Swansea

Travel Guide
Grand Theatre which includes interior views and theatre scenes
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(7 area reviews)

Castle is known for its lively bars, and you can plan a trip to Swansea Market and Grand Theatre 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
Delta Hotels by Marriott Swansea
Delta Hotels by Marriott Swansea
4 out of 5
Maritime Quarter, Swansea, Wales
The price is CA $129 per night from Jun. 16 to Jun. 17
CA $129
CA $154 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 16 - Jun 17
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! (121 reviews)
"On the beach, next to the Marina, with a selection of bars and eateries within walking distance."

Reviewed on May 21, 2024

Delta Hotels by Marriott Swansea
Village Hotel Swansea
Village Hotel Swansea
3.5 out of 5
Langdon Road, Swansea, Wales
The price is CA $116 per night from Jun. 2 to Jun. 3
CA $116
CA $139 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 2 - Jun 3
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! (1,000 reviews)
"We had a brilliant stay all the staff were very friendly and helpful. Hotel was very clean and although lots going on plenty of places to sit. We did have use of the pool and spa area which was o.k could do with updating a bit. And maybe a bit warmer. Room was clean and plenty big enough although ..."

Reviewed on May 19, 2024

Village Hotel Swansea
Mercure Swansea Hotel
Mercure Swansea Hotel
4 out of 5
Phoenix Way, Swansea, Wales
The price is CA $113 per night from Jun. 16 to Jun. 17
CA $113
CA $136 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 16 - Jun 17
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Swansea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.8/10 Good! (847 reviews)
"Lovely staff"

Reviewed on May 4, 2024

Mercure Swansea Hotel
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
Langland Bay Lookout - Cabin - Landimore
Langland Bay Lookout - Cabin - Landimore
3 out of 5
Gower Coast Cabins, Landimore, Gower, Swansea, Wales
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Swansea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private spa tubs. Popular attractions Three Cliffs Bay Beach and Whiteford National ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Bliss
"Wow what wonderful relaxing stay. John the host was so friendly and helpful. My highlight was listening to the birds from the hot tub at sunrise. Would definitely recommend and rebook!"

Reviewed on Dec. 19, 2023

Langland Bay Lookout - Cabin - Landimore
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

Things to do

Reviews of Swansea

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
1
" "5 - Excellent 14.285714285714286%
4 - Good
4
" "4 - Good 57.142857142857146%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 28.571428571428573%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Aug. 22, 2019

We enjoyed going to a Swansea City FC game and the Mumbles was gorgeous but if we did it again, we'd stay in Porthcawl or one of the coastal towns as we didn't find Swansea downtown had a lot to offer versus all the other places we stayed in Wales

Cities near Swansea