What to See & Do in Swansea
Sights
Swansea Museum: this is the oldest museum in Wales. It houses a diverse collection of artefacts related to local and natural history.
Swansea Maritime & Industrial Museum: this museum was set up as part of the redevelopment of the Maritime Quarter and Swansea Marina, and its contents reflect the city’s industrial and maritime heritage.
The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery: the gallery has a permanent art collection and regularly hosts touring exhibitions. In also houses an unrivalled collection of Swansea and Nantgarw pottery and porcelain.
Gower Heritage Centre: this is home to a working 12th century water-powered corn mill. The mill is one of the oldest toll mills in Wales, so-called because local farmers were compelled by law to bring their crops here for grinding. Recently, the original mill has been expanded to include traditional country crafts. Visitors can explore the saw mill, Wheelwright’s shop, Miller’s Cottage, an agricultural museum, craft shop, traditional tearoom, animals and fish, and children’s play area.
National Waterfront Museum: this museum is full of the latest multimedia technology. It is housed in a magnificent building that cost £31 million to build and combines old and new architecture. It tells the story of Wales’s industrial heritage up to the present day.
Swansea Castle: Swansea Castle is at the heart of the city. Originally founded by Henry de Beaumont in 1106, it was later rebuilt in the 13th century after being razed by the Welsh. The ruins of the castle make for a pleasant picnic.
Swansea Marina: this is situated in what was the Swansea South Dock Basin, erstwhile home of the deep sea trawlers of the Swansea fishing fleet. The whole area has been redeveloped, with galleries, restaurants, interesting sculptures, a theatre and museums.
Lovespoon Gallery: This gallery houses a unique collection of lovespoons, a traditional Welsh art form. It is thought that the Lovespoon developed from the “cawl” (Welsh broth or soup) spoon, and that the custom of giving Lovespoons originated in Wales probably as early as the 16th century. Traditionally, young men would fashion intricately carved wooden spoons and present them as love tokens to their chosen sweethearts. All lovespoons in the gallery are hand carved by craftsmen working in Wales.
The Dylan Thomas Centre: Dylan Thomas was born in Swansea in 1914, and this museum houses a permanent exhibition devoted to his life and works. Performances of the author’s plays are held throughout the year, and there is an annual Dylan Thomas Festival.
Eating Out
Few cities can rival Swansea for choice and quality of restaurants. There are over a hundred of them, specialising in everything from European to Thai, Vietnamese and Indonesian cuisines.
Swansea’s fresh sea food, caught daily in these waters, is unrivalled. There is a very large selection of Bangladeshi restaurants. Swansea’s more renowned eateries include Patrick’s, Gallini’s and Barrows - all incidentally patronised by Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones on their various visits to Ms. Jones’s home in Swansea.
