Swansea

Travel Guide
Grand Theatre featuring theater scenes and interior views
This waterfront city is home to impressive cultural centers, urban parks and medieval landmarks. It’s also a gateway to the stunning natural beauty of South Wales.

Swansea is a lively waterfront city famous for the sweeping Swansea Bay and outdoor activities. The birthplace of poet Dylan Thomas, the city has a notable collection of cultural centers, theaters and museums. Swansea is Wales’ second-largest city. Its southern location makes it a gateway to the country’s breathtaking national parks and coastlines. 

A good place to start your visit is Castle Square, which marks the city center. Investigate the ruins of the 13th-century Swansea Castle and visit St. Mary’s Church to view its famous devil carving. Browse the stalls of Swansea Market for fresh produce, jewelry, leather goods and souvenirs. Watch live music and theater productions at Swansea Grand Theatre.

Stroll down Princess Way to the Maritime Quarter (Swansea Marina). Find museums and cultural centers, a waterfront promenade, bars and restaurants. Discover the industrial history of Wales via interactive exhibits at the National Waterfront Museum. Spot Egyptian mummies and dinosaur skeletons at the Swansea Museum. Go to the Dylan Thomas Centre to learn about the life of Swansea’s most famous son. Admire artwork inspired by Swansea’s coastline at the Mission Gallery.

Walk or bike along Swansea Prom, a 5-mile (8-kilometer) waterfront boulevard running around the stunning Swansea Bay. Pass beaches, gardens and lively seaside resorts such as The Mumbles. Enjoy uninterrupted bay views from Mumbles Pier. Admire the 12th-century Norman architecture of Oystermouth Castle. 

Be sure to visit Singleton Park, an urban park containing the colorful Singleton Botanical Gardens, a boating lake, miniature golf and art galleries. The gardens are also the location for several city festivals such as Proms in the Park.

Swansea is less than a 1-hour drive from Wales’ capital, Cardiff, and well-connected by intercity trains and buses. Swansea is a great base for exploring the spectacular natural beauty of Wales. Visit the sweeping beaches and dramatic cliffs of the Gower Peninsula, including the award-winning Rhossili Bay. Alternatively, hike to waterfalls and mountain peaks in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Where to stay in Swansea

Swansea which includes a bridge and a river or creek

Castle

4/5(11 area reviews)

Castle is known for its lively bars, and you can plan a trip to Grand Theatre and LC Swansea while you're in town.

Castle
HMS Penzance docked in Swansea marina to commemorate the end of the falkland war.

St. Thomas

4/5(1 area review)

St. Thomas is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can plan an outing to Swansea Marina and National Waterfront Museum while you're in town.

St. Thomas
Ancient burial chamber deep in the Gower Peninsular

Llangennith, Llanmadoc and Cheriton

Unique features of Llangennith, Llanmadoc and Cheriton include the beaches and restaurants. Make a stop by Rhossili Beach or Whiteford National Nature Reserve while you're exploring the area.

Llangennith, Llanmadoc and Cheriton
Walking along the coastline 6/11

Llanrhidian Higher

When in Llanrhidian Higher, you can plan a visit to Parc y Scarlets and Three Cliffs Bay Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Llanrhidian Higher
500px provided description: Park View [#park ,#sunset ,#landscapes ,#fields ,#walks ,#colourful ,#wales ,#swansea ,#housing ,#parks ,#estates ,#pathways ,#welsh parks ,#welsh landscapes ,#llewelyn park]

Landore

While Landore isn't home to many top sights, Swansea.com Stadium and Grand Theatre are some notable places to visit nearby.

Landore

Bon-y-maen

Travelers like the historic sites in Bon-y-maen, and Grosnez Castle is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Bon-y-maen
The Dragon Hotel
The Dragon Hotel
4 out of 5
The Kingsway, Swansea, Wales
The price is ₩87,385 per night from Jun 9 to Jun 10
₩87,385
per night
Jun 9 - Jun 10
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Swansea. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"The position of the hotel was in the centre of town and close to a car park. Staff were very pleasant. Room was large although furniture needs replacing"

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024

The Dragon Hotel
Delta Hotels by Marriott Swansea
Delta Hotels by Marriott Swansea
4 out of 5
Maritime Quarter, Swansea, Wales
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩132,792 per night from May 27 to May 28
₩132,792
per night
May 27 - May 28
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Swansea. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (117 reviews)
Good stay.
"Lovely last minute night away. Haven’t stayed here for a while and I think the rooms have been refurbished. Very nice. Only two issues. Very musty smell in the room which I think comes from no window ventilation. Loads of condensation running down the window after a shower and the air conditioning ..."

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Delta Hotels by Marriott Swansea
Village Hotel Swansea
Village Hotel Swansea
3.5 out of 5
Langdon Road, Swansea, Wales
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩91,240 per night from May 27 to May 28
₩91,240
per night
May 27 - May 28
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in Swansea. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
Nice vist
"Nice hotel great and helpful staff as swimming pool and othe items which you can use rooms were nice large tv"

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

Village Hotel Swansea
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Sleeping Giant - Pen Y Cae Inn
The Sleeping Giant - Pen Y Cae Inn
3 out of 5
Pen Y Ace Inn, Swansea, Wales
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly vacation home in Swansea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and premium bedding. Popular attractions Craig-y-Nos Country Park ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
Perfect stay
"The cleanest place ever stayed. New and well thought facility. Good communication. No sign at the entrance, easy to miss."

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

The Sleeping Giant - Pen Y Cae Inn
Snow White's House - Farm Park Stay with Hot Tub, BBQ & Fire Pit
Snow White's House - Farm Park Stay with Hot Tub, BBQ & Fire Pit
3 out of 5
Coynant Farm Guest House, Swansea, Wales
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Swansea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions RSPB Cwm Clydach Reserve and Quad Challenge ...
6/10 (2 reviews)
"cotrage was lovely and quaint .hottub was lush .only downside is i was expecti g a little holiday type village with tge cottages dotted aroynd ina woodlands type ..its not.this cottage is literally just in the front garden of tbe farmers house ( lovely gent ) .. lovely and quiet ..clean cottage .very ..."

Reviewed on Mar 7, 2023

Snow White's House - Farm Park Stay with Hot Tub, BBQ & Fire Pit
Just Stay Wales - Meridian Quay Apartments
Just Stay Wales - Meridian Quay Apartments
4 out of 5
Apartment 52 Meridian Wharf, Trawler Road, Swansea, Wales
Stay at this 4-star beach apartment in Swansea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Swansea Beach and Swansea Arena are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (35 reviews)
"Lovely stay"

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2023

Just Stay Wales - Meridian Quay Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Swansea

4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
5
" "5 - Excellent 35.714285714285715%
4 - Good
5
" "4 - Good 35.714285714285715%
3 - Okay
3
" "3 - Okay 21.428571428571427%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 7.142857142857143%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Oct 12, 2018

Please replace the Gideon Bibles. The reception staff said the Bibles could upset other faiths. This is Britain, still a Christian Country. The bibles do not upset other faiths. they only annoy the atheists who are trying to obliterate Christianity

Cities near Swansea