West Glamorgan

Information and Tourism

West Glamorgan is such a diverse place, it defies simple description as either 'scenic' or 'urban', because it boasts a little bit of each. One minute you can be enjoying the sights and sounds of Swansea, the second biggest city in Wales, the next you can be soaking up the scenery along one of the most astoundingly beautiful stretches of coastline to be found in the UK.

Swansea was once described by the poet Dylan Thomas as an 'ugly lovely town'. What it lacks in architectural charm, it makes up for in so many other ways, not least in the form of the Mumbles, a rather pretty coastal suburb of the city that beckons for the odd day out. The most famous person to come out of Swansea is the award-winning actress Catherine Zeta-Jones. A fellow pupil at her Swansea school was the comedian Rob Brydon.

On a fine summer's day, walkers around the Gower Peninsula can enjoy the gentle breeze from the sea, as well as some exceptional views as they negotiate the coastal path. The Gower was the first area in the UK to be named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, way back in 1956. Its beaches are also a paradise for surfers and are very popular with bucket-and-spade holiday makers, too.

In the northern part of West Glamorgan are the towns of Port Talbot and Neath. Both border on the beautiful and much-admired Brecon Beacons National Park. Neath is perhaps best known as the birthplace of Welsh Rugby Union. The Neath Rugby Football Club, which is based at The Gnoll, is nicknamed the 'Welsh All Blacks'.

Head away from city streets, and in fact, West Glamorgan is a place full of high hills and forests. The area is a Mecca for mountain bikers and car rally enthusiasts. In fact, the World Rally Championships make frequent forays into this part of the world.

West Glamorgan Information and Fast Facts

• Country: Wales
• Region: South Wales
• Population: approximately 395,000
• Biggest city: Swansea
• Language: English and Welsh
• Area: 320 square miles / 825 square kilometres

	WORLD GUIDES TO WEST GLAMORGAN
	World Guide to Swansea, Wales The second-largest city in Wales, Swansea has successfully improved its appearance in recent years and its impressive National Waterfront Museum has played an integral part in revitalising the now rather fashionable Maritime Quarter.

Map of Wales