Swansea

Travel Guide

Swansea showing a marina, a sunset and boating
Grand Theatre featuring theatre scenes and interior views
Oystermouth Castle showing heritage elements
National Waterfront Museum which includes interior views
Swansea showing general coastal views, boating and a marina
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, theatres 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 centre. 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, jewellery, leather goods and souvenirs. Watch live music and theatre 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-kilometre) 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 colourful 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 showing a river or creek and a bridge

Castle

4/5(231 area reviews)

Castle is known for its lively bars, and you can plan a trip to Grand Theatre and Swansea Arena while you're in town.

Castle
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St. Thomas

4/5(88 area reviews)

St. Thomas is well liked for its restaurants, and you can visit sights like Maritime Quarter and Swansea Marina if you have time to explore the area.

St. Thomas
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Llangennith, Llanmadoc and Cheriton

5/5(7 area reviews)

Unique features of Llangennith, Llanmadoc and Cheriton include the beaches and restaurants. Make a stop by Rhossili Beach or Blue Pool Corner while you're exploring the area.

Llangennith, Llanmadoc and Cheriton
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Llanrhidian Higher

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

While Llanrhidian Higher isn't home to many top sights, Parc y Scarlets and Three Cliffs Bay Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Llanrhidian Higher

Bon-y-maen

3.5/5(6 area reviews)

Travellers like the historical sites in Bon-y-maen, and Grosnez Castle is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Bon-y-maen
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Mawr

Mawr might not have many top sights, but Cwm Clydach Nature Reserve and Cwm Du Glen & Glanrhyd Plantation Local Nature Reserve are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Mawr
Delta Hotels by Marriott Swansea
Delta Hotels by Marriott Swansea
4 out of 5
Maritime Quarter, Swansea, Wales
The price is S$139 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
S$139
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (398 reviews)
"Lovely Hotel with a warm welcome. Staff very helpful and rooms were very comfortable. wonderful access to the beach which was a delight."

Reviewed on 23 Jun, 2025

Delta Hotels by Marriott Swansea
Village Hotel Swansea
Village Hotel Swansea
4 out of 5
Langdon Road, Swansea, Wales
The price is S$148 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
S$148
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Swansea. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Staff were so accommodating, however on booking I explained it was a birthday and was told they would sort something for the room . But unfortunately they didn’t I would however recommend your hotel and especially the wonderful staff Nothing was too much trouble"

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

Village Hotel Swansea
The Grand Hotel Swansea
The Grand Hotel Swansea
3 out of 5
Ivey Place High Street, Swansea, Wales
The price is S$113 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$113
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Swansea. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (810 reviews)
Right by train station
"Stayed overnight with friends in a triple room which is nice to have as an option. Not all hotels have this. Was a pretty basic room but would expect that for the price. Ideal location literally right outside the train station. More expensive rooms look lovely so would come again and give them a ..."

Reviewed on 3 Jul, 2025

The Grand Hotel Swansea
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 ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
Super lovely
"A lovely stay for our hike on pen y fan. While 28min from the mountain, it was a perfect place to stay for a safe clean, friendly nights stay. The restaurant was delicious and the staff was so very friendly. Very interesting paintings on the walls, parrots on the property. It was super lovely"

Reviewed on 29 Jun, 2025

The Sleeping Giant - Pen Y Cae Inn
Swansea Valley Holiday Cottages
Swansea Valley Holiday Cottages
4 out of 5
Plas Farm, Cilybebyll, Pontardawe, Swansea, Wales
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified cottage in Swansea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Ynysmeudwy Park and Alltwen Park are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
"Home from home.. nice and safe for your fur baby’s.. owner are lovely.. lovely walks lovely water falls.. will definitely visit again.. highly recommended"

Reviewed on 18 Feb, 2025

Swansea Valley Holiday Cottages
Meridian Bay Apartment
Meridian Bay Apartment
3 out of 5
Trawler Rd, Swansea, Wales
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Swansea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Swansea Beach and Swansea Arena are located ...
"Property was very clean/tidy and spacious , close to the beach with a window view. Joan was very friendly and helpful-thanks Will certainly book again if visiting Swansea"

Reviewed on 19 Jun, 2024

Meridian Bay Apartment
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

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
104
5 - Excellent 35%
4 - Good
139
4 - Good 46%
3 - Okay
50
3 - Okay 17%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Didn't visit Swansea at all. Met family and stayed at The King Arthur

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

It looks like it is being updated but at the moment it all looks very tired

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Swansea is having a face lift at the time we were there and it is looking good. So easy to get around.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

It looks tired and I prefer the shopping in Cardiff. Mumbles was lovely and we would highly recommmend a small restaurant called Mor. If you have a car some lovely coastal areas around Swansea

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Love Swansea. Vibrant and entertaining with wonderful warm people. Great for the rugby

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Banging