Swansea Bay
Wales’ own city by the sea, Swansea Bay was made famous by Dylan Thomas as an ‘ugly,
lovely town’ but it has changed dramatically over recent years. Perhaps more traditionally
Welsh than Cardiff, but just as lively, the waterfront has been redeveloped and
the city has some fantastic museums and cultural landmarks. Outside the city is
the broad sweep of Swansea Bay with some of the best surfing in the country and
some picturesque landscapes to explore. There is also the waterfall country of the
Vale of Neath, the gorgeous beaches and sights of the Gower Peninsula and pleasant
resort towns like Mumbles and Oystermouth in which to spend some lazy afternoons.
Margam Park
This spectacular 19th century gothic pile is set in over 1,000 acres of stunning
parkland. Stroll around the gardens and you could find yourself seeing an Iron Age
Fort, the ruined hilltop Capel Mair, floral gardens and even some nice examples
of contemporary sculpture. The centrepiece though is 18th century Georgian orangery
which stands at 327 feet long.
Afan Forest Park
At 15 miles long, Afan Valley is one of the shortest and narrowest in Wales. The
mines in the area are long gone and replaced by a mining museum set within a stunningly
beautiful area to visit. The Forest Park covers 9,000 acres and it has recently
become a mountain bike hotspot. With four separate trails over a variety of distances
that include steep challenging climbs and rapid descents, as well as routes more
suitable for all the family, it’s time to get on two wheels.
Mumbles
Between Swansea and the start of the Gower Peninsula is the seaside town of Mumbles.
And it is a proper seaside town, packed with restaurants, cafes, pubs and complete
with pier and promenade. All set against a landscape alive with beautiful hills,
cliffs, coastal paths and golden sandy beaches popular with surfers and holidaymakers
alike.
Vale of Neath
This is Waterfalls Country, including the spectacular Aberdulais Falls, one of the
most magnificent in all of Wales. Stretching up from the town of Neath to the southern
reaches of the Brecon Beacons, the Vale also includes further waterfalls and gorges
in the Gnoll Country Park, and the rivers Mellte, Hepste and Nedd Fechan.
Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea
Dylan Thomas is Swansea’s favourite son and his work is celebrated at the eponymous
centre in the city. As well as a permanent exhibition dedicated to his life and
work, the Centre also hosts live performances of Thomas’ poetry as well as that
of other poets. There is also an annual Dylan Thomas festival which runs through
October and November.
National Waterfront Museum, Swansea
The newest museum in Swansea, the National Waterfront Museum only opened in 2005
but is already long listed as a Gulbenkian Museum of the Year. Based in a converted
early 20th century dockside warehouse fascinating exhibits and displays tell the
story of Welsh industrial history and its impact nationwide.
Swansea Bay
Much has changed in Swansea recently. It has received a bit of a makeover and Wales’
second city has been rejuvenated with well-funded museums, art galleries, exhibitions
and a thriving music and restaurant scene. Combined with the stunning natural surroundings
of the bay itself, complete with steep hills and award-winning beaches, Swansea
is a great place for a break.
Three Cliffs Bay, Gower
Three Cliffs Bay is one of the most picturesque beaches on the already picture postcard
Gower Peninsula. Quite hard to get to, it’s well worth the trek. For a start, the
valley leading down to the beach has a castle, salt marsh and sand dunes. The Three
Cliffs themselves tower above the beach and are a popular draw with climbers, whilst
expanses of sand attract galloping horse riders.
Gower Peninsula
A 15 mile long peninsular pointing from the west of Swansea down into the Bristol
Channel, in 1956 the Gower Peninsula was the first place in the UK to be made an
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - and it’s easy to see why. It is an incredible
mix of wide sweeping beaches, high cliffs and tidal flats on the coast and heath
and marshland in its interior. Unsurprisingly, it’s very busy in summer, but is
a joy to explore off season.
Arthur's Stone, Gower
A vast 25 ton capstone in a dramatic setting on the central ridge on the Gower Peninsula,
this Neolithic burial site dates from around 2500 BC. As you’d expect in a country
ripe with myths and legends, there are several different theories of how the stone
came to be there - one of the most popular being that it grew from a pebble that
King Arthur found in his shoe.
Worm's Head, Gower
Another place famed for its Dylan Thomas connections, the Worm’s Head is a strip
of rock and promontory heading out west into the sea away from Gower. There’s a
natural rock causeway that links the island with the mainland. Visitors should exercise
caution, it’s only uncovered by the sea for 2 ½ hours per tide, and it could
be a lonely wait stranded on the head, as Thomas once was.
Rhossili Beach, Gower
This is the most westerly of the beaches on the Gower Peninsula and as a result
gets the full force of the Atlantic swells. The big waves add to the drama of the
setting, with over three miles of white sand set in the shadow of the steep Rhossili
Downs. Those waves mean that it is one of the most consistently good places to surf
in Wales with the very best to be found at the north end of the beach.