tours of the house, afternoon teas and, for a truly unique experience, visitors can stay the night. A group discount is available for 10 or more visitors. Other tours on offer will take visitors to all Dylan Thomas’ haunts in and around Swansea and further afield to Laugharne and West Wales.

To meet the warm-hearted people of Swansea and Gower head for Swansea indoor market , where stalls are piled high with fresh, local produce. Try the seafood delicacies, cockles and laverbread (seaweed) from Gower.

Dylan Thomas Centre, Dylan Thomas birthplace and Swansea Market

© Phil Rees / 2014

© Dylan Thomas' Birthplace

©  Swansea Council / Cyngor Abertawe

Private walking tours around Swansea can be arranged throughout the year with Fogo's Free Tours . Tours are available in English, Italian and Spanish. ( All 'free' tours operate on a 'pay as you feel' basis after the tour) .

Visit Swansea Arena for a range of shows and events throughout the year. The 3,500 seat capacity is in the heart of the city.

Fogo's Free Tours outside Swansea Arena

© Eugene Fogarty

© Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd

Museums and galleries

The National Waterfront Museum in Swansea tells the story of industry and innovation in Wales, now and over 300 years. It also has a fun-packed events programme and excellent facilities for visitors. Free entry. Groups should book in advance and will benefit  benefit from 10 per cent off in the museum café and shop on a minimum spend of £5 per person and complimentary refreshments for the coach driver. Coaches are unable to park at the National Waterfront Museum’s Oystermouth Road car park. Swansea Council recommends dropping off by Swansea Museum (SA1 1SN), near Burrows Place, and then using the parking bays in the Fabian Way Park and Ride, (Fabian Way, Port Tennant, Swansea SA1 8LD), before returning for pick up.

National Waterfront Museum

The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery , housed in a very handsome Edwardian building in the city, offers a broad range of visual arts. Paintings from Monet and Pissaro to modern works and sculptures by Barbara Hepworth are on permanent display.

Glynn Vivian Art Gallery

© Chris Boorman

Photography: Polly Thomas

Beaches, walks and activities

Swansea is often referred to as the “Gateway to Gower”. 

The Gower Peninsula was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) nearly 70 years ago, the first in the UK. It’s west of Swansea and packed with a captivating coastline, world class beaches, a coastal path along dramatic craggy cliff tops, wild moorland and an abundance of historic sites.

Gower is relatively small in area, 19 miles (30 kms) long, There’s plenty to do to appreciate the beauty of this special area, including walking, golf, horse riding, surfing, paddle boarding and kayaking around the coast.

Cycling, walking and golf on the Gower Peninsula

Visitors can enjoy the promenade walk along the seafront from Swansea to Oystermouth Castle 4 miles (7 km) in Mumbles. The 12 th century castle on a high ridge commands stunning views across Swansea Bay. Kings, lords and ladies have lived within the thick stone walls through centuries of turmoil. Look for the 14th century graffiti art and explore a medieval labyrinth of vaults, chambers and rooms. A variety of open air events are regularly held at the castle.  Advance booking is required for groups over 15 and tours are available.

Mumbles has a range of specialist shops and places to eat and drink. Walk to Mumbles Pier  and Bracelet Bay for spectacular views including the lighthouse and limestone cliffs. 

Your clients may also want to include a visit to one of Cadw's castles in the area including  Loughor Castle   and  Weobley Castle  (suitable for FITs only).

Oystermouth Castle, Loughor Castle and Weobley Castle

Wales is a golfer’s paradise with around 200 courses, many of them championship courses.   Swansea and Gower have their fair share. Play, eat and stay at The Gower Golf Club . Marvel at the view of Three Cliffs Bay from the Pennard Golf Club . Along the rugged coast towards Caswell Bay lies Langland Bay Golf Club . 

These are just three of the many courses for the keen golfer, within easy reach of Swansea, all at affordable prices and all ready to receive visitors with a Welsh style ‘Croeso’ (Welcome).

Langland Bay and Pennard golf clubs

The boathouse, in the coastal village of Laugharne, was home to Dylan Thomas, his wife Caitlin and their two children for many years. Here, in the writing shed, he wrote many of his best works, including Under Milk Wood . The views of the Taf Estuary and the north coast of Gower would have been an inspiration. Dylan Thomas Boathouse is now a museum, shop and tea room. Coaches can drop off next to the car park by the estuary and park in St Martin’s Church car park. Group rates are available. T he village is dominated by the picturesque ruin of Laugharne Castle . Visitors can enjoy a drink at Brown's Hotel , in the bar where Dylan enjoyed a pint most nights. For more on Dylan Thomas see the three day itinerary  In the Footsteps of Dylan Thomas .  

Dylan Thomas Boathouse, Laugharne Castle and Brown' Hotel

The green flag status  Clyne Gardens is internationally famous for its Pieris, Rhododendrons and Enkianthus. The national collections and rare species are set within ancient woodland and bog garden which provides views toward Swansea bay. Limited parking is available but there are opportunities for on-road parking. Coach groups are welcome if notified in advance. Coaches can drop-off and pick-up at the bus stop opposite The Woodman Pub which is around10min walk to the gardens. Other gardens to explore in the city centre are Plantasia and Swansea Botanical Gardens in Singleton Park.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Clyne Gardens (@friendsofclyne)

Within an hour’s easy drive from Swansea 30 miles (48 km), visitors can spend a day at the National Botanic Garden of Wales , set in 600 acres of 18th century parkland. Its centrepiece is the vast glasshouse, the world’s largest single span glass structure. There is plenty more to enjoy, including walled gardens, lakes and areas of varied planting. It is also home of the British Bird of Prey Centre who offer Eagle Experience Wales , a private session flying three of the largest birds of prey in the UK. There is a shop and restaurant on site. Visitors can make the most of their visit with a number of trails and apps. Coach parking is available and the driver and tour guide get free entry and a meal voucher. A group discount is available for 10 or more.

National Botanic Garden of Wales

© National Botanic Garden of Wales

Near the National Botanic Garden in Llanarthne is Aberglasney Mansion and Gardens ,  a garden lost in time. There are 10 acres of gardens, including the Elizabethan Cloister Garden, Asiatic Garden, Alpinum, Upper Walled Garden, Lower Walled Garden (Kitchen Garden), Pool Garden and the 18th century Yew Tunnel. The ground floor of the grade II listed mansion is open to visitors and there is also a café and shop on site. Coach parking is available and the driver gets free entry and a meal voucher. 

Aberglasney Mansion and Gardens

Nature - walking and waterfalls

A picturesque drive of around 30 minutes, 16 miles (27 km) through the Neath Valley takes the visitor to the southern edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park  to Waterfall Country. It’s a very popular and beautiful part of the National Park and the Fforest Fawr Geopark , with its steep-sided tree-lined gorges, caves and a large number of impressive waterfalls. The adventurous can walk on a natural path behind the most famous waterfall, Sgwd yr Eira, 'fall of snow'. Walkers and climbers, photographers, cavers and canoeists are drawn to this truly unique and remarkable area. Clients can even take a leisurely trip on a vintage train with  Brecon Mountain Railway . There is a licenced tea room and shop on-site and discounted rates are offered for groups of 20 or more.  Free coach parking is available. 

Sgwd yr Eira and  Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)

Craig-y-nos Country Park provides 40 acres to explore in the Upper Swansea Valley. Part of the  Fforest Fawr UNESCO Global Geopark, a Discovery Point has been created for visitors to plan their exploration of the Geopark.  The paths are easy to follow, most of which are surfaced, and travel alongside rivers, large beech trees, meadows, woodland and lakes. The car park is suitable for minibuses.

WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre has so much wildlife to explore in over 500 acres. Highlights at the nature reserve include a flamboyance of flamingos who have made their home there. Free coach parking and free entry for the coach driver and group organiser are available. There is a gift shop and  café on site.

WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre

© WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre

The Spirit of Wales

Penderyn Swansea Copperworks Distillery opened in July 2023 and is their third premises in Wales. Located in a development which is transforming into a tourism hotspot due to it's copper heritage, clients will be able to see the 'copper tunnel' on a tour. There is also an exhibition area, a tasting bar and a shop on-site. Masterclasses are also available. Coach parties are welcomed and a group discount is offered.  Their car park is large enough for coaches and there is usually space at the end of the car park. Entry for coaches is via the Landore Park and Ride barrier. 

The copper tunnel at Penderyn Swansea Copperworks Distillery

© Penderyn Distillery

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Swansea / Abertawe

Central Library, Oystermouth Road, Swansea, West Glamorgan, SA1 3SN

StoryTrails features digital experiences that invites residents to experience Swansea like they’ve never seen before through augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and an immersive emotional map of Swansea. The experiences centre around Swansea library as well as on the streets of Swansea itself. Or you can experience it from the comfort of your own home by downloading the Story-Trails app.

Immersive technology allows audiences to travel through time and space to experience the place where they live in new and magical ways. You can explore stories across virtual and augmented reality and via a series of installations by visiting the StoryTrails station at your local participating library. 92% of participants in StoryTrails said they’d learnt something new about their town or city using AR. Download the Story-Trails app here and see what you can discover for yourself about Swansea.

Outside the library you can start a guided bespoke augmented reality trail which takes you on an interactive tour of Swansea. All equipment can be borrowed for free from the library. Local landmarks are transformed to become interactive scenes through which you can explore history at or close to the location it took place in. Created featuring archive footage and recordings  from the BBC, BFI and The Screen and Sound Archive and local and national archives you can uncover untold stories presenting a window into the past.

What’s on offer at Swansea Library?

• 6 Virtual Reality Experiences

• Interactive Spacial Map Installation

• Augmented Reality Trail: ‘What’s The Scoop?’

Download Our App

Download the free StoryTrails app and explore our AR trails in your town or city, or at home!

Guided by the Story-Trails mobile AR app, you will be led at your own pace to different story points along a fixed route. If doing the trail on location, you will enter a virtual story portal outside the local participating library to begin your StoryTrails experience. Or you can access any of the 15 StoryTrails locations trails from home via the Story-Trails app. Using a mix of stunning augmented reality experiences that remix the BFI, BBC and The Screen and Sound Archive, you will experience history where it actually happened, revitalising the streets upon which you stand with new voices and untold stories of the past. Inside the library you will be immersed in a unique virtual map of Swansea made up of 3D models, and audio stories captured on location.

Accessibility

Swansea library is wheelchair accessible. There are both steps and a ramp to the main entrance of the building. There are accessible toilets and a Changing Places toilet situated on the ground floor of the Civic Centre, where the library is located, adjacent to the main reception.

For more detailed accessibility information click here.

If you would like to read our FAQs, please click here.

Owen Richards

StoryMapper, Swansea

Owen has spent the past ten years as a digital storyteller in the social care sector, and was recently chosen from Channel 4’s 4Screenwriting scheme. His short film OVERS was broadcast on BBC Two Wales. He is most proud of working with foster children on a co-production, teaching them how to structure stories, use filming equipment, and helping them to create videos that are now used in the care system. Owen has spent the past ten years as a digital storyteller in the social care sector, and was recently chosen from Channel 4’s 4Screenwriting scheme. His short film OVERS was broadcast on BBC Two Wales. He is most proud of working with foster children on a co-production, teaching them how to structure stories, use filming equipment, and helping them to create videos that are now used in the care system.

“Swansea is a city of constant motion, growing and changing, drawing people in from across the world. With a rich history and a deep sense of community, Swansea has so much to share.”

“Nothing beats curling up on a library beanbag with a Roald Dahl tale, and my favourite was ‘Danny the Champion of the World’. No magic, no creatures, just a father and son on an adventure.”

Jay Bedwani

TrailMaker, Swansea

Jay completed his first documentary feature, ‘DONNA’ in 2021. It is about an elderly transgender performer in San Francisco, and her reconnection with her siblings. He is currently teaching documentary film at Media Academy Cymru, and enjoys working with young people in this role. He is also a mentor with Ffilm Cymru, guiding documentary makers who are developing their first short film. He is most proud of the film ‘OVERSHARE’ which he made with influencers Rose and Rosie, where they travelled around the UK hearing stories from the LGBTQ community. The film really resonated with young people who may be coming to terms with their sexuality.

“I love Swansea's cultural history - the poetry, music and writing that is still infused in the city today. Also, the coastline around Swansea is totally stunning!”

“My favourite book is ‘A heartbreaking work of Staggering Genius’ by Dave Eggers”

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• Abertawe Gimbab

Abertawe Gimbab - CLOSED

Ratings and reviews, location and contact.

We were happy to have passed by this place because this might be the only Korean restaurant in Swansea. The owner of the restaurant is a very adorable man who welcomed me with a very warm smile. The food here is very homey. The bulgogi... (sweet marinaded beef) and Abertawe (special combo roll) gimbab (Korean "sushi" rolls) I had was really tasty by itself; there was no need for extra sauce. The jajangmyeon was sweet and savory and absolutely delicious. It's hard to put down your chopsticks because you just want to eat more and more. I would definitely come back again. More

I have never tried Korean food before and I must say that I loved it. The food was divine and I think it is a very good deal because it's quality food. The chef who is Korean is very welcoming and friendly. He took time... to explain which dish would be best for me as I am vegetarian and don't eat spicy food. The place is very charming, and close to the city center. I will not hesitate to come back or even deliver the food at home because the chef told me they have a delivery service. I highly recommend this place for those who want to discover the Korean culture at its best. More

I have had many authentic Korean dishes before, and this restaurant is by far the most delicious and authentic as they come. The chef works as both the server and the cook, offering perfect service, as well as quickly made and tasty Korean food. There... are plenty of places to sit down, and the restaurant is quaint and cozy. The atmosphere is relaxed and homely. I had the Japchae and loved every bite of it. I asked the chef for more rice and he gave me more for no charge! There are many delicious menu options. I loved my experience here and would recommend it to anyone who is hungry! More

Went on a midweek afternoon around lunch time with my daughter and my 8 month old grandson. I rang first to check that they took cards as I had no cash on me. The place was empty apart from the gentleman at the counter who... asked if I was the lady that had telephoned. We sat at a table and asked if there was a highchair for my grandson but they didn't have any so we decided to eat anyway and keep him on our laps. We looked at the menu for a while and noticed that some of the prices were more expensive than those displayed on the restaurant website but again decided to let this go. We ordered a few dishes and a couple of drinks totalling to around £37.00 so not exactly cheap for lunch in an empty café which I forgot to mention was very cold. (we kept our coats on for the entire visit.) My daughter ordered the rib which was around £16 ...this came out and was very, very dry served with a small amount of rice and some chopped up cabbage... we felt this represented poor value for money but once more let this go because the curry meal that I ordered was so nice. (We used the sauce from my dish on my daughter's meal to make it edible.) The overall service was great though, I have to say. The server/chef was very polite at all times, cooked the meals to the best of his ability and looked after us as well as a person on their own with no help can. The thing that really got my goat came at the end of the meal as I was paying. The gentleman only saw fit to inform me that there was a pound charge for paying by card after we had eaten. He had had ample opportunity to do so when I telephoned, as I entered the shop or as I was ordering. Normally I would have argued the toss and refused to pay the extra charge on principle. As I was with my daughter who hates any type of confrontation or scene I decided to keep quiet and vent frustrations in a Tripadvisor review. I see this charge as a very bad business decision on the part of the gentleman who served us (I presume he is the owner). Until this point I had been willing to give this place another chance and perhaps come back on a warmer day and sample other things on the menu. The place was absolutely dead and charging customers a pound to pay by card is hardly the way to win repeat business especially when they have not been prior warned. I know its only a pound but I work hard for my money and like to have some control in how I spend it. Anyway I hope Abertawe Gimbab put it in the gas or electric meter so the next guests aren't as cold as I was. I for one will never return. More

ABERTAWE GIMBAB, Swansea - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor

Swansea Museum

Swansea (Abertawe)

Dylan Thomas referred to this august institution as 'the museum which should have been in a museum'. Founded in 1834, it remains charmingly low-tech, from the eccentric Cabinet of Curiosities to the glass cases of archaeological finds from Gower caves. Pride of place goes to the Mummy of Hor at the top of the stairs, which has been resting here since 1887 – a video in the display room explains the process of its repair and conservation.

Victoria Rd

Get In Touch

01792-653763

https://www.swanseamuseum.co.uk

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Swansea (Abertawe) Weather And Best Time To Visit Swansea (Abertawe)

The best time to visit Swansea is May through October. Given the humidity levels, the temperature usually feels colder for nearly 6 months in the year, with possibilities of rain or snowfall through the rest of the year. The city’s typically moderate comparatively at 28% for pleasant weather. The warmest part of the year is July through September, with July experiencing a high of about 20°C and a minimum of 15°C at night. The city’s extremely humid some parts of the year with January being most humid and least being April. Swansea’s busiest during May through July, while November’s dull from a tourism perspective.

Spring (March-May)

Spring season in Swansea’s just about perfect. The combined levels of temperature and humidity make spring in Swansea a bit cold. With the high temperature ranging between 17°C and 9°C and latter months most affected, rainfall is usually common for about 6 to 8 days in a month. Spring season is also the second busiest time of the year for incoming tourist traffic with ample of things to do in the city. The usual evening temperature during this season stays at 14°C.

Summer (June-August)

The mid of the year, specifically June through August is the warmest time of the year with a comfortable temperature and adequate rainfall of 7 to 10 days every month. In June, the usual noontime temperature’s 17°C on an average, while the weather in July & August may not be so easy, but is still ok with an average evening temperature of 18°C. Summers are the busiest season from a tourism perspective for Swansea, when lodging and accommodation may be expensive comparatively.

Fall (September-November)

In September, the climate in Swansea’s rather favorable, with an average high of 18°C-9°C that gives off a chilly feel to the weather. Rainfall occurrences are about 12 days in the month, while the weather in October’s is good with an average temperature of 22°C and about 14 days of rainfall in the month. Owing to the humidity levels and the wind, fall usually sees rain or snowfall of 6 to 14 days every month during this season, shrinking the tourist crowd considerably, making hotel options more accessible and life more affordable.

Winter (December-February)

Winters are really cold in the city and not really welcoming for warm weather enthusiasts. The climate being unfavorable and an average high temperature of 10°C-7°C, it usually rains or snows between 9 to 13 days each month, slowing down tourism further. The average number of days that are dry in winters in the city range between 9-12 days with over 119mm of rainfall during this period.

Before You Go... Got Questions?

Find the best swansea (abertawe) packages from top travel agents.