"An ugly, lovely town ... crawling, sprawling ... by the side of a long and splendid curving shore. This sea-town was my world.” Dylan Thomas
Swansea the ugly, lovely, seaside town of Dylan Thomas, Catherine Zeta Jones, Iris Gower, Bonnie Tyler and many, many others continues to capture the hearts of visitors year after year.
By the 19th century it was the economic centre of Wales and was recognised as the nation’s capital. It was known colloquially as “Copperopolis” as it provided most of the world’s copper, having had a plentiful supply of cheap, local coal and a harbour which could easily accept the copper ore mined and then imported from Cornwall.
The industry in Swansea made it a prime target for the Luftwaffe during the Second World War and during the nights of 19th-21st February 1941 much of Swansea was destroyed in what has harrowingly been remembered as “The Swansea Blitz.” Swansea Museum has much more information on both of these topics and is well worth a visit.
In recent years there has been substantial re-development following the decline in industry and the necessary rebuilding following the Blitz. The lower Swansea Valley where there were once nine copper works has been developed into a retail and enterprise park and the docks that once saw copper coming and going in its different forms are now more retail outlets and a marina with much sought-after properties. Quite a different picture to what it would have been like one hundred years ago.
Swansea Museum is home to important archaeological collections and very fine ceramics collections not to mention the Egyptian Mummy – Hun.
The Egypt Centre, Museum of Egyptian Antiquities was opened in 1998. It can be found on Swansea University’s Singleton Campus. It contains the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts in Wales, some 5,500 objects. Free Admission.
Swansea Watersports is Wales Premier Watersports Centre. We are based in the heart of Swansea in the Marina and offer a wide variety of Watersports including Powerboating, Sailing and Kayaking. Whether you are looking for Training or a fun day out, we can help.
Sitting at the top of the now bustling Wind Street, it’s hard to imagine Swansea Castle amongst its true historical surroundings. What is visible now is only a glimpse of what it once was as the castle once reached from Caer Street all the way up to Welcome Lane.
The National Waterfront Museum tells the story of industry and innovation in Wales, now and over the last 300 years. Using a mix of interactive technology and real objects, the Museum shows Wales at work from the Industrial Revolution onward.
Mission Gallery has developed a reputation for dynamic and distinctive programming, to present excellence across the visual arts, applied arts and craft, from across Wales and beyond.
Situated in Swansea’s maritime quarter, Attic Gallery is one of Wales’ leading privately run galleries. Established in 1962, the gallery represents some of Wales leading artists. There is a lively and continuing exhibition programme with both single artist and group shows.
Glynn Vivian Art Gallery reopened in October 2016 following a major redevelopment to transform and conserve the 1911 Grade II* listed building. New galleries have been added alongside expert conservation studios and collection store, providing a fully accessible, welco
Open 10am – 4.30pm, seven days a week, the Dylan Thomas Centre celebrates the life and work of Swansea’s world-famous poet with audio recordings, manuscripts, photos and year round events.
Swansea Bay stretches from the Maritime quarter of Swansea to the fishing village of Mumbles.
Please view the area map below to get your bearings and familiarise yourself with the roads. The table shows the approximate travelling times by car, from Swansea, to the various villages.
Expandable map of the Gower Peninsula
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