CITY 

Introduction: 

Swansea is a city on the south coast of Wales. Sitting on the River Tawe, it is the second largest Welsh city and is famous as having been a coal port and birth place of many Welsh icons. Its current population is 239,000. 

Brief History: 

Initially known as Sweins eg or ey  (which means island), at the mouth of the River Tawe, it is thought it is named after a Norseman who built a fort there. After conquering the area, the Normans founded the town of Swansea in the 12th Century. By the 13th Century the town was flourishing and in the 14th Century the fortifications were rebuilt in stone. Medieval Swansea saw leather, wool and shipbuilding as the staple industries. Sadly the Black Death of 1348/49 probably killed half of the population. 

Boom times arrived in the town during the 16th, 17th and 18th Centuries as coal mining took off and the port at Swansea was used for exporting same. Iron exporting, wool weaving and glove making were also being carried out. Now a market town it attracted its first bank and theatre.

At the height of the Industrial Revolution a further phase of expansion was achieved with the docks being enlarged and the townspeople were engaged in copper, lead, zinc and pottery industries as well as those previously established. By the end of the 19th Century the population had reached 134,000. 

The early part of the 20th century saw some further development in municipal buildings and slum clearance commenced, the port was further expanded and the tinplate, steel and copper industries flourished. The Second World War saw the heart of the city destroyed and post war industrial decline set in and new industrial estates were built to help diversification. Good news for Swansea citizens arrived in 1969 when they were granted city status. 

Late 20th Century has seen the marina opened, leisure centre established and new shopping malls. 

The twenty first century saw the National Waterfront Museum open and the population reached 239,000. 

Things to Do: 

Oystermouth Castle:

This fine Norman castle is located at the Mumbles, at the east side of the Gower Peninsular, with excellent views over Swansea Bay.

Interesting features include 14th Century graffiti art, a glass bridge and private staircases.

The castle can be reached by taking the No. 2 bus from Swansea city centre to Newton Road. After alighting walk up Castle Street. With limited car parking the Quarry and Dairy car parks on the seafront are within walking distance.

Although seasonal the entrance fees are modest. Full details found at www.swansea.gov.uk/oystermouth. 

Gower Peninsular:

Designated as the UKs first Area of Natural Beauty the scenery is simply stunning. The beaches such as Rhossili Bay, in world top ten, and Llangennith are world renowned for surfing. The 19 mile long peninsular is also a great destination for walking and has pretty country pubs, where you can experience local delicacies including Salt Marsh lamb, Laverbread and Penclawdd cockles. Whether you like summer beaches or winter waves the Gower is beautiful at any time of year. 

Swansea Museum:

Built in 1841 this is the oldest museum in Wales. The various collections include Egyptian artefacts, transport, nautical and wartime Swansea. Located on Victoria Road, SA1 1SN (and other city centre locations), it is open Tuesday to Sunday and entry is free. There is also a well-stocked shop. Full details can be found at www.swanseamuseum.co.uk.. 

National Waterfront Museum:

The Industrial Revolution left Swansea with an excellent history which is captured in this exciting venue on the Waterfront in the city centre. As well as industrial interest there is a wealth of material covering Transport and Maritime. With free entry the museum is open every day until 5pm. Check out www.museumwales.ac.uk/swansea. 

Afan and Vale of Neath:

If you are in to mountain biking then don’t miss the Vale of Afan mountain biking centre. On route you can call in to see the ruins of the 1130AD built Abbey in Neath, once the home of Cistercian monks. It is open all year until 4pm, except Christmas and New Year. Entrance is free and can be found at SA10 7DW.

The biking at Afan and Vale of Neath affords you spectacular scenery in the form of mountains, waterfalls, forest, animals and fauna. It is rated as being in the world’s top biking locations lists. In Afan Forest Park there are purpose made trails which are excellent for both experienced and novice bikers. There is also very much more to see and do in the area and full details can be found at www.visitswanseabay.com. 

National Botanical Garden of Wales:

Half an hour drive to the north west of Swansea via the M4, A48 and B4310, you will find these impressive gardens. The Glass House is the centre piece with the plants of six areas of the world, Australia, California, Canary Islands, Chile, Mediterranean and South Africa, being on show. There are a further forty areas of interest. A couple of eating and shopping outlets complete the experience. Open all year except Christmas Eve and Day, opening times and entrance fees can be found at www.gardenofwales.org.uk. 

Dylan Thomas Centre:

If you are a fan of Welsh literature and especially Dylan Thomas, then a visit to the Dylan Thomas Centre in the heart of Swansea should be arranged. There, as well as exhibitions, tours, workshops etc. a shop to purchase his books and CDs as well as a café. Check out www.dylanthomas.com.

A 50 minute drive west into Carmarthenshire takes you to the town of Laugharne and the boat house where Dylan Thomas wrote most of his work. 

Swansea Leisure Complex:

Found on Oystermouth Road, Swansea, SA1 3ST this is an excellent family experience. The waterpark contains fun such as Aqua Slide and Tube, Boardrider, Lazy River, Masterblaster, Volcano Bay and Wave machine. There is also a wall climb, gym and fitness centre. Open until 8.30pm daily, full details at www.thelcswansea.com. 

Night Life:

There are a dozen or so nightclubs and late bars in Swansea city centre. The majority are located in the Wind Street area and having a nearby university makes for a good night out. If clubbing is not your scene then a good range of pubs are to be found throughout the city.

Theatre can be found at The Grand in Singleton Street, SA1 3QJ, which puts on West End musicals, drama, ballet, opera, comedy etc. Full info can be found at www.swanseagrand.co.uk and bookings on 01792 475715 or at the box office. 

The Volcano in High Street specialises in classical drama and other interesting projects. Website www.volcanotheatre.co.uk. 

Check out also the Dylan Thomas Theatre which puts on an eclectic programme. Check out full details at www.dylanthomastheatre.org.uk.   

Cinema in the city is provided by Vue Cinema in York Street and Odeon in Parc Tawe.

Also to be found is Ten Pin Bowling at Parc Tawe and Laserzone in Worcester Place. 

Eating Out:

A full range of international cuisine can be found throughout the city. Italian, French, Turkish, Middle Eastern, Indian, Chinese etc. Look out for restaurants serving good Welsh Lamb and Seafood. Reasonable eating can also be found in cafes, markets, pubs etc. A nice eatery on the Gower makes for a very pleasant lunch or dinner. 

Shopping:

The Quadrant Shopping Centre can be found adjacent to the bus station in the city centre. It houses a national department store and a good range of national chain stores. There is also a thriving quarter for independent stores bounded by The Kingsway, Dilwyn Street, Singleton Street, Nelson Street and Union Street.  In Oxford Street is Wales’s largest indoor market.

Boutiques and small traders can be found at The Mumbles. 

Accommodation:

A good range of 3* and 4* hotels in the city centre and on the seafront. Budget hotels, guest houses and pub accommodation can also be found easily. 

Transport: 

Buses:

First Bus Group run the services in central Swansea and surrounding areas. The bus station at The Quadrant is the hub for the thirty routes that pass through or terminate in the city centre. From the city, local towns, such as Maesteg, Llanelli, Ammanford, Bridgend and Neath, can be accessed. Check out www.firstgroup.com.

National Express are also locally based at The Quadrant and they operate to Cardiff and beyond. 

Road:

The main road to the city is the M4 joining Swansea from London, Bristol and Cardiff. The rest of the country can be reached by taking the M5, north or south, at the junction with the M4 just over the border in England. Taking the A38 to Carmarthen will allow you to continue on to the rest of West Wales. The A465 takes you to Merthyr Tydfil and the Brecon Beacons. 

Railway:

Swansea is a terminus station on the London Paddington - Reading -Swindon-Bristol Parkway-Newport-Cardiff- Swansea line. To and from the rest of country can be accessed via changing at those stations, as appropriate.

The line to the west of Swansea takes you to Carmarthen. Check out www.nationalrail.com. 

Air:

The nearest airport to Swansea is 43 miles east along the M4/A4226 at Cardiff. You can travel by buses X91 or X5 to Cardiff city centre and then by National Express to Swansea.

Trains can be taken from Rhoose to Cardiff Central to Swansea or from Rhoose to Bridgend to Swansea.

Alternatively, taxis can be taken to the city. 

Taxis:

About 15 firms run taxi services throughout the Swansea region.