Swansea Landmarks and Monuments

(Swansea, West Glamorgan, South Wales, UK)

A city with its feet firmly in the past and its head in the future, Swansea contains a diverse mixture of landmarks and monuments, which are to be found all around the city centre, the Maritime Quarter and the Mumbles area. Ranging from historic castles and churches, to contemporary buildings and stylish glass-clad structures, Swansea's architecture is often unpredictable and rather surprising.

Some of the best examples of noteworthy landmarks from years gone by include the 14th-century Swansea Castle, the early 20th-century Guildhall building and the late 19th-century Patti Pavilion, each of which have something unique to offer the visitors.

Mumbles Pier

Address: Mumbles, Swansea, West Glamorgan, SA3 4EN, Wales, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1792 365 204
Built at the very end of the 1800s and full of Victorian character, Mumbles Pier is a prominent landmark on the south-eastern side of Swansea Bay. Full of traditional family fun, Mumbles Pier is home to a restaurant, amusement arcade, tenpin bowling and even an indoor ice-skating rink. Mumbles Pier is close to a number of sandy beaches with views of the Mumbles Lighthouse and is also a good place for fishing.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Swansea Castle

Address: Castle Street, Swansea, West Glamorgan, Wales, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1792 468 321
One of the city's most famous landmarks, the ruined Swansea Castle is a firm reminder of the city's past and was constructed during the 14th century, after the previous fortress was destroyed. Featuring an elevated setting, above the spot where the River Tawe once flowed, the castle is now surrounded by many modern buildings and main roads. Over the years, the castle has been used for a number of different purposes, including both a market and a prison.
Open hours: daily
Admission: viewable from the outside only

Oystermouth Castle

Address: Newton Road, Mumbles, Swansea, West Glamorgan, Wales, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1792 635 436
With truly outstanding views across Swansea Bay and lying on the eastern side of the nearby Gower Peninsula, Oystermouth Castle is a historic structure with a particularly interesting past. Originally built out of wood, these medieval remains were rebuilt using stone in the early 12th century and have been restored and updated a number of times over the years. In 2010, more than £2 million was spent repairing the crumbling mortar and loose stones, improving access, installing walkways along the ramparts and adding an elevated glass path to Alina's Chapel, where traces of medieval frescoes are visible. Sited in the Mumbles area, Oystermouth Castle hosts many seasonal events, including open-air plays, Dungeons and Dragons Day in August, and other open-air performances during the summer.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Patti Pavilion

Address: Victoria Park, Gorse Lane, Swansea, West Glamorgan, SA1 4PQ, Wales, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1792 477 710
A Grade II listed building situated within Victoria Park, the Patti Pavilion is an important theatre staging many shows, plays, musicals and celebrations all through the year. Recently renovated, the Patti Pavilion dates back to the 1880s and has become one of the city's leading entertainment venues. The Pavilion itself was relocated to the park in 1920 and offers superb views of the bay and beyond.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge for events / concerts

The Guildhall / The Brangwyn Hall

Address: St. Helen's Road, Swansea, West Glamorgan, SA1 4PE, Wales, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1792 636 000 (Guildhall)
Tel: +44 (0)1792 635 489 (Brangwyn Hall)
A magnificent listed building built in the early 1930s, the Swansea Guildhall is hard to miss, featuring classical architecture and a white Portland stone facade. The Guildhall's most striking feature is its stylish clock tower, which rises to around 50 metres / 164 feet and dominates the area. Many grand rooms can be found inside, including the Lord Mayor's Parlour and a number of function rooms. Also part of the Guildhall complex is the County Law Courts and also the popular Brangwyn Concert Hall, where many live music events take place.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge for events / concerts

St. Mary's Church

Address: St. Mary's Square, Swansea, West Glamorgan, SA1 3LP, Wales, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1792 655 489
Located in the city centre, St. Mary's Church is a noteworthy parish church and was first built at the beginning of the 14th century. However, following the collapse of the roof in the late 1730s, much of the church was completely rebuilt. Most of the church was demolished in the late 19th century and rebuilt once again. Today, St. Mary's Church is known for its superb stained-glass windows and offers many religious events, choir concerts and organ recitals.
Open hours: daily - 09:30 to 17:30
Admission: free, donations suggested

Marina Towers Observatory

Address: The Marina, Swansea, West Glamorgan, Wales, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1792 299 311
Standing on the seafront and often known simply as the Swansea Observatory, the Marina Towers Observatory lies in the city's Maritime Quarter and is home to the local Astronomical Society. Featuring the country's biggest telescope, the observatory is an astronomer's dream and offers regular observing evenings and welcomes visitors. The Marina Towers Observatory almost resembles a rocket in structure and is close to the docklands area.
Open hours: hours vary
Admission: charge

Weobley Castle

Address: Llanrhidian, Gower, Swansea, West Glamorgan, SA3 1EE, Wales, UK
Tel: +44 (0)2920 500 200
The remains of Weobley Castle stands on the northern shoreline of the scenic Gower Peninsular and is an eye-catching structure, with impressive views across the marshland. Dating back to the early 14th century, this castle boasts many interesting features and much of the building is still standing and in reasonable condition, being based around a courtyard.
Open hours: daily, April to October - 09:30 to 18:00; November to March - 09:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, children and families, children five years old and under are free