Things to see and do in Swansea

September 15, 2017

Swansea

5 Unmissable things to see and do in Swansea

Swansea is a popular coastal city to visit, with many things to see and do. It's unique vibrant city, beautiful countryside and coastline, Swansea offers many great attractions including, Swansea Castle, Gower Penisula, Llangennith Beach and much more. Why not explore Swansea one weekend and see what it has to offer?

1. Swansea Castle

Swansea Castle is in the heart of Swansea, Wales and was founded by Henry de Beaumont in 1107, as the caput of the lordship of Gower. The castle has so much history to offer and things to discover, so why not take a trip to Swansea and explore the popular attractions?

There is so much medieval history at Swansea Castle, from murders to marriages and much more! Swansea’s medieval castle has withstood siege, rebellion and the Blitz - a building that has survived thousands of years, in the heart of the city.

Why not plan a trip to Swansea and uncover Swansea Castle’s stories? There is so much to do and see in Swansea, from beaches to countryside – something for everyone to enjoy!

Opening times
Open every day
Prices
Free admission
Address
8 Castle St
Swansea
SA1 1DW
Contact details
01443 336000

2. Gower Penisula

Gower Peninsula is the place to visit and explore if you love the outdoors! It is England’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – With beaches, countryside and much more to offer!

Gower Peninsula is not far from Swansea and has so much to offer, where you can experience breath taking scenery, sandy beaches, countryside walks and much more. Why not go surfing at Llangennith beach? The sandy beach is popular with surfers and other sports.

Whether you fancy walking along the beach or climbing cliffs and other activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Wales has so much to offer, so why not plan a trip to Gower Peninsula? It’s a wonderful place to visit with friends or family, so why not book a weekend away?

Address
Swansea
Wales
Contact details
01792 371218
www.threecliffsbay.com

3. National Waterfront Museum

National Waterfront Museum is a unique and exciting experience, in the heart of Swansea, Wales. It is a great museum to visit with friends or family, with so much to do and see.

There are so many interesting displays and exhibitions which take place at the museum, so make sure to check what’s on before visiting. The events include interactive workshops, themed days, film screenings, art and crafts and much more. The National Waterfront Museum has something for all interests.

Why not experience Swansea’s maritime quarter or check out the latest sensory technology that responds to interactive experience – There’s so much to discover at the National Waterfront Museum!

Make sure to view the panoramic video map and learn about the lives of people from the past, through digital street maps. If you’re visiting Swansea, make sure to visit the National Waterfront Museum and get lost in its history!

Opening times
Open 10am-5pm daily
Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Prices
Entry is free
Address
National Waterfront Museum Oystermouth Road
Maritime Quarter
Swansea
SA1 3RD
Wales
Contact details
0300 111 2333
www.museum.wales/swansea

4. Llangennith Beach

Llangennith Beach is located on the western edge of the Gower Peninsula and is much loved by locals and tourists. It is dog friendly, family friendly and perfect for water sport activities!

There are so many hidden gems in Wales, whether you want to explore the countryside of the beach, there’s something that everyone will love. Why not visit Llangennith Beach after exploring Swansea? There is so much to discover, such as history and the local wildlife. If it’s a nice day, why not take a stroll on the beach or sit and relax with friends and have a picnic?

There are many popular restaurants in Swansea to explore, so why not make an evening of it? Whether you are visiting for a day, weekend or more, make sure to visit the beach and explore the coastal towns and countryside!

It is a wonderful beach to visit, although there is a moderate amount of walking from the car park to the beach (200m) - So make sure to plan in advance if not able.

Address
Llangennith
Swansea
Wales
Contact details
01792 468321
www.visitswanseabay.com/listings/llangennith-beach

5. Penllergare Valley Woods

There is so much to explore at Penllergare Valley Woods, such as historic views, lakeside walks, trails and woodland walks. Why not take the dog and adventure through the forest? Or visit with friends before discovering more of Swansea? Penllergare Valley Woods makes a wonderful and active day out with friends or family.

You’ll find Penllergare Valley Woods hidden away in a valley, not far from the M4 in north Swansea. It’s a beautiful place to explore, so if you are in the area make sure to stop by and take in the stunning panoramic views, exotic trees, waterfalls and much more. This forgotten Victorian hidden gem is slowly being restored and brought back to life by the Penllergare Trust.

There are many facilities at the forest such as a visitor centre, toilets, information centre and small café. There’s nothing better than an active walk and then to finish off with something delicious from the café! – Especially when there are beautiful views to take in.

There are various walks to go on, where you will see a range of wildlife such as kingfishers, buzzards and red kites – make sure to take lots of pictures! If you visit in the spring, you’ll see a woodland floor, full of beautiful flowers adding even more colour to the forest!

Why not plan a weekend or more in Swansea? There’s so much to do and see in Wales, so why not go with friends or treat the dog to a break in the English countryside? Penllergare Valley Woods is a must see, so make sure to add it to your list of places to see!

Opening times
Open 24/7
Prices
Free entry
Car park is open daily.
There is a barrier which is open from 9am till 5pm all year round.
Money goes to maintain Penllergare Valley Woods
Parking tariff
Up to 1 hour – 50p
All day – £2.00
Address
Penllergaer
Swansea
SA4 9GS
Wales
Contact details
01792 344224
www.penllergare.org

Top 5 kid’s activities

From adventure playgrounds to beaches, there is plenty to keep the kids entertained in Swansea!

1. Singleton Park

Singleton Park

Singleton Park is home to crazy golf, adventure playgrounds, botanical gardens and a boating lake. There is something for everyone to enjoy at Singleton Park, so why not take a visit?

Don’t miss out on seeing The Egypt Centre, which features many Egyptian displays, artwork and treasure! – Perfect for kids to explore. Crazy golf is perfect on sunny days with the family, with an 18 hole course to play on.

Whether you fancy a picnic or a peddle on a swan boat on the lake, there is so much to keep the kids entertained. There are so many attractions for families in Swansea, so why not visit one weekend during the school holidays?

Opening hours
The gardens and play area are open all year. The crazy golf course and pedalos are available in the summer season. The Egypt Centre is open: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm (or until 5pm between 31 July to 31 August) Last Admission 10 minutes before close
Pricing
Free access to park and Egypt Centre with charges for pedalos, golf and fishing.
Crazy Golf
Standard £3
Concessions £2.50
Two seat pedal
Standard £6
Concessions £4
Four seat pedal
Standard £7
Concessions £6
Address
Mumbles Road
Sketty
Swansea
Glamorgan and Cardiff
SA2 8PP
Wales
Contact details
01792 635142
www.swansea.gov.uk/article/2399/Singleton-Boating-Lake

2. Blackpill Lido

Blackpill Lido

Blackpill Lido is an outdoor park, with a paddling pool, splash area and a children’s play area. It’s a great place to visit during the school holidays, especially if you need to cool off from the English sun!

There’s so much to keep the kids entertained, such as inflatable slides, game stalls and more! Other attractions nearby include the Swansea Prom, making it a starting point for a day’s family exploration. Don’t miss out on seeing the award winning Clyne Gardens, the Bay Rider and Swansea Bay. Blackpill Lido in Swansea makes the perfect day out!

Opening hours
Closed during winter season. Open Daily throughout the summer until September (weather dependent). Times may vary so best to ring ahead and plan according to advice!
Address
Mumbles Road
Blackpill
Swansea
Glamorgan and Cardiff
SA3 5AS
Wales
Contact details
01792 635412
www.swansea.gov.uk/article/2395/Blackpill-Lido

3. Langland Bay Beach

Langland Bay Beach

Langland Bay Beach is right next to the pretty Victorian seaside village of Mumbles, which offers beautiful coastal views, golden sands and rockpools of Langland Bay. Langland Bay Beach is popular with locals and tourists throughout the year, but busiest in summer.

In the winter, it is popular with surfers, because of the low tide over Crab Island. It is known for being one of the best places to surf in Wales!

There is a range of facilities on site, such as toilets, first aid and many independent shops and cafes to explore! Why not take a walk on the beach and stop off at one of the café’s for lunch? There are so many beautiful views in Swansea, especially by the beach!

Opening hours
Lifeguard cover May to September, dogs banned during those months
Pricing
Pay parking with disabled access on site.
Address
Langland Bay
Swansea
Glamorgan and Cardiff
SA3 4QP
Wales
Contact details
01792 468321
www.visitswanseabay.com/listings/langland-bay-beach

4. Aberdulais Tinworks and Waterfall

Aberdulais Tinworks and Waterfall is a fascinating visit for history lovers, as the early water-powered tinplate works was the last of many industries pioneered here. It is also a beautiful place to visit, with waterfalls to discover and other countryside to explore.

The waters of the River Dulais are used to make Aberdulais Tin Works and waterfall self-sufficient in environmentally friendly energy. The Aberdulais Tinworks has the largest electricity-generating waterwheel in Europe.

The lifts make easy access for visitors to visit the cinema and the upper levels for excellent views of the waterfalls. There is also a fun and entertaining quiz trail for kids, so they will be entertained for the day!

Opening hours
High season
Monday to Sunday 10:30 - 17:00
Contact directly for seasonal opening times as they vary and are weather dependent.
Pricing
Whole property
Adult: £5.00
Child: £2.50
Family: £12.50
Address
Neath
Glamorgan and Cardiff
SA10 8EU
Wales
Contact details
01639 636674
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/aberdulais-tin-works-and-waterfall

5. Llanelli WWT National Wetland Centre

Llanelli WWT National Wetland Centre

Llanelli WWT National Wetland Centre is home to wildlife, where there are 600 species to look out for! It’s a wonderful place to visit with the family, especially if the weather is nice. Why not go on a canoe and paddle around the lake? There are so many picturesque views to sit back and admire.

There is so much to keep the kids entertained, as well as the great outdoors! They will love feeding the ducks, going on bike rides and playing on the play equipment. Kids can choose from 4 amazing play areas, which are perfect for all ages.

Llanelli National Wetland Centre is a great place to visit during the school holidays. Why not plan to visit Swansea for a weekend or more? There is something for everyone in Wales – whether you want a day out at the seaside, or a walk through the countryside!

Opening hours
Monday to Sunday 09:30 - 17:00
Pricing
Adults: £9.48 (including gift aid donation)
Concessions: £7.10 (including gift aid donation)
Kids: £5.15 (including gift aid donation)
Under 4's: Free
Family: £26.52 (including gift aid donation)
Address
Llwynhendy
Llanelli
Carmarthenshire
SA14 9SH
Wales
Contact details
01554 741087
www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/llanelli