Set on the Bay, Swansea is a vibrant city with strong links to the sea.
Thought to have grown up as a Viking trading centre, the city thrived as a port. Its castle was originally Norman, but rebuilt in stone in the 13th century. During the industrial revolution the area boomed as a centre for coal mining and metal smelting.
Following the decline of these heavy industries in the 20th century, the old port area has been redeveloped as the Maritime Quarter, home to the marina, new waterside apartments and some great visitor attractions. These include the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea Museum and the Dylan Thomas Centre in the refurbished City Guildhall.
Dylan Thomas was born in the city in 1914, and the area is proud of its links with the iconic Welsh poet. As well as the centre, his birthplace has also been restored to show life as it was for the family in the early 20th century.
Swansea has a wide range of shops, cafes, restaurants and a buzzing nightlife. It is also blessed with 5 miles of wide golden beach stretching along the bay from the Maritime Quarter to Mumbles. The promenade offers great views, walks, a botanic garden, and a lido.
The LC Oystermouth Road, The Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 3ST
Popular leisure activity centre and waterpark. The LC information
The Chocolate Factory Kingsway, Swansea West Ind Park, Swansea SA5 4DL
See chocolate being made and sample the results. The Chocolate Factory information
Swansea Castle Castle Street, Swansea
Ruined fortress in the heart of modern Swansea. Swansea Castle information
Singleton Botanical Gardens Singleton Park, Swansea
Wonderful collection of plants in walled gardens and glasshouses. Singleton Botanical Gardens information
Glynn Vivian Art Gallery Alexandra Road, Swansea SA1 5DZ
Old masters and contemporary artworks. Glynn Vivian Art Gallery information
Dylan Thomas Birthplace 5 Cwmdonkin Drive, Swansea SA2 0RA
See the house where the famous poet spent his childhood. Dylan Thomas Birthplace information
National Waterfront Museum Oystermouth Road, Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 3RD
Interactive history of Welsh industry and innovation in a striking modern building near the marina. National Waterfront Museum information
Swansea Museum Oystermouth Road, The Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 1SN
Grand neoclassical building housing a popular family-friendly museum. Swansea Museum information
1940s Swansea Bay Baldwins Crescent, Crymlyn Burrows, Swansea SA1 8PT
Experience authentic wartime life, even down to the spam sandwiches. 1940s Swansea Bay information
The Egypt Centre Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea
Ancient artefacts from the University collections. The Egypt Centre information
Swansea Promenade Oystermouth Road, Swansea
Family fun along 5 miles of Swansea Bay, all linked by the Land Train. Swansea Promenade information
Clyne Valley Country Park Clyne Valley, Swansea
Large green space of woodland and river walks. Clyne Valley Country Park information
RSPB Cwm Clydach Lone Road, Craig Cefn Parc, Swansea
Unspoilt woodland nature reserve. RSPB Cwm Clydach information
The Dylan Thomas Centre Somerset Place, Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 1RR
Cultural centre celebrating the life and works of the iconic Welsh poet. The Dylan Thomas Centre information
Swansea Grand Theatre Singleton Street, Swansea SA1 3QJ
Imposing Victorian theatre hosting the latest shows. Swansea Grand Theatre information
Taliesin Arts Centre Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PZ
Cultural hub for the performing and visual arts. Taliesin Arts Centre information
The Brangwyn Hall The Guildhall, Swansea SA1 4PE
Cultural venue in the imposing 1930s Guildhall building. The Brangwyn Hall information
Plantasia Parc Tawe, Swansea SA1 2AL
Tropical plants and animals sheltered in a striking modern glasshouse. Plantasia information
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638, Mumbles Road Swansea SA3 4EA MAP With wonderful views across Mumbles Bay, Patricks with Rooms is a 10-minute drive from Swansea centre. The hotel features a creative restaurant, fitness room and luxury bedrooms with free Wi-Fi. The 5-star rooms at Patricks are stylishly decorated with r... More Information and Book ... |
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Maritime Quarter Swansea SA1 3SS MAP This beachfront hotel has dramatic views of Swansea Bay, and is a short stroll from the town centre. The M4 motorway, golf courses and the Gower Peninsula are nearby. The Swansea Marriott boasts a leisure area with a fitness centre, a swimming pool, a ... More Information and Book ... |
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Somerset Place Swansea SA1 1RR MAP In Swansea’s historic Maritime Quarter, Morgans Hotel provides luxurious rooms with free Wi-Fi, 5 minutes’ walk from the city centre. This grade II listed building also has a relaxed restaurant and a stylish bar. Equipped with a plasma TV, DVD player... More Information and Book ... |
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380 Oystermouth Rd Swansea SA1 3UL MAP Boasting an idyllic setting at the edge of both the Gower peninsula and Swansea City Centre, this welcoming B&B enjoys spectacular views over the sea and nearby Mumbles and its Light House. With true touches of the Mediterranean throughout, Leonardo's of... More Information and Book ... |
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14 Mirador Crescent, Uplands Swansea SA2 0QX MAP The Mirador is a truly unique guest house with cosmopolitan décor, each room portraying themes such as Roman, Egyptian or Oriental. Central Swansea can be reached in 20 minutes on foot. Each individual room has a hi-tech TV/DVD player, free Wi-Fi access... More Information and Book ... |
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17 Langland Road, Mumbles Swansea SA3 4ND MAP Overlooking Underhill Park, Langland Road B&B is situated in the heart of picturesque Mumbles. The elegant Victorian house offers hearty cooked breakfasts and 4-star rooms with free Wi-Fi. Each room features a luxury shower room with a power shower and f... More Information and Book ... |
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Westport Avenue, Mayals Swansea SA3 5AR MAP Clyne Farm Centre has 9 converted stone barns and cottages with modern facilities, 3 miles (4.8 km) from Swansea city centre and the Gower beaches. The unique accommodation overlooks Swansea Bay and on-site activities include horse riding, indoor climbin... More Information and Book ... |
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168 Langland road, Langland bay Swansea SA3 4QB MAP Located just 5 minutes’ walk from Langland Bay and its popular surf beach, the 4-star Langland Heights is set in planted gardens and offers modern and spacious apartments. Coastal footpaths are within 100 metres of Langland Heights and Mumbles’ shops ... More Information and Book ... |
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Caswell Bay, Gower Swansea MAP With its 'toes' in the safe golden sands of a vast Blue Flag surfing beach and its balcony offering panoramic views (pictured), this bright and compact apartment is perfect for summer holidays and winter escapes. A designated area of outstandin... Sleeps 2 + 2... More Information and Book ... |
Lots to do on a day out in the city, but make sure you visit the Gower Peninsula with its beaches.
Towns Near Swansea To Visit - straight line distance:
Mumbles Tourist Information (4.09 miles) Neath Tourist Information (6.58 miles) Port Talbot Tourist Information (7.28 miles) Pontardawe Tourist Information (7.99 miles)