“An ugly, lovely town…crawling, sprawling…by the side of a long and splendid curving shore. This sea-side town was my world.” The famous words of Dylan Thomas.

In the southwest corner of Wales lies the coastal city of Swansea. It has a rich history and a diverse, cosmopolitan culture. With easy rail links to Mid, West and South Wales, as well as other parts of the UK, getting here by train is easy.

 

The Waterfront Museum

If history is your thing, this museum will fascinate you. It’s just a 10-minute walk from Swansea railway station. With exhibits spanning centuries, the Waterfront Museum tells the story of Swansea, from its ancient past to its industrial heyday.

You’ll see archaeological finds, such as mammoth bones and teeth, golden artefacts dug from the Welsh soil and art dating from the 16th century. The museum’s timeline also takes you to the Industrial Revolution and the innovative ideas and natural resources that helped make Swansea an economic powerhouse.

 

LC Swansea

The LC Swansea is Wales’ premier waterpark and leisure complex. You can swim, play, surf, climb or go to the spa. The four-storey aquatic themed interactive play area will keep children entertained for hours.

 

Clyne Gardens

Containing many plant species from the National Collection, Clyne Gardens offers peaceful tranquillity and is the perfect place to while away some time. Set in glorious parklands, the Gardens were the brainchild of local millionaire William Graham Vivian in 1860. They were passed down the line to his nephew who looked after them until his death in the early 1950s.

Featuring gorgeously scented bluebell woods and wildflower meadows, bridges over meandering waterways and a charming chapel, the gardens are free to enter anytime you wish.

Clyne Gardens

 

Plantasia Tropical Zoo

Located at Parc Tawe retail park, Plantasia Tropical Zoo delivers a fully immersive adventure, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with a wide variety of animals and plants.

Comprising two climate-controlled zones - tropical rainforest and arid, approximately 5000 plants grow in conditions that promote optimal health. These include palms, bromeliads, orchids and giant bamboos, allowing any visitors to easily imagine themselves in the real rainforest. Within the regions of lush growth are water features containing fearsome red-bellied piranha, and colourful koi, and basking around the pools are crocodiles, caimans and pythons. The trees are full of vibrant macaws, while meerkats, marmosets and graceful leopard cats can be spotted through the foliage.

The zoo has a number of activities for visitors to take part in, including helping out at crocodile feeding time, checking on the tarantulas, or supervising the meerkats at mealtime. Many of the animals can be adopted.

 

Swansea Indoor Market

Swansea was established as a market town in the 1100s. Its traders spread out over the centuries, taking over the curiously named Frog and Goat Streets and eventually filling Castle Square and Wind Street. In the 17th century, a dedicated hall was built and this is where the largest market in Wales can still be found.

Stalls selling fine foods, locally reared meats and handmade cheeses, artisan bread and cakes vie with colourful crafts and designer jewellery. See studio pottery on a stall next to tooled leatherwork and boho clothing. It’s all here.

It will take you just five minutes to walk to the market from Swansea station. Once you’re there, browse the stalls to your heart’s content.

 

The Gower Peninsula

Attracting visitors from around the world, the Gower Peninsula covers some 70 square miles. It offers a rare chance to experience nature unspoiled and beautiful.

Many come for the glorious beaches, such as Llangennith, Oxwich Bay and Rhossili, popular with surfers and families. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Gower’s landscape is vastly diverse and ranges from peat bogs and salt marsh to limestone cliffs and short cropped grassland. 

No less than six castles are situated around the peninsula. There’re also numerous cairns and standing stones, some dating back to at least the Upper Palaeolithic era.

The wildlife too is impressive, with marine mammals including seals, dolphins and porpoises frequently visible around the coastline. You can also spot snowy feathered kittiwakes, razorbills and cormorants’ nests on the rugged cliff faces. Everywhere you look on the Gower, there’s something to surprise and inspire. 

  • An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
  • Enjoy the great outdoors
  • Perfect for watching the local marine wildlife
  • Gower Peninsula

The Gower Peninsula

 

Mumbles Pier

Mumbles is full of character and charm. Independent boutiques, restaurants and bars line the streets where you’ll also find the world-famous Joe’s – an ice cream parlour that’s as popular with the locals as the tourists.

Stretching out over the waves for 835 feet (255 m), Mumbles Pier is Grade II listed and opened in 1898. It’s provided fabulous views across Swansea Bay ever since.

Home to the traditional attractions you’d expect, the pier boasts a thriving amusement arcade. There’s also the ‘Gamez Room’ offering bowling, pool, a free juke box and lots more. At the end of the pier is the new RNLI Lifeboat station.

With restaurants and cafes serving delicious snacks, relaxing on Mumbles Pier as the sun sets is a wonderful way to end the day.   

The Mumbles Pier

 

Walk the coast path

Take the scenic route from Swansea to the Gower and see golden beaches, dramatic cliffs and a host of different wildlife. Some sections of the path are accessible to bicycles, pushchairs and wheelchairs so please plan your route before travelling. Visit Swansea Bay has all the information you need - check out the website below.

 

Swansea Castle

In Swansea city centre you can easily find the remains of the imposing castle that guarded Swansea since the 1100s. Founded by Henry de Beaumont, the first Earl of Warwick and Lord of Gower, the castle covered a vast 4.6 acres. It’s seen many battles and some very different uses over the centuries.

It was a bottle factory back in 1670 and has also served as a post office, workhouse and a military drill room. It was even the home of the South Wales Daily Post, early employer of the famous Welsh poet Dylan Thomas.

Swansea Castle

 

Swansea Arena

Last but not least on our list of the top ten attractions in Swansea is Swansea Arena. As South Wales’ newest multi-purpose entertainment and event space, it has a capacity of 3,500 and hosts some of the biggest stars, world-class performances and major events right in the heart of the Copr Bay coastal park. Getting there couldn’t be easier as it’s just a 10-minute walk from Swansea railway station.

 

Other attractions not to be missed

Liberty Stadium - Swansea is a major city for sport. The Liberty Stadium is home to the biggest local rugby team, the Ospreys, and to Swansea City Football Club. Catch a game or take a tour and see behind the scenes.

Swansea Market - Enjoy a memorable shopping experience and sample some wonderful local produce at Swansea Market - the largest indoor market in Wales. If this isn’t enough, the city centre boasts more than 200 stores for those that love some retail therapy.

Gower Peninsular - An 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' (AONB) with many beautiful beaches such as Langland, Three Cliffs, Port Eynon, Rhossili and Oxwich Bay.

Dylan Thomas’ Birthplace - Go back in time to the house in which the late Welsh poet Dylan Thomas was born, lived with his family, and wrote nearly two-thirds of his published works.

 

Spending a day - or the weekend - in Swansea has never been easier thanks to our rail services. Buy your train tickets today online or on our app with no booking fees.