Exploring Swansea's Highlights: 10 Must-Do Activities
What is Swansea Most Famous For?
Swansea’s must-do activities range from historical piers and breathtaking nature to Welsh handicrafts. Whether you’re an adventure-seeker coming to surf some of the best waves in the country or a nature lover looking for a relaxing coastal walk on the Gower Peninsula, Swansea caters for all.
If you prefer dry land, you can also get lost into the many nooks of the city. The Mumbles Pier, containing a classic arcade and monthly street markets create an inviting, family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, historic sites such as Oystermouth Castle and the Tramway museum mean Swansea is a city rich in Welsh culture.
What are the best things to do in Swansea?
1. Mumbles Pier and Arcade
Local pier with a rich history and attractions for all the family
Good for: Families, History, Photo
The Mumbles Pier is a popular British seaside experience in the Swansea Bay. The location makes it the ideal spot to take in the views of the bay while enjoying a British classic, fish and chips. On the pier itself is a large amusement arcade to entertain both children and adults, with more than 100 machines and games including a mini bowling alley for all the family to enjoy.
The Mumbles Pier is also home to the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution), which has been in Swansea for over 180 years. Make sure to look at the impressive 25-knot Tamar-class lifeboat. Keep your eyes peeled for the boat in action going out into the water.
Location: Old Lifeboat Cottage, Mumbles Rd, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4EN, UK
Open: Daily from 9 am to 10 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1792 365200
Mumbles Pier and Arcade
2. Gower Peninsula
An area of outstanding natural beauty with cliffs, beaches, and bays
Good for: Photo, Adventure
The Gower Peninsula was Britain’s first location to be awarded the status of ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’. One of the peninsula’s highlights is Worm’s Head, a rock formation that sticks out of the water in Rhossili Bay.
Take a stroll on the world-renowned Rhossili Beach and look up to admire Pennard Castle on the top of the jagged edge of the three Cliffs Bay. Pobbles Bay beach is surrounded by cliffs making it a great place to spend a family day out. To enjoy all the sites of the Gower Peninsula, follow the 65-km coastal path and enjoy some local delicacies along the way, like Penclawdd cockles at Loughor estuary or the laverbread that contains real seaweed.
Gower Peninsula
3. Oystermouth Castle
A 12th-century castle overlooking the Swansea Bay area
Good for: History, Photo
Oystermouth Castle was originally built in the early 12th century, and it still has some of the best views in Swansea, overlooking the village of Mumbles and Swansea Bay area. When visiting the castle, you’ll see ancient graffiti art from the 14th century, a glass bridge, and staircases leading up to the old banqueting halls from the vaults below.
Oystermouth Castle itself has a rich past but was forgotten until 2010, when it underwent much-needed restoration. New areas of the castle have since been unveiled to the public such as Alina’s Chapel. Check out some of the most recently opened areas, such as the medieval labyrinth of vaults, chambers, and rooms.
Location: Castle Ave, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BA, UK
Open: Hours vary by season
Oystermouth Castle
4. Singleton Park
Swansea’s largest urban park
Good for: Budget, Photo
Singleton Park is an urban park just outside Swansea University. Spanning over 250 acres of greenery, it’s best known for its large botanical gardens and the iconic Swiss Cottage, which dates to 1826.
Come sunset, you can enjoy a quiet evening by a lakeside pub aptly named The Pub on the Pond. A variety of music events and cultural exhibitions take place at Singleton Park throughout the year, as well as food festivals and live theater performances. If you’re traveling with kids, head over to the boating lake or to the crazy golf course for a fun day in the greenery.
Location: Mumbles Rd, Sketty, Swansea SA2 8PY, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1792 636000
Singleton Park
5. Lovespoon Gallery
Traditional hand-carved wooden Welsh lovespoons
Good for: Couples, History
At the Lovespoon Gallery you can learn about the history of this Welsh romantic tradition. It’s the only gallery in the world dedicated to this unique local craft. These carved wooden spoons date back to the 16th century and were originally used to show your love, like giving flowers or chocolates. Today they’re still gifted on special occasions such as weddings or anniversaries, keeping this romantic tradition alive.
The spoons themselves are individually carved in elaborate designs, each with their own meaning. The designs range from keyholes meaning security, dragons to symbolize Wales, and ships for a smooth passage in life. Take your time to admire over 300 unique designs, hand-carved by the top individual lovespoon carvers in Wales.
Location: 492 Mumbles Rd, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BX, UK
Open: Monday–Saturday from 10.30 am to 5 pm (closed on Sundays)
Phone: +44 (0)1792 360132
Lovespoon Gallery
6. Uplands Market and Brynmill
Local artisan market showcasing Welsh produce and crafts
Good for: Food, Shoppers
Uplands Market is a highly commended and award-winning market in the Uplands community of Swansea. The market provides an opportunity for local Welsh producers and artisans to showcase their wares. If you happen to be in Swansea in the autumn, the market also celebrates the anniversary of Dylan Thomas’ birth, where you can enjoy local musicians while exploring the delights of the market.
Close to the market is the neighborhood of Brynmill, with many local boutiques and shops. If you have time, stop by The Box Furniture shop, which contains ‘out-of-the-box’ industrial-style furniture, all made from ethically sourced materials.
Location: Gwydr Square, Uplands, Swansea SA2 0HD, UK
Open: Last Saturday of every month from 9 am to 1 pm
7. Langland Bay
Perfect beach for surfing or sunbathing
Good for: Photo, Budget, Adventure
Langland Bay is popular with surfers due to it being one of the best places in the UK for waves. For the more adventurous, check out Crab Island for the best shaped and most powerful right-hand waves in the country, or the Sand Bar for longer rides. Take care as there are exposed reefs and dangerous rips, making it only suitable for experienced surfers.
For more relaxed or beginner surfers, try out Saga Point, The Reef or the Lefts. With slower currents and soft waves, these are perfect for longboarding. Whatever your ability, aim to surf during the period two hours before to two hours after low water as this is best time for all waves.
Location: 54 Langland Bay Rd, Newton, Swansea SA3 4QP, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1792 361721
Langland Bay
8. The Tramshed
Museum with memorabilia from the street trams of Swansea
Good for: Families, History
The Tramshed is a waterfront museum in Dylan Thomas Square displaying trams and trains from Swansea and The Mumbles. The main exhibits include the horse-drawn Mumbles Railway of 1804. This is believed to be the first passenger railway service in the world and originally ran from Swansea to Oystermouth. The railway began by pulling its passengers with horses until 1896, when it was upgraded to steam.
Be sure to climb aboard the last surviving part of a 1960’s Mumbles tram to get a view from the upper deck.
Location: 3 Burrows Pl, Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 1SW, UK
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +44 (0)1792 653763
The Tramshed
9. Wind Street
Home to Swansea’s most popular bars
Good for: Couples, Nightlife
Wind Street is a vibrant nightlife district right in the center of Swansea. While it has a laidback charm during the day, the lights illuminating the streets at sundown make it easy to see why locals and visitors come here for beverages and entertainment.
From speakeasy bars to hipster pubs, Wind Street is where you’ll find rows of nightlife establishments to your liking. If you’re looking for a unique experience, do stop by No Sign Wine Bar, one of the oldest bars in Swansea. Located in the middle of Wind Street, it has been serving patrons since 1690.
Wind Street
10. Egypt Center
Egyptian antiquities ideal for both Egyptologists and families
Good for: Families, History
The Egypt Center was originally set up for students at the University of Wales studying Egyptology. Now with over 5,000 artifacts and exhibits, ranging from amulets and jewelry to mummies and weapons, there’s plenty to enjoy.
The museum is ideal for children as they become “explorers”, allowing them to learn in a hands-on way with their explorer pack. Every explorer will get a backpack, hat, magnifying glass, and drawing equipment to help them navigate through the topics in the pack. Watch your kids getting hands-on by playing the Ancient Egyptian game of Senet or performing mummification on a dummy mummy.
Location: University, Singleton Park, Sketty, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
Open: Tuesday–Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm (closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Phone: +44 (0)1792 295960
Egypt Center
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