The City of Swansea
Swansea lies on the south coast of Wales, overlooking the beautiful Swansea Bay and the Bristol Channel. It is the second largest city in Wales, and has long been a popular seaside town, a combination of contrasting coast and countryside landscapes.
Known as the birthplace of famous Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, this vibrant city grows year. Regeneration and redevelopment projects have transformed it – from the trendy maritime quarter to the brand new SA1, once home to the city’s dockyards. It is also home to a number of iconic landmarks including the National Waterfront Museum – an imposing contemporary slate and glass structure overlooking the harbour.
Attractions and landmarks include the Dylan Thomas Centre celebrating the late poet, Mumbles Pier with its distinctly traditional seaside feel and Oystermouth Castle, complete with a glass bridge enabling visitors to get a real feel for what life would have been like there in the 12th century. The Glynn Vivan Art Gallery displays exhibitions from local and international artists.
Keen foodies can browse the stalls at Swansea Market, jam-packed with lovely local produce and handmade crafts. For high street brands head to Parc Tawe Retail Park, Quadrant Shopping Centre or Morfa Shopping Park. If you fancy getting stuck in and sampling some local activities there are watersports on offer throughout the surrounding countryside and on some of Swansea’s beautiful beaches.
Swansea is served by several transport links – with fast and frequent trains connecting it with major UK cities including London, Birmingham and Manchester. Park and Ride points are also available on the outskirts of the city.