During medieval times, Swansea was a prosperous market town, later gaining a certain prominence as a spa resort. It was during the industrial revolution, however, that the city flourished and its population grew. The city is home to the world's first passenger railway service known as the Mumbles Train, which bumped and bounced along five miles of Swansea foreshore, linking the city centre with the suburb of Mumbles. Much of the city centre's architectural heritage was lost through wartime bombing. However, the abundance of parks, stunning coastal scenery, lovely water-side suburbs, a magnificent bay-side maritime quarter, varied cultural events, medieval castles and golden sandy beaches have preserved Swansea's place as a major tourist destination. Furthermore, according to a survey conducted by an international health magazine that considered, among other factors, a city's crime rate, life-style, environment, etc., Swansea was judged to be the most relaxed city in the UK, while two national surveys have ranked the city as the third friendliest place in the country with regard to customer service and the safest urban area in the UK.

The name 'Swansea' is derived from 'Sweyn's ey,' which meant the island belonging to Sweyn (Sven) in Old Norse, the area having been settled by Scandinavians in the Middle Ages. Abertawe, by contrast, means 'mouth of the river Tawe'. Locals are known as Swansea Jacks, after a hero dog who rescued no fewer than 27 people from drowning during his seven-year life in the 1930s; Jack's memorial is on the promenade in Brynmill, close to the university.

Dylan Thomas was passionate about Swansea, and in his early days described it as an "ugly, lovely town, crawling, sprawling, slummed, unplanned, jerry-villa'd, and smug-suburbed by the side of a long and splendid curving shore." Later, he referred to it as "the most romantic town I know," and described it with great gusto as a "marble town, city of laughter, little Dublin" and screamed triumphantly "Never was there such a town!"

Incidentally, the Swansea seaside resort of Mumbles derives its name from the French word mamelles, meaning "breasts"; take a look at the two islets off Mumbles Head from across the bay, and it is easy to see why.

Swansea has a wet and mild climate, with winter temperatures ranging from around 4 to 6°C, while the summer average high is about 20°C but often reaching to 26 or 27°C. Sun lovers should visit Swansea from June to August, which is the period that records the most hours of sunshine and is the main tourist season. However, those who prefer long solitary walks along cliffs paths or contemplative strolls through wooded valleys should consider September and October. During these months, the air is crisp and fresh and the area quiet, with most tourists having already departed. However, as Wales is one of the wettest areas in the UK, you should always prepare for rain when visiting the region. Even in the summer, pack some rain gear and an umbrella in your luggage.

• City centre tourist information, Plymouth Street (opposite the Bus Station), ☏ +44 1792 468321. Oct—Easter: M-Sa 9:30AM-5:30PM; Easter—Sep: M-Sa 9:30AM-5:30PM, Su 10AM-4PM. Offers free maps, information on tourist sites and hotel room reservation service. 
• Mumbles tourist information, The Methodist Church, Mumbles Road, ☏ +44 1792 361302. M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Sunday (and school vacations) noon-5PM. Offers same services as the main city centre office. 

• The M4 motorway links the city to Cardiff and London, with connections to the M6, M5, M32, M42 and M50. The main junction for Swansea is 42, but 43, 44, 45, 46 and 47 also lead off into Swansea

• National Express, ☏ +44 371 781 8181 (customer service), +44 871 781 8181 (premium rate booking line). Runs frequent bus services from Cardiff, London, the Midlands, and Heathrow Airport. All buses depart and arrive at the city's bus station. The National Express ticket office is next to the bus station. 
• Megabus. A cheaper option. 
• A convenient way to spend the day in Swansea city centre is to use one of the three Park and Ride systems National Park and Ride Directory. One is based at Landore on the A4067; leave M4 at junction 45. The eastern 'Park and Ride' operates off the A483 (Fabian Way), which is the main artery into Swansea when coming off the M4 (junction 42) from the east buses on this route follow an express bus lane into the city centre. The western 'Park and Ride' operates off the A483 (Carmarthen Road) in Fforestfach. There is a £1.50 charge per car that includes all-day parking and return bus travel for up to 4 passengers, and the system operates from Monday to Saturday from 6:45AM to 7:30PM.

• Heathrow Airport (LHR ^IATA) has daily arrivals from the widest number of places around the world to the UK. By rail, take the RailAir coach service from Heathrow Central Bus station and change at Reading Railway Station for trains direct to Swansea. By Coach, National Express provide a coach service from Heathrow Central Bus station to Swansea.
• Cardiff Airport (CWL ^IATA), approximately 50 minutes drive to Swanesa. There are arrivals from various places in Europe. By rail, take the train from Rhoose Cardiff International Airport Railway station and change at Bridgend.
• 51.605278-4.0677781 Swansea Airport (SWS  ^IATA) (in the Gower Peninsula), ☏ +44 1792 20755. Handles private aircraft only.  
• 51.713889-4.3122222 Pembrey Airport. 17 mi (27 km) to the west near Burry Port, handles private aircraft and offers charter flights from destinations in UK and Europe. (updated Jun 2022)

51.6253-3.94093 Swansea railway station. (updated Jun 2022)

• Great Western Railway (+44 345 748 4950 (national rail enquiries)) offers a very frequent express service from London Paddington station which stops at Reading, Swindon, Bristol Parkway, Newport, Cardiff Central, Bridgend, Port Talbot Parkway and Neath.
• Transport for Wales runs local trains throughout Wales including the West Wales lines with services to Pembroke, Milford Haven and Fishguard.
• West Wales services, west of Swansea. After leaving Swansea, the train follows the contours of the coast. A left-side seat will give you the best view:
  • The famous Heart of Wales Line runs between the medieval town of Shrewsbury and Swansea, passing through some of Wales' most spectacular scenery and picturesque towns during its 3 hr 40 min journey. Trains depart Swansea at 4:36AM, 9:15AM, 1:17PM and 6:21PM.
  • There are direct trains from Manchester Piccadilly to Swansea operating hourly during the daytime M-Sa, and every two hours during the daytime on Sundays. The journey time is about 4 hours 20 minutes. This service calls at Crewe, Shrewsbury, Hereford, Newport and Cardiff.

• Swansea Marina. It offers 750 berths for private boat mooring, offering comprehensive facilities for both short and long term stays. 

• National Cycle Route 4. Swansea is served by the NCR 4 which passes just south of the city centre. To the east, NCR 4 connects Swansea with Port Talbot, Newport and London. To the west, NCR 4 connects Swansea with Llanelli and St David's. From the east, NCR 4 follows the route of the A483 (Fabian Way), it then follows the route of the seafront promenade of Swansea Bay Beach and at Blackpill it continues up the Clyne Valley cycle track towards Gowerton. 
• National Cycle Route 43. NCR 43 is still under development and will eventually connect Swansea with Builth Wells. Part of the route wholly within Swansea has been completed and signposted. The completed signposted section of NCR 43 begins at the Swansea Marina and follows the route of the River Tawe all the way to Ystalyfera, passing Pontardawe.  
• National Cycle Route 47. NCR47 connects Newport with Fishguard. Within Swansea, NCR47 follows the same route as NCR4. Whilst NCR4 is a more coastal route, NCR47 is a mostly inland route. 

Bus company First Cymru^{[dead link]} maintain frequent services connecting all suburbs of Swansea and the Gower Peninsula. All buses depart from the bus station, and there are connecting links to/from Swansea's railway station. Visitors travelling to the Mumbles have the option of taking buses heading to these final destinations: Oystermouth (synonymous with Mumbles and the final stop is in the village), Limeslade (includes stops at Mumbles Square, Verdi's Cafe and Mumbles Pier), Langland, Newton and Caswell. All buses on these routes also make stops at St. Helen's Stadium, Swansea University/Singleton Park and Blackpill Lido.

First Cymru offer a one-day "FirstDay^{[dead link]}" bus pass for the Swansea urban area. It costs £4.00 per adult before 9:30AM and £3.50 after 9:30AM.

There are several taxi ranks in the city centre. One is found at High Street Station for rail connections and one is at Swansea Bus Station for bus/coach connections. A taxi rank beside St. Mary's church serves city centre shoppers. The taxi rank on Caer Street next to Castle Square is the most convenient for people returning home after a night out on Wind Street.

• 51.6203-3.94121 Swansea Castle. The ruins of this 13th-century castle are in the city centre. While the remains are not substantial enough to warrant a special visit, the contrast of the battlements against the more contemporary architecture of its surroundings does provide an interesting backdrop for souvenir photographs of Swansea city centre. The building is floodlit at night.  
• 51.614167-3.9602782 The Guildhall. This elegant building of white Portland stone has graced the city centre's western approach since 1934. The main building only houses administrative offices and is of no interest to the casual visitor. However, Sir Frank Brangwyn's murals (painted for the House of Lords, but considered too frivolous) that grace the interior of the Brangwyn Hall are definitely worth viewing. The Brangwyn Hall is on the sea-facing side of the building and functions as the city's main concert and reception hall.  
• 51.594076-4.1796033 Arthur's Stone (Cefn Bryn, Gower). A neolithic burial chamber or cromlech dating from 2500BCE.  
• 51.6203-3.96554 Dylan Thomas' Childhood Home, 5 Cwmdonkin Dr. Uplands. Restored to reflect the environment of Dylan's youth, Number Five Cwmdonkin Drive is open as a self-catering guest house, and is suitable for budding writers. 
• 51.57645-4.002975 Oystermouth Castle. Mumbles. The castle was founded in the early 12th century by William de Londres of Ogmore and was constructed of ringwork and bailey. In the 13th century, the castle was the principal residence of the de Braoses, the lords of Gower (their other main residence was Swansea Castle), and most of the structure remaining today originates from this period. King Edward I visited the castle in December 1284. The present day remains are well preserved and the battlements offer commanding views over Swansea Bay. There is a small entry fee.  

• 51.569722-3.9802786 Mumbles Pier. Mumbles. Built in the 1880s to encourage more passengers to use the Mumbles Train, the pier is an edifice to the Victorians' love of the ocean. Compared to many piers around the country, Mumbles is quite simple in design, but the 255-m walk from beginning to end allows for spectacular views over Swansea Bay. In particular, Oystermouth Castle and the high rise buildings of the city centre are in clear view.  
• Historical buildings. Much of Swansea city centre was destroyed in wartime bombing. Still, there are large pockets of the historic centre that survived, and they have been painstakingly restored. Some of the best examples of Georgian and Victorian architecture can be found on Wind Street (pronounced Wined), with Salubrious Passage (linking Wind Street with Princess Way) being almost exclusively Georgian, though the accolade for oldest buildings in that area goes to Swansea Castle and the Cross Keys (inn), which are respectively relics of the 13th and 14th centuries. At the bottom end of Wind Street and across the main thoroughfare leading from the M4 into Swansea are several lovely Georgian terraces, with Somerset Place and Cambrian Place perhaps being the most stylish. The Dylan Thomas Centre on Somerset Place also represents a fine example of Doric style Georgian architecture, and the area (which leads onto the marina) also has an impressive mixture of Victorian and Edwardian buildings, such as the colonnaded neo-classical style Swansea Museum (1841) and Morgan's Hotel (1903). Across town, Alexandra Road offers some fine examples of baroque revival Edwardian architecture, with the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery acting as the focal point. British visitors may immediately recognize some of Swansea's historic streets as they have been featured in the popular TV series Doctor Who.

• 51.616389-3.9386117 National Waterfront Museum, The, Maritime Quarter, ☏ +44 1792 638950. Daily 10AM-5PM. Housed in a building clad in Welsh slate, the National Waterfront Museum represents an exciting and innovative way to explore the development of the industrial revolution through the eyes of the people whose lives it touched and transformed. The toil, the achievements, the defeats and the joys are revealed through the museum's creative exhibitions. Children will particularly enjoy the working machinery. There are also cafes and gift shops overlooking the marina. This is one of the UK's most imaginative exhibition spaces and must-see destinations. Admission is free.  
• 51.619167-3.9358338 ^{[dead link]} Dylan Thomas Centre, The, Somerset Place, Marina, ☏ +44 1792 463980. Tu-Su 9AM-10PM. This splendid example of early 19th-century Doric style architecture served as Swansea Guildhall for over 100 years. It became the Dylan Thomas Centre in 1995 when it was refurbished in commemoration of Swansea hosting the 1995 UK Year of Literature and Writing, and was opened by former US President Jimmy Carter. The centre is dedicated to the works of Swansea's greatest literary son, and in addition to a theatre, exhibition and events hall, the centre also has a second hand book store and gift shop. The local cuisine served in the second floor restaurant is strongly recommended. Admission free.  
• 51.623889-3.9444449 Glyn Vivian Art Gallery, The Alexandra Rd, ☏ +44 1792 516900. Tu-Su 9AM-5PM. The gallery housed in a baroque revival Edwardian building has permanent exhibits of paintings by local artists and a good collection of Swansea china. It frequently hosts exhibitions of national and international works of art. Free.  
• 51.6178-3.938110 Swansea Museum, Victoria Road, Maritime Quarter, ☏ +44 1792 653763. Tu-Su 9AM-5PM. This grade two, neo-classic building was Wales' first museum, and displays artifacts as diverse as Swansea china and an Egyptian mummy. The museum gift shop sells good quality souvenirs. Free.  
• 51.5835-4.103511 Gower Heritage Centre, Parkmill, Gower, ☏ +44 1792 371206. A rural life museum based around a working water mill. Gift shop and café on site. 
• 51.61015-3.9788112 Egypt Centre, Singleton Park, SA2 8PP, ☏ +44 1792 295960. Tu-Sa 10AM-4PM. The Swansea University campus (near the Taliesin Art Centre). One of the UK's best collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts outside London. Free. 
• 51.61753-3.9335413 Attic Gallery, 37 Pocketts Wharf, Maritime Quarter, SA1 3XL, ☏ +44 1792 653387, [email protected]. F 10AM-5:30PM, Sa 10AM-4:30PM. Wales' oldest independent gallery, specialising in grass roots Welsh art. free. 
• 51.617-3.936814 Mission Gallery, Gloucester Place, Marina, ☏ +44 1792 652016. Daily 11AM-5PM. A small independent gallery in a converted seaman's chapel. free.  
• 51.62068-3.8801915 1940s Swansea Bay, Elba Crescent, Crymlyn Burrows, SA1 8QQ, ☏ +44 1792 458864, [email protected]. Temporarily closed during a search for new premises. (updated Apr 2022)
• 51.6215-3.942716 Elysium Art Space, 16 College St, ☏ +44 7980 925449 (mobile). Th-Su 11AM-5PM. A volunteer-run space promoting the work of emerging artists. Admission free. 
• 51.61787-3.9369517 The Nick Holly Studio Gallery, Exchange Building, Cambrian Place, SA1 1SE, ☏ +44 7971 343366 (mobile), [email protected]. Tu-Su 10AM-5PM. Exchange Building, Cambrian Place, Maritime Quarter. Showcases the work of local artists. Free. 
• 51.65438-3.9038518 Swansea Bus Museum, Unit 2, Viking Way, Winch Wen, SA1 7DA. M-F 9AM-4PM, Su 10AM-5PM. An exhibit of over thirty buses that once plied the streets of Swansea and West Wales. Admission free, donations welcome. 

• 51.568-3.98519 Mumbles. A former fishing village at the western end of Swansea Bay the quaint streets, a 12th-century castle, fashionable boutiques and excellent restaurants make this suburb of Swansea a must-see destination. The promenade at Mumbles offers a spectacular panoramic view over Swansea Bay, and Village Lane (behind Patrick's restaurant) is a street of picture postcard fisherman's cottages.  

• The Gower Peninsula: the first area in Britain to be designated an "area of outstanding natural beauty". Its stunning scenery extends from sandy beaches, to hidden coves and lush country-side. In addition, (including the ruins of Swansea castle) there are seven medieval castles to explore. Home to Oxwich Bay, named the most beautiful beach in the UK and one of the most beautiful in the world by The Travel Magazine in 2007.
• The Maritime Quarter: a bay-side development. The swinging masts and sails of the three marinas offer a great backdrop to the theatres, museums, hotels, cafes, bars and restaurants that jostle for positions in this tight little corner off the city centre. The south-side faces the sea, where there are great views over Swansea Bay and the Mumbles Head.
• 51.6217-3.9386120 Plantasia, ☏ +44 1792 474555. Daily 10AM - 5PM. Parc Tawe. A chisel-shaped hot house in the city centre, complete with three different climate zones and exotic animals. Adult £3.70, children and concessions £2.70, Passport to Leisure £2.00, under 4's admitted free and Family £12.00.  
• 51.613-3.981121 Singleton Park. Swansea's largest park meandering over several acres of gentle undulating hills and leading down to Swansea Bay botanical gardens near the Sketty end of the park, and Swansea University at the lower end, near the sea front. The main entrance to the park is on Mumbles Road, just past the St. Helen's Stadium.  
• 51.5959-4.003222 Clyne Gardens and Country Park. No doubt the gem in the crown of Swansea parks. Begun as a private garden, Clyne is bursting with flora and fauna meticulously collected from around the world. It has an internationally recognised collection of rhododendrons and azaleas which are at their spectacular best in May. The Japanese style pond, complete with willow trees and oriental bridge is a great place to relax and watch the clouds sail by. Entrance behind the Woodman pub on Mumbles Road at Blackpill.  
• 51.6217-3.968523 Cwmdonkin Park. In the Uplands. A classic Victorian park that was a favourite with Dylan Thomas, and several of his works were inspired here.  
• 51.6157-3.973524 Brynmill Park. Swansea's oldest park, in Dylan's Uplands famous for its large swan lake. 
• 51.6547-3.915325 Lake Fendrod. In the heart of the Swansea Enterprise Park. It has a large population of swans and is stocked with a range of fishes like carp to 20 lb, skimmers to bream of 8 lb, tench to 6 lbs, roach to 2 lb together with crucian carp, dace, orfe, perch & rudd. There are about 75 pegs, some of which are concreted. Lake Fendrod is surrounded by a public footpath. 
• 51.67-3.9008326 Swansea Vale Nature Reserve. At the far north eastern end of the Enterprise Park. It is one of the few remaining places of wetland in Swansea and features streams, ponds and woodland. The nature reserve is accessible by bike or on foot and features a board walk and bike paths  
• 51.629167-3.92027827 Kilvey Community Woodland (Kilvey Hill). The south side of the woodland offers panoramic views of Swansea Bay right over to Mumbles Head and Port Talbot and also the city centre and docks, while the western face of the hill allows uninhibited views of the lower Swansea Valley, the northern part of the city centre, the Enterprise Zone and the Liberty Stadium. In addition, the hill has a sculpture trail, a number of footpaths and some dedicated white knuckle mountain biking trails.  
• 51.6229-3.965628 View over the city and Swansea Bay. One of the best locations to gain a panoramic view of the city and the full sweep of Swansea Bay is from Pant-y-Celyn Road in Townhill (near the Townhill Campus of Swansea Metropolitan University). There are bay-facing parking areas along the road that allow the stunning views to be enjoyed from the comfort of your car. The scene is especially spectacular at dusk with the sun setting over Mumbles Head. For the adventurous and those possessing cars with strong brakes, return to the city centre via the 1-in-3 incline of the cobbled street of Constitution Hill. 
• 51.595-3.996229 Blackpill Beach (on the southern edge of Swansea Bay beach). Blackpill Beach and the Blackpill Stream which flows into it are a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. Many types of gulls can be seen feeding there at high tide. 
• 51.6364-3.8883330 Crymlyn Bog. Crymlyn bog is the largest area of lowland fen in Wales to the east of Swansea City Centre. It is a Ramsar site, a Special Site of Scientific interest and a protected National Nature Reserve. There is a visitor centre with car parking.  
• 51.592-3.96431 Swansea beach. A 5-mile (8-km) stretch of beach from Swansea Docks all the way to Mumbles with a cycle way and promenade along its whole length.  

• Swansea Bay Rider. A colourful children's land train runs throughout the summer along the promenade from the St. Helen's Stadium to Southend Gardens, Mumbles. 
• Rowing and crazy golf. A boating lake and crazy golf course between the junction of Sketty Lane and Mumbles Road and the entrance to Swansea University. 

• Discovery Centre (Brynmill Park). M-F 11AM-5PM, Sa Su 11AM-4PM. The centre offers the opportunity for children to observe and gain first hand knowledge about local wildlife and nature. 
• The LC. A state-of-the-art leisure centre. See 'Swimming' section for more details. 

• Waverley Excursions (Starting point- Swansea Ferry Port), ☏ +44 845 130 4647 (premium rate). The historic ship MV Balmoral runs day trips to Ilfracombe in North Devon and cruises around the Gower coast in summer only. The paddle steamer Waverley runs similar trips, but less frequently. Certain journeys continue on to Lundy Island. 
• ^{[formerly dead link]} Euphoria Sailing Ltd, ☏ +44 1792 234502, [email protected]. Motor boat and yacht cruises around the Gower coast starting from Swansea Marina or Oxwich Bay. 
• Gower Coast Adventures, ☏ +44 1792 540386. Offers trips around the Gower coast for up to 12 people on their ten-metre sea serpent cruise boat. 

Swansea is connected to the National Celtic Cycling Trail, and there are four main routes in city.

• The Jersey Marine and Fabian Way Trail. Traces the main road into the city centre from the east few special sites of interest, it passes the Jersey Marine Tower and offers views of the heavy industrial plants in Baglan Bay and Port Talbot. 
• The River Tawe Trail. Runs along the banks of the river Tawe passing through a former industrial area that has been reforested, skirts the Liberty Stadium, a business district and finally heads out to the Swansea Valley. 
• The Promenade Trail. Runs along Swansea Bay foreshore to the sea-side suburb of Mumbles it passes through the Marina and offers stunning views over Swansea Bay. On a sunny day, with the blue water lapping at the side of the promenade, cycling along this trail must be the nearest thing to poetry in motion. 
• The Clyne Valley Trail. Runs through Clyne Country Park to the North Gower coast, where it rejoins the National Celtic Cycle Trail the first part of the trail passes through a forested area, then meanders through sprawling suburbs before reaching the Loughor Estuary near Loughor. This trail leads from the Promenade Trail at Blackpill (a child's paddling area marks the site). Mountain bike trails are on the sides of the valley. 
• Mountain biking. Kilvey Hill has a dedicated downhill run and several other trails for the mountain bike enthusiast. 

Bikes can be rented at the following city centre stores:

• Cycle Centre, 10 Wyndham Street, ☏ +44 1792 410710. closed Sunday. 
• Action Bike, St. David's Square, ☏ +44 1792 464640. open daily. Will deliver bike to hotel free of charge. 

There are some wonderfully picturesque drives in Swansea. Below are a couple of popular ones:

• City centre - Mayals - Bishopston - Caswell Bay - Langland Bay - Bracelet Bay - Limeslade Bay- Mumbles - city centre.

To start this drive, take the A4067 Mumbles Road from the city centre and turn right onto B4436 Mayals Road. Follow road over Fairwood Common and take a left at Bishopston Village. From there, follow signs for the above places.

This drive takes in some beautiful coastal scenery. Recommended stops: Verdis café (Mumbles, Swansea Bay sea front), Castellamare café (Bracelet Bay sea front), and Mumbles Village (see listing under 'See').

• City centre - Uplands - Killay - Parkmill - Reynolston - Rhossili - Llangeneth - Oldwalls - Killay - Uplands - city centre.

To start this drive, take A4118 through the bed-sit suburb of Uplands and then Killay. Finally, after leaving Upper Killay, the road passes through the heart of the Gower Peninsular. Follow signs for the above places.

This drive passes through some quintessential British countryside and culminates at stunning Rhossili Bay. Recommended stops: Parkmill is the location of the Gower Heritage Centre, with its working water wheel, and Shepards' village store and café is a good place to take refreshment. Near the village of Reynolston, you can take a short detour onto Cefn Bryn to see Arthur's Stone (see listing under 'See'). Also, in Reynolston is the beautifully renovated country inn, 'the King Arthur's Hotel', which is an excellent place for lunch. At Rhossili, there are tea houses, but the attraction here is definitely the stunning views.

As you drive along the beautiful country lanes with the smell of freshly cut grass pervading the air and the vista of a wide blue bay opening before you, the words of a famous Buddhist master — 'the journey is the goal' — will never ring truer!

• Gower Flight Centre, Swansea Airport, ☏ +44 1792 298599. See and the Gower Peninsula from the air. Flights from Swansea Airport. 

Swansea has a number of excellent golf courses, many with spectacular sea views:

• Clyne Golf Club, 118-120 Owls Lodge Ln, ☏ +44 1792 401989. Mayals. 6323-yard, 18-hole course built on moorland, par 70 sss72 
• Fairwood Park Golf Club, Blackhills Lane, Upper Killay, ☏ +44 1792 297849. 6,658-yard, 18-hole parkland championship course 
• INCO Golf Club, ☏ +44 1792 841257. Clydach 
• Morriston Golf Club, 160 Clasemont Rd, ☏ +44 1792 796528. Morriston. 5708-yard, 18-hole course 
• Langland Bay Golf Club, ☏ +44 1792 361721. Mumbles. 
• Pennard Golf Club, 2 Southgate Rd, ☏ +44 1792 233131. Southgate. 6,225-yard, 18-hole, par 71 links golf course 

• SKIDZ Karting, Unit 1, Rear of Queensway, ☏ +44 1792 580927, [email protected]. Daily 10AM to 8PM. 

Bars and cafés that provide life music:

• Albert Hall (https://www.albert-hall.co.uk/whats-on/), Craddock Street, [email protected]. Live music venue in grade 2 listed building. Wide range or restaurants, bars, and cafes. 
• Creature Sound, 1 Bethesda Street., ☏ +44 1792 301178. 10AM-11PM. Primarily a recording studio, but also hosts events and supports the local homeless community. (updated Sep 2018)
• Jam Jar, 216 High Street, ☏ +44 1792 654366, +44 7527 246701 (mobile). M-W 9AM-5PM, Th-Sa 9AM-late. Live music and events. Serves coffee, alcohol and meals (updated Mar 2017)
• Milkwoodjam, 50 Plymouth St, ☏ +44 1792 477577. Live music venue, café/bar and recording studio. 
• No Sign Bar, 56 Wind St, ☏ +44 1792 465300. A watering hole that dates to the 18th century with a relaxed atmosphere and good food. Generally an over-40 crowd. 
• Swansea Jazzland, ☏ +44 1792 466535. St. James Social Club, St. James Crescent, Uplands. Jazz, jazz and more jazz 
• Taliesin Arts Centre, ☏ +44 1792 602060. Swansea University. Music from around the globe, including high-profile jazz artists and other musicians of international acclaim.  . (updated Aug 2018)
• The Bunkhouse, 63 Kingsway. One of the largest live music watering holes in Swansea. Large range of local ales. (updated Aug 2018)
• ^{[dead link]} The Garage, 47 Uplands Crescent, Uplands, ☏ +44 1792 475147. Hip-hop, metal, rock and stand-up comedy. 
• Uplands Tavern, 42 Uplands Crescent, Uplands, ☏ +44 1792 458242. Rock and folk, attracts student crowd. 

• Dryad Brushcraft, 53 Woodcote, Killay, ☏ +44 1792 547213, [email protected]. Offers unique wilderness survival courses at various locations on the Gower. 

• Cinema.co, 17 Castle Street, [email protected]. 6PM-midnight nightly (screening starts at 8PM). Screening of art and indie movies. Discussion after screening. Adult £5, student £4. 
• Odeon, Odeon: Parc Tawe, ☏ +44 333 006 7777. Multi-screen cinemas screening blockbusters. 
• Taliesin, ☏ +44 1792 602060. Screens quality mainstream, independent movies. 
• Vue, York Street, ☏ +44 871 224 0240 (premium rate). Multi-screen cinemas screening blockbusters. 

• Teamforce UK (Paintballing & Activity Centre), Llangyfelach Rd, ☏ +44 845 257 9381 (premium rate). 

• Breakout Swansea, Kingsway, [email protected]. Participants solve puzzles to escape from a room. 

• South Wales Mountaineering Club. 

• Cricket: Swansea is one of the home locations of the Glamorgan County Cricket Club, one of the 18 major county clubs which make up the English and Welsh domestic cricket league. Glamorgan play at St Helen's Stadium.
• Football: Swansea City ('the Swans') play soccer in the Championship, the second tier for England and Wales. Their home ground (capacity 21,000) is the Swansea.com Stadium in Landore / Plasmarl SA1 2FA, a mile north of city centre.
• Rugby Union:
  • Ospreys are a profession team playing in the United Rugby Championship (formerly Pro-14), the predominantly Celtic super-league. Their home ground is St Helen's Stadium.
  • Swansea RFC (the 'All Whites') play in the Welsh Premiership, with their home ground at St Helen's Stadium.
• Swansea Bay Rally. A major event in the UK rally calendar. Held annually in summer at locations near Swansea. 

• Many of the bays on the Gower Peninsular are great for swimming. However, the most popular are the sandy bays of Langland and Caswell. Both these beaches are under seasonal lifeguard supervision, offer changing and toilet facilities and are in easy reach of the city centre.
• Welsh National Pool, ☏ +44 1792 513513. Sketty Lane (near the university). Serious swimmers will enjoy the waters of this Olympic-size pool. 
• The LC. M-F 6:30AM-10PM, Sa Su 8AM-9PM. Maritime Quarter. A cutting edge leisure complex that includes a wave making machine, hydro-slide, artificial beach, children's paddling area, Europe's only indoor surfing centre and the world's first uphill water slide. LC offers an excellent rainy-day alternative to a day at the beach. 

• Swansea Tenpin Bowling, Parc Tawe, The Strand, ☏ +44 871 873 2450 (premium rate). Tenpin is next to an Odeon multiplex. It features 26 tenpin bowling lanes and an amusement arcade, two pool tables, a Wimpy burger bar and a drinks bar. 

• Grand Theatre, Singleton Street, ☏ +44 1792 475715. Swansea's largest theatre, with everything from pantomime to opera. 
• Brangwyn Hall. The Guildhall complex, Victoria Park. With its stunning British Empire Panels, commissioned for the British House of Lords, this grandiose concert hall is the focus for the annual Swansea Festival of Music and the Arts, the second largest such festival in the UK. 
• Dylan Thomas Centre, ☏ +44 1792 463980. The Maritime Quarter. Specialising in plays produced by the bard. 
• Dylan Thomas Theatre, ☏ +44 1792 473238. The Maritime Quarter. Home to the Swansea Little Theatre group, where Dylan Thomas was an actor/member as was Catherine Zeta Jones. 
• South Wales Evening Post Theatre, 219 High St (Urban Village). The theatre is part of a so-called creative hub based in the Urban Village. 
• Swansea Arena, Oystermouth Road, Marina, ☏ +44 1792 804770. A state-of-the-art concert and conference venue. Offers a variety of events. Bar and cafe on site. (updated Jul 2022)
• Taliesin Arts Centre, ☏ +44 1792 602060. The University Campus, Singleton Park. This lively venue hosts a broad programme of events including cinema screenings, an average of ten visiting exhibitions per year, and a great variety of live performances, from dance and drama to jazz and world music. The emphasis at Taliesin is on quality and innovation. 
• Volcano Theatre, 27–29 High Street (a few minutes walk south of Swansea Station.), ☏ +44 1792 464790. An innovative theatre group, performing original and bold work. (updated Jun 2021)

• Swansea Environment Centre, Old Telephone Exchange, Pier Street, Marina (behind the 5-star Morgan's Hotel on Adelaide Street), ☏ +44 1792 480200. The centre organises volunteer environmental work in the area; a great opportunity to meet local people and inject more purpose into your stay in Swansea. 
• Swansea City Farm, 2 Pontarddulais Rd, ☏ +44 1792 578384, [email protected]. Fforestfach. (Directions: bus numbers 110, 111, 112 and X13 from city centre to Ivorite Arms bus stop). A project that aims 'to provide a sustainable community farm which is stimulating and educational and offers enjoyable and safe activities.' Everyone is welcome to contribute their energy and time to this on-going project (call first). 

Swansea is a great place if you are into walking^{[dead link]}. Here are a few easily accessible routes:

• Swansea Marina to Mumbles Pier: about five miles of flat walking with great views over Swansea Bay.
• Limeslade Bay to Caswell Bay: about three miles of cliff path walking with stunning scenery.
• Bishopston Valley: about three miles of riverside walking, starting just below Bishopston church, a peaceful and lush valley that spills out onto a storm beach. The return journey can be made over the cliff path to the left of the beach when facing the sea.

The calm waters of Swansea Bay and Oxwich Bay are ideal for watersports such as skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, dinghy sailing and Power boat training.

• ^{[formerly dead link]} Watersports 4 All, Bishopston, E-main, ☏ +44 1792 234502, [email protected]. 
• Mumbles Yacht Club, Southend, Mumbles, ☏ +44 1792 369321. 
• Mumbles Motor Boat and Fishing Club, The Pier, Mumbles, Swansea, SA3 4EN, ☏ +44 1792 363832. 
• Swansea Yacht and Sub Aqua Club, South dock, Pumphouse, East Burrows Road, Marina, ☏ +44 1792 469096. 
• Bay Watersports, Seafront at the Slip (near St. Helens stadium), ☏ +44 1792 534858. Lessons in windsurfing and kayaking on Swansea Bay. May to October, seven days a week. 
• Swansea Watersports, The Pilot House, Pilot Wharf, Swansea Marina, ☏ +44 7989 839878 (mobile), [email protected]. Offers training in the following activities at various locations around the Gower Peninsula: powerboating, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, first aid and sea survival. 
• ^{[dead link]} Cable Wake Boarding, Prince of Wales Dock, SA1. 

Some of the best surfing spots in the UK are in Swansea, with Llangenith, Caswell and Langland bays being the most popular.

• Gower Live. Real time view of the surf at Langland Bay 
• Gower Bays Surf Club, ☏ +44 1792 362192. Mumbles. 
• Langland Board Riders, 19 Croftfield Crescent, Newton, ☏ +44 1792 386104. 

• Hotpod Yoga, Madison House, Orchard Street, City Centre, ☏ +44 7401 999134 (mobile), [email protected]. 
• Karma Fitness Centre and Juice Bar, 13 Strand, City Centre, ☏ +44 1792 930019. 
• Urban Zen, Little Gam St, City Centre (Between Oxford St and Western St), ☏ +44 7734 105301 (mobile). 

• Swansea University has a student population approaching 20,000, and for the past few years has been the successive winner of The Times award for the best student experience in the UK. The university is also listed as one of the top 200 universities in the world according to QS World University Rankings.
• University of Wales Trinity St David, Swansea. With several campuses throughout the city, the university is famous for its courses in stained glass design and digital media.

• Gower College Swansea

• Shifu Waters Wú Yǐng Quán School Of Kung Fu & Qi Gong, Pentwyn Cottage, Cadle Mill, Penllergaer, ☏ +44 7905 557613 (mobile), [email protected]. The school offers training in Shaolin-style qi gong and kungfu, while also offering reflexology massage. (updated Dec 2021)

• Venue No 1 - Mark Jermin Stage School (Venue No 1), 995A Carmarthen Rd, ☏ +44 333 015 1111, [email protected]. Classes in performing arts, cafe, theatre. (updated Oct 2021)

Sailing lessons are available at several training schools in the Swansea area:

• Mumbles Sailing Club, Mumbles, ☏ +44 1792 864499. 
• ^{[formerly dead link]} Rainbow Sailing, 14 Cambrian Pl, ☏ +44 1792 467813. Marina. 
• ^{[formerly dead link]} Euphoria Sailing, 34 Eastlands Park, Bishopston, ☏ +44 1792 234502.