finding out - visit swansea bay...together this new guide to help you find what you’re looking for...

Image Credits and Copyrights

Rock Climbing p5: Dynamic Rock Ltd, Coasteering p12: Adventure Britain, Rhossili National Trust p14: NTPL/John Millar, Glynn Vivian Art Gallery p28: Powell Dobson Architects, Pennard Golf Course p31: VisitWales © Crown Copyright, Family p34: National Waterfront Museum, Mummy p35: Swansea Museum, Beach Volleyball p42: 360 Beach and Watersports

Swansea Tourist Information Centre Plymouth Street, Swansea SA1 3QG(01792 468321*[email protected] all year

National Trust Visitor CentreCoastguard Cottages, Rhossili, Gower, Swansea SA3 1PR(01792 390707 Open all year

Swansea Mobility HireSwansea City Bus Station, Plymouth Street,Swansea SA1 3AR(01792 461785

RNLIwww.rnli.org

Published by the City & County of Swansea © Copyright 2015

The Council of the City & County of Swansea cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this brochure and accepts no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation, liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by the reliance on the information contained in this brochure unless caused by the negligent act or omission of the Council. Please check and confirm all details before booking or travelling.

This publication is available in alternative formats. Contact Swansea Tourist Information Centre (01792 468321.

Finding Out

Useful Contacts

This map is based on digital photography licensed from NRSC Ltd. © City and County of Swansea 2015

Swansea BayMumbles, Gower, Afan & The Vale of Neath

0 6km

0 3 miles

visitswanseabay.com

Key to beach awardsBlue Flag and Seaside Award Seaside Award

visitswanseabay.com 1

Contents02 Introduction

04 Adventure

13 Cycling

14 Discover

16 Dylan Thomas

18 Entertainment

19 Event Highlights

20 Fishing

20 Food & Drink

28 Galleries

30 Golf

32 Heritage

36 Horse Riding

37 Parks & Gardens

38 Shopping

41 Walking

42 Watersports & Swimming

47 Getting About Finding Out & Area Map (back cover)

2 visitswanseabay.com

IntroductionMakethemostofyourvisittoSwanseaBay.We’veputtogetherthisnewGuidetohelpyoufindwhatyou’relookingforinyourholidayordayvisit.Makeyourselectionandputtogetheryourperfectday.

TastyMakesomemetimetorelaxinourcafé’sandrestaurants.Ifyoulikeyourfoodlocalthenyou’reinforatreat,especiallyasthefinediningwilloftenbeaccompaniedbyanequallyfineview.BrowseourFood&Drinkpagesforinspiration.There’splentythere;fromoutstandingicecreamtocouturecuisineandallinwarmandfriendlysurroundingswhereyou’llfeelrightathome.

FunYoucanhaveasplashinggoodtimeattheLC,meetourMummyatSwanseaMuseumandgetallhands-onwithhistoryattheNationalWaterfrontMuseum-andthat’sjustforstarters.There’salwaysfunstuffhappening-theWalesNationalAirShowisbackinSwanseaBaythisJuly.

FreshLookingforbiglungfulsofrefreshingseaair?FiveminutesfromtheCityCentreshopsyoucanenjoyabracingwalkalongtheProm,playvolleyballonthebeachoreventryaspotofstand-uppaddle-boarding.AbitfurtheralongthecoastlineandgorgeousGowerhasfreshairtospareandenoughcoastlineandcountrysidetosatisfyanyadventurousappetite;surf,kite-ride,hikeorclimb,youcandoitallhere.


OutstandingDidwementionthatGowerwasthefirstintheUKtobedesignatedasanAreaofOutstandingNaturalBeauty?70squaremilesofloveliness,with39milesofshimmeringshorelinetoexplore;theGowerCoastPathhugsthecoastlinewitheye-poppingvistasateveryturn.Inland,thecountrysidejustkeepsgettinggreener,withwaterfallwalksandlakesideviews(andevenmoreofthatfreshair!).

CulturalHometownofDylanThomasandproudofit.‘LovetheWords’atthenewexhibitionattheDylanThomasCentreorexperiencethesurroundingsthatinspiredhimathisbirthplaceat5CwmdonkinDrive.HelovedMumblestoo.Sowillyou.Allarts&crafts;cosy,butwithacosmopolitanvibe.

Browse our Guide, make your plans and go have a great time!


AdventureBritainoffergreatideasforoutdooractivitybreaks,adventureholidays,familyactivities,stagweekends,henweekends,teambuildingincludingcanyoning,climbing&caving.Opendaily,allyear,hoursdependonactivity-pleasecontact.

www.adventurebritain.com (01639700388

CalloftheWildLtd,83ChurchRoad,SevenSisters,NeathSA109DT

Adventure Britain

AnturLtd.issetattheheartofWales’adventurouswilderness.Webelieveanywhereoutdoorshasanadventuretooffer-rockclimbing,gorgewalking,coasteeringtonamebutafew!Opendaily,allyear.

www.anturoutdoor.com (07968900354

59DulaisRoad,SevenSisters,NeathSA109ER

Antur Ltd.

AdventureTryawildwhitewaterridearoundtheGowercoastlineorsetyoursightshighandtakeatreetopadventure,orforfast-pacedfun,kartyourwayaroundourexcitingindoorkartingtrack!Getdirtyatthemuddiestassaultcourseever;gokite-riding,quadbikingorpaintballing.Wanttohaveagobutnotsurehow?Ourmulti-activityprovidershavethegearandtheknow-how.Tryabseiling,coasteering,kayaking,climbingandbushcraft….whatareyouwaitingfor?


Youronestopforactivitiesforallagesandabilities,stagandhen,riding,climbing,archery,quads,claypigeon,surfing,ChallengeValley-themuddiestassaultcourseintheworld!Opendaily,allyear,10am-6pm.

[email protected] (01792403333

ClyneFarm,WestportAvenue,SwanseaSA35AR

Clyne Farm Riding and Activity Centre

DowntoEarthoffersremarkableexperiencesandeco-adventuresfromourtwostunningcentresonGower.Adventuresforallagesandabilitiesbyanawardwinningsocialenterprise.Opendaily,allyear,10am-5pm.

www.downtoearthproject.org.uk (01792346566

72aManselfieldRoad,Murton,SwanseaSA33AP

Down to Earth


www.downtoearthproject.org.ukBook now at

or call 01792 346 566

Outdoor funfor all ages

and abilities

ECOACTIVITIES

REMARKABLE

• Adventure activities• Eco constructionChoose either a 2 hour or full day experience!

EXPERIENCES


DryadBushcraftisoneoftheUK’sleadingBushcraftandWildernessSurvivaltrainingorganisations.AsfeaturedonChannel4’s‘TimeTeam’andITVWales‘CoastandCountry’.Openallyear,priorbookingrequired.Seewebsitefordetails.

www.dryadbushcraft.co.uk (01792547213

Gower

Dryad Bushcraft

TakeyourbreathawaywiththeadventureandthrillofnavigatingthelatestHonda250ccquadbikesthrough175acresofhills,woodland,streamsandmud.Openallyear,priorbookingneeded.

www.dulaisvalley-quads.co.uk (07854864724

NantyCafnIsafFarm,SevenSisters,NeathSA109EU

Dulais Valley Quads

DynamicRockisadedicatedclimbingcentre,greatforbothbeginnersandadvancedclimbers.WeofferKidsBirthdayParties,TasterSessions,YoungClimbersClubandcoursesforthosethatcatchthebug!Opendaily,allyear,Mon-Fri2pm-10pm,Sat&Sun10am-6pm.


16-18HebronRoad,Clydach,SwanseaSA65EJ

Dynamic Rock Adventures Ltd


GoApeistheUK’sNo.1TreeTopAdventureatMargamPark.Webriefyouforsafetybeforeyouflydownzip-wires,leapoffourTarzanSwingandtackleourobstacleswhilstenjoyingbreath-takingscenery(Min.Age10years).OpenFeb-Nov,9am-5pm.

www.goape.co.uk/margam (08450948741

MargamCountryPark,PortTalbotSA132TJ

Go Ape Margam

GowerActivityCentresspecialiseindeliveringtheverybestinoutdooractivityexperiencesforgroupsofalltypesontheGowerPeninsula.Challengingandfunforallagesandabilities.Opendaily,allyear,9am-5pm.

www.goweractivitycentres.org.uk (01792401548

PortEynon,Rhossili&WestCross

Gower Activity Centres


GowerKitesurfinghasbeenteachingpeopleallaspectsofkitesportsfor10years.Comeandexperiencepowerkiting,kitelandboarding,kitebuggyingandkitesurfingandfeelthewind.Opendaily,allyear.Seewebsitefordetails.

www.gowerkiteriders.com (01792446511

TheSUPHut/GowerKiteRiders,FrancisStreet,Brynmill,SwanseaSA14NH

Gower Kite Riders

GowerCoastAdventuresprovidesbreathtaking,interactiveboattoursoftheSouthGowerCoast,leavingourpassengerswithunforgettablememories.Opendaily,Mar-Oct,8am-8pm.

www.gowercoastadventures.co.uk (01792348229

Gower

Gower Coast Adventures

WeofferawiderangeofexcitingoutdooractivitiesbasedaroundGower.Joinourteamofexperiencedinstructorsandletthemtakeyouonanadventurewithlastingmemories.Opendaily,allyear.

www.goweradventures.co.uk (01792851182

43PencaerfenniLane,Crofty,SwanseaSA43SD

Gower Adventures


BasedatPittonCrossCaravan&CampingPark,Rhossili.Thelargestrangeofkites&windsocksonGower.Diablos,Yo-Yos,maps,beachgoodsandcampinggas.Opendaily,allyear,9am-5pm.

www.gowerkitecentre.org.uk (01792390593

GowerKiteShop,Rhossili,SwanseaSA31PT

Gower Kite Shop

NeathCanalCanoeHire-Anenjoyablefamilyanddogfriendlydayoutforallages!AffordableCanoeing,Hot&ColdDrinksandfreecanalsidewalks.Specialoffersonourwebsite!Opendaily,Apr-Sep,pleasecontactforopeninghours.@enc_adventure

www.encounteradventure.co.uk (01639711746

TyBancCottage,ResolvenCanalSide,ResolvenSA114DP

Neath Canal Canoe Hire


Coasteering,Canyoning,GorgeWalking,Surfing,RockClimbing,Abseiling,Bushcraftandteambuilding!AdventureactivitiesonGowerandSouthWalesforfamilies,friends,stags,hens,corporategroupsandmore.Opendaily,allyear.Seewebsitefordetails.

www.ripnrock.co.uk (07815784122

8Brynymor,ThreeCrosses,SwanseaSA43PF

Rip N Rock

Swansea’sonlyindoorkartingtrack!Arrive&Drive,Birthdayparties,Stag/Henpartiesandcorporateteambuildingeventsallcateredfor.Withkartsforallagesandabilitiesfrom4yrs+.Opendaily,allyear,pleasecontactforopeninghours.

www.skidzkarting.co.uk (01792580927

Unit1RearofQueensway,SwanseaWestBusinessPark,SwanseaSA54DJ

Skidz Karting Ltd


Wanttrafficfreerouteswithgreatviews?We’vegotlots!CyclealongtheSwanseaBayPromtoMumbles(youcanevenstopforanicecreamalongtheway!).TheTaweTourisjustover6milesandisagreattrailforfamilies.ManyofourroutesarealsopartoftheCelticTrailandNationalCycleNetwork.WindaroundsomeofthequieterroadsofNorthGowerontheCockleshellRoute,forpanoramiccoastalvistas.Butifyou’remoreofamountainbiker,headtoAfanForestPark.It’sgotaworldwidereputationforexhilaration.

Cycling

Locatedonly1.5milesoffJ46/M4,with15acresofpurposebuiltPaintballzones,TEAMFORCEistheidealdestinationforanactionpackedadventuredayforPaintball,ArcheryandAirRifle.Opendaily,allyear,10am-4pm.

www.teamforceuk.com (01792772311

LlangyfelachRoad,SwanseaSA57PE

Teamforce Paintball & Activity Centre


PerchedabovethemajesticRhossiliBayandwithinsightofWorm’sHead,theNationalTrustShopandVisitorCentreisamustforanyvisitortoGower.Opendaily,allyear(closedMondayinlowseason).Seewebsitefordetails.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/rhossili-shop-and-visitor-centre (01792390707

Rhossili,GowerSA31PR

Rhossili National Trust Shop & Visitor Centre

AcruiseonCopperJackoffersauniqueopportunityforbothvisitorsandSwansealocalsaliketoexperiencethebeautyoftheriver,andgainaninsightintoSwansea’samazingindustrialhistory.SailingsdailyfromEasteruntilOctober.PleasephoneorvisitourwebsiteorFacebookpageformoreinformation.www.scbt.org.uk (07785347549

RiverTaweBoatCruisesonboardCopperJack

Swansea Community Boat Trust

DiscoverUnlockGower’shiddenhistoriesattheNationalTrustVisitorCentre,Rhossili.Ordelveintoyourpastanddiscoveryourancestorsinourarchives.

Exploringthepresentiseasytoo!HeadtoourTouristInformationCentreforup-to-the-minuteinformation,eventticketsandlocalgifts,thentakeastrolldowntoSwanseaMarinaandrelaxonaRiverTawecruise.


Yourone-stopshopforbookingaccommodation,adviceonhowtogethereandinformationonplacestovisit,toeatandlocalevents.Wecanalsohelpwitheventtickets,mapsandgifts.Openallyear,Mon-Sat9:30am-5:30pm.

www.visitswanseabay.com (01792468321

PlymouthStreet,SwanseaSA13QG

Swansea Tourist Information Centre

SwanseaMarina,wherethecitymeetsthesea.TheMarina’suniquelocationguaranteessomethingtopleaseallthefamily.OurcentrallocationintheBristolChannelmakesusanunsurpassedcruisingcentre.Opendaily,allyear(closedChristmasDay).

www.swanseamarina.org.uk (01792470310

Lockside,MaritimeQuarter,SwanseaSA11WG

Swansea Marina


Dylan ThomasTakeawalkinthepoet’sfootsteps;visithiscitysightsandchildhoodhaunts.CwmdonkinParkiswhereDylanplayedasaboy;nearbyhisbirthplaceisaplacecaughtintime-foranhourortwostepbackintoDylan’sworld-seehisMam’sbestparlourandthelittlebedroomwherehisimaginationcaughtfire.Thenstepintothe‘LovetheWords’exhibitionattheDylanThomasCentretoimmerseyourselfinhislife,lovesandinspirationalwords.

DiscoverDylan’sworldwithaguidedtourofthehousewherehewasborn,wroteandlivedforoverhalfofhislife.ForaspecialtreatstayovernightorindulgeinanEdwardiandinner.Opendaily,allyear,toursat11am,1pm&3pm(prebookingadvisable).


5CwmdonkinDrive,Uplands,SwanseaSA20RA

Dylan Thomas Birthplace & Family Home

Visitustoresearchyourfamilyandlocalhistoryanddiscoverarangeofbooks,cardsandgiftsforsalewithauniquelocalflavour.Openallyear,Tue9am-7pm,Wed-Fri9am-5pm.

www.swansea.gov.uk/westglamorganarchives (01792636589

CivicCentre,OystermouthRoad,SwanseaSA13SN

West Glamorgan Archive Service


AnneHadenisanaccreditedTouristGuidespecialisinginDylanThomas,SwanseaandSouthWaleswithovertwentyyearsexperienceofworkinginthetourismindustry.

www.anniefromwales.com (07817753376

TourGuide&DylanThomasSpecialist

Annie from Wales

Learnto‘LovetheWords’thewayDylandidatournewexhibitionexploringthelife,timesandworkofoneofthe20thCentury’sgreatestwriters.Freeentry.Opendaily,allyear,10am-4:30pm.

www.dylanthomas.com (01792463980

SomersetPlace,SwanseaSA11RR

Dylan Thomas Centre


EntertainmentAgrandnightout.Enjoydrama,music,comedy,operaanddance.Ourtheatreshavesomuchtooffer-fromsummerreptoChristmaspanto.

Takeitoutside.Oureventsprogrammedoesjustthat-checkoutthe2015highlightsopposite-butdon’tmisstheWalesNationalAirshowinJuly-it’sgoingtobeanaerialextravaganza!

AlandmarkvenueandhometothehistoricBrangwynpanels.Regularlyhostsinternationallyacclaimedorchestrasandsomeofthebiggestnamesincontemporarymusic.Idealvenueforevents,conferences,weddingsandfunctions.Openallyear.

www.brangwynhall.co.uk (01792635428

BrangwynHall,Guildhall,SwanseaSA14PE

Brangwyn

AculturalgemintheheartofSwansea.ThetheatreprovidesanexcitingprogrammeofliveeventsaswellasaneclecticmixofperformancesandexhibitionsinitsArtsWing.Openallyear,seewebsitefordetails.

www.swanseagrand.co.uk (01792475715

SingletonStreet,SwanseaSA13QJ

Swansea Grand Theatre


Event HighlightsSpring & Summer17AprBBC National Orchestra of Wales(ThePlanets),BrangwynHall1-31MayClyne in Bloom9&10MayCheese & Cider Weekend,GowerHeritageCentre31Jul-2AugMumbles Marvellous Weekend, OystermouthCastle14JunJCP Swansea Half Marathon20JunPaolo Nutini, Live@SingletonPark21JunSwansea Festival of Transport28JunMumbles Raft Race11-12JulWales National Airshow,SwanseaBay25Jul-2AugPirate Week,GowerHeritageCentre2AugGower Show8-15AugGower Cycling Festival1-31AugBotanics in Bloom

Autumn & Winter10-13SepGower Bluegrass Festival,GowerHeritageCentre20SepAdmiral Swansea Bay 10k3-17OctSwansea Festival of Music and the Arts27Oct-9NovDylan Thomas Festival5NovSwansea Fireworks DisplayEndNov-JanChristmas in Swansea and Waterfront Winterland

TherearelotsmoreeventshappeninghereinSwanseaBay,formoreinformationgotovisitswanseabay.com/events


Fishing

Food & Drink

CharteraboatfromSwanseaMarinaandtaketothehighseasorvisitourlocallakesandfisheries-theyofferbreamandexcellentcarpfishing.Sea,rock,coarse;Swanseahasachoiceofplaceswhereyoucancastyourline.

FishforbassatWorm’sHeadandthentakeithomeforsupper!

Atastyselection.Creamyicecreamservedwithasprinklingofseasideandfrothycappuccinosincosycafés,contrastwithfinefoodandwineservedinsumptuoussurroundingsorthebestinlocalproduceenjoyedwithapintinacountrypub.Manyofourdiningexperiencescomewithastunningviewasasideorder;abeautifulBay,awoodlandgladeorevenfromahighriserestaurantatthetopofWales’tallestbuilding.Swansea

360beachsidecaféistheperfectplacetorelaxwithacoffee,refuelwithabitetoeat,orhangoutwithfriends.LookoutforBBQs,livemusic,themenightsandmore.Opendaily,allyear.

www.360swansea.co.uk (01792655844

360BeachandWatersports,MumblesRoad,SwanseaSA20AY

360 Café Bar


DeliciousThaiFoodserveddaily.SundayBuffetfor£9.95anddailylunchspecialmenufor£5.95.Takeaways20%discount(collectiononly).Widerangeofbeersservedondraftandinbottles!


400OystermouthRoad,SwanseaSA13UL

The Bay View

Blas@WalesNationalPoolSwansea,acontemporarycafésellingStarbuckscoffees,anarrayofsnacks&drinks,includingavarietyofhealthysalads,bakedpotatoes,paninis&sandwiches.Opendaily,allyear.

www.walesnationalpoolswansea.co.uk (01792513513

SkettyLane,SwanseaSA28QG

Blas Café - Wales National Pool Swansea

Acafébyday,restaurantbynightlocatedinSA1,offeringcustomersauniquediningexperienceandhasdevelopedanimpressivereputationforhighqualitycuisine&thefinestserviceaswellasawiderangeofgiftssuchasjewellery&handbags.Opendaily,allyear.

www.cafetwocann.com (01792458000

Unit2,JShed,King’sRoad,SwanseaSA18PL

Café TwoCann


DineintheluxurioussurroundingsofMorgansRestaurantwithourexciting,imaginativemenuscoupledwithfriendlyandefficientserviceallowingyoutotrulysavouryourdiningexperience.Seewebsiteforopeninginformation.

www.morganshotel.co.uk (01792484848

SomersetPlace,SwanseaSA11RR

Morgans Restaurant

AwardwinningrestaurantsituatedatthetopofWales’tallestbuilding,withsuperbviewsacrossSwanseaBay.WebelieveinsourcingWelshproductsofthefinestqualityfromproducerswecantrust.Seewebsiteforopeninginformation.

swansea.grapeandolive.co.uk (01792462617

MeridianTower,TrawlerRoad,SwanseaSA11JW

Grape & Olive


Everfanciedpouringyourownpint?NowyoucanatTheWestbournewithour7tapself-servebeerwallandtablemountedbeertapswithiPadordering!Comegiveitatry!Opendaily,allyear.

www.westbourneswansea.com (01792476637

1BrynYMorRoad,SwanseaSA14JQ

The Westbourne

UnwindafteryouexploretheexhibitionsattheWaterfrontCafé.Enjoyaselectionofhotandcoldfood,homemadecakesandspecialitycoffees.Achildren’splayareawithplentyofbistrostyleseatingisavailable.Opendaily,allyear,10am-4:30pm.www.museumwales.ac.uk/swansea/visit/food-drink ((029)20573600

NationalWaterfrontMuseum,OystermouthRoad,SwanseaSA13RD

Waterfront Café

Swansea’shiddengem.Thefoodisfresh,inventiveandaffordable,usinglocalandexoticingredients.Relaxandenjoyourexcellentservice,eclecticdiningandevocativeenvironmentjustminutesfromtheCityCentre.Seewebsiteforopeninginformation.

mosaicswansea.com (01792655225

TyJohnPenri,11StHelen’sRoad,SwanseaSA14AB

Mosaic @ The Press House


Mumbles

EnjoyfineIndiancuisinewithfantasticviewsofSwanseaBay.MumtazisafamilyrunrestaurantservingtraditionalIndiancuisineandhospitality.AmustforyouritinerarywhenvisitingMumbles.Opendaily,allyear.


478-480MumblesRoad,Mumbles,SwanseaSA34BX

Mumtaz

Afamilyrunrestaurantwithroomsofferingawholerangeofdishesfromwildseabasswithbeautifulwinematchedtohandmadesconesservedwithclottedcreamandstrawberryjam.Opendaily,allyear.Seewebsitefordetails.

www.patrickswithrooms.com (01792360199

638MumblesRoad,Mumbles,SwanseaSA34EA

Patricks

Verdi’sisafamilyrunCoffeeShop,IceCreamParlourandLicensedItalianRestaurantwithareputationforauthenticItalianflavourandquality,withspectacularviewsacrossSwanseaBay.Opendaily,allyear.Seewebsitefordetails.

www.verdis-cafe.co.uk (01792369135

KnabRock,MumblesRoad,Mumbles,SwanseaSA34EN

Verdi’s


Acontemporarycountryhousehotel,withanaward-winningrestaurantandawinecellarofinternationalrepute.OpenforMorningCoffee,Lunch,AfternoonTea(bookingsonly)andDinner.Seewebsitefordetails.

www.fairyhill.net (01792390139

Reynoldston,Gower,SwanseaSA31BS

Fairyhill

OnthebeautifulGowerPeninsula,joinusinourfamilyrunestablishmentforadeliciouscarveryorchoosefromoursuperbmenu.Alternativelyjustpopintoourbarandenjoyadrink.Seewebsitefordetails.

www.monksland.uk (01792390597

MonkslandRoad,Scurlage,Gower,SwanseaSA31BA

Monksland

SituatedoverlookingPortEynonandHortonBay,BankFarmcatersforthewholefamily.Enjoyabeverageinournewlyrenovatedcoffeeloungeorafamilymealintherestaurantandbararea.OpenMar1st-Jan3rd,9am-11pm.

www.bankfarmleisure.co.uk (01792390228

BankFarmLeisurePark,Horton,Gower,SwanseaSA31LL

Bank Farm Café

Gower


Openedin2013,ourcommunitycoffeeshopisrunbylocalvolunteers.Popinfor‘propercoffee’,delicioushomemadecake,traditionalsconesandfreshsandwiches.AllprofitsgotothefuturemaintenanceandrestorationofPenllergare.Seewebsiteforopeninghours.www.penllergare.org (01792344224

Penllergaer,SwanseaSA49GS

Penllergare Valley Woods Coffee Shop

Joinusfordelicioushomemadefood,traditionaltoalacarte,finewinesandrealales.Allinawarm,familyfriendlyatmosphereatourluxuriousbar,restaurantandrooms.OpenTues-Sun,allyear.Seewebsitefordetails.

www.fountaininn.co (01792881866

111BolgoedRoad,Pontarddulais,SwanseaSA48JP

The Fountain Inn

Rural Swansea


GalleriesWe’vegotacreativeside.FromtheMaritimeQuartertoMumbles;craftshops,artandphotographicgalleriesofferthebestinlocalwork-we’veevengotaLovespoonGallery!

Thecountdownhasbeguntothere-openingoftheGlynnVivianArtGalleryinspring2016afteramajorre-furb-we’llkeepyoupostedonvisitswanseabay.com.

Wales’longestestablishedprivateartgalleryhighlightstheworkofcontemporaryartistsworkinginWales.Fullprogrammeofsoloexhibitionsandgroupshows,withachangingdisplayofwork.OpenTues-Sat,allyear.Seewebsitefordetails.

www.atticgallery.co.uk (01792653387

37PockettsWharf,MaritimeQuarter,SwanseaSA13XL

Attic Gallery

GlynnVivianArtGalleryiscurrentlyclosedforredevelopmentandwillreopenin2016.TheGallerypresentsanexcitingexhibitionandlivelyactivitiesprogrammewhileoff-site.Opendaily,allyear.Seewebsitefordetails.

www.glynnviviangallery.org (01792516900

ActivitiesatYMCA,SwanseaEventsatvariousvenues

Glynn Vivian Art Gallery - Offsite


Since1987,theoriginallovespoongalleryoffershundredsofdesignsfromindividualcarvers.OurbeautifulhandcarvedWelshLovespoonsaretheperfectsouvenirormementoforallspecialoccasions.Openallyear,Mon-Sat10am-5:30pm,(Nov&Jan5pm).

www.lovespoongallery.com (01792360132

492MumblesRoad,Mumbles,SwanseaSA34BX

The Lovespoon Gallery

MissionGalleryisoneofWales’bestadaptedspacesforthecontemporaryarts.MissionGallerypresentsexcellenceacrossthevisualarts,appliedartsandcraft,fromacrossWalesandbeyond.Openallyear,Tues-Sun,11am-5pm.

www.missiongallery.co.uk (01792652016

GloucesterPlace,MaritimeQuarter,SwanseaSA11TY

Mission Gallery


GolfDon’tletourbreathtakingviewsputyouoffyourshot!Teeoffagainstthebackdropofbeautifulbaysandruggedcliffsfromourparkland,moorlandandlinkscourses.Pennardis200feetabovesealevel,nowonderit’sknownas‘thelinksinthesky’.

WhileGowerGolfClub’sgolfingbreakpackagesmeanyoucaneatandsleepyourfavouritesport!

ForarealflavourofGowercountryside,GowerGolfCluboffersmajesticviewsovertheSouthWalesCoastline.Facilitiesincludean18holegolfcourseandactiveclubhouse.Openallyear.

www.gowergolf.co.uk (01792872480

CefnGoleu,ThreeCrosses,SwanseaSA43HS

Gower Golf Club


Pennardisamagnificentlinkscoursesituated8mileswestofSwansea,withspectacularviewsoverThreeCliffsBayontheGowerPeninsula.6809yardsPar72.Opendaily,allyear,daylighthours.

www.pennardgolfclub.com (01792233131

2SouthgateRoad,Southgate,SwanseaSA32BT

Pennard Golf Club


HeritageInterestedintimetravel?Youdon’thavetobeDrWho.Gobacktopre-history(SwanseaMuseumshowsyoutheway)thenworkyourwaybacktothefuture.

Ontheway,stopoffatmedievalcastlesanda12thcenturywatermill.DiscoverhowwewereacrucibleforchangeintheIndustrialRevolutionfedbyour‘blackgold’andhowwarchangedourcity.AndpullallthetimelinestogetherattheNationalWaterfrontMuseum.Anepicjourney.

In1584UlrichFrosseexploitedthenaturalresourcesofAberdulaistosmeltcopper‘…farfromthepryingeeyesofcompetitors’.Walesbecametheworld’sfirstindustrialnation-nowwe’rebringingthesecrettolife!SpectacularWaterfall•GreenandGreat-OurWaterwheelandTurbinehavehadamakeover!•Gotothemovies•DressupinVictoriancostume•Tea-Room•NationalTrustShop/Conferencefacilities•Wheelchairaccessible•Dogfriendly•Opendaily,Mar-Oct.Seewebsitefordetails.


Aberdulais,NeathSA108EU

Aberdulais Tinworks & Waterfall


VisitourindoorstreetforthesightsandsoundsofWartimeBritain.Uniforms&clothestotryon.Giftshop.Admissioncharge.Newfor2015-GreatWartrench!Opendaily,10am-4pm(mayvary).

www.1940sswanseabay.co.uk (01792458864

Baldwin’sCrescent,CrymlynBurrows,SwanseaSA18PT

1940’s Swansea Bay Museum

Comeandexplorepartsofthecastlethathavebeenhiddenawayforcenturiesandlearnaboutthecastle’sexcitinghistory.Lookoutforeventsthroughouttheyear.Opendaily,Apr-Sep,11am-5pm.

www.swansea.gov.uk/oystermouthcastle (01792468321

OystermouthAvenue,Mumbles,SwanseaSA34BA

Oystermouth Castle


Takeinthesightsandsoundsofmorethan300yearsofWelshindustryandinnovation.Usingamixofcutting-edgeinteractivetechnologyandlargeobjects,theMuseumoffersagatewaytoanewexperienceofhistorythatstretchesrightacrossWales.Opendaily,10am-5pm.

@the_waterfront/waterfrontmuseum

www.museumwales.ac.uk ((029)20573600

OystermouthRoad,SwanseaSA13RD

National Waterfront Museum


SwanseaMuseumgivesvisitorsaglimpseoflocallife,past,presentandfuture!Plusexcitingtemporaryexhibitions,eventsandworkshops.Openallyear,Tue-Sun,10am-5pm.

www.swanseamuseum.co.uk (01792653763

VictoriaRoad,MaritimeQuarter,SwanseaSA11SN

Swansea Museum

Basedaroundan800yearoldcornandsawmill,poweredbyaworkingwaterwheel.Tearooms,craftworkshops,children’splayareas,animalpark,woollenmill&LaCharrettecinema.Opendaily,allyear,10am-5pm.

www.gowerheritagecentre.co.uk (01792371206

Parkmill,Gower,SwanseaSA32EH

Gower Heritage Centre


Horse RidingGallopyourwayaroundtheBay,fromthecoasttothecountryside.Headtothehillsforamorerelaxedrideortaketothebeachandexperiencetheexcitementofridingthroughthesurf.Setyourownpace.

ExploreGower’sbeautifulsceneryonhorseback.Relaxedridingsuitableforallabilitiesevenfirsttimers!Dayrideswithlunchstopsatpicturesquecountrypubs.Ridingbreaksavailable.Opendaily,allyear,8am-10pm.

www.parclebreos.co.uk (01792371636

Parc-le-BreosHouse,Parkmill,Gower,SwanseaSA32HA

Parc-le-Breos Pony Trekking


Parks & GardensAnaturalbreathingspaceandagreenoasis;parksaregreatforapicnic,playinggamesorjustgoingforaSundaypromenade.Wehavelotstochoosefrom.HighlightsincludeClyneGardens,internationallyfamousforitssuperbcollectionsofRhododendronsandSingletonBotanicalGardensforitsrainbowbeddingdisplays.FormoreofawalkonthewildsideexplorethesecretandmagicalPenllergareValleyWoods.

PenllergareValleyWoods,justoffJ47oftheM4,withitslakesandwaterfalls,terraces,panoramicviewsandexotictrees-this‘forgotten’Victorianparadiseisundergoingrestoration.Woodsopendaily,allyear.Seewebsiteforcoffeeshopopeninghours.

www.penllergare.org (01792344224

Penllergaer,SwanseaSA49GS

Penllergare Valley Woods

ParksandgreenspacesareplentifulinSwanseawithover52areastocomplementitscoastline.Withavarietyofspecialeventsthroughouttheyear,thereissomethingforeveryone.Openallyear.

www.swansea.gov.uk/parks (01792468321

Swansea Parks and Gardens


ShoppingSwansea’ssavvyshoppersheadforthecitycentre-aretailhubwithhighstreet,designerandboutiquebrands.StopoffforaspotofhomegrownproduceintheMarket-it’sthelargestinWales!Trylocaldelicaciessuchascocklesandlaverbread(it’sseaweed!)orwarmwelshcakesstraightfromthebakestone.HeadwestandcheckoutthecosmopolitancornerofMumbles.Strollthestreetspackedwithchicboutiquesandbistros,trendysurfshops,artgalleriesandquirkygiftemporiums.

DragoncraftsofferstheverybestWelshgiftwareandsouvenirsincludingjewellery,hand-carvedlovespoons,t-shirts,flagsandgiftsforalloccasions.Opendaily,allyear,10am-5pm.

www.dragoncraftswales.co.uk (01792360640

530MumblesRoad,Mumbles,SwanseaSA34DH

Dragoncrafts

EnjoyashoppingexperiencelikenootheratSwanseaMarket.AtraditionalMarkethallintheheartoftheCityCentrewithover100stallsofferingquality,varietyandvalueformoney.Openallyear,Mon-Fri,8am-5:30pm,Sat7:30am-5:30pm.

www.swanseaindoormarket.co.uk (01792654296

OxfordStreet,SwanseaSA13PQ

Swansea Market


Youreallycanwalkyoursocksoffhere!TheWalesCoastPathincludes51milesofcoastalwalksinSwanseaBay,39ofwhicharethegloriousGowerCoastPath.Fromsurfacedpathstobeautifulbeachesandrockyclifftops,there’saCoastPathwalkforeveryone.Don’tforgettheGowerWalkingFestivalistakingplacebetween6thand21stJunewithover70walksandactivitiestochoosefrom.

Movinginland,theGowerWayisanother35milechallengealongthebackboneofthePeninsula(there’sthreesectionssoyoudon’thavetowalkitallatonce!).TherearealsoanewselectionofwalkingtrailstoexploreinRuralSwansea,includingtheMawrandPontarddulaisHeritagetrailswhichtellthestoryofthearea’spastasyouexplore.TrythetranquillakesidewalksatLliwReservoirorawaterfallwalkatPenllergareValleyWoods.

Gotovisitswanseabay.com/walkingformoreinformationandtodownloadwalkingroutes.

SwanseaProm,liningthe5milestretchofSwanseaBay,offersplentytokeepyouandyourfamilyentertained!MostattractionsopenApr-Sept.Seewebsitefordetails.

www.swanseaprom.com (01792468321

MumblesRoad,Swansea

Swansea Prom

Walking

360Beach&WatersportsisauniquemultisportfacilitysituatedintheheartofSwanseaBay-kayaking,SUP,beachvolleyball,slack-lining&manyothersportsavailableforall.Opendaily,allyear.

www.360swansea.co.uk (01792655844

MumblesRoad,SwanseaSA20AY

360 Beach and Watersports


Watersports & SwimmingWe’reaWatersportsCentreofExcellenceandit’snothardtoseewhy!Choosefromsurfing(Gower’sgoodforbeginnersandreallypopularwithexperts),sailing,kitesurfing,standuppaddleboardingandkayaking.BrilliantintheBay(getthegearandknow-howwith360BeachandWatersports)andgreatonGower(ouractivityoperatorsbelowknowallthebestspotsandhaveallthegear).Seriousswimmerorlookingforseriousfun?YoucanhavethebestofbothwateryworldsattheWalesNationalPoolandtheLCLeisureComplex(hometoWales’firstindoorsurfsimulator).


BysharingourknowledgeofthebeautifulGowercoastline,wehopeyouwillbeabletoexperiencethejoyofStandUpPaddlingandappreciateafantasticactivityforallthefamily.OpenMon-Sat,allyear.Seewebsitefordetails.

www.supgower.com (07799062447

TheSUPHut/GowerKiteRiders,FrancisStreet,Brynmill,SwanseaSA14NH

Gower Stand Up Paddle

OxwichWatersportsisacentreofexcellenceofferingafullrangeofwatersportsactivitiesandtrainingforallagesandlevelsofexperience.IdeallysituatedontheGowerPeninsula.OpenApr-Oct,10am-5pm.Seewebsitefordetails.

www.oxwichwatersports.co.uk (07740284079

TheBeachHut,OxwichBeach,Oxwich,GowerSA31LS

Oxwich Watersports


GowerSurfinglessons&SupervisedSurfHire.WerunthefamousJuniorSurfingAcademyatCaswelldailyduringtheschoolholidays.Wecaterforlargegroupsincludingstagandhendo’s,scoutandguidegroups,schoolactivityweeksandcancaterforbespokesmallgroupsor1-2-1surfingsessions.Bookonlineatwww.shopgsd.com,text07739536122forlastminutesessionsoremailinfo@surfgsd.comforgroup/bespokeenquiries.Opendaily,allyear,daylighthours.

www.shopgsd.com Text07739536122

POBox83,SwanseaSA34XX

SurfGSD - Gower Surfing


Forarangeofaquaticactivities-laneswimmingforcompetentswimmers,recreationswimmingfornon-swimmers/families,Splash&Playfamilyfun,fitnessclasses&learntoswimforall.Opendaily,allyear,6am-10pm.

www.walesnationalpoolswansea.co.uk (01792513513

SkettyLane,Sketty,SwanseaSA28QG

Wales National Pool Swansea

Teachingsurfingtoabsolutebeginnersandimprovers.AllinstructorsholdSurfCoach/BeachLifeguardawardsandareCRBchecked.Allequipmentprovided.OwnedandregulatedbytheWelshSurfingFederation,theNationalGoverningBodyforsurfinginWales.Opendaily,Mar-Oct,9am-5pm.www.wsfsurfschool.co.uk (01792386426

Llangennith,GowerSA31JD

Welsh Surfing Federation Surf School

TheLCisSouthWales’PremierLeisureDestination!IncludingtheWaterpark,30ftClimbingWall,InteractiveplayareaandWales’firstindoorsurfsimulator,theBoardrider!Opendaily,allyear.Seewebsitefordetails.

www.thelcswansea.com (01792466500

OystermouthRoad,SwanseaSA13ST

The LC

Getting About


It’seasy.SwanseaBayisattheheartofSouthWalesandiseasilyreachedbymotorway,expresscoachesandfasttrainlinks.

Whenyougethere,parkyourcar,andbecomeanexplorer!Gobybusoronfoot.SwanseaoperatesaPark&Rideschemefromthreesites.

Whynotgo‘WalkingbyBus’?We’vegotsomeshortcircularwalkslinkedtobusroutes.Thereare5‘WalkingbyBus’leaflets(includingWorm’sHeadandLlanmadoc).PickthemupfromSwanseaTouristInformationCentreordownloadthemfromvisitswanseabay.com

Ourbuseswilltakeyoualmosteverywhere.Gower’ssplendidbeaches,coastalandcountrywalksarejustashortridefromSwanseausingtheGowerExplorer.

FromSwansea,buseswillalsotakeyoutothebaysandbeachesofMumbles.Greatvalueall-dayticketsareavailable,oneformostofSwanseaBayincludingGower,Neath,PortTalbotandtheValleys;andtheotherforSwanseaCityandMumbles.

ForfurtherinformationabouttravellingtoorwithinSwanseaBay,MumblesandGower,callTravelineCymru(08712002233orvisitwww.traveline-cymru.info


Whateveryourchosenattractionoractivity,youcangettherebybus.Visitwww.baytrans.org.ukforcomprehensivetravelinformationforvisitorsoremailjohnbaytrans@btinternet.com

www.baytrans.org.uk

usingPublicTransport

Travel Information

Play Safe

Whateveryoudoandwhereveryoudoit,pleaseensurethattheconditionsaresafeandthatyouhavetherightequipment.Ifnewtotheactivityorinexperienced,useanaccreditedoperator(whereappropriate,alloperatorsfeaturedinthisGuidehaveachievedtherelevantactivityaccreditationinrelationtothesectionsinwhichtheyappear).Ifparticipatinginanactivityintheseaorneartheshoreline,thenkeepaneyeonthestateofthetide,asitcanturnveryquicklyhere.

This map is based on digital photography licensed from NRSC Ltd. © City and County of Swansea 2015

Swansea BayMumbles, Gower, Afan & The Vale of Neath

0 6km

0 3 miles

visitswanseabay.com

Key to beach awardsBlue Flag and Seaside Award Seaside Award

Image Credits and Copyrights

Rock Climbing p5: Dynamic Rock Ltd, Coasteering p12: Adventure Britain, Rhossili National Trust p14: NTPL/John Millar, Glynn Vivian Art Gallery p28: Powell Dobson Architects, Pennard Golf Course p31: VisitWales © Crown Copyright, Family p34: National Waterfront Museum, Mummy p35: Swansea Museum, Beach Volleyball p42: 360 Beach and Watersports

Swansea Tourist Information Centre Plymouth Street, Swansea SA1 3QG(01792 468321*[email protected] all year

National Trust Visitor CentreCoastguard Cottages, Rhossili, Gower, Swansea SA3 1PR(01792 390707 Open all year

Swansea Mobility HireSwansea City Bus Station, Plymouth Street,Swansea SA1 3AR(01792 461785

RNLIwww.rnli.org

Published by the City & County of Swansea © Copyright 2015

The Council of the City & County of Swansea cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this brochure and accepts no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation, liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by the reliance on the information contained in this brochure unless caused by the negligent act or omission of the Council. Please check and confirm all details before booking or travelling.

This publication is available in alternative formats. Contact Swansea Tourist Information Centre (01792 468321.

Finding Out

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