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visitswanseabay.com
Happy Birthday Dylan ThomasIt’s the centenary year of Swansea’s most famous son.No wonder we’re pushing the boat out to celebrate.
Throughout 2014 we’re remembering Dylan’s life and work. It’s onemore reason to visit our bright, buzzy city and rather lovely coast andcountryside, an area brimming with sandy bays and wild woodlandseemingly designed for hikers and bikers.
Swansea has changed a lot since Dylan’s time. We wonder whathe’d make of the surfers on his boyhood beaches, the City’s PremierLeague football team and our glittering Waterfront.
Some things haven’t changed though. Green Gower is still theunspoilt paradise that inspired the artist as a young dog (to borrowfrom his Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog). And you can still counton a hearty Swansea welcome wherever you go. While the City mighthave had a cosmopolitan makeover since Dylan’s day, it’s still burstingwith the warm, vibrant personality that informed his writing.
Swansea Bay, Mumbles and Gower 2014
visitswanseabay.com | 1
Inside the guide02 Dylan: A local legend, 100 years in the making
Help us celebrate a very special birthday
04 Sea hereDive into an ocean of possibilities in Wales’Waterfront City
10 Attraction stationsThere’s so much to do in our city by the sea
14 Sights, camera, action!Gorgeous Gower is picture-perfect, but it’s morethan just a pretty face
20 Making wavesThe Gower Peninsula is home to a raft ofchart-topping beaches
24 Listen upCool, cosmopolitan Mumbles has plenty to shout about
30 Mawr than meets the eyeThe Mawr moors, a walkers’ green, great escape
32 Green giantsThe Afan Valley and Vale of Neath are lush and leafy,lined with woods and waterfalls
36 2014 EventsThere’s a lot going on this year
39 Useful InfoGetting here and making plans
40 MapsFind your bearings
2 | visitswanseabay.com
A Swansea boy with a way with words Dylan Thomas conjured up a whole new world, writing in Englis
h
but with a lyricism that’s utterly, unmistakably Welsh. His observations,
on some occasions through the puzzled, innocent eyes of a child, on
others through a weary nostalgia, are mostly evocative, always unique.
A Swansea boy, born in 1914. So 2014 is a very special year
for us. One hundred years on, his stature grows and grows. We’ll be
celebrating his life and times in a big way. We hope you’ll be able to
share them here in Dylan’s home, where we’re staging a year long
Festival based on his life and work, with all kinds of innovative,
engaging and fun events.
Welcome to the partyWe’re pulling out all the stops to mark Dylan’s centenary.
There’s the world premiere of a new opera based on Under
Milk Wood, a Dylan themed walking festival, a special exhibition
of the writer’s poetry notebooks and, of course, our annual Dylan
Thomas Festival – which will be bigger and better than ever.
That’s just scratching the surface. For full details of what’s
on, see opposite or visit www.dylanthomas.com
Dylan’s townWhenever you come, you’ll find that Dylan is an everyday experie
nce
in our city. He’s everywhere. You’ll see him sitting on his bronze chair
overlooking our swanky modern marina (what would he have thought
of that?). And sense his spirit in places like Cwmdonkin Park, the
young Dylan’s ‘world within the world of the sea town’. Go there
now. Close your eyes and you’ll hear the same sounds Dylan heard,
children playing, dogs barking.
Mind you, ‘you’ve got to be a Sherpa to get there’. He lived,
up, up and away at 5 Cwmdonkin Drive. Take a peek inside, or –
even better – stay. The Edwardian villa, fitted out in period style, is
open for tours and overnight stays.
Drop into the Dylan Thomas Centre to get
even closer to the man. You’ll see him there
and hear him speak in that rich, rolling voice
of his. You’ll also see a fascinating collection of
artefacts, from old school photos to the blue
painted door of his writing shed.
Dylan Thomas:A local legend, 100 years in the making
visitswanseabay.com | 3
Dylan Thomas CentreSomerset Place, Swansea SA1 1RR( 01792 463980www.dylanthomas.com
Dylan Thomas BirthplaceDylan Thomas House,5 Cwmdonkin Drive, Uplands,Swansea SA2 0RA( 01792 [email protected] ParkSwansea SA2 0RA( 01792 205327www.cwmdonkinpark.co.uk
Dylan ThomasAttractions &Activ it ies12th Feb On The Edge: Number 5 Cwmdonkin Drive,
by Liz Wride, performance18th – 22nd Mar Under Milk Wood, performance directedby Terry Hands3rd – 5th Apr Under Milk Wood: an opera, in association withWelsh National Opera10th May Under the Cranes, film & Q&A, with poet Michael Rosen26th May Reminiscences of Childhood, solo performance31st May – 31st Aug Dylan Thomas Notebooks Exhibition7th Jun Dylan Thomas’ War: the Pacifist, the Propagandistand the Swansea Blitz, tour, talk and film screening13th Jun Dylan Thomas Walk, with the Gower Walking Festival10th Jul Under Milk Wood Jazz Suite, with the Gower Festival12th Jul Dylan Thomas’ Swansea Uplands: the Boy andthe Young Dog, tour and lecture, featuring Hannah Ellis, Dylan’sgranddaughter19th Jul Dylan Thomas’ Swansea Hollywood: the Mummyand the Old Dark House, tour, talk and film screening featuringscriptwriter Andrew Davies5th Sep – 24th Dec Dylan Thomas Manuscripts Exhibition6th Sep Dylan Thomas, the Kardomah Gang, the Actor andthe Comedian, tour and talk featuring Jeff Towns, Chairmanof the Dylan Thomas Society3rd – 4th Oct Time Let Me Play, Dylan Thomas’ poetryset to music, featuring concert artist Keith James11th Oct – Feb 2015 Dylan Thomas by Alfred Janes,art exhibition
Dylan’s Swansea,performance based guidedtours, with Fluellen TheatreCompany: various datesApr to Nov.
Return Journey, promenadeperformance, with LighthouseTheatre: various dates Mayto Sept.
This is just a selection ofevents, for more information onthese and many more go towww.dylanthomas.com.
11th Oct Wales Premiere of A Dylan ThomasTrilogy, with Swansea Festival of Music & theArts, featuring the BBC National Orchestra18th Oct Russian State PhilharmonicOrchestra play Karl Jenkins’ ‘Llareggub’,with Swansea Festival of Music & the Arts19th – 28th Oct The Beginning, ten days ofcelebration leading up to the 100th anniversary!24th – 26th Oct Do Not Go Gentle Festival,featuring music, literature, comedy and film27th Oct – 9th Nov Dylan Thomas Festival,events and special guests as our annual Festivalcelebrates Dylan’s centenary4th – 8th Nov A Child’s Christmas in Wales,Michael Bogdanov’s production of Dylan’sclassic story
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Sea hereMarinas, museums, markets and more.There’s an ocean of possibilities in Wales’Waterfront City.
visitswanseabay.com | 5
History buoysWe take our heritage seriously, but thatdoesn’t mean it can’t be fun. The hi-techNational Waterfront Museum lets you gethands on with history, telling the tale ofWales’ industry and people throughinnovative interactive exhibits. It’s certainlymade quite a splash. Opened in 2005,it has already welcomed more thantwo million visitors.
Just across the road from Wales’ newestmuseum is Wales’ oldest. Swansea Museummay be more traditional than its neighbour,but it’s just as entertaining. Home to a quirkycornucopia of exhibits, it throws up freshsurprises around every corner. Meet themummy, the golden 2,000-year old artefactfrom Egypt, or relive the times when Swanseawas an equally golden ‘Copperopolis’.
Dock starBlue Flags aren’t just for beaches.Our boat filled marina has also snappedup one of these prized seaside accolades.It’s easy to see why. Even if you’re aconfirmed landlubber, it’s hard to resist thenautical romance of sparkling water andcolourful sails snapping in the breeze.
Local flavoursYou’re never far from the water in ourcompact, visitor friendly city centre. Justacross the road from the seafront you’ll findyourself in shopping streets where big-namestores rub shoulders with inviting independentspeciality shops.
At the heart of it all is Swansea’s famouscovered market. It’s a lively place, a bustlingmaze of stalls where you can buy almostanything, from light bulbs to linen. But it’sfabulous food that’s the big draw. Try somelaverbread – our tasty seaweed-based localdelicacy – or pick up peppery cockles fromPenclawdd, Gower saltmarsh lamb andunbelievably fresh seafood that’s made theshort trip from the waters of Swansea Bay.It’s the place to go if you want a true tasteof the sea – and that traditional,warm hearted Swansea welcome.
Swansea’s relationship with all thingsmaritime goes back centuries. After all,the sea is right there in our name. Our historicdocklands have been reimagined andreinvented into a state-of-the-art, awardwinning Maritime Quarter. Dive in and you’llfind a buzzing complex packed with things tosee and do, from fascinating museums to coolwaterfront cafés. It’s the perfect location fora seaside stroll with a difference.
6 | visitswanseabay.com
Beachcomber364 Oystermouth Road,Swansea SA1 3UL( 01792 651380www.beachcomberguesthouse.com´´´ GH
The Dragon HotelThe Kingsway, Swansea SA1 5LS( 01792 657100www.dragon-hotel.co.uk´´´´ / ´´´´ H
The Bayswater322 Oystermouth Road,Swansea SA1 3UJ( 01792 [email protected]
Morgans HotelSomerset Place, Swansea SA1 1RR( 01792 484848www.morganshotel.co.uk´´´´ H
Swansea Marriott HotelMaritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 3SS( 01792 642020www.swanseamarriott.co.uk´´´´ H
Chatcoombe B & B20 Rhyd-Y-Defaid Drive, Derwen Fawr,Sketty, Swansea SA2 8AH( 01792 207100www.chatcoombe.co.uk´´´´ BB
Premier Inn Swansea NorthUpper Forest Way, Morriston,Swansea SA6 8WB( 0871 527 9062www.premierinn.com/swanseanorthBH
Premier InnSwansea WaterfrontWaterfront Development, Langdon Road,Swansea SA1 8PL( 0871 527 9212www.premierinn.com/swanseawaterfrontBH
Premier InnSwansea City CentreSalubrious Place, Wind Street,Swansea SA1 1EE( 0871 527 9060www.premierinn.com/swanseacitycentreBH
Accommodation in the Swansea Area
visitswanseabay.com | 7
Village Urban ResortLangdon Road, SA1 Waterfront,Swansea SA1 8QY( 0871 222 4608www.village-hotels.comL
Mercure SwanseaPhoenix Way, Swansea SA6 8LW( 01792 [email protected]´´´ H
Campus Accommodation,Swansea UniversitySingleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP( 01792 295665www.swansea.ac.uk/conferences´´´ – ´´´´ CA
Somerfield Lodge B & BClyne Golf Club,118-120 Owls Lodge Lane,Mayals, Swansea SA3 5DP( 01792 401989www.clynegolfclub.com´´´´ GA
Victoria QuayVictoria Quay, Maritime Quarter,Swansea SA1 3XG( 01269 595640www.canolcottages.com´´´´ SC
Bay Apartments29 Camona Drive, Maritime Quarter,Swansea SA1 1YJ( 01792 645566www.bayapartments.co.ukAG – ´´´´ SC
Clyne Farm CottagesWestport Avenue, Mayals,Swansea SA3 5AR( 01792 [email protected]´´´ – ´´´´ SC
Gower Edge Holidays52A Killan Road, Dunvant,Swansea SA2 7TH( 01608 674467www.gower-edge-holidays.co.uk´´´ SC
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Wales National Pool SwanseaSketty Lane, Swansea SA2 8QG( 01792 513513www.walesnationalpoolswansea.co.uk
West GlamorganArchive ServiceCivic Centre, Swansea SA1 3SN( 01792 636589www.swansea.gov.uk/westglamorganarchives
Swansea Grand TheatreSingleton Street, Swansea SA1 3QJ( 01792 475715www.swanseagrand.co.uk
LCOystermouth Road, Swansea SA1 3ST( 01792 466500www.thelcswansea.com
Swansea PromMumbles Road, Swansea( 01792 468321www.swanseaprom.com
PlantasiaParc Tawe, Swansea SA1 2AL( 01792 474555www.plantasia.org
Swansea Parksand GardensSwanseawww.breatheswansea.com
Glynn Vivian Art Gallery –OffsiteActivities at YMCA, Swansea.Events at various venues.( 01792 516900www.glynnviviangallery.org
1940’s SwanseaBay MuseumBaldwin’s Crescent, Crymlyn Burrows,Swansea SA1 8PT( 01792 458864www.1940sswanseabay.co.uk
360 Beach and WatersportsMumbles Road, Swansea SA2 0AY
( 01792 655844www.360swansea.co.uk
Skidz Karting Ltd.Unit 1 Rear of Queensway,Swansea West Business Park,Swansea SA5 4DJ( 01792 [email protected]
National Waterfront MuseumOystermouth Road, Swansea SA1 3RD
( (029) 2057 3600www.museumwales.ac.uk
Down to Earth72a Manselfield Road, Murton,Swansea SA3 3AP( 01792 232439www.downtoearthproject.org.uk
Annie from WalesTour Guide & Dylan Thomas Specialist
( 07817 753376www.anniefromwales.com
Teamforce Paintball& Activity CentreLlangyfelach Road, Llangyfelach,Swansea SA5 7PE( 01792 772311www.teamforceuk.com
Dynamic RockAdventures Ltd.16-18 Hebron Road, Clydach,Swansea SA6 5EJ( 01792 [email protected]
Clyne Farm Ridingand Activity CentreWestport Avenue, Mayals,Swansea SA3 5AR( 01792 [email protected]
Swansea MuseumVictoria Road, Maritime Quarter,Swansea SA1 1SN( 01792 653763www.swanseamuseum.co.uk
Swansea CommunityBoat TrustSwansea Museum Pontoon,Museum Square, Maritime Quarter,Swansea SA1 3XA( 07785 347549www.scbt.org.uk
Swansea MarketOxford Street, Swansea SA1 3PQ( 01792 654296www.swanseaindoormarket.co.uk
Swansea TouristInformation CentrePlymouth Street, Swansea SA1 3QG( 01792 468321www.visitswanseabay.com
Attractions & Activities in the Swansea Area
10 | visitswanseabay.com
Attraction stationsIndoors or outdoors, wet or dry - there’s somuch to do in our city by the sea.
Wales’ Waterfront City comes with some bigadvantages. There aren’t many places where youcan hit the shops in the morning and hit the surf inthe afternoon. In pretty, beachy Swansea, we’vegot the best of both worlds.
One fine BayThrill seekers will make a bee line to 360 Beachand Watersports, Swansea’s new Centre ofExcellence for all things watersporty (the clue isin the name). For real sea dogs the centre offersactivities like sea kayaking and kite surfing, whilethose who don’t fancy getting their feet wet canenjoy sandy beach volleyball, soccer and powerkiting. The 360 comes complete with a welcomingcafé-bar serving up delicious locally sourced food.Just the thing for when you’ve built up a big,Swansea Bay sized appetite.
The action continues indoors at the state-of-the-art LC Leisure Complex. Ride the slides at thepopular waterpark or scale the four storey climbingwall – provided you have a head for heights.You can even catch waves on Boardrider, the firstindoor surfing experience of its kind anywhere inthe world.
visitswanseabay.com | 11
Surf and turfSea and sand are just part of the big Swansea picture.This is a green city, dotted throughout with lush parks andgardens – more than 50 in total.
We’re well known for our Blue Flag beaches, but our green spacesare star performers too. Brynmill Park, Clyne Gardens, CwmdonkinPark, Singleton Botanical Gardens and Victoria Park are all proudholders of a prestigious Green Flag Award.
We’ve even got our own miniature rainforest, smack in the citycentre. Housed in a huge glass pyramid, Plantasia is burstingwith exotic vegetation, along with a colourful collection ofanimals including monkeys, snakes and lizards.
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Our beautiful peninsula is a place where
inspirational views go hand in hand with
outdoor adventure. Gower’s panoramas
wouldn’t look out of place in an art gallery,
but its rugged landscape demands to be
experienced hands on. It’s the complete
opposite of ‘look, but don’t touch’.
Hey, good lookingGower’s been wowing visitors foryears. But don’t take our word for it –the Peninsula was designated the UK’s
first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
way back in 1956. It hasn’t changedmuch since then.
Though it’s less than 20 miles long and
covers just 70 square miles, Gower’slandscape packs in oceans of variety.
You’ll find craggy limestone cliffs in the south,
long sandy beaches in the west and ethereal
salt marshes in the north. In between there’s
a green patchwork of rolling common land,
strung with drystone walls and ancient
hedgerows.
Thrusting into the waves like some giant
sea serpent, mile long Worm’s Head at the
edge of Rhossili Bay is one of Gower’s most
iconic sights. It’s the ultimate shop window
for the Peninsula’s stunning scenery. With its
rugged cliffs and grassy spine, it’s almost
a miniature version of Gower itself.
Sights, camera, action!Gorgeous Gower might be picture-perfect.But it’s more than just a pretty face.
visitswanseabay.com | 15
Make a splashStay on dry land in Gower and you’re only getting half the story.The warm waters and superior swell of sandy Llangennith havebeen a surfer’s paradise for decades. In that time we’ve added kitesurfing, sea kayaking and paddle boarding to our watery repertoire.
The truly adventurous can even combine land and sea with aspot of coasteering – climbing on our rugged cliffs to leap intothe waves below.
Feet firstIt’s no surprise to learn that Gower has some of most beautifulstretches of the 870 mile Wales Coast Path. Strap on those bootsand you’re in for some spectacular waterfront walks. And, as abonus, there’s usually more to see than sand and sea. The short4½ mile coast walk between Port Eynon and Oxwich, for example,also takes in lush woodland and some of Gower’s prettiestman made landmarks in the form of Tudor Oxwich Castle and13th century St Illtyd’s Church.
16 | visitswanseabay.com
The Wormshead HotelRhossili, Gower, Swansea SA3 1PP( 01792 390512www.thewormshead.co.uk´´ SH
Tallizmand Guest HouseTallizmand, Llanmadoc, Gower,Swansea SA3 1DE( 01792 386373www.tallizmand.co.uk´´´´ GH
FairyhillReynoldston, Gower, Swansea SA3 1BS( 01792 390139www.fairyhill.net´´´´´ / ´´´´´ RR
Parc-le-Breos HouseParkmill, Gower, Swansea SA3 2HA( 01792 371636www.parclebreos.co.uk´´´´ / ´´´´ F
Fairways B & B110 Owls Lodge Lane, Clyne Common,Swansea SA3 5DP( 01792 401080www.fairwaysweb.com´´´´ BB
Gower Golf ClubCefn Goleu, Three Crosses,Swansea SA4 3HS( 01792 [email protected]
Seren RetreatBryncoch Farm, Gower, Swansea SA2 7LB( 01792 371421www.serenretreat.com´´´´ BB
Westwinds B & BWestwinds, Blackhills Lane,Fairwood, Swansea SA2 7JN( 01792 281573www.westwindsbandb.co.uk´´´´ BB
Kings Head InnLlangennith, Gower, Swansea SA3 1HX( 01792 386212www.kingsheadgower.co.uk´´´´ INN
Oldwalls GowerOldwalls, Nr Llanrhidian, Gower SA3 1HA( 01792 391468www.oldwallsgower.com´´´´´ GA
The King Arthur HotelHigher Green, Reynoldston,Swansea SA3 1AD( 01792 390775www.kingarthurhotel.co.uk´´´ INN
WyndgarthReynoldston, Swansea SA3 1AD( 01792 390140www.wyndgarthgowerbedandbreakfast.co.uk´´´´ BB
Bayholme Cottage& Holiday Bungalow Bayholme, Oxwich, Gower,Swansea SA3 1LS( 01792 390785 / 874www.bayholmegower.co.uk´´´ – ´´´´´ SC
Caswell Holiday Chalets& Gower Coast LtdSummercliffe Chalet Park, Gower,Swansea SA3 3BR( 01792 233599www.gowercoast.com´´ – ´´´ SC
Westernside BungalowsHorton, Gower, Swansea SA3 1LL( 01792 [email protected]´´´ SC
Cedi CottagesBlaen Cedi Farm, Blue Anchor,Penclawdd, Swansea SA4 3LX( 01792 851448www.walesgowercottages.co.uk´´´´ SC
HighmeadOverton, Port Eynon, Swansea SA3 1NR( 01792 390300www.highmeadgower.co.uk´´´´ SC
Ash CottageOxwich, Gower, Swansea SA3 1LS( 01792 391207www.gower-cottages.co.uk´´´´ SC
The CrossLlangennith, Gower, Swansea SA3 1HU( 01792 390000www.thecrossgower.co.ukL
Accommodation in the Gower Area
visitswanseabay.com | 17
Whiteshell Chalets
Summercliffe Chalet Park, Caswell,
Swansea SA3 3BP
( 01792 424186www.caswell-chalet.co.uk
´´´ SC
Green Meadows Annexe
Green Meadows, 23 Tirmynydd Rd,
Three Crosses, Swansea SA4 3PP
( 01792 [email protected]
´´´´ SC
The Penthouse24 Woodridge Court, Langland,
Swansea SA3 4TH
( 01792 535309www.gowerbreaks.com
´´´´´ SC
The HavenRectory Meadows, Reynoldston,
Swansea SA3 1AD
( 01792 535309www.gowerbreaks.com
´´´´ SC
Gower Activity Centres
Group Accommodation
(YHA Partner)Port Eynon, Rhossili & West Cross
( 01792 401548www.goweractivitycentres.org.uk
´´ – ´´´ AcA / B / GA
31 Gower Holiday Village
Scurlage, Nr Port Eynon, Gower,
Swansea SA3 1AY
( 01432 760963www.31gowerholidayvillage.co.uk
´´´ SC
The StableAsh Tree Cottage, Penmaen, Gower,
Swansea SA3 2HQ
( 01792 371459www.thestableashtreecottage.
talktalk.net´´´´ SC
Hael Farm Cottages
Hael Farm, Hael Lane, Southgate,
Swansea SA3 2AP
( 01792 232797www.haelfarmcottages.co.uk
L – ´´´´´ SC
Horton Farmhouse
Horton Farm, Horton, Gower,
Swansea SA3 1LB
( 01792 390256www.hortonfarmgower.co.uk
´´´´ SC
Slade BarnBettis Meadow, Slade, Gower,
Swansea SA3 1NA
( 01792 391551www.sladebarngower.co.uk
´´´´´ SC
Three Cliffs Bay
Holiday Cottages
North Hills Farm, Penmaen,
Swansea SA3 2HB
( 01792 371218www.threecliffsbay.com
AG – ´´´´ SC
Pitton Cross Farm
Pitton Cross, Rhossili, Gower,
Swansea SA3 1PH
( 01792 391175www.pittoncrossfarmhouse.co.uk
´´´´ SC
Tir-Cethin FarmLuxury Barn Holidays
Tir-Cethin Farm, Three Crosses,
Gower, Swansea SA4 3NA
( 07876 030985www.tircethinfarm.co.uk
´´´´´ SC
Frogs Hop Cottage
Oxwich, South Gower, Swansea SA3 1LS
( 07968 [email protected]
´´´´ SC
Bank Farm Bungalows
Bank Farm Leisure Park, Horton,
Gower, Swansea SA3 1LL
( 01792 390228www.bankfarmleisure.co.uk
´´´ SC
Gower Holiday Village
Scurlage, Nr Port Eynon, Gower,
Swansea SA3 1AY
( 01792 390431www.gowerholidayvillage.co.uk
´´´ SC
Bank Farm Leisure Park
Horton, Gower, Swansea SA3 1LL
( 01792 390228www.bankfarmleisure.co.uk
´´´ HTC
Greenways of Gower
Oxwich Green, South Gower,
Swansea SA3 1LY
( 01792 391203www.greenwaysleisure.co.uk
´´´´ HC
Scamperholidays
North Hills Farm, North Hills Lane,
Penmaen, Gower, Swansea SA3 2HB
( 01792 202325www.scamperholidays.co.uk
SP – APP AA
Pitton Cross Caravan
and Camping Park
Rhossili, Swansea SA3 1PT
( 01792 390593www.pittoncross.co.uk
18 | visitswanseabay.com
Wales Coast Pathwww.walescoastpath.gov.uk
Rhossili National TrustShop & Visitor Centre3 Coastguard Cottages, Rhossili,Gower, Swansea SA3 1PR( 01792 390707www.nationaltrust.org.uk/rhossili-shop-and-visitor-centre
Gower Activity CentresPort Eynon, Rhossili & West Cross( 01792 401548www.goweractivitycentres.org.uk
Parc-le-BreosPony TrekkingParc-le-Breos House, Parkmill,Gower, Swansea SA3 2HA( 01792 371636www.parclebreos.co.uk
Pennard Golf Club2 Southgate Road, Southgate,Swansea SA3 2BT( 01792 233131www.pennardgolfclub.com
Dryad BushcraftGower, Swansea( 01792 547213www.dryadbushcraft.co.uk
Gower Heritage CentreParkmill, Gower Peninsula,Swansea SA3 2EH( 01792 371206www.gowerheritagecentre.co.uk
Surf GSD Gower SurfingPO Box 83, Swansea SA3 4XX( 07739 536122www.gowersurfing.com
Welsh Surfing FederationSurf SchoolLlangennith, Swansea SA3 1JD( 01792 386426www.wsfsurfschool.co.uk
Oxwich WatersportsThe Beach Hut, Oxwich Beach,Oxwich, Swansea SA3 1LS( 07740 284079www.oxwichwatersports.co.uk
Gower Coast AdventuresBoat TripsGower, Swansea( 01792 348229www.gowercoastadventures.co.uk
Attractions & Activities in the Gower Area
visitswanseabay.com | 19
20 | visitswanseabay.com
Riding high at Rhossili
We’ve always known that our be
aches
were world-beaters, but it’s nice
to have
some further proof. Big, beautiful
Rhossili
was voted the best beach in the
UK and the
third best in Europe by TripAdviso
r users in
2013. Not only that, but the Rad
io Times
also gave it a stellar ‘must-visit’
rating,
describing it as a ‘pristine bay… the place
to come for watersports. Sea ka
yakers,
surfers and kite boarders don’t ne
ed to
jostle for space along the three m
ile
stretch of water’.
The perfect spot for seaside stro
lls, nature
spotting and pulse pounding wa
tersports,
Rhossili is a real crowd pleaser. N
ot that
it ever feels crowded on this spac
ious,
sweeping expanse of shoreline. W
orm’s
Head – Gower’s own ‘land’s end
’ – lies at
one extreme, the lush tidal islan
d of Burry
Holms at the other. In between, y
ou’ll find
mile upon mile of immaculate san
d, the
ultimate blank canvas for your ow
n
personal seaside adventure.
Making wavesWhen it comes to sea and sand,we have it in spades (and buckets).The gorgeous Gower Peninsula is hometo a raft of chart-topping beaches.
visitswanseabay.com | 21
Coast with the mostRhossili is just one of many bathin
g beauties
along its south and west coasts. There are
no less than 39 miles of bays and beaches
studded along the Peninsula. Plenty of these
are award winners too – our trophy cabinet
is bulging with an impressive collection of
Blue Flag, Rural Seaside, Green Coast and
Seaside Awards, plus more ‘best beach’
accolades from newspapers, magazine
and websites. Oh, and three-quarters of
the coast is in the care of the National Trust.
Isn’t it good to know that some things will
never change?
22 | visitswanseabay.com
Off the beaten trackThe nooks and crannies of Gower’s coast conceal a treasure
chest of secrets. Pebbly Pwll Du Bay can only be reached via
footpath. Be ready to walk for up to an hour – but the reward is
total seclusion and some of the Peninsula’s best bird watching.
Pretty Three Cliffs Bay isn’t quite so remote, but its‘Michelin-star views’ and combination of rolling dunes, sandy beach and craggy limestone cliffs add up to oneof Gower’s wildest seaside experiences.
Tales of smuggling and the supernatural loom large in isolated
Brandy Cove’s history. The pirates and witches have long gone,
but the rugged bay still holds a powerful air of mystery.
Kidding aroundThe rockpools at Bracelet Bay and Limeslade Bay, the duo
of intimate coves close to Mumbles, will enthral explorers of
all ages. Crabs, starfish and sea anemones are just a few of
the beasties you’ll encounter on your own miniature marinesafari. Sandy Port Eynon and Oxwich are two more familyfavourites, perfect for those classic, timeless seaside activities.
There are sandcastles to be built (and a real one to visit at
Oxwich), ice-creams to be eaten and waves to be ridden.Some things never go out of fashion.
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The beautiful southLangland Bay and Caswell Bay are two moreGower gems strung out along the Peninsula’ssouth coast. They’re a pair of sheltered, perfectlyformed sandy crescents – Langland even comeswith its row of charming beach huts, a lovelyperiod touch.
Up northWhat a difference five miles makes. North Gowermight well be on another planet. You’re not quitesure where land meets sea on this misty, moodyexpanse of low-lying saltings. The sheep seemto know, mind you. You’ll see them grazing onmarshland. Gower saltmarsh lamb is some of thebest in the world. For seafood fans, Penclawddcockles, picked fresh from the beds and takenstraight to Swansea Market, are prettygood too.
Paws for thoughtWe think that the whole family should be ableto enjoy our stunning seaside and that includesthe four-legged members. Dogs are welcome allyear round on many of Gower’s beaches. Rhossiliwas even named the UK’s top dog friendly beachby The Times. Phew, yet another accolade.
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Listen upIt’s a unique mix of old school seasideand cosmopolitan cool. Mumbles has plentyto shout about.
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Mumbles is the kind of neighbour we’d
all like to have. Just five miles fromSwansea, the former fishing village is a true
one of a kind seaside resort and must visit
companion to its big brother along the Bay.
A short drive – or walk, or bike ride – along
the Bay brings you to a pretty little seafront,
complete with boatyard, bustling promenade,
pier and a personality all its own.
Decision timeDo you want the classic seaside experience –
all frothy milkshakes and end of the pier fun?
Or are you looking for winding streets packed
with art galleries, buzzy boutiques, classy
craft shops and tasty bistros? In Mumbles,
you don’t have to choose.
Appearing side by side in happy harmony
on the Mumbles menu are crazy golf and
buckets and spades for the kids, plus chic
shopping and a cool, contemporary feel for
the grown ups. We’ve also got four proper
Italian ice cream parlours that always go
down well with young and old alike. You’d
struggle to find Mumbles’ quirky qualities and
perky personality anywhere else. No wonder
we’re so fond of it. You’ll like it too.
Something old, something newMumbles’ long heritage stretches backfurther than its prom and Victorian pier.
Take the delightfully named Oystermouth
Castle, a medieval stronghold perched on
a hill above the rooftops with big bayside
views. Always a handsome beast, thisfantastic fortress has recently received
something of a facelift. Previously unseen
areas of the castle are now open to the
public, with visitors getting a bird’s eye view
from a stunning glass bridge. It’s another
example of Mumbles’ knack of blending
yesterday with today.
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The beach goes onSitting at the gateway to Gower, Mumblesis the ideal jumping off point to explore thePeninsula’s beautiful beaches. Venture roundthe headland at the end of the Promenadeand you’ll find rockpool dotted Bracelet Bay.Walk a little further and you’re soon in thetwin sandy surf paradises of Langland Bayand Caswell Bay. Keen explorers can strikefurther into Gower with a bouncy boat trip toPort Eynon or the spectacular ‘land’s end’of Worm’s Head.Top tip: keep your eyes peeled forporpoises and seals along the way.
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Tides Reach388 Mumbles Road, Swansea SA3 5TN
( 01792 [email protected]´´´´ GA
Langland RoadBed and Breakfast17 Langland Road, Mumbles,Swansea SA3 4ND( 01792 361170www.langlandroad.co.uk´´´´ BB
Langland Bay HouseBed & Breakfast27 Langland Bay House,Langland Bay Road,Swansea SA3 4QP( 01792 [email protected]
´´´´´ BB
Park Villa Luxury BreaksPark Villa, 21D Langland Road,Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4ND
( 07970 [email protected]´´´´ SC
Home from HomeHoliday Cottages101 Newton Road, Mumbles,Swansea SA3 4BN( 01792 360624www.homefromhome.comAG – ´´´´´ SC
Gold Star HolidaysUnit 9 Castleton Walk,26 Newton Road, Mumbles,Swansea SA3 4AX( 01792 360555www.goldstarholidaylettings.co.uk
AG – ´´´´´ SC
Gower Getaways162 Newton Road, Newton,Swansea SA3 4UD( 01792 369694www.gowergetaways.co.uk´´´ – ´´´´´ SC
Driftwood ChaletLimeslade, Mumbles,Swansea SA3 4JP( 01792 405471www.driftwoodchalet.co.uk´´´ SC
Riversdale Cottage7 Riversdale Road, Norton, Mumbles,
Swansea SA3 5PU( 07952 635815www.riversdalecottage.co.uk´´´´ SC
Sea Breeze Holiday Chalet16 Bridle Mews, Limeslade, Mumbles,
Swansea SA3 4JP( 07811 607141www.mumblesgowerselfcatering.co.uk´´´ SC
Pilton House2 Nottage Road, Newton, Mumbles,
Swansea SA3 4SU( 01792 360624www.homefromhome.com/cottage-details/299#´´´´ SC
Accommodation in the Mumbles Area
visitswanseabay.com | 29
Oystermouth CastleCastle Avenue, Mumbles,Swansea SA3 4BA( 01792 361302www.swansea.gov.uk/oystermouthcastle
Mumbles TouristInformation CentreMumbles Methodist Church,520b Mumbles Road, Mumbles,Swansea SA3 4DE( 01792 361302www.mumblesinfo.org.uk
Dragoncrafts530 Mumbles Road, Mumbles,Swansea SA3 4DH( 01792 360640www.dragoncraftswales.co.uk
The Lovespoon Gallery492 Mumbles Road, Mumbles,Swansea SA3 4BX( 01792 360132www.lovespoongallery.com
Attractions &Activities in theMumbles Area
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Mawr than meets the eyeSwansea Bay isn’t just sand and surf. Mawr’s moorsand uplands are a green great escape for walkers.
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Just north of the City Centre, Mawr is a rural area of
rolling countryside, hidden valleys and secluded woodland
–
offering a whole new side to multifaceted Swansea.
Best foot forwardExplore gentle trails around the r
eservoirs of the Lliw Valley.
Water is a big feature in these parts, even when you aren’t on the
coast. If you’re after something more strenuous, make the climb
to Penlle’r Castell. It’s S wansea’s highest point and the start of
the Gower Way – a 35 mile route traversing the Peninsula from
east to west.
For a truly unique woodland walk, head to Penllergare.
This designed landscape was created in the 1800s by local
landowner John Dillwyn Llewelyn and is currently being restored
to its former glory.
Cartref Holidays
Valley View, Rhyd y Gwin,
Swansea SA6 5TE
( 01792 845040www.cartrefholidays.co.uk
´´´´ SC
Accommodationin the Mawr Area
Penllergare Valley WoodsPenllergaer, Swansea SA4 9GS( 01792 344224www.penllergare.org
Attractions &Activities in theMawr Area
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Green giantsThe Afan Valley and Vale of Neath, lined withwoods and waterfalls, are lush and leafy.
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Falling starsThe Vale of Neath’s wild, woode
d Waterfall
Country certainly lives up to its name. Home to
four rivers – the Hepste, Mellte, Nedd and Pyrddin
– and more falls per square mile than anywhere
else in Europe, the Vale’s steep gorges contain
some of Wales’ most spectacular cascades.
The deep pool at the foot of Sgwd Gwladys is
a popular spot for adventurous swimmers. If you
don’t fancy getting that wet, follow the path
behind the white waters of Sgwd yr Eira – literally
‘The Fall of Snow’. You may end up a little damp,
but it’s a small price to pay for a real one of a kind
behind the scenes waterfall view.
It’s difficult to believe that this green Vale
was once a crucible of the Industrial Revolution.
Nature is very much in charge today, but you can
see traces of mechanised heritage at Aberdulais
Tin Works and Waterfall. Tumbling waters that once
powered the busy works now provide clean, green
renewable energy – plus a stunning backdrop –
for this unusual National Trust attraction.
The wheel dealLose yourself in the steep, dens
ely wooded landscapes of the
Afan Valley and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d wandered
into the Alps. This former mining centre has replaced pit wheels
with bike wheels to become one of the UK’s top mountain biking
destinations. The purpose built trails of Afan Forest Park are
an off road heaven for novices and experts alike. Take a gentle
woodland ride on the Rookie Trail or test yourself on rugged
tracks like the epic Blade Trail –Afan’s newest addition.
Keep it gre enWe’re big on park life. Margam C
ountry Park near Port Talbot
extends to 1,000 rolling acres, each one packed with things to
see and do. Visitors can watch herds of deer, Go Ape on a high
wire climbing adventure, stroll in the ornamental gardens or hunt
ghosts in spooky Margam Castle. At Gnoll Estate Country Park,
Neath, the natural landscape has been augmented by follies,
ponds and unusual ornamental features. Sometimes you
can improve on perfection.
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Castle HotelThe Parade, Neath SA11 1RB
( 01639 641119www.castlehotelneath.co.uk
´´´ / ´´´ H
Bluebell Hotel14-16 The Parade, Neath SA11 1RA
( 01639 644000www.thebluebellneath.co.uk
´´´´ H
Best WesternAberavon Beach Hotel
Princess Margaret Way, Swansea Bay,
Port Talbot SA12 6QP
( 01639 884949www.aberavonbeach.com
´´´ / ´´´ H
Cwmbach Guest House
Cwmbach Cottages,
Cwmbach Road, Cadoxton,
Neath SA10 8AH
( 01639 639825www.cwmbachguesthouse.co.uk
´´´´ GH
Cwmbach Lodges
Cwmbach Cottages,
Cwmbach Road, Cadoxton,
Neath SA10 8AH
( 01639 639825www.cwmbachguesthouse.co.uk
´´´´ SC
Cwmshon Cottages
Brook Cottage, Llanguicke Road,
Ynysmeudwy, Pontardawe,
Swansea SA8 4PL
( 01792 865237www.cwmshoncottageswales.co.uk
´´´´´ SC
Swansea Valley
Holiday Cottages
Plas Farm, Cilybebyll, Pontardawe,
Swansea SA8 3JQ
( 01792 864611www.walescottages.com
´´´´ – ´´´´´ SC
1 & 2 Tan Yr Eglwys
Cilybebyll, Pontardawe,
Swansea SA8 3JR
( 01792 [email protected]
´´´´ SC
Glyncorrwg Ponds Campsite
Glyncorrwg Ponds Co-operative,
Ynyscorrwg Park, Glyncorrwg,
Port Talbot SA13 3EA
( 01639 851900www.glyncorrwgponds
visitorcentre.co.uk
´´´ TC
Accommodation in the
Afan & Vale of Neath Area
Aberdulais Tinworks& WaterfallNational Trust, Aberdulais,Neath SA10 8EU( 01639 [email protected]
South WalesMiners’ MuseumAfan Forest Park, Cynonville,Port Talbot SA13 3HG( 01639 851833www.swmm.co.uk
Margam Country ParkMargam, Port Talbot SA13 2TJ( 01639 881635www.margamcountrypark.co.uk
Adventure BritainCall of the Wild Ltd,83 Church Road, Seven Sisters,Neath SA10 9DT( 01639 700388www.adventurebritain.com
Go Ape MargamMargam Country Park,Port Talbot SA13 2TJ( 0845 094 9639www.goape.co.uk/margam
Dulais Valley QuadsNant y Cafn Isaf Farm, Seven Sisters,Neath SA10 9EU( 07854 864724www.dulaisvalley-quads.co.uk
Attractions & Activities in theAfan & Vale of Neath Area
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2014 Events
February22nd – 2nd Mar Pirate Week, Gower Heritage Centre
MarchFrom 1st St David’s Week Celebrations
8th & 9th Celtic Craft Fayre, Gower Heritage Centre
April12th – 27th Easter Fun, Gower Heritage Centre
19th Dungeons & Dragons Day, Oystermouth Castle
21st Margam Park Easter Fun Day
26th Gorseinon Food Festival
27th Welsh Mam’s Day, Cwmdonkin Park
May1st – 31st Clyne in Bloom
5th Margam Park Bank Holiday Family Fun Day
10th & 11th Cheese & Cider Weekend,Gower Heritage Centre
23rd – 26th Mumbles Marvellous Weekend,Oystermouth Castle
23rd – 26th Margam Kite Festival, Margam Park
25th & 26th Good Food Festival,Gower Heritage Centre
26th Margam Park Bank Holiday Family Fun Day(incorporating Kite Festival)
June7th – 22nd Gower Walking Festival
14th Festival of Transport, City Centre
15th Festival of Transport – Under Milk WoodRoad Run, Bracelet Bay to Laugharne
July(Date TBC) Mumbles Raft Race
1st – 12th Gower Festival, Various Churches, Gower
12th & 13th Vintage Tractor Display, Margam Park
12th & 13th Gower Dance Festival,Gower Heritage Centre
13th – 3rd Aug Swansea Bowls Festival, Victoria Park
26th –10th Aug Pirate Weeks, Gower Heritage Centre
August1st – 31st Botanics in Bloom, Botanical Gardens
at Singleton Park
3rd Gower Show9th – 16th Gower Cycling Festival
16th – 22nd Dart 18 Catamaran EuropeanChampionships (Racing 18th – 22nd Aug TBC),
Knab Rock, Mumbles
18th – 23rd IPC Athletics European Championships
21st – 23rd Swansea Bay Beer & Cider Festival
25th Margam Park Family Fun Day
September(Date TBC) Wales Valleys Walking Festival
5th – 7th Gower Bluegrass Music Festival,
Gower Heritage Centre
10th – 13th Neath Fair
21st Admiral Swansea 10K
October3rd & 4th Neath Food & Drink Festival
18th & 19th Autumn Fayre & Cider Making,
Gower Heritage Centre
19th South Wales Boat Jumble, Margam Park
23rd – 26th Mumbles Oyster & Good Food Festival
27th – 9th Nov Dylan Thomas Festival
29th – 31st Halloween Parties,Gower Heritage Centre
November5th Swansea Fireworks Display
14th – 4th Jan Waterfront Winterland
15th & 16th Viking re-enactment,Gower Heritage Centre
16th Christmas Parade
22nd & 23rd Christmas Craft Fayre,Gower Heritage Centre
DecemberChristmas in Swansea continues with Waterfront
Winterland and ‘Snow White and the Seven
Dwarfs’ Pantomime at the Grand Theatre.
For more events go to www.visitswanseabay.com anddon’t forget our Dylan Thomas centenary celebrations –the highlights are featured on pages 2 & 3.
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By TrainNational Rail enquiries( 08457 484950www.nationalrail.co.uk
Heart of Wales Linewww.heart-of-wales.co.uk
By CoachNational Express enquiry line( 08717 818178www.nationalexpress.com
By CarThe M4 motorway brings you directlyto Swansea Bay from London and theSouth East. The M6, M5, M42 and M50link the area with the Midlands and theNorth West, North East and SouthWest of England.
By AirCardiff International Airport( 01446 711111www.cardiff-airport.com
By SeaSailings operate between Rosslareand Fishguard or Pembroke Dock,90 minutes away from Swansea.
Irish Ferries (Pembroke)( 08717 300400www.irishferries.com
Stena Line (Fishguard)( 08447 707070www.stenaline.co.uk
Travelling aroundSwansea BayTraveline Cymru( 08712 002233www.traveline-cymru.info
Park & Ridewww.swansea.gov.uk/parkandride
Must see, Must do,Must stay !If you would like to find outmore about the accommodation,attractions and activities listedplease contact direct or go to theirpage on www.visitswanseabay.com.
Access information is online atwww.visitswanseabay.com orcontact the accommodation,attraction or activity to ensurethey have everything you need.
Please check with youraccommodation prior to bookingif you are bringing your pet. Dogsare welcome on many beaches,but some have seasonal dog bansfrom 1st May to 30th September.See www.visitswanseabay.com.
We want you to have a greattime when you visit – so pleasecheck and confirm all detailsbefore booking or travelling.
A quality experienceAll the accommodationfeatured here and onwww.visitswanseabay.com hasbeen independently assessed byeither Visit Wales or the AA andeach rated according to theirquality and facilities.
Tourist InformationCentresSwanseaPlymouth Street, Swansea SA1 3QG( 01792 [email protected] ALL YEAR
Mumbles( 01792 [email protected] ALL YEAR
Useful Info
BayTransLocal travel information usingpublic transport.www.baytrans.org.uk
Local Travel Info
Occasionally it is not possible toassess a property prior topublication and in these cases theproperty is marked as ‘AwaitingGrading’. All gradings and awardswere correct at time of publication.For further information on gradingvisit www.wales.gov.uk/tourism.
Play safeWe want you to enjoy your time inSwansea Bay, so make sure thatyou have the proper equipmentbefore you begin any activity andcheck the tide tables prior to anycoastal activity. The tide can turnvery quickly with strong coastalcurrents – for more info go towww.visitswanseabay.com.Please do not attempt anyactivity without instructionif you are inexperienced.
Our attraction and activityoperators take play very seriouslyand as appropriate are recognisedby accrediting organisations –visit their page onwww.visitswanseabay.comfor more details.
Please mention this SwanseaBay Holiday Guide when youmake your booking.
Thank you!
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