Event at National Waterfront Museum
The Swansea bay region offers a range of places to visit, whatever your interest, come rain or shine!
There are lots of museums, galleries and other indoor attractions for you to enjoy. Visit Wales’ newest museum – the National Waterfront Museum – an award winning attraction with much to interest young and old alike. Or pop in to Wales’ oldest, Swansea Museum with its Egyptian Mummy and regularly changing exhibition programme. The Egypt Centre located at Swansea University has over 4500 egyptian artefacts! And of course entry to all the museums is free!
Interested in art? Then why not visit the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery in Swansea or pop in to any one of the many varied galleries dotted around the region.
Dylan Thomas was born and bred in Swansea and spent much of his later life in Laugharne, visit the Boat House there and enjoy soaking up the atmosphere of the place where he wrote his most famous work – Under Milk Wood, with its mythical village of Llareggub…try spelling it backwards to see a bit of the man behind the work! Meanwhile, the birthplace of Dylan Thomas, 5 Cwmdonkin Drive in the Uplands area of Swansea, is a great place to find out more about his early life and work.
Plantasia bridges the gap between indoor an outdoor attractions, with its indoor gardens on different climate themes, plus the delightful tamarind monkeys, butterflies and numerous reptiles and insects. If its wildlife you want to see, why not visit WWT National Wetland Centre Wales in Llanelli, home to countless wild species as diverse as dragonflies and little egrets. Plus over 600 of some of the world’s most spectacular ducks, geese, swans and flamingos.
To see superb gardens outdoors, head for Aberglasney House and Gardens near to the market town of Llandeilo or the National Botanic Gardens in nearby Llanarthne. Stroll around the green flag winning Clyne Gardens and the Botanical Gardens in Singleton Park, Swansea. Meanwhile Margam Park, which is home to Wales' largest deer herd, offers a great day out with its family-friendly entertainments situated in splendid landscapes.
Fun at Pembrey Country Park
Pembrey Country Park between Llanelli and Carmarthen is another great family day out. Enjoy the toboggan run or try dry slope skiing, hire a bike to get around the park or head out along the cycle path at the Millennium Coastal Park… or spend some time on the beautiful sandy stretches of Cefn Sidan beach.
For those who like to get active there’s a range of activities on offer.
LC Surfer Rider
The LC - which as well as its exciting water park with a unique ‘MasterBlaster’ tyre ride and indoor surf wave also includes children’s play area, gym, climbing wall, traditional sports hall and a spa … is an ideal option for all members of the family! Surfing is big in the region and there are several beaches where you can hire surf or boogie board, why not get lessons from any number of the surf schools. Try Surf GSD, who also teach surfing indoors at Swansea’s water park and leisure centre – The LC.
If you’re a mountain biking fan then Swansea Bay offers a range of trails – including some which have been highly rated by national mountain biking magazine polls. These include The Wall and Skyline at Afan Forest Park, both rated in the UK's top 10 downhills. Visit Sport & activities for more info.
Further Afield...
Find the thrills and spills of Oakwood in Pembrokeshire. The park is regarded as one of the top ten UK theme parks and boasts world-class rides and attractions including the famous wooden roller coaster Megafobia. Close by, why not try your hand at the Crystal Maze – based on the TV programme in which teams test their skills of mind and body in a range of challenges. To the north of Swansea Bay, head up the valley to the National Showcaves Centre for Wales, Dan yr Ogof Caves, voted Britain's finest natural wonder. The cave system is over 10 kilometres in length! Explore the caves and visit the range of attractions available.
If you really enjoy the great outdoors, it's also worth taking time to head out to the Brecon Beacons…. just an hour’s drive from Swansea city centre.
Throughout the Swansea Bay region there are a myriad of events taking place including music festivals, televised international sporting events, children’s activities, food festivals and carnivals… attracting thousands of visitors every year! Take a look at our ‘Events’ pages for further information.
If food and drink appeals, try a tour of the Penderyn Distillery and see the whisky-making process close up as well as learning about the importance that wood and water plays in the success of the whisky!
Or why not arrange a visit to Hurns Brewery; makers of Tomos Watkin ales such as Cwrw Haf (Summer Ale) are now sold in USA and a number of European countries….. beer made locally here in Swansea Bay.
If you’re after indulgence why not visit our local chocolate factory and see not just how chocolate is made, but taste it too! Visit The Chocolate Factory for more info!
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