Swansea is Wales’ second city and the regional capital of South West Wales. Thriving and ambitious, it is an attractive waterfront city with big plans for the future.

Located on the 5 mile sweep of Swansea Bay, the city centre is just a 10 minute walk from these magnificent bay views, with the pleasure of a stroll through the Maritime Quarter and Marina to be enjoyed on the way. Take a deep breath and smell the fresh sea air!


The varied retail offer in Swansea is enhanced by the host of independent shops sitting alongside the high street names you would expect – and with a huge city centre redevelopment programme in the pipeline, retail therapy is only going to get bigger and better!

Sample fresh local delicacies, cockles and laverbread, at Swansea Market – Wales’ largest indoor market! At the heart of the city centre and With stalls selling everything from local crafts to electrical goods and offering a stunning array of the freshest produce, much of which is grown or caught locally, it’s a buzzing, sensory experience enjoyed by visitors and locals alike.


If you are spending time in Swansea, no doubt you’ll end up in Wind Street (appropriately pronounced ‘wine’ street). With a variety of restaurants and lively bars, this well known part of the city is a top choice for those who love a great night out. The Uplands provides an alternative ‘hot spot’ with a host of bars and eateries which attracts people of all ages. It’s where Swansea’s most famous son, Dylan Thomas, was born and lived the early part of his life and the area is home to an annual Fringe festival, celebrating his life and work.

In Swansea we love our ‘live’ music scene too. From rock to jazz and country and western to the blues – in dedicated clubs, namely Swansea Jazz Land, cool pubs like the Uplands Tavern or hip cafés such as Monkey Café. There are also plenty of theatre venues to catch live performances, such as Swansea Grand Theatre and the Taliesin Arts Centre, while the Brangwyn Hall plays host to high calibre orchestras and choirs.


Cultural gems within Swansea Bay include a plethora of public and independent galleries, cooperatives, studios, workshops and exhibitions.

Head towards the Swansea’s Maritime Quarter where you will find lots to see and do. The National Waterfront Museum tells the story of Wales’ development as a nation. The Museum is free to visit and has created an important visual impression on the skyline. The Dylan Thomas Centre, a permanent exhibition to a great poet, and nearby Swansea Museum, the oldest in Wales which houses everything from an Egyptian mummy to a Welsh kitchen, provide a cultural focus close to the River Tawe barrage.


Naturally, there are a multitude of other activities to entertain you. You could dip your toe in the 50m Olympic sized Wales National swimming pool or take the plunge in Swansea’s £32 million leisure centre, the LC, which includes an indoor waterpark with a dedicated artificial wave for trying out the surf… indoors!

Or join the crowds and head to the Liberty Stadium, which is home to Premier league side Swansea City FC and the Ospreys regional rugby team as well as being a venue for concerts by internationally renowned artists, such as The Who, Pink, Rod Stewart and Elton John.