23 BEST Things To Do in Swansea [2024 Guide] (2024)

Swansea is Wales’ second city but its location right next to the Gower peninsular and its rich history as an industrial port mean that it has something for everyone.

From the stunning coastlines to the plethora of museums and attractions, in this guide, I’ll share the best things to do in Swansea so that you can make the most of this beautiful city on your next visit.

1. Take a walking tour of Swansea

© Wales Guidebook

© Wales Guidebook

In my opinion, the best way to experience a brand-new city and learn about its history is by taking a walking tour with a local. When you fully understand the background behind Swansea and see its main attractions, you’ll understand why visiting the city is one of the best things to do in South Wales.

During July and August, Fogos run a weekly walking tour of the city. Starting at Castle Square, a local guide will take you past all the city’s landmarks until you reach Copr Bay. This tour lasts approximately two hours.

When these tours aren’t running, you can still enjoy a self-guided walking tour of the city with my Swansea AudioWalk. You can find this on the Wales Guidebook: AudioWalks app available for Apple and Android.

The tour begins at Swansea Castle and takes you through the city centre towards the Maritime Quarter. I’ll tell you about all of Swansea’s top landmarks and some history of the city. There’s also an onscreen map to help you navigate the tour.

2. Learn about the Industrial Revolution in Wales at the National Waterfront Museum

© Wales Guidebook

© Wales Guidebook

© Wales Guidebook

The National Waterfront Museum in Swansea is a free museum with over 15,000 artefacts showcasing the history of Wales’ industrial and maritime heritage.

I enjoyed the downstairs exhibits the most which showed the evolution of transport in Wales. There were replicas of old planes, coal wagons, and Richard Trevithick’s steam locomotive which was at the forefront of early railway technology.

Upstairs, there are several other exhibitions including one that shares the evolution of household items in Wales since the 1930s. You’ll see everything from

There’s also a large exhibit about Swansea’s maritime history with replica models of some of the most important ships and displays where you can learn more.

Despite being the city’s biggest museum, it’s still one of Swansea’s top free attractions. Kids will love the museum just as much as adults thanks to the huge vehicles and interactive exhibits. I spent around 45 minutes at the museum but you could easily spend double this if you have the time.

3. Learn about a literary giant at The Dylan Thomas Centre

© Wales Guidebook

© Wales Guidebook

The Dylan Thomas Centre is the perfect place to learn more about the legacy of a Swansea-born lad who went on to become one of the world’s most famous poets.

At Swansea’s progressive Maritime quarter, Dylan Thomas’ life and work are honoured within grade II listed neo-classical architecture. It’s a fitting location considering the man himself was born and raised just around the corner.

Former US President Jimmy Carter opened the venue in 1995, and it has been a destination for literature lovers worldwide ever since. The centre is organised in timeline form around the room so you can understand how his life developed. As well as information boards, his talent is showcased through notebooks, letters, photographs, and interactive displays.

My favourite part of the museum was the audio recordings where you can listen to some of his works and readings on the radio. Hearing his actual voice made the experience much more personal so don’t miss this part.

The centre is open 10am – 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday and it’s free of charge.

4. Catch a sunset at Mumbles pier

© Wales Guidebook

© Wales Guidebook

History and tradition meet cosmopolitan charm in this cosy fishing village situated along Swansea Bay. The 12th-century Oystermouth Castle offers spectacular views of Swansea Bay and Mumbles.

You can enjoy a walk along Mumbles’ famous promenade with the dogs, explore the many landmarks and stop at local favourite Joe’s Ice Cream parlour for a treat.

My favourite spot in Mumbles is further up at Mumbles Pier. Head here for sunset and watch the sky transform as a backdrop against the iconic Mumbles Lighthouse. There’s also the beach hut cafe where you can enjoy food and drink with a great view and the amusem*nt centre with all the classic arcade games.

5. Discover the unexpected at Swansea Clyne Gardens

© Wales Guidebook

Swansea Clyne Gardens is a gloriously lush park and botanical garden site situated just outside the city centre. You can walk there in an hour, take a taxi, or hop on a bus from Swansea bus station and disembark at Blackpill (about a 10-minute walk from the gardens).

Established by the noble Vivian family in 1860, the gardens began as a lavish representation of wealth¹ (source: Swansea Council). This charming woodland is a habitat for notable National Tree Collections- a few, the tallest in Britain. You won’t mind getting lost in this haven of tranquillity with over 2,000 blooming plant species, and exciting features spread over 45 acres.

Bring the kids to the Japanese Garden and look out for Admiral Vivian’s tower (shown above) and gazebo. It’s also a great dog-friendly activity in Swansea if you’re travelling with four-legged friends. You can find the gardens here on Google Maps.

6. Try your hand at Coasteering

© Crown copyright (2023) Cymru Wales

The Gower peninsular is one of the best spots in Wales for coasteering. If you don’t know what this is, expect rock climbing, caves, scrambling along the cliffside and maybe even a cliff jump for those brave enough.

One of the companies offering coasteering opportunities in Rhosilli near Swansea is Rip’n’Rock whose experienced guides will take you along the cliffs of the Gower peninsular. As well as getting your adrenaline pumping, you’ll witness some of the most beautiful coastlines and even come face-to-face with marine animals such as seals, porpoises, and otters.

7. Hit the slides at the LC waterpark

Swansea Leisure Complex (more commonly known as the LC) is the most exciting water-themed adventure attraction around and it’s suitable for both kids and grown-ups.

With a fun-fueled network of slides and rides, a family-friendly swimming pool, and thrilling 30ft climbing wall. Put on your bathers and trunks and get your surf on riding the Boardrider- you’ll be a pro in no time. Float away on the lazy river or unwind at the spa, where you’ll discover what tranquillity really feels like.

Each session is 1hr 45minutes with 15 minutes to get changed. You can book a slot online or turn up. For the best experience, visit during a full feature session when the lazy river, wave machine, and slides are all open. Check the prices and opening times here.

8. Spot deer in Margam Country Park

If you like wildlife, then Swansea has you covered that’s to Margam Country Park, a titan of history, beauty, wildlife, and attractions just a 20 minute drive from the city.

Earning the people’s choice award for best park in Wales, Margam Country Park boasts 1000 acres of outstanding natural beauty and heritage features that’ll transport you back in time. As part of Her Majesty’s Silver Jubilee Year celebrations, the Queen reopened the one-of-a-kind Orangery, the longest design in Britain.

While walking around the park, taking in the breathtaking views and beautiful ornamental gardens, see if you can spot any of the deer roaming freely about the land.

Those seeking an adrenaline rush will be delighted to find fantastic water sports to enjoy, suitable for ages 7+, nestled between glorious landscapes and historical landmarks. Make a leap of faith and try Go Ape, their only treetop adventure in Wales. This rope obstacle course will have you feeling like Tarzan as you swing from tree to tree, test your agility on balance logs, and tackle the Bosun’s chair.

The park is free and open every day 10am – 6pm, although keep in mind the £7.20 parking charge. Although it’s only a 20-minute drive by car, it’s more difficult to reach by public transport which can take up to 1 hour.

9. Cruise the River Tawe onboard Copper Jack

© Wales Guidebook

Swansea was once known as Copperopolis, at the heart of the copper industry in Britain. You can learn all about this onboard the Copper Jack, a public boat that runs along the River Tawe and into Swansea Marina.

During the trip, you’ll be given a full commentary from a knowledgeable guide who will explain exactly what you can see and how it relates to Swansea’s past. This is a family-friendly trip although dogs are not allowed onboard.

Each trip lasts around 90 minutes and starts from £12 per adult. There’s even an onboard bar serving tea, coffee, snacks, and even some alcoholic beverages for adults.

You can turn up but it’s best to book ahead as there is limited space. The boat runs from April to October but only runs daily between June and September, check their website for schedules and booking details.

10. Learn about Swansea’s history at the Swansea Museum

© Wales Guidebook

© Wales Guidebook

© Wales Guidebook

Swansea Museum is the oldest surviving museum in Wales and home to a range of artefacts that tell the story of Swansea.

The museum is set over two floors. Downstairs there were general exhibits about Swansea and a natural history collection which was included lots of taxidermies ( I found this creepy but the kids around seemed to really enjoy seeing the animals).

Upstairs, there’s an exhibition about Swansea in the nineteenth century with a moc up of an old kitchen and a Victorian bathroom. There was also an archaeology display with items as far back as the stone age including mammoth bones from the Gower and a replica of a Viking ship prow from 900AD.

Look out for my favourite exhibit, the Swansea Devil, also known as Old Nick. You can see him in the photo with me above and there’s a really interesting story to go with it which you can also read here.

The museum is free to visit and open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-4.30pm (doors close at 4pm).

11. Go orienteering in Swansea’s public parks

© Wales Guidebook

© Wales Guidebook

On my latest trip to Swansea, I discovered that seven of the public parks in and around Swansea have permanent orienteering courses thanks to the work of the Swansea Bay Orienteering Club.

Orienteering is where you must use your map skills to navigate the park and find the clues hidden around (no mobile phones!). This is an excellent way to explore the park and adds a new level of excitement to your visit.

The seven parks are Brynmill Park, Clyne Valley Country Park, Cwmdonkin Park, Morriston Park, Parc Llewelyn, Singleton Park, and Diamond Park.

You can download and print the maps totally free of charge from the Swansea Bay Orienteering Club website. Occasionally, they will be handing out pre-printed maps at the entrance to the parks too.

12. Take on the obstacle course at Ninja Warrior Swansea

If you’ve watched Ninja Warrior on ITV, then you’ll know exactly what to expect from the Ninja Warrior Swansea indoor adventure park.

It’s essentially a huge obstacle course with climbing walls, balance beams, swinging balls, and more, all designed to test your ninja abilities – just like the TV show.

Located at Parc Tawe Retail Park (about 5 minutes’ drive from the city centre), the obstacle course is suitable for anyone over the age of 4 and over, including adults.

13. Paddleboard or kayak across the breathtaking Lliw Reservoir

Around 20 minutes from Swansea by car, you’ll find Lliw Reservoir, a stunning manmade lake with walks for all abilities, including a sculpture tail and a wheelchair and pram-friendly route. You can find out about the different walks here.

But the main reason I’m including this as a top activity in Swansea is that it’s a great place to hit the water with a kayak or paddleboard.

Located right next to the reservoir are Swansea Adventures who offer kayak and paddleboard hire starting from £22. Those brand new to watersports can take a 1-hour taster lesson with a qualified instructor to get the hang of things.

If you want to bring your own equipment, that’s totally fine although they do charge a £7 self-launch fee which goes toward ensuring a safe and monitored environment. I think it’s a little steep for those confident in the water but might be worthwhile if you’re still a beginner. For hire, lessons, or self-launch, it’s best to book ahead here.

14. Enjoy a drink from the terrace of the old observatory

© Wales Guidebook

© Wales Guidebook

One of the most unusual features of Swansea’s promenade is the old observatory tower, officially known as The Marina Towers Observatory. For many years, this was managed by Swansea Astronomical Society and contained a huge 20-inch telescope – the second largest of its kind in the world.

However, they have not used the site since 2009. In 2022, the building was renovated and reopened with a brand new bar and restaurant occupying two floors including a terrace with the best view of any café in Swansea.

They serve delicious meals, drinks, and snacks, or if you’re in the mood for something stronger, they have an extensive co*cktail menu too.

15. Check out the ever-changing collections at the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery

© Wales Guidebook

© Wales Guidebook

© Wales Guidebook

The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery is a public gallery in Swansea city centre. There are some permanent exhibits but most of the space is allocated for changing exhibitions.

During my visit, the downstairs rooms were filled with a collection showing the costumes, props, and visual effects from His Dark Materials, a TV show filmed in Wales.

Upstairs, there were entries from an open competition where local amateur artists could submit work and those visiting the gallery can vote for their favourites. I loved that this got the public involved with judging and I saw many people taking part when I visited.

I was very impressed with the collections here. However, keep in mind that they are always changing so it’s hard to know whether I was lucky when I visited or whether they always host great exhibitions. The only way to know is to visit for yourself. It’s totally free and open 10am-5pm every day except Mondays (last entry 4.30pm).

16. Visit the award-winning beaches of the Gower Peninsula

Swansea Beach is the most accessible beach from Swansea, within walking distance of the city centre and containing a long stretch of golden sand that’s great for relaxing (In fact, it’s the longest beach in Wales).

But, did you know that there are even better beaches near Swansea? I recommend that you head to the Gower Peninsular where you’ll find golden stretches of sand and captivating landscapes..

Arguably one of the country’s top beaches is Three Cliffs Bay (shown above) where a stretch of golden sand is backed by dunes and the iconic three limestone cliffs add the finishing touch.

The Gower is also home to three Blue Flag beaches, a scheme which recognises beaches that are clean, safe, and sustainable. These are Port Eynon, Caswell Bay, and Langland Bay. If you’re into surfing, then Llangennith Beach is a great option.

Aside from the beaches, the peninsular is full of epic viewpoints and other activities. Hike up The Great Tor for sunset or check out the Rhosili headland walk and experience the famous worms head tidal island (only accessible at low tide).

17. Ride a pedalo at Singleton Boating Lake

© John Bristow / Geograph

Riding a pedalo around Singleton Boating Lake is a fun and relaxing way to spend an afternoon in Swansea. Located near the entrance to Singleton Park, this small lake is surrounded by trees and offers stunning views of the park’s gardens and historic buildings.

Pedalos are available to rent with prices starting at £9.50 for 30 minutes per boat. They can accommodate up to four people and are super easy to operate. Children will love pedalling around and spotting the ducks and other wildlife that call the lake home.

There is also a cafe nearby where you can grab a drink or a snack to enjoy while you’re out on the water. Plus, the park has plenty of other attractions to explore, including a play area and an 18-hole crazy golf course starting from £4 per person.

The lake and crazy golf are only open on weekends and school holidays, you can find full opening dates here.

18. Have a wild night out on Wind Street

If you haven’t experienced a night out on Wind Street yet then you haven’t fully seen Swansea. Wind Street is Swansea’s iconic street of bars, pubs, and clubs.

Some of the best bars to check out are No Sign Wine Bar, one of the oldest bars in the city, and American saloon-themed Coyote Usgly which is known for having dancers strutting along the bar.

When you’re done with the bars, you have several choices of clubs to party the night away including Bambu, Popworld, and Fiction, the latter being the biggest club in the city.

Elsewhere in Swansea, the nightlife includes Prohibition Bar, a 1920’s themed speakeasy, and Boss Brewing Taproom which caters to the craft beer crowd (of which I’m proudly part of).

19. Hop on the Swansea Bay Rider

© Wales Guidebook

The Swansea Bay Rider is the iconic colourful train that runs along the Swansea Bay promenade from Blackpill to Oystermouth in Mumbles. There are two stops along the way at West Cross and Norton.

The total journey takes just 20 minutes from one end to the other, but you can purchase a hop-on hop-off ticket and take a day trip from Swansea to explore the coastline of Swansea Bay.

The first train leaves Blackpill at 10.30am and the last train leaves Oystermouth around 5pm so you can make a full day of it. See the full timetable here. You can buy your tickets on the train.

20. Catch a show at one of Swansea’s top venues

© Wales Guidebook

No matter what time of year it is, Swansea has always got some live shows and events happening. These are always changing but below are a few of my favourite venues with details on how to check upcoming listings:

• The Grand Theatre – The Grand Theatre is the oldest and most iconic performance venue in Swansea. It has been welcoming comedians, singers, musicals, pantomimes and other shows to its stage since 1897 (check listings).
  ㅤ
• Swansea Arena – With a capacity of 3,500, Swansea Arena in Copr Bay (shown above) is the largest indoor venue in Swansea. It’s known for hosting the biggest names from across music, comedy, theatre and e-sports (check listings).
  ㅤ
• Hangar 18 – This is a new, intimate live music venue and nightclub. They tend to have a lot of rock bands and cover bands (check listings).
  ㅤ
• The Bunkhouse – This is another small music venue in Swansea. It specialises in up-and-coming artists, having put on everything from jazz nights to DJ sets (check listings).
  ㅤ
• The Dylan Thomas Theatre – This is a very small theatre so there are fewer shows than the others. It’s home of the Swansea Little Theatre company and hosts local dance groups, music festivals, professional touring companies, as well as cabaret acts and stand-up comedy (check listings).

21. Uncover the wonders of science at Oriel Science

© Wales Guidebook

© Wales Guidebook

Yet another museum in Swansea is Oriel Science, a small exhibition space right in the heart of the city centre. It has a constantly changing collection, always around the theme of science. When I visited, there were some exhibits about recycling, the pandemic, and renewable energy.

This is only a tiny museum so you don’t need any longer than 20 minutes here, but it’s still worth visiting if you’re passing by, especially given that it’s free.

The centre is only open Monday to Wednesday, 10am-4pm. Although it does close when they are changing the collection so check their website ahead of time.

22. See the World’s first passenger train at The Tramshed

© Wales Guidebook

The Swansea Museum Tramway Centre (also known as The Tramshed) is a museum dedicated to sharing information and memorabilia from Swansea’s old trams and the Swansea and Mumbles Railway.

The Swansea and Mumbles Railway was considered to be the world’s first passenger train but closed in 1960 in favour of buses. Originally intended only to transport limestone from the Mumbles quarries to Swansea, a later agreement saw it carry paying passengers from 1807.

At The Tramshed, you can see a reconstruction of one of the earlier horse-drawn trains used on this service as well as surviving parts from one of the later trams when it was switched to electric.

This museum is staffed by volunteers so opening times can vary considerably. You can check the signs on the door or call ahead on 01792 653763.

23. Experience an indoor rainforest at the Plantasia Tropical Zoo

If I told you there was a rainforest right in the middle of Swansea, you’d think I was pulling your leg, but it’s no joke, that’s exactly what you’ll find at Plantasia Tropical Zoo.

Swansea’s fully immersive greenhouse participates in protecting and conserving some of the world’s most endangered tropical animals and plants² (source: Wales Online). It provides a fascinating insight into the dynamics of a tropical climate. Featuring over 5000 plant species, some of which are only found north and south of the equator.

With around 40 species of animals, from Piranhas and Pythons to Crocodiles and Tarantulas, it’ll feel like stepping into a different world full of fascinating secrets.

Swansea’s Plantasia is home to the closest things to a tropical rainforest you’ll find in Wales. Open for all, seven days a week, between 10am and 5pm, free for toddlers and £3-8 for adult adventurists.