Swansea Tourist Information and Tourism

(Swansea, West Glamorgan, South Wales, UK)



Picture of the scenic marinaThe country's second-biggest city, Swansea has done much to improve its appearance in recent years and the stunning National Waterfront Museum has played an important part in revitalising the now trendy Maritime Quarter. Swansea is known for its close association with several celebrities both past and present, namely Dylan Thomas and the modern-day actress Catherine Zeta Jones, who grew up in the neighbouring village of Mumbles, next to a rather picturesque seafront.

When arriving in the city, pay a visit to Swansea Tourist Information Centre (TIC) along Plymouth Street, where the helpful staff will provide you with a host of leaflets and tourist information about the main districts, including the lively Maritime Quarter, Mumbles area, and the neighbourhoods of Brynmill, Sketty and Uplands. Swansea's tourism centre is especially helpful if you are looking to book last-minute accommodation and also offers some useful information about the city's numerous walking and cycling trails. Nearby, the Mumbles Tourist Information Centre (TIC) off Dunn's Lane is especially useful when looking for hotels and guesthouses around the beautiful Gower Peninsula.





Picture showing the ancient castle remainsSwansea's most enjoyable tourist attractions include the stunning Swansea Bay beaches - boasting long stretches of golden sand, a range of water sports and plenty of secluded places to sunbathe; the Swansea Bay Rider - a brightly coloured land train operating during the summer months and stopping at Blackpill and Oystermouth; Liberty Stadium - a large sporting venue hosting football games, with a capacity of around 20,000 spectators; Plantasia - a tropical hothouse with many giant exotic plant specimens, flowers and Tamarin monkeys; Swansea Marina - on the southern side of the city centre and featuring a number of trendy waterfront eateries and bars; Swansea Vale Railway - around 200 years old and offering scenic trips on restored steam trains; Environment Centre - with indepth information about eco-friendly lifestyles and many ecological issues; and also numerous theatres - such as the Dylan Thomas Theatre, Swansea Grand Theatre, Penyrheol Theatre and the Patti Pavilion. More information about Swansea Tourist Attractions.

Many areas of green lie around the city and offer important recreational spaces and play areas for children, including large paddling pools, which open during the summer. The most popular parks and gardens in Swansea include the Blackpill Lido, Brynmill Park, Clyne Gardens, Singleton Park and also Victoria Park.

Further photo of the marina areaDotted around the city of Swansea are many outstanding landmarks and eye-catching buildings. These include the Guildhall - known for its classical facade and home to the lively Brangwyn Concert Hall; Swansea Castle - prominent and rather famous remains of the city's ancient fortress, which is now surrounded by shops and roads; Marina Towers Observatory - located along the seafront and housing the biggest telescope in the whole of Wales; Mumbles Pier - dating back to the late 19th century and complete with restaurants and amusement arcade; Oystermouth Castle - a historical fortress hosting many seasonal outdoor plays and other events; St. Mary's Church - a 14th-century parish church with magnificent stained-glass windows; and Weobley Castle - sited on the northern coast of the Gower Peninsular and overlooking a large expanse of marshland. More information about Swansea Landmarks.

Some of Swansea's best museums and art galleries include the Dylan Thomas Centre - celebrating the life of this well-known Swansea poet and writer; Swansea Museum - housing a large selection of local exhibits and information about the city's past; Egypt Centre - containing an extraordinary collection of Egyptian antiquities and ancient treasures; the stunning National Waterfront Museum - standing in the Maritime Quarter of Swansea and offering a unique range of floating exhibits; the Tramshed - with information about the era when trams were one of the main modes of transport in the city; Glynn Vivian Art Gallery - with many superb works of art, ceramics and an outdoor sculpture garden; and the Taliesin Arts Centre - a highly regarded exhibition venue with changing exhibitions and film screenings. More information about Swansea Museums and Swansea Art Galleries.

Close to Swansea are a number of large towns and cities, full of tourist attractions. Popular day trips are available and many tourists staying in Swansea choose to visit the capital city of Cardiff, the sprawling Brecon Beacons National Park, the rather beautiful Gower Peninsula, and the market town of Neath. More information about Swansea Attractions Nearby.

More Swansea Information / Fast Facts and Orientation