Sights and landmarks in Swansea

Sights and landmarks in Swansea

1. See

   Attic Gallery

   Wales' oldest independent gallery, specialising in grass roots Welsh art.

   Fri 10AM-5:30PM, Sat 10AM-4:30PM·free

2. See

   Blackpill Beach

   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.

3. See

   Brynmill Park

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

4. See

   Clyne Gardens and Country Park

   No doubt the gem in the crown of Swansea parks. Begun as a private garden, Clyne is bursting with flora and fauna meticulously collected from around the world. It has an internationally recognised collection of rhododendrons and azaleas which are at their spectacular best in May. The Japanese style pond, complete with willow trees and oriental bridge is a great place to relax and watch the clouds sail by. Entrance behind the Woodman pub on Mumbles Road at Blackpill.

5. See

   Crymlyn Bog

   Crymlyn bog is the largest area of lowland fen in Wales 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.

6. See

   Cwmdonkin Park

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

7. See

   Dylan Thomas Centre

   This splendid example of early 19th-century Doric style architecture served as Swansea Guildhall for over 100 years. It became the Dylan Thomas Centre 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. The centre is dedicated to the works of Swansea's greatest literary son, and in addition to a theatre, exhibition and events hall, the centre also has a second hand book store and gift shop. The local cuisine served in the second floor restaurant is strongly recommended.

   Tue-Sun 9AM-10PM·Admission free

8. See

   Dylan Thomas' Childhood Home

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

9. See

   Egypt Centre

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

   Tue-Sat 10AM-4PM·Free

10. See

    Glyn Vivian Art Gallery

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

    Tue-Sun 9AM-5PM·Free

11. See

    Gower Heritage Centre

    A rural life museum based around a working water mill. Gift shop and café on site.

12. See

    Kilvey Community Woodland

    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. In addition, the hill has a sculpture trail, a number of footpaths and some dedicated white knuckle mountain biking trails.

13. See

    Lake Fendrod

    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 lb, skimmers to bream of 8 lb, tench to 6 lbs, roach to 2 lb together with crucian carp, dace, orfe, perch & rudd. There are about 75 pegs, some of which are concreted. Lake Fendrod is surrounded by a public footpath.

14. See

    Mumbles

    A former fishing village at the western end of Swansea Bay the quaint streets, a 12th-century castle, fashionable boutiques and excellent restaurants make this suburb of Swansea a must-see destination. The promenade at Mumbles offers a spectacular panoramic view over Swansea Bay, and Village Lane (behind Patrick's restaurant) is a street of picture postcard fisherman's cottages.

15. See

    Mumbles Pier

    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 255-m walk from beginning to end allows for spectacular views over Swansea Bay. In particular, Oystermouth Castle and the high rise buildings of the city centre are in clear view.

16. See

    National Waterfront Museum

    Housed in a 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. Children will particularly enjoy the working machinery. There are also cafes and gift shops overlooking the marina. This is one of the UK's most imaginative exhibition spaces and must-see destinations.

    Daily 10AM-5PM·Admission is free

17. See

    Oystermouth Castle

    Mumbles. The 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 principal 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. King Edward I visited the castle in December 1284. The present day remains are well preserved and the battlements offer commanding views over Swansea Bay. There is a small entry fee.

18. See

    Plantasia

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

    Daily 10AM - 5PM·Adult £3.70, children and concessions £2.70, Passport to Leisure £2.00, under 4's admitted free and Family £12.00

19. See

    Singleton Park

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

20. See

    Swansea Bus Museum

    An exhibit of over thirty buses that once plied the streets of Swansea and West Wales.

    Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM, Sun 10AM-5PM·Admission free, donations welcome

21. See

    Swansea Castle

    The ruins of this 13th-century castle are 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 centre. The building is floodlit at night.

22. See

    Swansea Museum

    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.

    Tue-Sun 9AM-5PM·Free

23. See

    Swansea Vale Nature Reserve

    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

24. See

    Swansea beach

    A 5-mile (8-km) stretch of beach from Swansea Docks all the way to Mumbles with a cycle way and promenade along its whole length.

25. See

    The Guildhall

    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 (painted for the House of Lords, but considered too frivolous) that grace the interior of the Brangwyn Hall are definitely worth viewing. The Brangwyn Hall is on the sea-facing side of the building and functions as the city's main concert and reception hall.

26. See

    The Nick Holly Studio Gallery

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

    Tue-Sun 10AM-5PM·Free

27. See

    View over the city and Swansea Bay

    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. The scene is especially spectacular at dusk with the sun setting over Mumbles Head. For the adventurous and those possessing cars with strong brakes, return to the city centre via the 1-in-3 incline of the cobbled street of Constitution Hill.

28. See Not mapped

    Elysium Gallery and Studios

    A large and innovative space promoting the work of emerging artists. Cafe. Gallery. Studios.

    Wed-Sat 11AM-5PM·Admission free

29. See

    Arthur's Stone

    A neolithic burial chamber or cromlech dating from 2500BCE.

30. See

    Mission Gallery

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

    Daily 11AM-5PM·free

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Swansea (CC BY-SA 4.0).