Swansea Tourist Attractions
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The suburbs of Swansea (pop. 187,000), Wales' second-oldest town, whose name is derived from the Welsh Abertawe, extend as far as the Gower Peninsula. This port at the mouth of the Tawe grew in size through the export of iron and coal, and is now an important trading center, university town and industrial base, even though the regional structural problems are also clearly evident here.
Market
Whenever Wales' largest market is held in Swansea, the whole town throbs with visitors, who discover at the brightly-colored stalls all manner of agricultural products, including varieties of strong Welsh cheese, mussels from nearby Burry Bay, and laver bread, made from seaweed, which is served with oatmeal. Wide Kingsway lies at the heart of the town center, while the main shopping streets are Union Street, Oxford Street, High Street, Princess Way and Portland Street. There are few historic buildings, the remains of the castle are buried behind modern buildings and only in Castle Street and Castle Lane can medieval masonry still be seen.
Clyne Gardens
Swansea boasts magnificent parks; Clyne Gardens, famed for its rhododendrons and azaleas, mounts marvelously-colorful exhibitions in late spring. Boat ponds and play facilities await children at Blackpill Lido.
Art and Culture
The cultural life of Swansea, which counts the eloquent poet Dylan Thomas (1914-1953) among its sons, is lively, with the theater and the arts well supported. The Swansea Music Festival, the high-point of the town's musical life, takes place every October in the Guildhall, which is decorated with murals by Frank Brangwyn, originally intended for the House of Lords in London. The superior Grand Theatre in Singleton Street has its own company, Brangwyn Hall is mainly used for concerts. During the summer there is a full program of variety shows, dancing, concerts and performances for children in the Patti Pavilion near the Guildhall. The Gower Festival stages smaller concerts in the surrounding churches annually in July.
Swansea Festival of Music and Arts
This annual festival runs from early to late October and includes various large-scale concerts by world-famous orchestras. The festival also highlights local talent, by presenting a community theatrical production. Other events include drama and opera performances and art exhibitions.The performances take place in Brangwyn Hall and St Mary's Church.
Gower Festival
This annual two-week festival takes place in late July, offering nightly performances of choral and chamber music. Since 1976, the parish churches have been the main venues of the festival, which focuses on baroque and classical music, with only a few performances of contemporary works added every year.
Glynn Vivian Art Gallery
The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery has a fabulous collection of Swansea pottery and porcelain, European and Oriental ceramics, and glass paperweights. It includes works by Welsh artists such as Augustus, Gwen John and Ceri Richards.
Swansea Mumbles Victorian Weekend
This annual festival takes place in mid-June and focuses completely on the Victorian times. Events include costumed cricket matches, a country fair and street entertainment.
Maritime Quarter (closed)
An attractive quarter has developed around the modern yacht harbor of Swansea, which offers 600 moorings. In addition to the Dylan Thomas Theatre, the quay is lined with small fishermen's pubs and hotels. Working traditional looms can be seen in the industrial and marine museum housed in the Abbey woolen mill, as can part of the former Mumbles railroad and museum ships such as the former lightship "Helwick" and the 500 ton cutter "Katie Ann".Swansea's long sandy beach offers good water sports facilities. from the Mumbles Pier the White Funnel Fleet operates boat trips, particularly to the attractive Mumbles.A major part of the permanent collection is now housed at the Swansea Museum Collections Centre at Landore, next to the Park and Ride carpark opposite Liberty Stadium.
Mumbles
The Mumbles comprises a wide bay with a long promenade, piers, cafes, restaurants and numerous entertainment facilities, and is a popular destination for the inhabitants of Swansea.
Oystermouth Castle
On a hill above the Mumbles lie the ruins of Oystermouth Castle (ca. 1287) with the gatehouse, great hall and chapel. A prominent lighthouse stands on Mumbles Head, two cliffs from which the area has gained its name.
South Wales - Gower Peninsula
Llanrhidian - Weobley Castle
Weobley Castle is located on the opposite side of the Gower Peninsula from Swansea, in Wales. It is a late-medieval house built in the 13th century which aimed to combine domestic comfort with security. It contains an interesting historical exhibition. It should not be missed on a visit to the Gower Peninsula.
