Swansea - city in Swansea principal area, Wales

This article is about the urban area of Swansea. The Swansea Rural is covered in a separate article.

Swansea (pronounced: Swan-zee; Welsh: Abertawe) is a city on the beautiful Gower Peninsula — the United Kingdom's first designated "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty". With a population approaching 250,000 (2016), it is the second largest city in Wales and is known for its Blue Flag beaches and stunning coastal walks.

Districts

• Swansea Urban (this article) — from north to south covering areas from Morriston and Clydach to St. Thomas and Swansea Bay sea front and from east to west covering areas from Port Tennant to Caswell. Swansea Urban includes the city centre and the tourist areas of the Maritime Quarter, Mumbles, Limeslade, Langland and Caswell.
• Gower Peninsula — covering all points west of Bishopston, Pwll Du Bay, Fairwood Common and Upper Killay, and also including the highland areas of Pontarddulais and Mawr.

Understand

History

During medieval times, Swansea was a prosperous market town, later gaining a certain prominence as a spa resort. It was during the industrial revolution, however, that the city flourished and its population grew. The city is home to the world's first passenger railway service known as the Mumbles Train, which bumped and bounced along five miles of Swansea foreshore, linking the city centre with the suburb of Mumbles. Much of the city centre's architectural heritage was lost through wartime bombing. However, the abundance of parks, stunning coastal scenery, lovely water-side suburbs, a magnificent bay-side maritime quarter, varied cultural events, medieval castles and golden sandy beaches have preserved Swansea's place as a major tourist destination. Furthermore, according to a survey conducted by an international health magazine that considered, among other factors, a city's crime rate, life-style, environment, etc., Swansea was judged to be the most relaxed city in the UK, while two national surveys have ranked the city as the third friendliest place in the country with regard to customer service and the safest urban area in the UK.

The name 'Swansea' is derived from 'Sweyn's ey,' which meant the island belonging to Sweyn (Sven) in Old Norse, the area having been settled by Scandinavians in the Middle Ages. Abertawe, by contrast, means 'mouth of the river Tawe'. Locals are known as Swansea Jacks, after a hero dog who rescued no fewer than 27 people from drowning during his seven-year life in the 1930s; Jack's memorial is on the promenade in Brynmill, close to the university.

Dylan Thomas was passionate about Swansea, and in his early days described it as an "ugly, lovely town, crawling, sprawling, slummed, unplanned, jerry-villa'd, and smug-suburbed by the side of a long and splendid curving shore." Later, he referred to it as "the most romantic town I know," and described it with great gusto as a "marble town, city of laughter, little Dublin" and screamed triumphantly "Never was there such a town!"

Incidentally, the Swansea seaside resort of Mumbles derives its name from the French word mamelles, meaning "breasts"; take a look at the two islets off Mumbles Head from across the bay, and it is easy to see why.

Climate

Swansea has a wet and mild climate, with winter temperatures ranging from around 4 to 6°C, while the summer average high is about 20°C but often reaching to 26 or 27°C. Sun lovers should visit Swansea from June to August, which is the period that records the most hours of sunshine and is the main tourist season. However, those who prefer long solitary walks along cliffs paths or contemplative strolls through wooded valleys should consider September and October. During these months, the air is crisp and fresh and the area quiet, with most tourists having already departed. However, as Wales is one of the wettest areas in the UK, you should always prepare for rain when visiting the region. Even in the summer, pack some rain gear and an umbrella in your luggage.

Famous Faces

Swansea's rich and diverse history has created a city of character, which has proved to be very fertile ground for producing well known personalities. In the literary world, Martin Amis and Dylan Thomas were born in the city and inscriptions of Thomas' verses can been found throughout the city. The Oscar award-winning actress Catherine Zeta-Jones was born and raised here, as were actors Joanna Page and Matt Ryan. The 1970s and 80s rock sensation Bonnie Tyler is also from Swansea and still lives in the seaside suburb of Mumbles. Sir Harry Secombe, who entertained the country for decades, hails from Swansea's East Side, and also in the entertainment world, the TV playwright and producer Russell T. Davies (of Doctor Who fame) has his roots in the city, as does composer Sir Karl Jenkins and Ian Hislop (captain of BBC quiz show Have I Got News for You and editor of Private Eye). In the upper echelons of religion, economics, politics, and royalty, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, Nobel Prize winner Professor Clive Granger, former deputy-prime minister, Sir Michael Heseltine, former leader of the Conservative Party, Michael Howard and Princess Lilian of Sweden, were all born in Swansea, while among the city's most famous contributions to the sporting world were the soccer legend, John Charles, England cricketer Simon Jones and former WBO world cruiser weight champion, Enzo Maccarinelli.

Within a few miles of Swansea is the birthplace of Hollywood legends Richard Burton, Anthony Hopkins and Ray Milland, and opera stars Katherine Jenkins and Paul Potts.

The city's most loved character, however, is undoubtedly Jack the black retriever. During his seven years of life, he rescued at least 27 people from drowning in the murky waters of Swansea docks, and there is a small memorial in honour of this little hero on the foreshore, near the St. Helen's Stadium.

Tourist information

• City centre tourist information, Plymouth Street (Opposite the Bus Station), +44 1792 468321. Winter opening hours: M-Sa 9:30AM-5:30PM. Summer opening hours (Easter - end of September): M-Sa 9:30AM-5:30PM, Su 10AM-4PM.. Offers free maps, information on tourist sites and hotel room reservation service.
• Mumbles tourist information, The Methodist Church, Mumbles Road, + 44 1792 361302. Opening hours (year-round): M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Sunday (and school vacations) noon-5PM. Offers same services as the main city centre office.

Talk

Although it definitely has character, Swansea dialect (especially from east-side) can be hard to understand for the uninitiated.

The following usages are to be heard in Swansea:

• bye-yer = here (example: "Put it bye-yer" means "Put it here.")
• ewe = you (example: "Alright, arr ewe?" means "Are you OK?")
• likes = like, (example: "I likes it" means "I like it")
• now = often used as an affirmative, not be taken literally (example: "I'll come over now later" just means "I'll come over later.")
• tidy = not to be mistaken as a command to clear up something, but a statement of approval, meaning "I agree" or "that is acceptable".
• fair dues = to give someone credit (example: "He is not rich, but fair dues he's always happy to lend money to his friends." means "He is not rich, but give him credit. He's always happy to lend money to his friends.")
• there's = that's, how or what (example: "There's lovely" means "That's beautiful" or "How nice", whereas "There's a mess!" would in more standard English be expressed as "What a mess!")
• butt/butty = friend/buddy. (example: "How're you doing, butt?" means "How are you doing, mate/friend?")
• mun = used at the end of a statement for emphasis purposes (example: "Hurry up, mun, or we'll be late").
• cowin' lush = not to confused with a fertile plain for herbivores, but a statement akin to approval (example: "That curry I 'ad last night was cowin' lush mun".
• Evening Po = an abbreviated term for Evening Post (the Swansea evening newspaper) called out by road side vendors.
• In addition, there is a tendency for those with a strong accent to speak in the third person. So if someone walks up to you and says, "eye nose ewe", don't be surprised. They are merely expressing the fact that they recognize you (i.e. "I know you")!

The Swansea accent is more noticeable in blue collar areas of the city, whereas in more affluent areas people speak with a more refined Welsh accent. However, even in these areas Wenglish phrases like "Uch a fi!" (dirty) can still be heard.

About 16% of Swansea's population can speak and read Welsh in addition to English, though the majority of these are residents of the northern suburbs (i.e. those closest to the counties of Powys and Carmarthenshire). People from the original town of Swansea, east-side, Mumbles and South Gower were not traditionally Welsh speaking, and so there are far fewer Welsh speakers in these areas.

Get in

By car

• The M4 motorway links the city to Cardiff and London, with connections to the M6, M5, M32, M42 and M50. The main junction for Swansea is 42, but 43, 44, 45, 46 and 47 also lead off into Swansea

By bus

• National Express, +44 990 80 80 80 (enquires). Runs frequent bus services from Cardiff, London, the Midlands, and Heathrow Airport. All buses depart and arrive at the city's bus station. The National Express ticket office is next to the bus station.
• Megabus. Is a cheaper option.
• Greyhound, +44 900 096 0000 (enquires). Operate a frequent and efficient bus service from Cardiff (Central Station) to Swansea (Quadrant Shopping Centre). Tickets are purchased on boarding the bus. No prior booking required. Discounts available when travelling outside peak times.
• A convenient way to spend the day in Swansea city centre is to use one of the three Park and Ride systems National Park and Ride Directory. One is based at Landore on the A4067 - leave M4 at junction 45. The eastern 'Park and Ride' operates off the A483 (Fabian Way), which is the main artery into Swansea when coming off the M4 (junction 42) from the east buses on this route follow an express bus lane into the city centre. The western 'Park and Ride' operates off the A483 (Carmarthen Road) in Fforestfach. There is a £1.50 charge per car that includes all-day parking and return bus travel for up to 4 passengers, and the system operates from Monday to Saturday from 6:45AM to 7:30PM.

By plane

• Heathrow Airport (IATA: LHR) has daily arrivals from the widest number of places around the world to the UK. By rail, take the RailAir coach service from Heathrow Central Bus station and change at Reading Railway Station for trains direct to Swansea. By Coach, National Express provide a coach service from Heathrow Central Bus station to Swansea.
• Cardiff Airport (IATA: CWL), approximately fifty minutes drive to Swanesa. There are arrivals from various places in Europe. By rail, take the train from Rhoose Cardiff International Airport Railway station and change at Bridgend.
• Swansea Airport (IATA: SWS), 51.605278°, -4.067778°, +44 1792 20755. Handles private aircraft only.
• Pembrey Airport, 51.713889°, -4.312222°. to the west near Burry Port, handles private aircraft and offers charter flights from destinations in UK and Europe. 2022-06-25

By train

Swansea railway station, 51.6253°, -3.9409°. 2022-06-25

• First Great Western Trains (dead link: January 2023) (+44 8457 484950 (inquiries)) offers a very frequent express service from London Paddington station which stop at Reading, Swindon, Bristol Parkway, Newport, Cardiff Central, Bridgend, Port Talbot Parkway and Neath.
• Arriva Trains Wales (+44 8457 484950 (inquires)) runs local trains throughout Wales.
• West Wales services, west of Swansea. After leaving Swansea, the train follows the contours of the coast. A left-side seat will give you the best view:
  • The famous Heart of Wales Line runs between the medieval town of Shrewsbury and Swansea, passing through some of Wales' most spectacular scenery and picturesque towns during its three-hour and forty-minute journey. Trains depart Swansea at 4:36AM, 9:15AM, 1:17PM and 6:21PM.
  • There are direct trains from Manchester Piccadilly to Swansea operating hourly during the daytime M-Sa, and every two hours during the daytime on Sundays. The journey time is about 4 hours 20 minutes. This service calls at Crewe, Shrewsbury, Hereford, Newport and Cardiff.

Airport connections

Travellers arriving from Heathrow Airport have the option of taking the shuttle bus to Reading and boarding the west bound train there - this saves travelling into London - or taking the Heathrow Express high-speed rail link to London Paddington station. This service runs every 15 minutes from terminal 1,2,3 or every 23 minutes from terminal 4 and takes 15 minutes: £13 (single); £25 (return).

Travellers arriving from Cardiff Airport can take a train to Swansea. However, this requires a change at Bridgend. Services are provided by Arriva Trains.

By boat

• Swansea Marina. It offers 750 berths for private boat mooring, offering comprehensive facilities for both short and long term stays.

By bicycle

• National Cycle Route 4. Swansea is served by the NCR 4 which passes just south of the city centre. To the east, NCR 4 connects Swansea with Port Talbot, Newport and London. To the west, NCR 4 connects Swansea with Llanelli and St David's. From the east, NCR 4 follows the route of the A483 (Fabian Way), it then follows the route of the seafront promenade of Swansea Bay Beach and at Blackpill it continues up the Clyne Valley cycle track towards Gowerton.
• National Cycle Route 43, NA°, NA°. NCR 43 is still under development and will eventually connect Swansea with Builth Wells. Part of the route wholly within Swansea has been completed and signposted. The completed signposted section of NCR 43 begins at the Swansea Marina and follows the route of the River Tawe all the way to Ystalyfera, passing Pontardawe.
• National Cycle Route 47. NCR47 connects Newport with Fishguard. Within Swansea, NCR47 follows the same route as NCR4. Whilst NCR4 is a more coastal route, NCR47 is a mostly inland route.

Get around

By bus

Bus companies First South West Wales (dead link: January 2023) maintain frequent services connecting all suburbs of Swansea and the Gower Peninsula. All buses depart from the Bus Station, and there are connecting links to/from Swansea's railway station. Visitors travelling to the Mumbles have the option of taking buses heading to these final destinations: Oystermouth (synonymous with Mumbles and the final stop is in the village), Limeslade (includes stops at Mumbles Square, Verdi's Cafe and Mumbles Pier), Langland, Newton and Caswell. All buses on these routes also make stops at St. Helen's Stadium, Swansea University/Singleton Park and Blackpill Lido.

First Cymru offer a one-day "FirstDay (dead link: January 2023)" bus pass for the Swansea urban area. It costs £4.00 per adult before 9:30AM and £3.50 after 9:30AM.

By taxi

There are several taxi ranks in the city centre. One is found at High Street Station for rail connections and one is at Swansea Bus Station for bus/coach connections. A taxi rank beside St. Mary's church serves city centre shoppers. The taxi rank on Caer Street next to Castle Square is the most convenient for people returning home after a night out on Wind Street.

See

Landmarks

• Swansea Castle, 51.6203°, -3.9412°. The ruins of this 13th-century castle are in the city centre. While the remains are not substantial enough to warrant a special visit, the contrast of the battlements against the more contemporary architecture of its surroundings does provide an interesting backdrop for souvenir photographs of Swansea city centre - the building is floodlit at night.
• The Guildhall, 51.614167°, -3.960278°. This elegant building of white Portland stone has graced the city centre's western approach since 1934. The main building only houses administrative offices and is of no interest to the casual visitor. However, Sir Frank Brangwyn's murals (originally intended for the House of Lords, but considered too frivolous) that grace the interior of the Brangwyn Hall are definitely worth viewing. The Brangwyn Hall is on the sea-facing side of the building and functions as the city's main concert and reception hall.
• Arthur's Stone, 51.594076°, -4.179603°. A neolithic burial chamber or cromlech dating from 2500BCE.
• Dylan Thomas' Childhood Home, 5 Cwmdonkin Dr, 51.6203°, -3.9655°. Uplands. Restored to reflect the environment of Dylan's youth, Number Five Cwmdonkin Drive is open as a self-catering guest house - suitable for budding writers.
• Oystermouth Castle, 51.57645°, -4.00297°. Mumbles. The castle was founded in the early 12th century by William de Londres of Ogmore and was constructed of ringwork and bailey. In the 13th century, the castle was the principal residence of the de Braoses, the lords of Gower (their other main residence was Swansea Castle), and most of the structure remaining today originates from this period. King Edward I visited the castle in December 1284. The present day remains are well preserved and the battlements offer commanding views over Swansea Bay. There is a small entry fee.
• Mumbles Pier, 51.569722°, -3.980278°. Mumbles. Built in the 1880s to encourage more passengers to use the Mumbles Train, the pier is an edifice to the Victorians' love of the ocean. Compared to many piers around the country, Mumbles is quite simple in design, but the 255-m walk from beginning to end allows for spectacular views over Swansea Bay. In particular, Oystermouth Castle and the high rise buildings of the city centre are in clear view.
• Historical buildings. Much of Swansea city centre was destroyed in wartime bombing. Still, there are large pockets of the historic centre that survived, and they have been painstakingly restored. Some of the best examples of Georgian and Victorian architecture can be found on Wind Street (pronounced Wined), with Salubrious Passage (linking Wind Street with Princess Way) being almost exclusively Georgian - though the accolade for oldest buildings in that area goes to Swansea Castle and the Cross Keys (inn), which are respectively relics of the 13th and 14th centuries. At the bottom end of Wind Street and across the main thoroughfare leading from the M4 into Swansea are several lovely Georgian terraces, with Somerset Place and Cambrian Place perhaps being the most stylish. The Dylan Thomas Centre on Somerset Place also represents a fine example of Doric style Georgian architecture, and the area (which leads onto the marina) also has an impressive mixture of Victorian and Edwardian buildings, such as the colonnaded neo-classical style Swansea Museum (1841) and Morgan's Hotel (1903). Across town, Alexandra Road offers some fine examples of baroque revival Edwardian architecture, with the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery acting as the focal point. British visitors may immediately recognize some of Swansea's historic streets as they have been featured in the popular TV series Doctor Who.

Museums and galleries

• National Waterfront Museum, The, Maritime Quarter, 51.616389°, -3.938611°, +44 1792 638950. Daily 10AM-5PM. Housed in a building clad in Welsh slate, the National Waterfront Museum represents an exciting and innovative way to explore the development of the industrial revolution - through the eyes of the people whose lives it touched and transformed. The toil, the achievements, the defeats and the joys are revealed through the museum's creative exhibitions. Children will particularly enjoy the working machinery. There are also cafes and gift shops overlooking the marina. This is one of the UK's most imaginative exhibition spaces and must-see destinations. Admission is free
• Dylan Thomas Centre, The, Somerset Place, Marina, 51.619167°, -3.935833°, +44 1792 463980. Tu-Su 9AM-10PM. This splendid example of early 19th-century Doric style architecture served as Swansea Guildhall for over 100 years. It became the Dylan Thomas Centre in 1995 when it was refurbished in commemoration of Swansea hosting the 1995 UK Year of Literature and Writing, and was opened by former US President Jimmy Carter. The centre is dedicated to the works of Swansea's greatest literary son, and in addition to a theatre, exhibition and events hall, the centre also has a second hand book store and gift shop. The local cuisine served in the second floor restaurant is strongly recommended. Admission free
• Glyn Vivian Art Gallery, The Alexandra Rd, 51.623889°, -3.944444°, +44 1792 516900. Tu-Su 9AM-5PM. The gallery housed in a baroque revival Edwardian building has permanent exhibits of paintings by local artists and a good collection of Swansea china. It frequently hosts exhibitions of national and international works of art. Free
• Swansea Museum, Victoria Road, Maritime Quarter, 51.6178°, -3.9381°, +44 1792 653763. Tu-Su 9AM-5PM. This grade two, neo-classic building was Wales' first museum, and displays artifacts as diverse as Swansea china and an Egyptian mummy. The museum gift shop sells good quality souvenirs. Free
• Gower Heritage Centre, Parkmill, Gower, 51.5835°, -4.1035°, +44 1792 371206. A rural life museum based around a working water mill - gift shop and café on site.
• Egypt Centre, Singleton Park, SA2 8PP, 51.61015°, -3.97881°, +44 1792 295960. Tu-Sa 10AM-4PM. The Swansea University campus (near the Taliesin Art Centre). One of the UK's best collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts outside London. Free
• Attic Gallery, 37 Pocketts Wharf, Maritime Quarter, SA1 3XL, 51.61753°, -3.93354°, +44 1792 653387, sales@atticgallery.co.uk. F 10AM-5:30PM, Sa 10AM-4:30PM. Wales' oldest independent gallery - specialising in grass roots Welsh art. free
• Mission Gallery, Gloucester Place, Marina, 51.617°, -3.9368°, +44 1792 652016. Daily 11AM-5PM. A small independent gallery in a converted seaman's chapel. free
• 1940s Swansea Bay, Elba Crescent, Crymlyn Burrows, SA1 8QQ, 51.62068°, -3.88019°, +44 1792 458864, mail@1940sswanseabay.co.uk. Temporarily closed during a search for new premises 2022-04-05
• Elysium Art Space, 16 College St, 51.6215°, -3.9427°, +44 7980 925 449. Th-Su 11AM-5PM. A volunteer-run space promoting the work of emerging artists. Admission free.
• The Nick Holly Studio Gallery, Exchange Building, Cambrian Place, SA1 1SE, 51.61787°, -3.93695°, +44 7971 343366, info@nickholly.com. Open: Tu-Su 10AM-5PM. Exchange Building, Cambrian Place, Maritime Quarter. Showcases the work of local artists. Free
• Swansea Bus Museum, Unit 2, Viking Way, Winch Wen, SA1 7DA, 51.65438°, -3.90385°. M-F 9AM-4PM, Su 10AM-5PM. An exhibit of over thirty buses that once plied the streets of Swansea and West Wales. Admission free - donations welcome

Parks and scenic sites

• Mumbles, 51.568°, -3.985°. A former fishing village at the western end of Swansea Bay the quaint streets, a 12th-century castle, fashionable boutiques and excellent restaurants make this suburb of Swansea a must-see destination. The promenade at Mumbles offers a spectacular panoramic view over Swansea Bay, and Village Lane (behind Patrick's restaurant) is a street of picture postcard fisherman's cottages.
• The Gower Peninsula - the first area in Britain to be designated an "area of outstanding natural beauty" - stunning scenery that extends from sandy beaches, hidden coves and lush country-side. In addition, (including the ruins of Swansea castle) there are seven medieval castles to explore. Home to Oxwich Bay - named the most beautiful beach in the UK and one of the most beautiful in the world by The Travel Magazine in 2007.
• The Maritime Quarter. An international award winning bay-side development. The swinging masts and sails of the three marinas offer a great backdrop to the theatres, museums, hotels, cafes, bars and restaurants that jostle for positions in this tight little corner off the city centre. The south-side faces the sea, where there are great views over Swansea Bay and the Mumbles Head.
• Plantasia, 51.6217°, -3.93861°, +44 1792 474555. Daily 10AM - 5PM. Parc Tawe. A chisel-shaped hot house in the city centre, complete with three different climate zones and exotic animals. Adult £3.70, children and concessions £2.70, Passport to Leisure £2.00, Under 4's admitted free and Family £12.00
• Singleton Park, 51.613°, -3.9811°. Swansea's largest park meandering over several acres of gentle undulating hills and leading down to Swansea Bay botanical gardens near the Sketty end of the park, and Swansea University at the lower end, near the sea front. The main entrance to the park is on Mumbles Road, just past the St. Helen's Stadium.
• Clyne Gardens and Country Park, 51.5959°, -4.0032°. No doubt the gem in the crown of Swansea parks. Begun as a private garden, Clyne is bursting with flora and fauna meticulously collected from around the world. It has an internationally recognised collection of rhododendrons and azaleas which are at their spectacular best in May. The Japanese style pond, complete with willow trees and oriental bridge is a great place to relax and watch the clouds sail by. Entrance behind the Woodman pub on Mumbles Road at Blackpill.
• Cwmdonkin Park, 51.6217°, -3.9685°. In the Uplands. A classic Victorian park that was a favourite with Dylan Thomas, and several of his works were inspired here.
• Brynmill Park, 51.6157°, -3.9735°. Swansea's oldest park, in Dylan's Uplands famous for its large swan lake.
• Lake Fendrod, 51.6547°, -3.9153°. In the heart of the Swansea Enterprise Park. It has a large population of swans and is stocked with a range of fishes like carp to 20 lbs, skimmers to bream of 8 lbs, tench to 6 lbs, roach to 2 lbs together with crucian carp, dace, orfe, perch & rudd. There are about 75 pegs, some of which are concreted. Lake Fendrod is surrounded by a public footpath.
• Swansea Vale Nature Reserve, 51.67°, -3.90083°. At the far north eastern end of the Enterprise Park. It is one of the few remaining places of wetland in Swansea and features streams, ponds and woodland. The nature reserve is accessible by bike or on foot and features a board walk and bike paths
• Kilvey Community Woodland, 51.629167°, -3.920278°. The south side of the woodland offers panoramic views of Swansea Bay right over to Mumbles Head and Port Talbot and also the city centre and docks, while the western face of the hill allows uninhibited views of the lower Swansea Valley, the northern part of the city centre, the Enterprise Zone and the Liberty Stadium. In addition, the hill has a sculpture trail, a number of footpaths and some dedicated white knuckle mountain biking trails.
• View over the city and Swansea Bay, 51.6229°, -3.9656°. One of the best locations to gain a panoramic view of the city and the full sweep of Swansea Bay is from Pant-y-Celyn Road in Townhill (near the Townhill Campus of Swansea Metropolitan University). There are bay-facing parking areas along the road that allow the stunning views to be enjoyed from the comfort of your car. The scene is especially spectacular at dusk with the sun setting over Mumbles Head. For the adventurous and those possessing cars with strong brakes, return to the city centre via the 1 in 3 incline of the cobbled street of Constitution Hill.
• Blackpill Beach, 51.595°, -3.9962°. Blackpill Beach and the Blackpill Stream which flows into it are a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. Many types of gulls can be seen feeding there at high tide.
• Crymlyn Bog, 51.6364°, -3.88833°. Crymlyn bog is the largest area of lowland fen in Wales to the east of Swansea City Centre. It is a Ramsar site, a Special Site of Scientific interest and a protected National Nature Reserve. There is a visitor centre with car parking.
• Swansea beach, 51.592°, -3.964°. A 5-mile (8-km) stretch of beach from Swansea Docks all the way to Mumbles with a cycle way and promenade along its whole length.

Do

• Swansea Airport (IATA: SWS), NA°, NA°, +44 1792 208933. See Swansea and the Gower Peninsula from the air. Flying Lessons and recreational flights are operated by Cambrian Flying Cluband Gower Flight Centre. Skydiving lessons and recreational skydives at Swansea Airport are operated by Skydive Swansea.
• Swansea Indoor Bowls Stadium, Beaufort Road, Plasmarl, +44 1792 771728. ,n international standard indoor bowling stadium which hosts the Welsh International Open, part of the annual World Bowls Tour. The stadium features 6 bowling rinks with a function room and a bar.

Children's activities

• Swansea Bay Rider. A colourful children's land train runs throughout the summer along the promenade from the St. Helen's Stadium to Southend Gardens, Mumbles.
• Rowing and crazy golf. A boating lake and crazy golf course between the junction of Sketty Lane and Mumbles Road and the entrance to Swansea University.
• Discovery Centre. M-F 11AM-5PM, Sa Su 11AM-4PM. The centre offers the opportunity for children to observe and gain first hand knowledge about local wildlife and nature.
• The LC. A state of the art leisure centre. See 'Swimming' section for more details.

Cruises

• Waverley Excursions, +44 845 130-4647. The historic ship MV Balmoral runs day trips to Ilfracombe in North Devon and cruises around the Gower coast - summer only. The paddle steamer Waverley runs similar trips, but less frequently. Certain journeys continue on to Lundy Island.
• Euphoria Sailing Ltd, +44 1792 234502, info@euphoriasailing.com. Motor boat and yacht cruises around the Gower coast - starting points Swansea Marina or Oxwich Bay.
• Gower Coast Adventures, +44 1792 540386. Offers trips around the Gower coast for up to 12 people on their ten-metre sea serpent cruise boat.

Cycling

Swansea is connected to the National Celtic Cycling Trail, and there are four main routes in city.

• The Jersey Marine and Fabian Way Trail. Traces the main road into the city centre from the east few special sites of interest, it passes the Jersey Marine Tower and offers views of the heavy industrial plants in Baglan Bay and Port Talbot.
• The River Tawe Trail. Runs along the banks of the river Tawe passing through a former industrial area that has been reforested, skirts the Liberty Stadium, a business district and finally heads out to the Swansea Valley.
• The Promenade Trail. Runs along Swansea Bay foreshore to the sea-side suburb of Mumbles it passes through the Marina and offers stunning views over Swansea Bay. On a sunny day, with the blue water lapping at the side of the promenade, cycling along this trail must be the nearest thing to poetry in motion.
• The Clyne Valley Trail. Runs through Clyne Country Park to the North Gower coast, where it rejoins the National Celtic Cycle Trail the first part of the trail passes through a forested area, then meanders through sprawling suburbs before reaching the Loughor Estuary near Loughor. This trail leads from the Promenade Trail at Blackpill (a child's paddling area marks the site). Mountain bike trails are on the sides of the valley.
• Mountain biking. Kilvey Hill has a dedicated downhill run and several other trails for the mountain bike enthusiast. Bikes can be rented at the following city centre stores:
• Cycle Centre, 10 Wyndham Street, +44 1792 410710. closed Sunday.
• Action Bike, St. David's Square, +44 1792 464640. open daily. Will deliver bike to hotel free of charge.

Driving

There are some wonderfully picturesque drives in Swansea. Below are a couple of popular ones:

• City centre - Mayals - Bishopston - Caswell Bay - Langland Bay - Bracelet Bay - Limeslade Bay- Mumbles - city centre.

To start this drive, take the A4067 Mumbles Road from the city centre and turn right onto B4436 Mayals Road. Follow road over Fairwood Common and take a left at Bishopston Village. From there, follow signs for the above places.

This drive takes in some beautiful coastal scenery. Recommended stops: Verdis café (Mumbles, Swansea Bay sea front), Castellamare café (Bracelet Bay sea front), and Mumbles Village (see listing under 'See').

• City centre - Uplands - Killay - Parkmill - Reynolston - Rhossili - Llangeneth - Oldwalls - Killay - Uplands - city centre.

To start this drive, take A4118 through the bed-sit suburb of Uplands and then Killay. Finally, after leaving Upper Killay, the road passes through the heart of the Gower Peninsular. Follow signs for the above places.

This drive passes through some quintessential British countryside and culminates at stunning Rhossili Bay. Recommended stops: Parkmill is the location of the Gower Heritage Centre, with its working water wheel, and Shepards' village store and café is a good place to take refreshment. Near the village of Reynolston, you can take a short detour onto Cefn Bryn to see Arthur's Stone (see listing under 'See'). Also, in Reynolston is the beautifully renovated country inn, 'the King Arthur's Hotel', which is an excellent place for lunch. At Rhossili, there are tea houses, but the attraction here is definitely the stunning views.

As you drive along the beautiful country lanes with the smell of freshly cut grass pervading the air and the vista of a wide blue bay opening before you, the words of a famous Buddhist master - 'the journey is the goal' - will never ring truer!

Festivals

Spring and summer

• Swansea Bay Summer Festival. The umbrella term for a number of events occurring in the Swansea Bay area from May to September. Only the main festivals are listed below. For other events, check the official website. 2017-03-22
• Swansea Pride, Castle Square and Waterfront Museum. Late April. LGBT event, procession. free 2019-04-20
• The Biggest Weekend, Singleton Park. A weekend of live rock music in late May 2018-03-09
• Swansea Waterfront Jazz and Blues Festival, Maritime Quarter, +44 7802 912789. Various venues throughout the Marina area in late June. 2018-03-06
• Wales National Airshow, Swansea foreshore. Two days in early July 10AM-6:30PM. Spectacular flying displays which often include the Red Arrows. The next is 1-2 July 2023. Free 2022-09-23
• Gower Festival. Live music performances at various venues across the peninsular. Mid-July. 2021-11-10
• Dance Days, various locations throughout the city centre. 11AM-5PM. Street dance performances in early July free 2017-06-20
• Vegan Camp, Horton, Gower. Anytime between 23 July to 7 August 2022. Camping, vegan cuisine 2019-06-29
• World Triathlon Para Series and IRONMAN 70.3, Various locations throughout the city. 4-7 August 2022. Triathlon events Free for spectators 2022-06-29
• Escape Festival, Singleton Park. All day, 20 Aug 2022. Outdoor rock concert, Various artists. 2022-07-16
• {{do | name=Gower Bluegrass Festival | url=http://gowerbluegrass.co.uk/ (dead link: December 2020) | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1792 473276 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Gower Heritage Centre, Parkmill. Early September. }}

Autumn and winter

• Swansea Fringe Festival, Various locations throughout Swansea, enquiries@theswanseafringe.com. Late Oct. Music, magic, live performances at a number of venues throughout the city centre 2021-11-10
• Dylan Thomas Festival. The Dylan Thomas Centre held annually between 27 Oct and 9 Nov. During these two weeks, the centre built to commemorate the works of Thomas reverberates to the sound of his poems and plays. This is a must see event for fans of the bard. In addition, the festival hosts the awards' ceremony for the winner of the Dylan Thomas Prize a biannual writing competition for most outstanding literary talent in English, aged under 30.
• Dylan Thomas Fringe. Compliments the main events at the Dylan Thomas Festival and is held at various venues throughout the city.
• Do Not Go Gentle Festival, various venues throughout Swansea. Early Nov. A festival of music and words. 2017-09-29
• Waterfront Wonderland. Mid-Nov to early Jan. This event held next to the National Waterfront Museum includes stalls selling traditional Christmas goods, a big wheel offering views over Swansea Bay and an ice rink. 2017-09-29

Flights

• Gower Flight Centre, Swansea Airport, +44 1792 298599. See and the Gower Peninsula from the air. Flights from Swansea Airport.

Golf

Swansea has a number of excellent golf courses, many with spectacular sea views:

• Clyne Golf Club, 118-120 Owls Lodge Ln, +44 1792 401989. Mayals. 6323-yard, 18-hole course built on moorland, par 70 sss72
• Fairwood Park Golf Club, Blackhills Lane, Upper Killay, +44 1792 297849. 6,658-yard, 18-hole parkland championship course
• INCO Golf Club, +44 1792 841257. Clydach
• Morriston Golf Club, 160 Clasemont Rd, +44 1792 796528. Morriston. 5708-yard, 18-hole course
• Langland Bay Golf Club, +44 1792 361721. Mumbles.
• Pennard Golf Club, 2 Southgate Rd, +44 1792 233131. Southgate. 6,225-yard, 18-hole, par 71 links golf course

Karting

• SKIDZ Karting, Unit 1, Rear of Queensway, +44 1792 580927, info@skidzkarting.co.uk. Daily 10AM to 8PM.

Live music

Bars and cafés that provide life music:

• Creature Sound, 1 Bethesda Street., +44 1792 301178. 10AM-11PM. Primarily a recording studio, but also hosts events and supports the local homeless community. 2018-09-24
• Jam Jar, 216 High Street, +44 1792 654366 07527246701. M-W 9AM-5PM, Th-Sa 9AM-late. Live music and events. Serves coffee, alcohol and meals 2017-03-29
• Milkwoodjam, 50 Plymouth St, +44 1792 477577. Live music venue, café/bar and recording studio.
• No Sign Bar, 56 Wind St, +44 1792 465300. A watering hole that dates to the 18th century - relaxed atmosphere and good food - generally an over-40 crowd.
• Swansea Jazzland, +44 1792 466535. St. James Social Club, St. James Crescent, Uplands. Jazz, jazz and more jazz
• Taliesin Arts Centre, +44 1792 602060. Swansea University. Music from around the globe, including high-profile jazz artists and other musicians of international acclaim.undefined. 2018-08-31
• The Bunkhouse, 63 Kingsway. One of the largest live music watering holes in Swansea. Large range of local ales. 2018-08-31
• {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url=http://www.garagevenue.com/ (dead link: December 2020) | email= | address=47 Uplands Crescent, Uplands | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1792 475147 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Hip-hop, metal, rock and stand-up comedy. }}
• Uplands Tavern, 42 Uplands Crescent, Uplands, +44 1792 458242. Rock and folk - attracts student crowd.

Living in nature

• Dryad Brushcraft, 53 Woodcote, Killay, +44 1792 547213, Info@dryadbushcraft.co.uk. Offers unique wilderness survival courses at various locations on the Gower.

Movie theatres

• Cinema.co, 17 Castle Street, info@cinemaco.co.uk. 6PM-midnight nightly (screening starts at 8PM). Screening of art/indie movies. Discussion after screening. Adult £5, student £4
• Odeon, Odeon: Parc Tawe, +44 333 006 7777. Multi-screen cinemas screening blockbusters.
• Taliesin, +44 1792 602060. Screens quality mainstream, independent movies.
• Vue, York Street, +44 8712 24024. Multi-screen cinemas screening blockbusters.

Paintball

• Teamforce UK (Paintballing & Activity Centre), Llangyfelach Rd, +44 845 257 9381.

Puzzle-solving

• Breakout Swansea, Kingsway, BreakoutSwansea@gmail.com. Participants solve puzzles to escape from a room.

Rock climbing

• South Wales Mountaineering Club.

Sports

• Cricket: Swansea is one of the home locations of the Glamorgan County Cricket Club, one of the 18 major county clubs which make up the English and Welsh domestic cricket league. Glamorgan play at St Helen's Stadium.
• Football: Swansea City ('the Swans') play soccer in the Championship, the second tier for England and Wales. Their home ground (capacity 21,000) is Liberty Stadium in Landore / Plasmarl SA1 2FA, a mile north of city centre.
• Rugby Union: Ospreys are the profession team playing in the United Rugby Championship (formerly Pro-14), the predominantly Celtic super-league. Their home ground is Liberty Stadium.

Swansea RFC (the 'All Whites') play in the Welsh Premiership, with their home ground at St Helen's Stadium.

• Swansea Bay Rally. A major event in the UK rally calendar. Held annually in summer at locations near Swansea.

Swimming

• Many of the bays on the Gower Peninsular are great for swimming. However, the most popular are the sandy bays of Langland and Caswell. Both these beaches are under seasonal lifeguard supervision, offer changing and toilet facilities and are in easy reach of the city centre.
• Welsh National Pool, +44 1792 513513. Sketty Lane (near the university). Serious swimmers will enjoy the waters of this Olympic-size pool.
• The LC. M-F 6:30AM-10PM, Sa Su 8AM-9PM. Maritime Quarter. A cutting edge leisure complex that includes a wave making machine, hydro-slide, artificial beach, children's paddling area, Europe's only indoor surfing centre and the world's first uphill water slide. LC offers an excellent rainy-day alternative to a day at the beach.

Tenpin bowling

• Swansea Tenpin Bowling, Parc Tawe, The Strand, +44 871 873 2450. Tenpin is next to an Odeon multiplex. It features 26 tenpin bowling lanes and an amusement arcade, two pool tables, a Wimpey burger bar and a drinks bar.

Theatres

• Grand Theatre, Singleton Street, +44 1792 475715. Swansea's largest theatre, with everything from pantomime to opera.
• Brangwyn Hall. The Guildhall complex, Victoria Park. With its stunning British Empire Panels, commissioned for the British House of Lords, this grandiose concert hall is the focus for the annual Swansea Festival of Music and the Arts - the second largest such festival in the UK.
• Dylan Thomas Centre, +44 1792 463980. The Maritime Quarter. Specialising in plays produced by the bard.
• Dylan Thomas Theatre, +44 1792 473238. The Maritime Quarter. Home to the Swansea Little Theatre group - Where Dylan Thomas was an actor/member as was Catherine Zeta Jones.
• South Wales Evening Post Theatre, 219 High St (Urban Village). The theatre is part of a so-called creative hub based in the Urban Village.
• Swansea Arena, Oystermouth Road, Marina, +44 1792 804770. A state-of-the-art concert and conference venue. Offers a variety of events. Bar and cafe on site. 2022-07-17
• Taliesin Arts Centre, +44 1792 602060. The University Campus, Singleton Park. This lively venue hosts a broad programme of events including cinema screenings, an average of ten visiting exhibitions per year, and a great variety of live performances, from dance and drama to jazz and world music. The emphasis at Taliesin is on quality and innovation.
• Volcano Theatre, 27–29 High Street (a few minutes walk south of Swansea Station.), +44 1792 464790. An innovative theatre group, performing original and bold work. 2021-06-23

Volunteer

• Swansea Environment Centre, Old Telephone Exchange, Pier Street, Marina (behind the 5-star Morgan's Hotel on Adelaide Street), +44 1792 480200. The centre organises volunteer environmental work in the area - a great opportunity to meet local people and inject more purpose into your stay in Swansea.
• Swansea City Farm, 2 Pontarddulais Rd, +44 1792 578384, ray@swanseacommunityfarm.org.uk. Fforestfach. (Directions: bus numbers 110, 111, 112 and X13 from city centre to Ivorite Arms bus stop). A project that aims 'to provide a sustainable community farm which is stimulating and educational and offers enjoyable and safe activities.' Everyone is welcome to contribute their energy and time to this on-going project (call first).

Walking

Swansea is a great place if you are into walking. Here are a few easily accessible routes:

• Swansea Marina to Mumbles Pier - about five miles of flat walking - great views over Swansea Bay.
• Limeslade Bay to Caswell Bay - about three miles of cliff path walking - stunning scenery.
• Bishopston Valley - about three miles of riverside walking, starting just below Bishopston church - a peaceful and lush valley that spills out onto a storm beach. The return journey can be made over the cliff path to the left of the beach when facing the sea.

Water sports

The calm waters of Swansea Bay and Oxwich Bay are ideal for watersports such as skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, dinghy sailing and Power boat training - Contact:

• Watersports 4 All, Bishopston, E-main, +44 1792 234502, fun@watersports4all.com.
• Mumbles Yacht Club, Southend, Mumbles, +44 1792 369321.
• Mumbles Motor Boat and Fishing Club, The Pier, Mumbles, Swansea, SA3 4EN, +44 1792 363832.
• Swansea Yacht and Sub Aqua Club, South dock, Pumphouse, East Burrows Road, Marina, +44 1792 469096.
• Bay Watersports, Seafront at the Slip (near St. Helens stadium), +44 1792 534858. Lessons in windsurfing and kayaking on Swansea Bay. May to October, seven days a week.
• Swansea Watersports, The Pilot House, Pilot Wharf, Swansea Marina, +44 7989 839878, info@swanseawaterports.com. Offers training in the following activities at various locations around the Gower Peninsula: powerboating, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, first aid and sea survival.
• {{do | name=Cable Wake Boarding | alt= | url=http://www.gowake.co.uk/index.php (dead link: December 2020) | email= | address=Prince of Wales Dock, SA1 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }}

Some of the best surfing spots in the UK are in Swansea, with Llangenith, Caswell and Langland bays being the most popular - contact:

• Gower Live. Real time view of the surf at Langland Bay
• Gower Bays Surf Club, +44 1792 362192. Mumbles.
• Langland Board Riders, 19 Croftfield Crescent, Newton, +44 1792 386104.

Yoga

• Hotpod Yoga, Madison House, Orchard Street, City Centre, +44 740 1999134, ana.chidzoy@hotpodyoga.com.
• Karma Fitness Centre and Juice Bar, 13 Strand, City Centre, +44 1792 930019.
• Urban Zen, Little Gam Steet, City Centre (Between Oxford Street and Western Steeet), +44 7734 105301.

Learn

Universities

• Swansea University has a student population approaching 20,000, and for the past few years has been the successive winner of The Times award for the best student experience in the UK. The university is also listed as one of the top 200 universities in the world according to QS World University Rankings.
• University of Wales Trinity St David, Swansea. With several campuses throughout the city, the university is famous for its courses in stained glass design and digital media.

Colleges

• Gower College Swansea

Martial arts

Performing arts

• Venue No 1 - Mark Jermin Stage School (Venue No 1), 995A Carmarthen Road, +44 03330 15111, manager@venueno1.co.uk. Classes in performing arts, cafe, theatre 2021-10-09

Sailing

Sailing lessons are available at several training schools in the Swansea area:

• Mumbles Sailing Club, Mumbles, +44 1792 864499.
• {{listing | name=Rainbow Sailing | alt= | url=http://www.rainbowsailingschool.com/ (dead link: August 2020) | email= | address=14 Cambrian Pl | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1792 467813 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Marina. }}
• {{listing | name=Euphoria Sailing | alt= | url=http://www.euphoriasailing.com/ (dead link: August 2018) | email= | address=34 Eastlands Park, Bishopston | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1792 234502 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }}

Buy

• Welsh Love Spoons - large spoons carved in wood that are traditional gifts between lovers.
• Woven cloth - available in traditional Welsh designs and sold as shawls, skirts and purses.
• Monopoly - one of the series of this famous game is based on the streets and landmarks of Swansea.
• Laverbread - the Swansea speciality dish made from seaweed.
• Murroughs Welsh Brew Tea. Quality African and Indian teas blended in Swansea
• Michton Chocolates. Luxury chocolates made in Swansea.
• Salt Marsh Lamb Locally produced Gower salt-marsh lamb, from sheep reared in the salt-marshes of Loughor Estuary is available from many local butchers and in Swansea Market.

Shops

Handicrafts

• Crundles, 80 Brynymor Rd, +44 1792 462585. Quality handicrafts and ethnic clothes/jewellery from Asia.
• Love Spoon Gallery, 492 Mumbles Rd (near junction with Newton Road). Mumbles. It offers the largest range of love spoons in the city.
• Oriel Ceri Richards Gallery, +44 1792 295526. M-Sa. Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea University. Taliesin’s Oriel Ceri Richards Gallery hosts regular touring exhibitions, and stocks an excellent range of greetings cards, jewellery, ceramics and other craft items.
• Valley Mill, 39 Union Street, +44 1639 75074. Handmade items from Wales.

General

The Quadrant Centre and Oxford Street are the main shopping centres, and host all the usual department and chain stores. Between these two areas lies the much more interesting city market. Although housed in a modern building, Swansea Market can trace its history back to medieval times, and is the largest market in Wales. It is also a good place to purchase the local delicacy of laverbread (though note that laverbread requires refrigeration to keep fresh. If travelling, request vacuum-packed or canned).

On the edge of the city centre is an array of large, utilitarian shopping centres collectively known as Parc Tawe. Within the complex there is also a UCI multiscreen cinema and bowling alley. Parc Fforestfach is an out-of-town shopping centre that houses several huge retail stores. And, for night owls, the huge Tesco supermarkets between the Quadrant Centre and Oystermouth Road in the city centre, Parc Fforestfach and Llansamlet are all open 24 hours.

• High Street (near the junction with College Street) has several stores specialising in backpack and hiking equipment. So, if your tent is springing a leak or your hiking shoes wearing thin, this is the best place to replenish your equipment before heading into the wild Welsh countryside. High Street is Swansea's creative hub, and so among the theatres and galleries, there are also niche shops.
• Sketty Local Produce Market, Bishop Gore Comprehensive School, Del-La-Beche Road, Sketty. 9:30AM-12:30PM, 1st Saturday each month
• Swansea Market. In the heart of Swansea City Centre, open 6 days a week, it has a number of stalls selling locally sourced produce.
• Uplands and Marina Markets, Gwydr Square, Uplands and Dylan Thomas Square, Marina. Uplands: 9AM-1PM, last Saturday of each month. Marina: 10AM-3PM, second Sunday of each month. Fully fledged street markets selling fresh breads, fruit, plants and handicrafts.

Books

• Cover to Cover, 58 Newton Road, Mumbles, +44 1792 366363, sales@cover-to-cover.co.uk. M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 11AM-4PM. An indie bookshop with a wide range of titles. 2022-01-06
• Dylan's Bookstore, The Old Manse, 5 Summerland Lane, Newton, +44 1792 360483, +44 1792 655266, +44 7850 759199, jefftowns@dylans.com. Specialises in the work of Dylan Thomas. 2022-01-06
• The Upstart Crow, High Street Arcade, High Street, +44 7948 113494. noon to 6PM, Mon-Sat. Second hand books. Specialty - quirky and rare books. Classes in creative writing, journal making. 2022-08-24
• Waterstones.

Eat

• Ice-cream. Due to an influx of Italian families into the area during the early 20th century, Swansea has developed quite a reputation for its tubs and cones. While there are several excellent brands, the nationally acclaimed Joe's Ice-cream is by far the most famous, and their parlours are venerable institutions in the city - in fact it is often said that no visit to Swansea is complete until you've had a Joe's.
• Laverbread. This Swansea speciality breakfast made from seaweed is delicious rolled in oatmeal and lightly fried or just heated and served on buttered toast. Request your hotel serve it for breakfast or pick up a can or vacuum pack from Swansea Market.
• Welsh Cakes. Scone-like cakes studded with raisins and dusted with sugar. Available at most bakeries, but best served hot off the griddle at Swansea Market.
• Welsh Rarebit. Swansea is a good place to sample this Welsh speciality of melted cheese spiced with ale and herbs. It is generally served on toasted bread with a side salad.
• Cockles These are harvested from the mud-flats in the nearby Loughor Estuary. Cockles are sold in Swansea Market.
• Salt Marsh Lamb This is the meat from lambs which graze in salt marshes. The meat from these lambs have a subtly different taste to lamb sold in supermarkets. Local Gower salt-marsh lamb comes from sheep reared in the salt-marshes of the Loughor estuary. Salt marsh lamb can be bought in many local butchers and in Swansea Market and is served in the premier local-cuisine restaurants in the city like Bizzy Lizzies Bistro and the Fairyhill restaurant (see below).

Restaurants

Swansea is teeming with quality restaurants - over one hundred in the city centre alone. Wind Street for theme bars and quality international cuisine. Quality Chinese food on High Street and Princess Way. St.Helen's Road for take away and sit down Indian (also quality restaurants on Walter Road and off the Mumbles Road at Blackpill), Italian, Turkish and Indonesian. Cheap and excellent vegetarian at 8 Cradock Street, off Kingsway. The Environment Centre, Pier street, Marina offers cheap and excellent fair trade coffee and snacks.

Grape and Olive at the top of the Meridian Tower in the Marina has incredible views over Swansea Bay

Mumbles Road in Mumbles has a wide range of restaurants. Check out Verdi's on Mumbles sea front for great views over a cappuccino.

Joe's Ice-cream Parlours are on St. Helen's Road, near the Guildhall, and near the post office on Mumbles Road in Mumbles.

Below is a very brief list of popular restaurants in the city centre and marina area.

V = vegetarians catered for.

Budget

American

• Charlie's Chowder, 2 Prospect Pl, +44 1792 411074. Marina (near Morgan's Hotel). M Tu 11AM-5PM, W-Sa 11AM-midnight. Serves up great New England dishes in simple New England style.

Cafes (English Breakfast)

• Coffee's Been, Ground Floor, 55 Walter Rd.
• Espresso Bar, 65 High Street, +44 1792 653469. This is an unpretentious little cafe opposite Swansea railway station. They serve fry-up breakfasts in the morning. During lunch hours, they serve several British classics like cottage pie and roast dinners. In addition to the plated food, they serve made to order sandwiches and baugettes and coffee. This is an excellent place to fill up when there is some time to kill before the next train leaves.
• Kardomah, Morris Buildings, 11 Portland St.
• Sams Café, St. Helens Road.
• Uplands Diner, 69 Uplands Crescent. Home of the "Beast" a massive breakfast, has to be seen to be believed.

Cafes (Fish and Chips)

• Roma, Bryn-y-Mor Road.
• Windsor Cafe, 3 Cradock St.

Chinese

• April's Cafe, 19 Mansel St, +44 1792 455422.
• April's Cafe 2, 83 Brynymor Rd, +44 1792 455422.
• China Deli and Cafe, 42 St. Helens Rd. Tasty authentic Chinese cafe dishes, superb value.
• Oriental Garden, 18-23 Anchor Court, Victoria Quay, Maritime Quarter (close to Waterfront Museum and The LC), +44 1792 464600. Buffet style cuisine - at least 40 dishes on rotation.

Indian

• Indian Scooner, 18 Anchor Court, Victoria Quay, Marina, +44 1792 649301.
• Nawab Tandoori, 12 Christina St, +44 1792 470770.
• Anarkali Tandoori, 79-80 St. Helens Rd, +44 1792 650549.
• Gulshan, 74 St. Helens Rd, +44 1792 456390.

Indonesian

• Garuda, 18 St. Helens Rd, +44 1792 653388.

International

• Cafe Continental, 37 Castle St, +44 1792 654663. Mexican

• El Mercado, Swansea Market, +44 1792 930694. Tu-Su 11AM-4PM. Freshly made Mexican dishes. The stall has quite a cult following among Mexican food lovers. Take away only. 2021-11-08

Thai

• Lemongrass, 43 St Helens Rd, +44 1792 654764.
• The Bay View, 400 Oystermouth Rd, 51.612721°, -3.959100°, +44 1792 652610. Near the Guildhall, the restaurant offers wonderful views of Swansea Bay, and is connected to a lounge bar - good, inexpensive meals.

Vegetarian

• Canteen 18, 18 Brynymor Road, +44 1792 555518. Daily 10AM-4PM. A vegan restaurant serving mouth-watering dishes. 2017-08-02

• Khusi Khana, 36 St Helens Rd, +44 1792 411076. Indian snacks and fast food.

• Govinda's, 8 Cradock St (off Kingsway), +44 1792 468469. cheap and really excellent food - Indian dishes are a speciality, but the desserts alone are worth the visit. M-Th noon-3PM, F Sa noon-6PM. Closed on Sunday.

• Retreat, 2 Humphrey St (off Walter Road), +44 1792 457880. Vegan - small, backstreet cafe. Welsh/British

• {{eat | name=The Kitchen Table | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/thekitchentablecafe/ (dead link: December 2020) | email= | address=626 Mumbles Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1792 367616 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 10AM-4PM, Sa 6:30-9:30PM | price= | content=Mumbles. Wholesome meals made with locally sourced ingredients. }}

Mid-range

Chinese (Cantonese)

• Dragons Nest, 12 High St, +44 1792 644868. The only Chinese restaurant in the Swansea area to serve Dim Sum. Excellent food and great service.
• Evergreen Cantonese, 9 St Helens Rd, +44 1792 466787.
• Gigi Gao, 18-23 Anchor Court, Victoria Quay, Marina, +44 1792 653300. 11AM-10PM. A restaurant overlooking the waterfront. Exceptional food. Vibrant Chinese decor. Outdoor seating. 2018-04-25
• Rendez-Vous, +44 1792 467113. St. Davids Square, Princess Way. French and Chinese cuisine, great food, great service.
• Sea Garden, +44 1792 872886. Penclawdd Road, Penclawdd.
• The Emperor, 206 High St, +44 1792 652888.
• Wild Swan, 14 Orchard St, +44 1792 472121.

East Asian

• Rainbao, Unit 3/3a 23-26 Princess Way (near Kingsway). Daily noon-11PM. Open kitchen. Specializing in Taiwanese steamed buns with choice of fillings, Japanese gyoza and katsu curry, Cantonese dim sum, Korean pork and kimchi. Many vegan and vegetarian options. 2021-12-10

Food vendors

• Founders & Co., 24 Wind Street, +44 1792 962710. 9AM-midnight. An innovative space for vendors offering Japanese and Indian cuisine, pizza, artisan burgers, street food, coffee, and craft beer, etc. Founders & co also houses an emporium for designer crafts and a multipurpose events room. Regular live music and art exhibitions. 2021-12-22

French

• Bouchon De Rossi, 217 Oxford St, +44 1792 655780.
• Pant-y-Gwydr, 178 Oxford Street, +44 1792 455498.

Greek

• Greek Flavours, 32 Kingsway, +44 1792 381143. Sun-We: 9:30AM-10PM, F-Sat: 9:30AM-10:30PM. Wide selection of Greek food and snacks. Highly rated for service and standard of the meals. Bright and airy restaurant. Bar. 2023-02-22

Indian

• Adelinas Bar & Indian Kitchen, Patti Pavilion, Victoria Park, Brynmill, +44 1792 475444. M-Sa 5-10:30PM, Su noon-10PM. Wide range of traditional and fusion dishes served in an historical listed building. Views over park. Cheerful ambience. 2022-02-23
• Anarkali Tandoori Restaurant, 80 St. Helens Rd, +44 1792 650549.
• Bengal Brasserie, 67 Walter Rd, +44 1792 641316. Uplands.
• Cafe Saffron, 1 Wind St, +44 1792 477771.
• K2, 91-92 Mansel St, +44 1792 465015.
• Miahs, St. Helens Rd (in a listed former church building), +44 1792 466244.
• Mumbai, Mill Lane, Blackpill (opposite the Blackpill Lido on Mumbles Road), +44 1792 402402. Modern and spacious ambiance - amazing food - very highly recommended.
• Patti Raj, Victoria Park, Gorse Ln (in the splendid Patti Pavailion in Victoria Park), +44 1792 475444.
• Rasoi Waterfront, 3-4 J Shed, Kings Road, Marina (Off Langdon Road), +44 1792 462350, info@rasoiwaterfront.co.uk. F–Su and Bank Holidays noon–11:30PM, M–Th noon–2:30PM, 5:30PM–11PM. In a converted warehouse. The cozy and warm decor compliment the excellent meals and service
• The Seaview Tandoori, 728 Mumbles Rd, +44 1792 361991. Mumbles
• Vojon, 13 St. Helens Road, SA1 4AW, 51.61893°, -3.95089°, +44 1792 466658. Excellent value for money, service is a bit slow. £7-18

International

• Chelsea Cafe, 17 St. Marys St (off Wind Street), +44 1792 464068. Popular with young up-and-comings.

• Hoogah, 68 Brynymor Road, +44 1792 449731. 10AM-11PM. Warm and cosy café-bar serving excellent British and Italian food. Sourdough pizzas are a speciality. 2018-10-11

• Ice, 64 Wind St, +44 1792 646111.

• The River House, Kings Road, SA1 (near Sail Bridge), +44 1792 649060. Chic restaurant and lounge with views over the Sail Bridge. Delicious and innovative cuisine. Italian

• Ask, 6 Wind St, +44 1792 477070.

• Bella Napoli, 66 Wind St, +44 1792 644611.

• Vivaldi Ristorante, 29 Singleton St, +44 1792 456780.

• Castellamare (cafe and restaurant), Bracelet Bay, Mumbles, +44 1792 369408. Built on the edge of cliff, this restaurant offers unrivaled sea views as a backdrop to your pizza and latte. Buses travelling to Limeslade make a stop here. From Mumbles Village, it is a 20- to 30-minute walk.

• La Bussola, 217 Oxford St, +44 1792 655780.

• Pizza Express, 40 Castle St, +44 1792 474320.

• Pizzeriea Vesuvio, 200-201 Neath Road, Landore, +44 1792 648346. 2021-12-16

• Topo Gigio, 55 St. Helens Rd, +44 1792 467888.

• Verdi's (cafe and restaurant), Knab Rock, Southend, Mumbles, +44 1792 369135. Probably the nearest thing the UK has to an authentic Italian sea-front cafe-cum-restaurant, and the huge plate glass windows offer spectacular views over Swansea Bay. Buses travelling to Limeslade stop here. Alternatively, it can be reached on foot via the promenade - a ten minute walk from Mumbles Village.

Jamaican

• Marley Vibes, 10-11 High Street. M-Sa noon-9PM. =Authentic Jamaican cuisine in a warm and welcoming environment. 2022-07-27

Japanese

• Nishimura, 580 Mumbles Road, Mumbles. Sushi, Japanese noodles, bento boxes, Japanese-style afternoon tea. Warm and contemporary interior design. 2022-07-27
• RyuGin, 83 Brynymor Road, +44 1792 653222. W-Sa noon-2:30PM, 5:15-10:15PM, Tu 5:15-10:15PM. Fresh sushi and noodles in a compact but bright space. 2021-06-07
• Wagamama, Unit 14, City Gates, Wind Street, +44 1792 940219. Su-Th noon-10PM, F Sa noon-11PM. Specialises in ramen, donburi, teppanyaki, curry, salads. Wide range of vegetarian and vegan options. 2021-12-16

Lebanese/Persian

• Kan Zaman Restaurant, 67 Brynymor Rd, +44 1792 465665. Relaxing atmosphere and wide choice of dishes.
• Shiraz Restaurant, 696 Mumbles Rd, +44 1792 107760. Mumbles. Great selection of Middle Eastern dishes - uninhibited view over Swansea Bay.

Mediterranean

• Grape & Olive (Brains), Meridian Tower, Trawler Road, +44 1792 462617, grape.olive@sabrain.com. A penthouse restaurant in the tallest building in Wales with spectacular views of central Swansea and the bay. Wifi access is available and parties are catered for.
• The Mediterranean, 640 Mumbles Rd, +44 1792 363666. Mumbles. A small restaurant with loads of character and excellent food.

Mexican

• Piñatas Burrito Bar, 8 Strand (entry from the Strand or through alley from Wind Street (the alley is clearly marked with signs for the barrito bar)), +44 7541 992863. W Th 5-10PM, F-Su noon-10PM. Authentic and tasty Mexican dishes. Good selection of vegetarian and vegan options. 2021-11-08

Pan Asian

• Cosmo, 16 Castle Street, SA1 1JF, +44 1792 456666. Buffet restaurant. Serves a range of Asian cuisine. Very nice decor.

Thai

• {{eat | name=Thai Elephant | alt= | url=http://thaielephantswansea.com/ (dead link: December 2020) | email= | address=Ice House, Kings Road, SA1 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1792 650050 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A small but cosy restaurant serving authentic Thai dishes. }}

Turkish

• {{eat | name=Istanbul | alt= | url=http://www.istanbulswansea.co.uk/ (dead link: December 2020) | email= | address=22B St Helens Road, SA1 4AP | lat=51.61875 | long=-3.95130 | directions= | phone=+44 1792 654966 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-11PM | price=£8-20 | content=Non-pretentious but excellent Turkish restaurant with a very friendly staff. Portions are big and cheap. }}
• Mediterranean, 640 Mumbles Road, Mumbles, +44 1792 363666. Great, no-nonsense Turkish cuisine.

Vegetarian

• Crumbs Kitchen, 2 Gwydr Square, Uplands, +44 1792 456258. Delicious, healthy and innovative 2021-06-07
• The V Hub, 32 Craddock Street, +44 7929 203653. W-F 9AM-4:30PM, Sa 9:30AM-3:30PM. A vegan restaurant. Excellent fusion meals. Outstanding desserts. Bright multi-coloured sofas, wooden floors, brick walls. 2021-06-07

Vietnamese

• Vietnam Restaurant, 36 Uplands Crescent, Uplands, +44 1792 650929.

Welsh/British

• Bizzy Lizzies Bistro, 55 Walter Road, Uplands, +44 1792 473379.
• Dylan Thomas Centre, +44 1792 463980.
• Hanson at the Chelsea, Ty Castell House, 17 Mary St, +44 1792 464068.
• The Gower Kitchen, 39 Uplands Crescent, +44 1792 476344.
• Sketty Hall, Sketty Lane, Sketty, +44 1792 284011. In a beautiful white Georgian Mansion within the spacious grounds of Singleton Park, this restaurant offers an especially peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
• The Pump House, +44 1792 651080. Pump House Quay, Maritime Quarter.

Splurge

French

• Bistro Pierre, 3 Oyster Wharf, Mumbles Road, Mumbles, +44 1792 365 040. M-F noon-3PM, 5-10PM; Sa Su noon-9PM. High quality French cuisine and seasonal menus. Seafront location, offering stunning views over Swansea Bay. Two-course prix-fixe lunch £11.95. Two-course pre-theatre menu for £14.95 2017-10-02

Indian

• Rose Indienne, 73-74 St. Helens Road, 51.616273°, -3.956607°, +44 1792 467000. Swansea. 2021-12-28

Italian

• Gallinis, Unit 3, Fishmarket Quay, Marina, +44 1792 456285, gallinisrestaurant@outlook.com. Daily noon-2:30PM, 6PM-midnight. Superb traditional Italian cuisine. on the waterfront at the marina. 2017-10-02

International

• Truffle, 1A King Edward's Rd, 51.616423°, -3.959752°, +44 1792 547246.

Mediterranean/Spanish

• El Pescador, Trawler Road, Marina, +44 1792 464947. Tu-Su noon-9:30PM. Authentic Spanish cuisine with a modern twist. Solid wooden tables. Views over the marina waterfront. Highly rated for food and atmosphere. 2021-06-22
• La Braseria, 28 Wind St, 51.619168°, -3.938597°, +44 1792 469683. A favourite with Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Welsh/British

• Norton House, Norton Road, Mumbles, +44 1792 403210.
• Langland's Brasserie, Brynfield Road, Langland, +44 1792 363699, info@langlandsbrasserie.co.uk. A fine modern British restaurant with a fantastic view overlooking Langland Bay. Ingredients are organic when available.
• Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, Bar & Grill, Unit 5, J Shed Arcade, King's Road, Marina, +44 1792 480749. Daily noon-11PM. High quality steak. Views over the marina waterfront. Located in a historical listed building. 2021-06-22
• Patrick's, 638 Mumbles Road, Mumbles, +44 1792 360199.
• Quay Three, Trawler Road, Marina (five minute drive from city centre), +44 1792 462251. Tu-Su 8:30AM until late (closed Sunday evening). A chic deli, bar, cafe and restaurant. Great place to boat-watch over a cappuccino.
• Papa Sanchos, College St, +44 1792 454647. Stone grill restaurant.
• Slice, 73-75 Eversley Road, Sketty (five-minute drive from city centre), +44 1792 290929. Th-Sa noon-2PM, 6:30-9PM. Excellent dishes made with locally sourced produce and seasonal ingredients. Slice has won two covered 'Which' awards for cuisine.
• {{eat | name=Swigg | alt= | url=https://www.swiggswansea.co.uk/ (dead link: December 2020) | email=theswigg@gmail.com | address=Unit 18 Waterfront Museum, Marina | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1792 655666 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7:30AM-11PM | price= | content=On the waterfront, Swigg functions as a cool café by day and a sophisticated bar by night. }}

Drink

• Swansea's busiest and liveliest watering hole is on historic Wind Street (appropriately pronounced Wined) and surrounding area, which is also the home to many of Swansea's best restaurants.
• Wind Street marks the centre of the city's night club and bar area, and on a Friday or Saturday night the words of Dylan Thomas, although originally referring to death, seem somehow appropriate in describing the mood of the revellers: "Do not go gentle into that good night,... burn and rave at close of day; rage, rage against the dying of the light."
• Another popular watering hole is the Brynymor Road area. This area has a more laid-back atmosphere than Wind Street and is popular with the many university students who live nearby. There are also several excellent international restaurants in the area - serving Italian, French, Mediterranean, Thai and Indian cuisine.
• Uplands is Swansea's most bohemian area and is the place to find indie restaurants, bars, and cafes, while Mumbles has some lovely old pubs and a number of distinctive cafes, many with sea views.

Coffee and tea

Swansea enjoys a wonderful cafe culture, originally sparked by an influx of Italian families to the city in the early 20th century and later expanded with the establishment of local independents.

City Centre/Marina

• Americanos, Prince of Wales Docks, Kings Road, SA1, +44 1792 468230. Th-Su 3PM-midnight. Live music F and Sa nights. A waterside jazz cafe/bar serving snacks and tapas.
• BaseKamp, King's Lane. Su-Th 8AM-4:30PM, F 8AM-4:30PM, 5-10PM; Sa 8AM-4:30PM, 5-10PM. A spacious cafe in an historical building. Micro-roastery, Excellent coffee and meals. 2019-07-01
• Bogarts CBD Coffee House, 11 St Helen's Road. 8AM-6PM. Relaxed atmosphere, good coffee. Specialises in offering Cannabidiol (CBD) supplements. 2018-10-26
• Chai Stop, 12 Mansel Street. Sa-Th noon-11PM, F 1-11PM. Various kinds of chai, including the spicy karak chai, Indian deserts, and all day breakfasts. Bright and cheerful Indian-style decor. 2022-02-22
• Chuckaboo, 11 Strand, +44 7930 371948. W-Sun: 6-11:30PM. Late night cafe. Mix of vintage and modern design. LGBTQ-friendly. Excellent coffee and snacks. 2019-07-01
• Coast Cafe, Trawler Road, Marina. Su-Th 9AM-6PM, F 9AM-7PM, Sa 9AM-8PM. A trendy cafe over looking the marina. Out door seating. Great coffee and snacks. 2019-07-01
• Coffee Punks, 32 Kingsway. Exposed wood and concrete gives the cafe an urban charm. Vegan cakes are a speciality. 2019-07-01
• Common Meeple, 77 St Helen's Road, +44 1792 304898, info@commonmeeple.co.uk. W-M noon-11PM. Board game cafe. Spacious and bright environment. Wide range of board games. Coffee and light meals. Advance booking recommended. 2022-09-26
• Gershwins Coffee House, 14 Nelson St, +44 1792 474000.
• Ground Plant Based Coffee (Ground Coffee Shop), The Sup Hut, Francis Street, Brynmill, +44 7581 005605. Tu-F 8:30AM-3:30PM, M 9AM-3:30PM, Sa 9:30AM-2;30PM. Vegan cafe. Cozy and intimate interior. Delicious snacks and desserts. 2021-06-22
• Holbrook's, 28 Union St, +44 1792 477797. Pleasant and warm atmosphere. Excellent coffee, including Fair Trade, and good selection of cakes.
• Java Tading Company, 10 Picton Archade, +44 1792 458141.
• Kardomah, 11 Portland St, +44 1792 652336. The original Kardomah was a favourite haunt of Dylan Thomas.
• Matt's Cafe, Mathew House, 82 High Street. Su 6:30-9PM, M Tu 10AM-4PM. Matt's offers healthy, wholesome meals on a pay-as-much-as-you-like basis. 2017-03-29
• Millefoglie, 15 Picton Arcade, +44 07864308723, info@millefoglie.co.uk. Sa-F 7:30AM-6PM. A authentic Italian cafe. Excellent coffee and desserts. Bright and welcoming decor. 2021-08-10
• {{drink | name=Mosaic | url=http://mosaicswansea.com/ (dead link: December 2020) | email= | address=Urban Village, 218 High St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1792 655225 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A chic bistro-cafe. great coffee, innovative dishes (including a wide selection of vegetarian options) and interesting wines. }}
• Nonna's, Stall 16CD, Swansea Market, +44 7860 453966. Vegan cafe. An assortment of desserts. Doughnuts are a specialty. 2022-08-20
• Pure Refreshment, Ty John Penri Building, St. Helen's Road (near junction with Kingsway). A juice and smoothies bar using all natural ingredients.
• Social Bean, 12 St Mary's Square (Opposite St Mary's church), +44 1792 473443. M-Sa 8AM-3:30AM. A community coffee shop that provides employment and skills development opportunities for disabled people. The cafe sells fairtrade artisan coffee and healthy locally sourced meals. 2021-12-02
• Social Dice, 43 Wind Street, cafesocialdice@gmail.com. A board game cafe. More than 400 board games. Serves coffee, beers and cocktails, Hot and cold snacks. Cover charge to play games. Friendly and inviting atmosphere. 2022-02-09
• Strudles Coffee Shop, Whitewalls, +44 1792 650011.
• The Sub-Cafe, 6 Shoppers Walk Archade, +44 1792 476334.
• {{drink | name=Tapestri | url=http://www.tapestri.co.uk/ (dead link: December 2020) | email= | address=Llys Glas | lat= | long= | directions=corner of Orchard Street and Alexandra Road | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A social enterprise cafe that uses fairtrade and locally sourced products. }}
• Tiffanys, 57-58 Plymouth St, City Centre, +44 1792 646048.
• Waterfront Cafe, +44 1792 456100. A large cafe great views over marina huge selection of coffees and teas.

Mumbles

• Cafe Valance, 50 Newton Rd. The leather sofas, wood flooring, brick walls and open fronting give this cafe a very trendy but homely atmosphere.
• The Coffee Denn, 34/36 Newton Rd, +44 1792 360044. Simple, but excellent value meals
• Ocean, 61 Newton Rd, +44 1792 363462. Alcohol served.
• Pavilion Bistro, +44 1792 365225.
• Also Verdis and Castellamare - see Eat listing.

Swansea Beach

• The Junction Cafe, Old Station Building, Mumbles Road, +44 1792 406000. A quaint cafe and snack bar based in a building that was once a station for the historic Swansea to Mumbles Railway. 2021-06-22

• The Secret Beach Bar and Kitchen, Mumbles Road, +44 1792 439220. Daily. A cafe, bar, and eatery near St Helen's Rugby Ground. On the beach front. Uninhibited views over Swansea Bay. 2021-06-22 Also see see Mumbles section above.

Uplands

• Chambers Cafe Bar, 87 Brynymor Rd, +44 1792 480699. Modern and cosy serves wholesome beverages and snacks, such as fair-trade coffee, teas, smoothies, local produce, hummus and ciabattas.

• Noahs Yard, 38 Uplands Rd. M-Th 4PM-midnight, F Sa 4PM-3AM, Su 4-11PM. Live jazz M 8:30-11PM. An Italian inspired café/bar. Excellent atmosphere. Cosy and earthy artwork, including an original Banksy.

• One Shoe Cafe, 1 King Edward Rd, +44 1792 439595. In a former cobblers, this small, cosy cafe serves excellent coffees and wholesome snacks - very competitive prices.

• Sloth Cafe, 102 Glanmor Rd, Uplands, +44 7759 506441. M-F 7AM-2PM, Sa 8AM-2PM. Small, chic café, with speciality coffees, delicious pastries and cakes. 2023-01-10

Alcohol

• Distillery: Penderyn produce Welsh whisky at Brecon Beacons and Llandudno. Another distillery in the former Hafod Copperworks is due to open during 2023. City centre: Wind Street vicinity

• Bar-Co, 8-9 Wind St, +44 1792 460658.

• Bar SA1, 2-5 Wind St, +44 1792 630941.

• Exchange Bar, 10 The Strand, +44 1792 510919.

• Jam Jar, 218 High Street, +44 1792 654366 07527246701. M-W 9AM-5PM, Th-Sa 9AM-late. live music and events venue 2017-03-29

• Idols, 10 Wind St, +44 1792 474240.

• La Cantina, Wind St, +44 1792 472874.

• The Cross Keys Inn, 12 St Mary's St, +44 1792 630921.

• Revolution, 24 Wind St, +44 1792 475189.

• Utopia, Ground Floor, York Chambers, York Street. M Tu Th noon-9PM, W F Sa noon-11PM, Su noon-5PM. LGBTQ friendly bar. Live entertainment 2022-06-28

• Varsity, 63 Wind St, +44 1792 463520. City centre: Kingsway vicinity

• Eli Jenkins, 24-25 Oxford St, +44 1792 641067.

• The Potters Wheel (Wetherspoons), 85 The Kingsway, +44 1792 465113.

City centre: Bryn-y-Mor Road vicinity

• Cardamon Lounge, St. Paul's Church, St. Helens Road.
• The Brunswick Arms, 3 Duke St.
• The Bryn-y-Mor, 17 Brynymor Rd.
• The Mill, 75 Brynymor Rd.
• The Westbourne, 1 Brynymor Rd.
• The Wig, 134 St. Helens Rd.

Uplands

• Noahs Yard, 38 Uplands Rd. M-Th 4PM-midnight, F Sa 4PM-3AM, Su 4-11PM. An Italian inspired cafe/bar. Live jazz every Monday from 8:30-11PM. Excellent atmosphere. Cosy and earthy artwork, including an original Banksy.
• Uplands Tavern, 42 Uplands Crescent, Uplands. Live bands play on most nights of the week. Features a large fenced outdoor area at the front. This can be a very lively pub at weekends and on special occasions.
• Mozart's, 76b Walter Rd,Uplands, +44 1792 649984. bar and music venue

Sleep

There is a whole row of B&Bs on the sea-facing Oystermouth Road and also many in the spacious suburb of Uplands. Both locations are near the city centre, though lodgings in the Uplands area tend to be of better quality. Mumbles Road in Mumbles also has a wide selection of B&Bs with sea views.

Backpacker hostels

Swansea has two hostels: one in the city centre and one in a rural setting (See Gower Peninsula):

• Cwtsh Hostel, 10-14 Castle Square (A five-minute walk from the train station, vertically opposite the castle), +44 1792 986556, hello@cwtsh-hostel.co.uk. A contemporary and stylish hostel with bunk pods and private rooms. Coffee shop, kitchen, cinema. Views over castle ruins and main square. £20 to £50 a night 2021-10-08

Camping and caravans

• Riverside Caravan Park, Ynysforgan Farm, Morriston, Swansea, SA6 6QL (just off the M4 Motorway Junction 45), +44 1792 775587. Set in a very green location surrounded by trees; nearest caravan park to Swansea city centre.
• River View Touring Park, The Dingle, Llanedi, Pontarddulais, Swansea, SA4 0FH, +44 1269 844876. In a beautiful rural location in south-west Wales. It is easily reached from junction 49 of the M4 and other major routes.

Bed & breakfast

• Leonardo's Guest House, 380 Oystermouth Rd, +44 1792 470163.
• The Oyster Hotel, 262 Oystermouth Rd, +44 1792 654345.
• Devon View, 394396 Oystermouth Rd, +44 1792.
• The White House Hotel, 4 Nyanza Terrace, Uplands, +44 1792 473856.
• Cefn-Bryn Guest House, 6 Uplands Crescent, Uplands, +44 1792 466687.
• Carlton Hotel, 654-656 Mumbles Rd, Mumbles, +44 1792 36045.
• Shoreline Hotel, 648 Mumbles Rd, Mumbles, +44 1792 366233.
• The Coast House, 708 Mumbles Rd, Mumbles, +44 1792 368702.
• Glenview House, 140 Langland Rd, Mumbles, +44 1792 367933.
• Langland Cove Guest House, 4 Rotherslade Rd, Langland, Mumbles, +44 1792 366003.
• The Mirador Town House, 14 Mirador Crescent, Uplands, +44 1792 466976, info@themirador.co.uk.

Self-catering

• Bay Apartments, 29 Camona Dr, +44 1792 645566, mail@bayestateagents.com. Apartments in the Maritime Quarter.

• Clyne Farm Cottages & Clyne Estate, Westport Avenue, Mayals, +44 1792 403333, info@clynefarm.com. Converted barns and cottages plus horse riding and other activities. Near Mumbles.

• {{sleep | name=Gower Edge Self Catering | alt= | url=http://www.gower-edge-holidays.co.uk (dead link: December 2020) | email=enquiries-gower-edge@live.co.uk | address=Killan Road, Dunvant, Swansea. SA2 7TH | lat=51.62644 | long=-4.04034 | directions=Leave at Junction 48 M4 | phone=+44 1608 674467 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£399-899 | content=Spacious detached property which sleeps 8 in comfort. Wales Tourist Board 3*. Children and pets are most welcome. Short breaks and longer stays available. }}

• Hendrefoelan Holiday Apartments, Gower Road, Sketty, +44 1792 208929, n.s.edmonds@swansea.ac.uk. Housing and apartments in student village - vacation times only. Budget: below £60, mid-range: £60-100, splurge: £100+ (standard double room).

• Swansea Valley Holiday Cottages, Plas Farm, Cilybebyll, Pontardawe, Swansea, +44 1792 864611, enquiries@walescottages.com. An historic manor house and complex of eight luxury farm holiday cottages in the beautiful Swansea hinterland outside Pontardawe. Pet friendly cottages available. 2021-11-17

Self-catering accommodation agencies

• Home from Home, 101 Newton Road, Mumbles, SA3 4BN, +44 1792 360624, enquiries@homefromhome.com. They offer a range of holiday cottages and apartments in Mumbles, Gower, Swansea Marina and other areas of south west Wales.

Budget

• Alexander Private Hotel, 3 Sketty Road, Uplands, +44 1792 470045. Small and pleasant hotel with friendly and helpful staff. Close to the city centre, Swansea University and Gower Peninsula.
• Hotel Ibis, Fabian Way, +44 1792 638800. Off the motorway connecting road - car essential. Not convenient for tourists.
• Hurst Dene Guest House, 10 Sketty Road, Uplands, Swansea, SA2 0LJ, 51.620442°, -3.946629°, +44 1792 280920, hurstdenehotel@yahoo.co.uk. Hurst Dene is in the leafy suburb of Uplands just off Uplands Square on the main road to the heart of the Gower peninsula. They offer guest rooms and self-catering apartments at affordable prices.
• Premier Travel Inn:
  • City Gates, The City Gates, Wind Street, SA1 1EE, +44 870 990 6562. Convenient for city centre, marina and 'Swansea-Cork Ferry.' Extremely noisy at weekends as Wind Street is Swansea's main watering hotel and many of the out-of-town revelers stay at this hotel.
  • Swansea North (in the enterprise park), Upper Forest Way, Morriston, SA6 8WB, +44 870 990 6562. Quieter than the city centre one and next to a popular Taybarns eat as much as you like restaurant.
  • Swansea Waterfront, Langdon Road, SA1 8QY, +44 871 527-9212. This hotel is set in a tranquil location adjacent to the Prince of Wales marina. A Beefeater restaurant and a Tesco convenience store are on the ground floor. Recommended for business people and tourists.
• Swansea University, Singleton Park, SA2 8PP, 51.609722°, -3.980556°, +44 1792 602403, conferences@swansea.ac.uk. Swansea University offers accommodation to the public during Summer and Easter holidays. They can offer a wide range of accommodation ranging from bed and breakfast non-ensuite single rooms through to self-catering apartments. They can accommodate large groups for events and conferences in the local area. Accommodation is available in Swansea University's Singleton Park campus set in beautiful parklands which is 5 minutes walk to the beach.
• Travelodge Swansea Central Hotel, Princess Way, SA1 3LQ, +44 870 191 1826. A modern but very basic hotel in city centre.
• Travelodge Swansea M4 Hotel, Swansea West Services, Penllergaer, SA4 9GT, +44 871 984-6055.

Mid-range

• The Grand, High St (across from Swansea Railway Station entrance), +44 1792 645898. A beautifully renovated classic hotel. Convenient for city centre and rail travel.
• Dragon Hotel, 39 Kingsway Circle, +44 1792 657100, info@dragon-hotel.co.uk. Swansea's oldest and one of its most popular hotels in the heart of the City Centre.
• Marriott Hotel, Maritime Quarter, +44 870 400-7282. Convenient for city centre. Wonderful views over Swansea Bay and marina.
• Norton House, Norton Road, Mumbles, +44 1792 404891. A converted small Georgian manor house.
• Mercure Swansea Hotel, Phoenix Way, SA7 9EG, +44 844 815 9081, info@mercureswansea.co.uk. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Swap the urban whirl for lake views at the Mercure Swansea Hotel, gateway to the Brecon Beacons and Gower Peninsula.
• {{sleep | name=A Space in the City | alt= | url=http://www.aspaceinthecity.co.uk/swansea-leisure/excelsior/ (dead link: December 2020) | email= | address=Pricess Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 8452 607-050 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Serviced apartments in the city centre - clean, spacious and within a five-minute walk of leisure centre, casino and shopping. }}
• The Village, +44 870 066 5013. SA1 Waterfront, Fabian Way, in the prestigious SA1 Waterfront area - 20-minute walk to city centre - two minutes to sea front.
• Winston Hotel, Church Lane, Bishopston, +44 1792 232074, email@winstonhotel.com. A small family run hotel in quiet location over looking the Bishopston Valley and close to sandy beaches.

Splurge

• Craig y Nos Castle, Brecon Road, Penycae, +44 1639 730205, info@craigynoscastle.com.
• Morgan's Hotel, Adelaide Street, Marina, +44 1792 484848. Five-star luxury in listed building. Convenient for city centre and marina. Atrium Restaurant
• Knabrock Hotel, 734 Mumbles Road, Mumbles, +44 1792 361818. A boutique hotel offering unobstructed views of Swansea Bay. Excellent cuisine and service. Uncomplicated, but excellent cuisine. Restaurant offers uninhibited views over Swansea Bay.
• Patrick's with Rooms, 638 Mumbles Road, Mumbles, +44 1792 360199. A 16-room hotel overlooking Swansea Bay - famed for its 'seriously good food'. 2021-08-04

Cope

Media

• BBC. The BBC's Swansea and Region-wide news website.
• The South Wales Evening Post. The city's main evening paper - available from Monday to Saturday at news stands throughout the city - the best publication for finding out about job openings, events or just for keeping up to date on developments in the city.
• Swansea Sound. One of the first local radio stations to take to the air in the UK. Popular oldies music is a regular feature as well as news, current affairs and discussion programs. Welsh language programming is broadcast daily when the station is known as Sain Abertawe. Swansea Sound broadcasts at 1170MW and DAB digital radio.
• The Wave. Covers similar ground as their sister station, Swansea Sound, but is aimed at a younger audience by providing a mix of popular music including mainly current chart and contemporary hits, as well as news, local information and entertainment. The station is available on 96.4FM and DAB.
• Bay Radio Broadcasts to the same area as The Wave & Swansea Sound. Includes easy listening music as well as an adult orientated format. Available on 102.1FM.
• What's On. This is monthly information booklet published by the city council listing up-coming events and movie information. The booklet is available free from the main tourist office or from cafes, restaurants and hotels in tourist areas.
• Compass. A bi-monthly booklet issued free and covering the mystical and spiritual aspect of Swansea. A good resource to find information on local Buddhist groups, tai'chi and yoga classes and reiki and shiatsu practitioners. Compass is available from the main tourist office and from cafes and restaurants, particularly those in the Mumbles and bed-sit area of Uplands.
• Swansea Life Magazine. A glossy magazine covering all the hot topics in the Swansea area. Sold at most newsagents in the city.
• Swansea.com. Information guide on hotels, bars, nightclubs and what to do in the city.

Keep fit

• Bishopston Leisure Centre, The Glebe, Bishopston, +44 1792 235040. Bishopston features a well equipped gym, a sports hall and tennis courts.
• The LC (Swansea Leisure Centre). It features a comprehensive gymnasium and spa.
• Village Swansea Health & Fitness Club, Langdon Road (Off Fabian Way, Waterfront), +44 844 847-2970. Offers state of the art leisure facilities on a truly impressive scale. Open to both hotel guests and club members. Features a 25m swimming pool, cardio and resistance training equipment, sauna, aerobic studio and whirlpool spa.

Religious services

There are many religious and spiritual groups meeting in Swansea. Below is just a representative of the most common.

• Dzogchen Community, andrew.cadmore@dzogchencommunity.org. Buddhist - Nyingma Tradition. Regular meetings in Fforestfach
• Friends Meeting House, 168 St Helen's Road. Quaker.
• The Heyokah Centre, The Retreat, 2 Humphrey Street, +44 1792 457880. Native American practices.
• Swansea Congregational Jehovah Witnesses, Kingdom Hall, Uplands, +44 1792 411861.
• Pulpung Changchub Dargyeling, 7 Benbow Close, Sketty, +44 1792 524282 (Annzella Gregg), palpungchangchubdargyeling@ymail.com. meetings on Wednesdays 7-9PM. Buddhist - Kagyu Tradition
• Radha Krishna Temple (Govinda's), 8 Cradock St, +44 1792 468469.
• St. Joseph's Cathedral, Convent Street, Greenhill, +44 1792 652683.
• St. Mary's Church, St Mary’s Square, +44 1792 655489. Joint Anglican and Greek Orthodox.
• Swansea Mosque, 14/15 St Helens Road.
• Tridev Meditation Society, 5A Beechwood Road, Uplands, +44 1792 208373. Hindu.
• Yungdrung Bon Meditation Group, 122 Clydach Rd, +44 1792 207474. Morriston.

Stay safe

Beaches and coast

As a coastal city, visitors inevitably come into contact with the sea. Be aware of local conditions before swimming or undertaking boating activities.

Among the popular beaches, Three Cliffs is dangerous for swimming due to the strong under currents caused by a tidal lagoon. Worm's Head off the tip of Rhossili Bay has also claimed many lives. Ensure that you know the times of the tides before venturing out the island. Many people have been swept away trying to return through a fast rising tide. The cliffs between the Rhosilli village and Worms Head have also claimed lives, some of the grass and earth on the cliff edge is eroding and walkers should heed local warnings and stick to the path. Indeed, care should always be taken while taking clifftop walks in the Gower.

From the beginning of May, Caswell, Langland, Bracelet and Port Eynon beaches are all patrolled by professional lifeguards during the weekends. From June until September the beaches are patrolled 7 days a week

Advice for safe swimming:

• A red flag means danger. Do not enter the water if the red flag is flying
• Consider bathing at a beach that's under lifeguard protection
• Don't swim alone at a deserted beach
• Don't use inflatables. They are easily swept away by strong currents
• If you see someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for Coastguard
• Inquire about swimming conditions at local tourist offices prior to venturing to a beach without lifeguard cover
• Read warning notices posted near beach access sites
• The area between the red and yellow flags marks the area patrolled by lifeguards. Don't swim outside this area

Crime

Crime occurs in Swansea as in most other cities, and sensible precautions should be taken. As elsewhere in the UK, there can be drink related problems in those areas with high concentrations of pubs and clubs, such as Wind Street. In general, however, Swansea is a very safe city and violent crime is rare.

Hospitals and clinics

In an emergency, dial 999 and request ambulance service.

• Morriston Hospital, Heol Maes Eglwys, Morriston (near the M4), +44 1792 702222. The largest hospital in the city - operates a specialist burns centre and accident and emergency unit.
• Singleton Hospital, Sketty Lane, Sketty (in the west of the city), +44 1792 205666. A large hospital but no accident and emergency unit.
• Sancta Maria, Lamberts Road, Sa1, +44 1792 479040. A large private hospital. Excellent service. 2021-08-04
• Swansea Clinic of Natural Medicine, 20 Walter Rd, +44 1792 644362.
• Swansea Treatment Centre (WCADA), 40/41 St James Crescent, Uplands, +44 1792 472519, admin.swansea@wcada.org. Drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre.

Connect

As of July 2022, Swansea has 5G from all UK carriers. Wifi is widely available in public places.

You can access the internet at public libraries, such as the Central Library on Oystermouth Road, but you need ID for registration.

Go next

Other places of interest in the Swansea area:

• Dan-yr-Ogof Caves are in the Swansea Valley (on the A4067 - main Swansea to Brecon Road). Voted Britain's "favourite natural wonder" in a nationwide competition organised by Channel 5, it is the largest complex of show caves in Western Europe. There is also a craft shop and restaurant.

• National Botanic Garden of Wales, Carmarthenshire (off A48, between Swansea and Carmarthen). For public transport information, call 0870 608 2608.

• Brecon Beacons National Park - a short drive from Swansea will take you into this land of lakes, mountain peaks and Celtic mystery.

• Half day drive from Swansea: Join M4 at Swansea and take until the end. Follow A483 and then A40 through Llandeilo and the market town of Llandovery. Both towns are very picturesque, though Llandovery is larger and has more places to relax and visit. Instead of travelling directly to Llandovery, it is possible to take a detour to the river-side village of Trap and the spectacular Carreg Cennen Castle. There are handicraft gift shops and cafes at the castle and near Trap. From the castle there is the option of returning to Llandeilo and rejoining the A40 or travelling through the lanes to Llandovery. From Llandovery, follow signs for Sennybridge and then take a right onto the A4067. This road leads to the Dan-yr-Ogof show caves and back to the M4, (Head west for Mumbles and Gower and leave the motorway at 'Exit 47', 'Swansea West,' or head east for Swansea City Centre and leave the motorway at 'Exit 42.' Follow signs for 'The National Waterfront Museum'). During this half day journey, you will pass through some of Wales' most breathtaking pastoral scenes, and along the way take in quaint villages and towns, mountains, caves, lakes and waterfalls.

• Pembrokeshire Coast National Park — stunning coastal scenery a 90+ minute drive (longer at vacation times)

• Tenby — a medieval walled town - great beaches - 90+ minutes by car, bus or train.

• Cardiff — Wales' capital city - castle - shopping - around 50 minutes by car, bus or train - frequent connections by bus and train.

• Ffos Las Race Course — a brand new horse racing course that opened in 2009.

• Pembrey Circuit — a racing circuit that is deemed to be the home of Welsh motorsport. Has held the British Touring Car Championship twice and has been popular with F1 testing. Sometimes has monster truck rallies and other events. A 40min drive away (also, on the X11bus route to Carmarthen)

• Gower Peninsula — The beautiful Gower Peninsula is the United Kingdom's first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is in Swansea, and is famous for its stunning coastal scenery, wide sandy beaches and medieval castles. Llangennith, in particular, is very popular with surfers and is considered to be one of the best surf areas in the UK.