Nestled on the beautiful south coast of Wales, Swansea is a city that serves up quirky and unique experiences for just about every visitor. With a lively cultural scene, rich history, and stunning natural beauty, it’s no wonder that it’s a popular destination for visitors from all over the world.
Let’s face it, the weather in Swansea can be a bit unpredictable. But that’s all part of the charm! In the winter, you might experience a bit of rain and bad weather, but don’t worry – there are still plenty of things to do and see indoors when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
And when the sun does come out (which it often does), Swansea is transformed into a glorious city that’s perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the great outdoors.
So, bring your raincoat just in case, but don’t let the weather stop you from experiencing all the amazing things that Swansea has to offer!
But what really sets Swansea apart is its unique personality. Known for its friendly locals and laid-back atmosphere, the city has a charm that’s hard to resist. It’s a city where you can take a stroll on the beach in the morning, visit a museum in the afternoon, and enjoy a live music performance in the evening.
It’s also the birthplace of Catherine Zeta-Jones, the Hollywood A-lister was born and raised in the city and got her start in acting in a local theatre group.
It’s also a city that was once a major centre for copper smelting and nicknamed “Copperopolis” in the 19th century.
So whether you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor activities, Swansea definitely has something to charm the pants off during your time here.
A Brief History Of Derby, Derbyshire
Swansea has a rich and fascinating history that dates back over a thousand years. Originally a Viking trading post, it grew into a bustling port town in the Middle Ages, exporting wool, coal, and copper to destinations all over the world.
As you also know, Swansea became known as “Copperopolis” back in the 19th century thanks to its thriving copper industry, which made it one of the wealthiest cities in the world at the time. The city’s industrial heritage can still be seen in its historic buildings and museums.
During World War II, Swansea was heavily bombed by the Germans due to its strategic location as a major port. Despite the damage, the city bounced back in the post-war era and continued to grow and develop.
Today, Swansea is a vibrant and diverse city that’s known for its friendly locals, beautiful coastline, and rich cultural scene. From the Dylan Thomas Centre to the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, there’s something for everyone in this dynamic Welsh city.
Top Things to Do in Swansea, Wales
1. Visit the stunning Gower Peninsula and its beautiful beaches
Best For: Nature lovers, beachgoers, outdoor enthusiasts
The Gower Peninsula is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Swansea. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, with stunning coastal walks, hidden coves, and picturesque villages to explore.
The peninsula is also home to diverse wildlife, including seabirds, seals, and even dolphins if you’re lucky!
Whether you’re looking to sunbathe, surf, or simply enjoy the scenery, the Gower Peninsula is a true gem that belongs on every bucket list and Swansea travel itinerary.
General Info
Opening hours: N/A
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Entrance cost: N/A
What I Love:
- Award-winning beaches like Rhossili Bay and Three Cliffs Bay
- Coastal walks with breathtaking views
- Quaint villages like Mumbles and Oxwich
- Rich biodiversity and wildlife
- Watersports activities like surfing and kayaking
2. Explore Swansea's rich history at the National Waterfront Museum
Best For:History buffs, families with kids, museum enthusiasts
The National Waterfront Museum is an interactive museum that explores the industrial heritage of Swansea and Wales.
The museum is located in a historic warehouse on the waterfront and features exhibits on copper mining, shipbuilding, and other key industries that helped shape Swansea’s history.
Get a close-up experience of what life was like for workers in the past through interactive displays, films, and demonstrations.
The museum also hosts regular events and workshops, making it a great destination for families with kids looking for fun things to do in Swansea…particularly if the weather isn’t playing nice!
General Info
Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm
Website URL: https://museum.wales/swansea/
Entrance cost: Free
What I Love:
- Interactive exhibits and demonstrations
- Historic building and waterfront location
- Educational and fun for all ages
- Regular events and workshops
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3. Discover the secrets of the cosmos at the Swansea University Observatory
Best For: Science enthusiasts, stargazers, families with kids
The Swansea University Observatory is a state-of-the-art facility that offers a unique glimpse into the wonders of the universe.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the observatory and learn about the latest astronomical research being conducted at Swansea University.
The observatory also has a range of telescopes and other equipment for stargazing and offers regular public viewing sessions, making it a great destination for anyone interested in astronomy or a great date-destination if you’re visiting as a couple 😉
General Info
Opening hours: Variable, check website for details
Website URL: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/observatory/
Entrance cost: Free
What I Love:
- State-of-the-art telescopes and equipment
- Knowledgeable and friendly staff
- Unique opportunity to learn about astronomy research
- Regular public viewing sessions
4.Take a stroll through Clyne Gardens and marvel at its botanical beauty
Best For: Nature lovers, garden enthusiasts, families with kids
Clyne Gardens is a beautiful park located just outside of Swansea city centre. The gardens are home to a stunning collection of plants, including rare and exotic species from around the world.
Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the winding paths, past tranquil ponds and waterfalls, and through the lush greenery.
The gardens are especially beautiful in the spring when the flowers are in full bloom.
Whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for a peaceful escape from the city, Clyne Gardens is a must-visit destination in Swansea.
General Info
What I Love:
- Rare and exotic plant species
- Tranquil ponds and waterfalls
- Peaceful escape from the city
- Great for picnics and relaxing
5. Step back in time at Oystermouth Castle and learn about Welsh heritage
Best For: History buffs, families with kids
Oystermouth Castle is a historic castle that dates back to the 12th century. Located on a hill overlooking Swansea Bay, it offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Explore the castle’s ruins and learn about its rich history, from its Norman origins to its use as a Victorian residence.
The castle also hosts regular events and activities, making it a great destination for families and history buffs alike.
General Info
Opening hours: Daily, 10 am – 4 pm
Website: https://www.visitswanseabay.com/listings/oystermouth-castle/
Entrance cost: Adult – £5.50, Child (5-16 years) – £3.50, Under 5s – Free
What I Love:
- Stunning views of Swansea Bay
- Rich history and heritage
- Interactive exhibits and activities
- Regular events and workshops
6. Enjoy a day of family fun at the LC, Swansea's premier water park
Best For:Families with kids, big kids (like me), water enthusiasts
The LC is a state-of-the-art indoor water park that offers a range of activities and attractions for all ages. From the thrilling water slides and wave pool to the relaxing lazy river and hot tubs, it doesn’t mater how old you are, you’ll find your own little space of fun in this water park.
The park features a surf simulator, climbing wall, and gym, making it a great destination for active families.
With its modern facilities and friendly staff, the LC is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a day of fun in Swansea with the little (and big) kids.
General Info
Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 6:30 am – 10 pm; Saturday – Sunday, 8 am – 8 pm
Website: https://www.thelcswansea.com/
Entrance cost: Adult – £7.95, Child (4-15 years) – £5.95, Under 4s – Free
What I Love:
- Thrilling water slides and wave pool
- Relaxing lazy river and hot tubs
- Surf simulator and climbing wall
- Modern facilities and friendly staff
- Great for all ages and activity levels
7. Walk along the Swansea Bay promenade and take in the stunning views
Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts, beachgoers, families with kids
The Swansea Bay promenade is like a walk in the park…only with stunning views of the coast! Take a stroll, jog or cycle along the promenade and enjoy the panoramic views of the bay and the Mumbles Head.
If you’re feeling peckish, stop at one of the many cafes, ice cream stands or chippies along the route to refuel.
Whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for a scenic walk to break up your day, the Swansea Bay promenade is a great place to escape to.
General Info
Opening hours: N/A
Website: N/A
Entrance cost: Free
What I Love:
- Breathtaking views of Swansea Bay and Mumbles Head
- Great for cycling, jogging or leisurely walks
- Variety of cafes, ice cream stands and chippies along the route
- Free and accessible for all
8. Discover art and culture at the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery
Best For: Art enthusiasts, families with kids, couples
The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery is like a candy store for art lovers. With a collection of over 10,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Explore the galleries and learn about the various exhibitions and artists on display.
And if you’re lucky, you might even catch one of their regular events or workshops, where you can channel your inner artist and get creative.
General Info
Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm
Website: https://www.glynnvivian.co.uk/whats-on/swansea-open-2023/
Entrance cost: Free
What I Love:
- Wide range of art and artifacts from around the world
- Educational and fun for all ages
- Regular events and workshops
- Beautiful and historic building
9. Catch a game at Liberty Stadium and cheer on the Swansea City Football Club
Best For: Sports fans, families with kids
If you’re a football fan, then Liberty Stadium is the place to be. Cheer on the Swansea City Football Club and experience the thrill of live football matches alongside thousands of passionate fans.
And if football’s not your thing, don’t worry – the stadium also hosts a range of other sports events and concerts throughout the year, so there’s always something exciting going on. Make sure you check out the website to see what’s on
General Info
Opening hours: Variable, check website for details
Website: https://www.swanseacity.com/
Entrance cost: Variable, check website for details
What I Love:
- Thrilling live football matches
- Passionate and friendly fans
- Range of other sports events and concerts throughout the year
- Great destination for sports fans and music lovers alike
10. Take a stroll on Mumbles Bay Pier and enjoy the beautiful views
Best For: Everyone!
Mumbles Bay Pier is like a picturesque postcard come to life. Take a leisurely stroll along the pier and enjoy the stunning views of the bay, with the iconic Mumbles Lighthouse in the distance.
The pier is also home to a variety of shops, cafes, amusements and other attractions, making it a great destination for an afternoon out with the family. Plus, you’ll be close by to some of the nicest beaches around Swansea!
Expect all kinds of quirky things to do here as well…check out the official website below to see what’s on
General Info
Opening hours: Variable, check website for details
Website: https://www.mumbles-pier.co.uk/
Entrance cost: Free
What I Love:
- Beautiful views of Mumbles Bay and the Mumbles Lighthouse
- Variety of shops, cafes, and attractions on the pier
- Great destination for a day out with the family
- Free and accessible for all
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11. Visit the Dylan Thomas Birthplace and learn about the life and works of the famous poet.
Best For: Literature lovers, history buffs
The Dylan Thomas Birthplace is like a pilgrimage for literature lovers. Step back in time and explore the childhood home of one of Wales’ most famous poets.
Learn about his life and works, and see the places that inspired some of his most famous poems and stories.
The house has been restored to its original condition, so visitors can experience what life was like for the Thomas family in the early 20th century.
General Info
Opening hours: Variable, check website for details
Website: https://www.dylanthomasbirthplace.com/
Entrance cost: Adult – £5, Child (5-15 years) – £3, Under 5s – Free
What I Love:
- Childhood home of one of Wales’ most famous poets
- Learn about the life and works of Dylan Thomas
- See the places that inspired his poems and stories
- Restored to its original condition for an authentic experience
12. Take a hike up to the top of Cefn Bryn and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape
Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, hikers
Cefn Bryn is like a stairway to heaven for hikers. Take a challenging but rewarding hike up to the top of the hill and be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
From the ancient burial site of Arthur’s Stone to the rolling hills and open fields, the views from the top of Cefn Bryn are truly breathtaking.
Expect to see wild ponies and other wildlife along the way.
General Info
What I Love:
- Stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape
- Challenging but rewarding hike
- Ancient burial site of Arthur’s Stone
- Free and accessible for all
13. Enjoy live entertainment at the Swansea Grand Theatre
Best For: Theatre-goers, couples, art and culture lovers
The Swansea Grand Theatre is like a night out on the town, but with added entertainment. From comedies and dramas to musicals and pantomimes, the theatre offers a wide range of live performances throughout the year.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show, whether you’re with family, friends or on a romantic date night as a couple.
And with a fully licensed bar and restaurant on site, the Swansea Grand Theatre is the perfect destination for a night out.
Check the official website to see what’s on and book your show.
General Info
Opening hours: Variable, check website for details
Website: https://www.swanseagrand.co.uk/
Entrance cost: Variable, check website for details
What I Love:
- Unrestored Baroque Mansion filled with intrigue
- Enchanting Gardens to explore and wander around
- Expansive Parklands
14. Take a guided walking tour of Swansea and learn about its history and culture
Best For: Everyone!
Taking a guided walking tour of Swansea is sometimes just the convenient thing to do if you’re looking to be taken by the hand or short on time visiting.
With a knowledgeable guide, you can explore the city’s rich history and culture, from the medieval times to the present day. Learn about the people, places and events that have shaped this fascinating city, from the birthplace of Dylan Thomas to the bustling marina.
Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a fun and informative way to explore Swansea, a guided walking tour is a great way to discover the hidden gems and secret corners of this unique city.
General Info
Opening hours: Variable, check website for details
Website: https://www.getyourguide.com/swansea-l32523
Entrance cost: Variable, check website for details
What I Love:
- Learn about the rich history and culture of Swansea
- Explore the hidden gems and secret corners of the city
- Knowledgeable and friendly guides
- Fun and informative way to explore the city
15. Sample delicious local food and drink at Swansea Market
Best For: Everyone!
Visiting Swansea Market is like taking a culinary journey through Wales. Literally. From fresh seafood and local meats to artisan cheeses and traditional Welsh cakes, the market offers a wide range of delicious local food and drink to tantalize your taste buds.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or want to stock up on some ingredients for a home-cooked meal, Swansea Market is the perfect destination.
And with friendly vendors and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s a great way to experience the local culture and community.
General Info
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Website: www.swanseaindoormarket.co.uk/
Entrance cost: Free
What I Love:
- Wide range of delicious local food and drink
- Friendly vendors and vibrant atmosphere
- Great destination for foodies and families
- Perfect for stocking up on ingredients or grabbing a quick bite to eat
16. Take a surfing lesson at the Progress Surf School
Best For: Adventure-seekers, beach lovers, water-addicts
Taking a surfing lesson at the Progress surf School is going to be a hella lot of fun if you love to be out in the water. With experienced instructors and top-notch equipment, the school offers a safe and fun environment for surfers of all levels.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete beginner, the stunning coastline and reliable surf conditions of the Gower Peninsula make it the perfect destination for a surfing adventure.
And with the beautiful beaches and coastal landscapes, it’s a great way to enjoy the great outdoors while getting some exercise and having fun.
Just remember to take a break and catch some rays on the beach after all that hard work.
General Info
Opening hours: Variable, check website for details
Website: https://www.swanseasurfing.com/
Entrance cost: Variable, check website for details
What I Love:
- Experienced instructors and top-notch equipment
- Safe and fun environment for surfers of all levels
- Beautiful beaches and coastal landscapes of the Gower Peninsula
- Great way to enjoy the great outdoors while getting some exercise and having fun
16 Best Things To Do In Swansea
- Gower Peninsula and its beautiful beaches
- National Waterfront Museum
- Swansea University Observatory
- Clyne Gardens
- Oystermouth Castle
- Waterpark fun at LC
- Swansea Bay Promenade
- Glynn Vivian Art Gallery
- Swansea City Football Club
- Mumbles Pier & beaches
- Dylan Thomas Birthplace
- Hike Cefn Bryn
- Swansea Grand Theatre
- Guided walking tour
- Swansea indoor market
- Take a surf lesson
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FAQs
How do I spend a day in Swansea?
A day in Swansea can be spent exploring the city’s rich history and culture, enjoying the beautiful beaches and coastal landscapes of the Gower Peninsula, and experiencing the local food and drink scene at Swansea Market. Some recommended activities include taking a guided walking tour of the city, visiting the National Waterfront Museum, taking a surfing lesson at the Gower Surfing School, and enjoying live entertainment at the Swansea Grand Theatre.
Is Swansea Wales worth visiting?
Yes, Swansea is definitely worth visiting. With its rich history, vibrant culture, stunning natural landscapes, and friendly community, Swansea has something to offer for everyone.
Is Swansea good for kids?
Yes, Swansea is a great destination for families with kids. With a variety of family-friendly attractions, including the LC water park, Oystermouth Castle, and the Swansea Bay Aquarium, as well as beautiful beaches and outdoor activities, there’s plenty to keep kids of all ages entertained and engaged.
What is Swansea best known for?
Swansea is best known for its industrial heritage, as well as being the birthplace of famous Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. It is also known for its beautiful beaches and coastal landscapes, as well as its vibrant arts and culture scene.
Is it worth visiting the Mumbles?
Yes, it is definitely worth visiting the Mumbles. With its picturesque coastal village, stunning views of Mumbles Bay, and a variety of shops, cafes, and attractions on Mumbles Pier, the Mumbles is a great destination for a day out or a relaxing weekend getaway.
What day is market day in Swansea?
Swansea Market is open Monday to Saturday, with full trading hours from 7:30am to 5:30pm. So, there is no specific market day, but it is open every day except Sunday.
