What to See in Swansea

This splendid example of early 19th century Doric style architecture served as Swansea Guildhall for over 100 years. It became the Dylan Thomas Center in 1995 when it was refurbished in commemoration of Swansea hosting the 1995 UK Year of Literature and Writing, and was opened by former US President Jimmy Carter.…

One of the best locations to gain a panoramic view of the city and the full sweep of Swansea Bay is from Pant-y-Celyn Road in Townhill (near the Townhill Campus of Swansea Metropolitan University). There are bay-facing parking areas along the road that allow the stunning views to be enjoyed from the comfort of your car.…

Mumbles. The original castle was founded in the early 12th century by William de Londres of Ogmore and was constructed of ringwork and bailey. In the 13th century, the castle was the principle residence of the de Braoses, the lords of Gower (their other main residence was Swansea Castle), and most of the structure remaining today originates from this period.…

Housed in an iconic building clad in Welsh slate, the National Waterfront Museum represents an exciting and innovative way to explore the development of the industrial revolution - through the eyes of the people whose lives it touched and transformed. The toil, the achievements, the defeats and the joys are revealed through the museum's creative exhibitions.…

This elegant building of white Portland stone has graced the city centre's western approach since 1934. The main building only houses administrative offices and is of no interest to the casual visitor. However, Sir Frank Brangwyn's murals (originally intended for the House of Lords, but considered too frivolous) that grace the interior of the Brangwyn Hall are definitely worth viewing.…

No doubt the gem in the crown of Swansea parks. Originally a private garden, Clyne is bursting with flora and fauna meticulously collected from across the world. It is has an internationally recognized collection of rhododendrons and azaleas which are at their spectacular best in May.…

The south side of the woodland offers panoramic views of Swansea Bay right over to Mumbles Head and Port Talbot and also the city centre and docks, while the western face of the hill allows uninhibited views of the lower Swansea Valley, the northern part of the city centre, the Enterprise Zone and the Liberty Stadium.…

A former fishing village located at the western end of Swansea Bay the quaint streets, a [http://www.castlewales.com/oyster.html 12th-century castle], fashionable boutiques and excellent restaurants make this suburb of Swansea a must-see destination.…

This small museum invites visitors to experience life in Swansea during the second world war and through the blitz that devastated the city center. NB: This is definitely a museum in the making, and at present the entrance fee is probably a bit steep. However, for those interested in war memorabilia, it is worth a visit and the owners are very friendly and helpful.…

Mumbles. Built in the 1880s to encourage more passengers to use the Mumbles Train, the pier is an edifice to the Victorians' love of the ocean. Compared to many piers around the country, Mumbles is quite simple in design, but the 255m walk from beginning to end allows for spectacular views over Swansea Bay.…

Situated in the heart of the Swansea Enterprise Park. It has a large population of Swans and is stocked with a range of fishes like carp to 20 lbs, skimmers to bream of 8 lbs, tench to 6 lbs, roach to 2 lbs together with crucian carp, dace, orfe, perch & rudd. There are about 75 pegs, some of which are concreted.…

The ruins of this 13th century castle are located in the city centre. While the remains are not substantial enough to warrant a special visit, the contrast of the battlements against the more contemporary architecture of its surroundings does provide an interesting backdrop for souvenir photographs of Swansea city cent…

Swansea's largest park meandering over several acres of gentle undulating hills and leading down to Swansea Bay botanical gardens located near the Sketty end of the park, and Swansea University located at the lower end, near the sea front. The main entrance to the park is on Mumbles Road, just past the St.…

Located at the far north eastern end of the Enterprise Park. It is one of the few remaining places of wetland in Swansea and features streams, ponds and woodland. The nature reserve is accessible by bike or on foot and features a board walk and bike paths

Located on the slip road running off Mumbles Road to Mumbles Pier (near Verdi's Cafe). This small museum is dedicated to the memory of the heroic and sometimes tragic events in the history of the Mumbles Lifeboat. Open Mon-Sat and Sun morning.

Crymlyn bog is the largest area of lowland fen in Wales located to the east of Swansea City Centre. It is a Ramsar site, a Special Site of Scientific interest and a protected National Nature Reserve. There is a visitor centre with car parking.

The gallery housed in a baroque revival Edwardian building has permanent exhibits of paintings by local artists and a good collection of Swansea china. In addition, it frequently hosts exhibitions of national and international works of art.

Taliesin’s Oriel Ceri Richards Gallery not only hosts regular touring exhibitions, but also stocks an excellent range of greetings cards as well as jewellery, ceramics and other craft items.

This grade two, neo-classic building was Wales' first museum, and displays artifacts as diverse as Swansea china and an Egyptian mummy. The museum gift shop sells good quality souvenirs.

Blackpill Beach and the Blackpill Stream which flows into it are a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. Many types of gulls can be seen feeding there at high tide.

A collection of several thousand audio and visual records, photographs, periodicals, paintings, stained glass windows, stage gowns, a library and an oral history collection.

Uplands. Restored to reflect the environment of Dylan's youth, Number Five Cwmdonkin Drive is open as a self-catering guest house - suitable for budding writers.

The Swansea University campus (near the Taliesin Art Centre). One of the UK's best collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts outside London.

Located in the Uplands. A classic Victorian park that was a favorite with Dylan Thomas, and several of his works were inspired here.

SA1 Business Park, Fabian Way, Port Tennant. An exhibit of over thirty buses that once plied the streets of Swansea and West Wales.

A 5 mile stretch of beach from Swansea Docks all the way to Mumbles with a cycle way and promenade along its whole length.

Parc Tawe. A chisel shaped hot house in the city center, complete with three different climate zones and exotic animals.

A city center gallery established by the Swansea Guild of Artists and sponsored by Air Wales.

Café Nissé, 11 Wind Street. A gallery in a cafe. Exhibits focus on the work of local artists.

Exchange Building, Cambrian Place, Maritime Quarter. Showcases the work of local artists.

A rural life museum based around a working water mill - gift shop and cafe on site.

Swansea's oldest park, located in Dylan's Uplands famous for its large swan lake.

A volunteer run space promoting the work of emerging artists. Admission free.

Wales' oldest independent gallery - specializing in grass roots Welsh art.

Norwegian Church, Lagdon Road, SA1. Exhibit of handcrafted jewellery.

A small independent gallery located in a converted seaman's chapel.

A neolithic burial chamber or cromlech dating from 2500BCE.