|
Swansea (population 250,000) is Wales'
second largest city and located on the beautiful Gower
Peninsular - the UK's
first designated "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty".
During medieval times, Swansea was a prosperous market town,
and later it gained a certain prominence as a spa resort.
It was during the industrial revolution, however, that the
city flourished and its population grew. The city is home
to the world's first passenger railway service known affectionately
as the Mumbles Train, which bumped and bounced along five
miles of Swansea foreshore, linking the city center with the
suburb of Mumbles.
Much of the city's architectural heritage was lost through
wartime bombing. However, the abundance of parks, stunning
coastal scenery, the magnificent bayside Maritime
Quarter, varied cultural events, medieval castles and
golden sandy beaches have preserved Swansea's place as a major
tourist destination.
Furthermore, according to a survey conducted by an international
health magazine that considered, among other factors, a city's
crime rate, life-style, environment etc, Swansea was found
to be the most relaxed city in the UK.
Citizens from Wales' second city are known as 'Swansea Jacks,'
and the name 'Swansea' is derived from 'Sweyn's-ey,' the Scandinavian
name for the original settlement.
Swansea, Wales'
City by the Sea is a hometown of Hollywood star Catherine
Zeta Jones and birthplace of celebrated poet Dylan Thomas,
is the only place in the UK where
you can shop, eat out and enjoy a vibrant arts, entertainment
and club scene yet be so close to an 'Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty'
Swansea's magnificent bayside Maritime
Quarter has been celebrated by international awards, cited
as one of the "top three waterfront developments in Europe".
Yachting marinas, museums, a theatre, Wales' National Literature
Centre, an interstellar observatory, bronze statues and art
galleries straddle the spellbinding Swansea foreshore, the
boats enter via the UK's
first river barrage; the restaurants patronised by Swansea's
own Catherine Zeta Jones.
The city & county of Swansea has no fewer than 54 public
parks, the largest of which roll down to the shores of Swansea
Bay. The most celebrated, Clyne Gardens & Country
Park, is 1600 acres worth of pure romance - enjoying panoramic
bayside views, bluebell woodlands, architectural follies,
a castle, bubbling streams and ornate bridges from Italianesque
to Japanese. Its collection of large leaf rhododendrons, azaleas
and elephant rhubarb are of international significance. Singleton
Park, also nestling up to Swansea
Bay, includes the city's botanical collection, a historic
herb garden, boating lake, picturesque Swiss cottage and plays
host to Swansea's largest outdoor festivals, galas and music
concerts.
Another Swansea park with sea views is Cwmdonkin, which was
a inspiration of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. Born a mere two
minute stroll away at 5 Cwmdonkin Drive, Dylan composed the
works, "The Hunchback In The Park" and "Return
Journey" on a bench here. Today Cwmdonkin Park incorporates
an ornate Italian water garden, bowling green and tennis courts.
Nearby Brynmill Park embraces a large swan lake.
Back in the city centre, Plantasia
is an indoor park consisting of exotic species encased in
a climactically controlled glass pyramid. Plantasia
sustains some 5000 fauna specimens throughout its computer
regulated zones, such as arid, desert and rainforest; some
species are extinct in their native countries. The collection
also includes a butterfly house, tropical fish, insect and
reptile displays.
Swansea is the county where everything is reconciled - the
hills to the coast, the city and the countryside, timeless
landscapes contrast poetically with contemporary life. Swansea
has many places of interest for the visitor to explore:
One of the landmarks of the city is Swansea
Castle, the ruins of this 13th century castle are located
in the city center. While the remains are not substantial
enough to warrant a special visit, the contrast of the battlements
against the more contemporary architecture of its surroundings
does provide an interesting backdrop for souvenir photographs
of Swansea city center - the building is flood lit at night.
The Glynn
Vivian Art Gallery is always a must-do activity when you
visit Swansea. The gallery has permanent exhibits of paintings
by local artists and a good collection of porcelain and Swansea
china. In addition, it frequently hosts exhibitions of national
and international works of art.
Three colourful marinas are encompassed by the Maritime
Quarter, each bearing a distinct character. The River
Tawe marina is kept permanently afloat by an innovative river
lock system. Nearby is the colonnaded old town hall, Britain's
first dedicated Literature Centre, opened by former U.S. President
Jimmy Carter in 1995. Today the National Literature Centre
of Wales (or Dylan
Thomas Centre) includes a shrine to Swansea's most famous
literary son, Dylan Thomas, regarded by many scholars as the
20th Century's finest lyrical poet. Just round the corner
is a splendid mural which identifies the Dylan Thomas Theatre.
The writer's bronze statue keeps a discreet distance as he
surveys the main south marina from a seated position.
Swansea Marina is an award winning waterfront village, bubbling
with bars, restaurants and boats aside the Swansea
Bay coastal promenade. There are two museums within the
Maritime
Quarter: Swansea
Maritime and the Swansea
Museum. The Maritime Museum includes Wales'
largest display of floating exhibits (available for hands-on
exploration), a working woollen mill, transport displays and
a tramshed containing an exhibition devoted to "Mumbles
Train" - the world's first fare paying passenger railway.
This museum has been designated the future National
Waterfront Museum of Wales.
Swansea
Museum includes a priceless collection of rare Swansea
and Nantgarw porcelain, a cabinet of curiosities, ichthyosaur
skeleton and the 4000 year old mummy of Egyptian priest, Hor.
Dan-yr-Ogof
Showcaves, also known as National Showcaves Centre for
Wales is the largest showcave complex in western Europe with
award winning lighting and sound system. Located in the Upper
Swansea Valley, just ten miles north of the city hub, this
award-winning tourist attraction is a great day out for everyone,
be it an educational visit or a fun-packed day out for the
whole family. Experience stunning natural phenomena in three
enormous caves, marvel at the Dinosaurs, rub shoulders with
our Shire Horses down on the farm, imagine life in an Iron
Age Village and browse in the Craft Shop.
Swansea
Market is one of the largest indoor market centres in
southern UK, the
present trading centre follows in a Swansea tradition which
dates back to the Twelfth Century. Teaming with colour, vibrancy
and aroma, Swansea
Market's shops and stalls are an excellent source for
local produce from fresh seafood and flowers to jewellery,
arts and Welsh souvenirs.
By Road
Swansea is only 3 miles from junction 42 of the M4 motorway
- 38 miles west of Cardiff,
Wales's capital city. The M4 has connections to the M5, M32,
M48, M49, and M50.
By Rail
There are frequent direct InterCity services from London Paddington.
Regular connections from Manchester, the Midlands, the West
Country and the South Coast are also available. For rail information,
contact National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950 or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk.
By Air
Cardiff International Airport is a 40-minute drive from Swansea
city centre.
Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves | Dylan Thomas Centre | Glynn Vivian
Art Gallery | Gower Peninsula | Vivian Art Gallery | Gower
Peninsula |
|
| Rhossili Bay sunset over Worms Head,
Gower Peninsula |
| Mumbles Lifeboat Station & Pier |
| Maritime Quarter |
| Plantasia |
| Swansea Castle |
| Glynn Vivian Art Gallery |
| Dylan Thomas Centre |
| National Waterfront Museum |
| Swansea Museum |
| Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves |
|
