Visit Swansea Bay brochure 2011

Swansea Bay. What’s it all about?

Seaside or city? Shopping or sailing? Dylan Thomas or Catherine Zeta-Jones? Laverbread or Italian ice-cream? Soccer or surfing?

Blue Flags or green footprints? Metro or retro?

Truth be told, it’s all of these things. And more, for just over the headland in one direction there’s gorgeous Gower, Britain’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Go the other way and you’re soon into green, forested valleys famous for their waterfalls and world-class mountain biking.

Take a look.

02

Baytripper A tour of Swansea Bay from Mumbles to Aberavon

08

18

21

19

22

Life Cycle On forest tracks or smooth seafronts? We’ve got the lot

Planning Your Visit We’re here to help

Map Green Scene Timeline Who needs sat nav?

How to travel with a lighter touch From ancient stones to high-tech history

12

Waterworld It’s big. It’s wet. It’s all go

20

Festivals and Events Under the stars, in the theatre

24

Travel Information No hassle, no fuss – it’s plain sailing

26

Where to Stay and What to Do Hotels and self-catering, seaside stays and city breaks, attractions and activities 01/visitswanseabay.com

A sneaky look at Langland Okay, we admit that the Gower Peninsula isn’t technically on the Bay. But it begins where Mumbles ends and is as much a part of Swansea as the taste of fresh Gower cockles eaten straight from the wrapping at our City-Centre market. Gower is described elsewhere in this guide, but for a sneak preview pop over Mumbles Head to lovely, sunny Langland Bay and dip your sandy toes in the sea.

Mumbles rocks Mumbles Head isn’t all rocky promontory. Tucked away on the tip is picture-perfect Bracelet Bay (more sand, more sandcastles, more classic seaside sights).

Just around the corner there’s a lighthouse and pier too. And more rock – fishy rockpools and sticky Swansea rock. Buy some, along with all kinds of beach paraphernalia, at the Big Apple kiosk, a famous local landmark.

Mmmmm… Mumbles It’s where you go to eat Italian ice-cream and scrumptious local seafood, sail a boat and walk the Prom, shop at trendy boutiques and arty galleries. This splash of the continent with a dash of the Great British Seaside attracts a fashionable crowd. You might even see Catherine Zeta-Jones.

She’s a genuine local. Her house is up on the hill not far from Oystermouth Castle, a medieval fortress that – like some benevolent but bemused guardian angel – can’t quite believe that Mumbles has changed so much, but likes what it sees.

baytripper We pack a lot into the 16 miles between Mumbles in the west and Margam in the east. All is revealed on this trip along the Bay.

02/visitswanseabay.com

Oystermouth Castle What a great name for a castle.

We have over 600 in Wales, but not many come with better views than this one. And it looks pretty good itself. This handsome medieval hunk is being given a £1 million facelift to make it even more attractive.

Bike it, walk it The famous Mumbles Tram used to trundle along the seafront.

Follow in its wheeltracks on the traffic-free five-mile cycle and footpath that now runs along the Bay. It’s easy riding all the way, on a route that’s green and sandy and flatter than a Dutch tulip field. And even prettier.

03/visitswanseabay.com

Stop off at Singleton and Clyne They’re just two of our many parks and gardens. And here are just two seasonal snapshots: the exotic plants that flower in Singleton’s Temperate House (even in winter), and Clyne’s sublime springtime carpet of bluebells.

Page 2 Main image: Langland Bay Top: Mumbles after dark Bottom: Cycling along the Prom Page 3 Oystermouth Castle, Cockles at Swansea Market

Who do you think you are?

We’re all asking that question in the wake of the popular BBC TV series of the same name.

Our Family History Centre in the Civic Centre helps you come up with some answers.

second-friendliest city after York).

This emporium of tradition and taste blends well with the modern shopping centre and restyled Castle Square area.

On the waterfront It takes all of five minutes to get City Centre from the shops to our Maritime Let’s begin in the covered Quarter and snazzy 600-berth market, a bazaar of local marina. We were one of the first goodness that sells everything UK cities to embrace from welshcakes to Penclawdd successfully the concept of cockles and laverbread. It sums waterfront living. It’s an ongoing up the friendly, welcoming face story. Swansea’s bayside of warm-hearted Swansea renaissance continues at the (it’s official – we’re the UK’s stylish new SA1 Waterfront.

baytripper//continued

04/visitswanseabay.com

The LC Almost immediately after opening its doors in 2008 The LC shot up the charts to become Wales’s number-one attraction. What goes on here? Everything from indoor surfing (a UK first) to indoor climbing at a leisure centre that scales new heights.

Back to the future Swansea Museum and the National Waterfront Museum are very, very, very different – but as a pair make a great double act. The Rough Guide is a fan of historic Swansea Museum, calling it ‘enticingly old-fashioned’. The latter, a cutting-edge child of today, tells the story of yesterday in a hands-on way that puts you in the driving seat.

Dylan Thomas Centre After Shakespeare he’s the most quoted writer in the English language. Find out how Dylan Thomas played music with words at this Centre, the largest collection of Dylan memorabilia in the world.

Beach Boyos Done the shopping? Then head down to the beach. There’s plenty of space. Does five miles of sand sound enough?

Tardis time Who knows what time that really is? Well, Doctor Who, obviously.

Prolific screenwriter Russell T Davies, Swansea’s new mostfamous son (move over, Dylan Thomas), gave the kiss of life to the Doctor. And in the process made sure that his home city

05/visitswanseabay.com

regularly played cameo roles during location filming.

Whined and dined Yes, we know that’s a spelling mistake. But it’s the way you pronounce Wind Street, our busiest, buzziest strip of nightlife.

Come here for bistros, bars, clubs and a pulsating weekend scene.

Up, up and away ‘You’ve got to be a Sherpa’ to live in the Uplands district, said Dylan Thomas. He should know. His house is on Cwmdonkin Drive, a street as steep as anything you’ll find in San Francisco. But the views across the Bay – again, just like San Fran – are suitably rewarding.

Page 4 Swansea Marina Page 5 Top row left to right: National Waterfront Museum, 5 Cwmdonkin Drive, Swansea Maritime Quarter Bottom row left to right: LC Leisure Complex, Castle Square

A natural oasis As you drive into Swansea along Fabian Way you’re completely unaware that you’re close to Crymlyn Bog, an amazingly untouched and tranquil natural fenland within a stone’s throw of busy city life.

Follow the footpath through this National Nature Reserve, the third largest lowland fen in the UK. 1940s Swansea Bay See what life was like in wartime Swansea at this exhibition, which convincingly

recreates the time of gas masks and bombing raids, ration books and women ‘dustmen’. Glenn Miller is playing – you can even get ‘In the Mood’ by dressing up in period uniform.

An ‘A’ grade for Aberavon beach and seafront Aberavon’s sands proudly fly the Blue Flag, Europe’s highest beach accolade. It’s a case of quality and quantity – the beach goes on (and on) for three miles.

Aberavon is popular with families and all kinds of surfers (wave, wind and kite). Plus those who

baytripper//continued

06/visitswanseabay.com

want to blow away the cobwebs with a walk along the refurbished seafront and prom, soaking up those big bayside views.

Acting up What thespian thunderjuice do they put in the water in these parts? Three of Britain’s greatest actors hail from within a few miles of each other. Richard Burton was born in Pontrhydyfen, the former mining village that went all Hollywood when the world’s first megacelebrity couple – Burton and Elizabeth Taylor – came to visit.

Port Talbot, just down the road, earns a double-first. It’s the home town of Sir Anthony Hopkins and new wunderkind Martin Sheen. Nowadays, Martin has LA’s Santa Monica beach on his doorstep, but, as he says, ‘my first love is the sea I grew up with’.

He hasn’t forgotten his roots.

Next Easter, he’s playing Jesus in a three-day-long moderndress version of Christ’s Passion in Port Talbot, using the town as the performance space and the local community as the supporting cast.

Abbey Road Nothing to do with the Beatles, but follow the road to Neath Abbey, ‘the fairest in all Wales’ (according to the Tudors) then continue the abbey habit at

07/visitswanseabay.com

Margam Abbey, a Cistercian church founded in 1147. It’s a mere newcomer in comparison with what you’ll see next door.

Nothing to do with the Rolling Stones, but Margam Stones Museum is famous for its ancient standing stones, many with elaborate Celtic carvings.

Margam Country Park It’s very popular and very big – around 400 hectares/1,000 acres of splendid parkland packed with lots to see and do, including an 18th-century orangery, Victorian mansion house, narrow-gauge railway, children’s playground, ‘Go Ape’ high-wire adventure, ornamental gardens and deer herd. Add on a full programme of special events and you’ll see why it’s one of our top attractions.

Page 6 Top row left to right: Aberavon Promenade, Margam Stones, Michael Sheen Bottom row left to right: Surfing at Aberavon, Go Ape Page 7 Left to right: Neath Abbey, Margam Park

GREEN scene Don’t worry. We’re not about to fill you full of ‘greenwash’.

But it is possible to travel and leave a genuinely lighter touch. Here are a few ideas to get you in the mood.

08/visitswanseabay.com

Page 8 Singleton Park Page 9 Left to right: Botanical Gardens, Singleton Park, walking at Rhossili

Park yourself You could spend all day in our parks and gardens. Many people do. Swansea is blessed with masses and masses of green spaces that sweep down to the sea. There’s colour and interest throughout the year amongst their woodland gardens and hothouses, discovery trails and formal displays. Don’t take our word for it. No less than five – Clyne Gardens, Singleton Botanical Gardens, Victoria Park, Brynmill Park and Gnoll Country Park – fly the Green Flag, the highest accolade for parks and gardens, demonstrating how nature and nurture can work so well together.

09/visitswanseabay.com

Park your car It’s easy in this part of the world. Our go-everywhere bus service goes… almost everywhere. Ask about our super-convenient Gower services and ‘Walking by Bus’ routes, car-free shortcuts to some of our best short walks.

Ways to go Go wildlife watching on Gower. We could bang on about the number of nature and wildlife reserves we have (lots), and the extent of National Trust land and other protected areas. But what you really want to know about are the otters and the badgers, the wildflowers and the dolphins, the seabirds and the seals. ‘The highlight is the birdlife, particularly around Worm’s Head,’ says The Independent.

We’d like to put in a good word for the wild ponies – you’ll see them everywhere on Gower’s high country.

Visit places that get you thinking Aberdulais Falls in the Neath Valley is completely self-sufficient, thanks to Europe’s largest electricity-generating waterwheel. Not only that – they’ve installed a special fish ladder so that salmon and sea trout can leap upstream. The working watermill at the Gower Heritage Centre is a little older – 12th century to be precise. Green, rural Gower is the theme at this popular countryside centre, which also runs ‘wild walks’. Back in busy Swansea City Centre take the kids to Plantasia. You won’t believe your eyes. This glass pyramid is a giant tropical haven of unusual, exotic plants and animals.

Release the inner Ray Mears in you Or perhaps not. But you can certainly follow in the big man’s boot-tracks and learn survival skills on a Gower wilderness adventure with Dryad Bushcraft.

Cut down on those food miles It comes naturally in this part of the world. Mind you, we had a head start. Swansea Market has been living and breathing the sustainable message all its life.

It’s Wales’s largest fresh food market, with seafood from local If you go down to the woods… waters, lamb from up the hill Then take your cycling helmet, and bread from heaven. It is, of walking stick or riding hat. course, compulsory to buy some Though if you simply want to laverbread, that unique Welsh bring your camera, that’s fine concoction made from puréed too. For more details on Afan Gower seaweed. It’s black, it’s Forest Park, part of Europe’s gooey, it’s very good for you largest urban forest, see the and it tastes… well, it’s like that activities pages of this guide.

Marmite moment. You either love it or hate it.

green scene//continued

10/visitswanseabay.com

Fresh food, fresh air Shop for goodies at one of our many local produce and farmers’ markets, held at Clydach, Llangennith, Mumbles, Penclawdd, Gorseinon, Pennard, Sketty and at Neath’s Victorian Market.

Then head out west to Rhossili, the ‘best picnic spot in Britain’ according to the British Guild of Travel Writers, for some RollsRoyce alfresco eating where the surroundings match the food.

Taste the difference You know where Gower saltmarsh lamb is coming from.

Its distinctively subtle and sweet flavour comes from the ‘sea meadows’ on which the lambs graze. This foodie favourite has won three gold stars – the highest prize – in the 2010 Great Taste Awards, the ‘epicurean equivalent of the Booker prize’.

The French can’t get enough of it. Don’t worry – there’s plenty left for local restaurants and bistros.

11/visitswanseabay.com

Local dishes – everything from fresh seafood to world-class Welsh Black beef – are on the menu everywhere, at Gower’s country pubs and places along Swansea Bay – Mumbles is quite the foodie hotspot!

Page 10 Clockwise from top left: Afan Forest Park, Swansea Market, Rhossili Bay, Bushcraft on Gower Page 11 Top left: Fresh from the fields, Bottom: Succulent Welsh beef

waterworld 12/visitswanseabay.com

A question for Eskimos: how many different types of snow do you have? Answer: anything from seven to 100 (depending where you happen to end up on Google).

Chalk and cheese, Jekyll and Hyde, James May and Jeremy Clarkson, south Gower and north Gower.

Yes, they’re all very different.

In Gower’s case, the high curtain of cliffs and sheltered, sandy bays in the south are completely at odds with the low-lying north coast, where land quietly melts into sea amongst misty, moody saltings, dunes and cockle beds.

The beauty of Gower is that it’s easy to enjoy both. Worlds apart, they’re separated by all of five miles.

Star quality Neil Oliver and Nick Crane from Coast, Kate Humble from Springwatch and Autumnwatch… you can’t keep the Beeb away from Gower.

It’s the star of many natural A question for us: how many history programmes – and quite different types of water do you right too. In a recent episode of have? Answer: 10 (sea, surf, Coast Neil got all mystical and rockpools, rivers, lakes, streams, mythical about his encounter reservoirs, waterfalls, canals, with Worm’s Head, the sea aquaslides). Make that 12 if monster (wurm in Norse means you include rain (heavy) and just that) off the tip of Rhossili. rain (light).

Actually, it’s a savage headland (and part-time island) swept by So one way or another there’s the tide, so don’t get stranded a lot of water here.

Little and large out there like Dylan Thomas did.

It’s the same kind of thing when And we’ve given up counting Gower. Isn’t it just gorgeous? you compare east with west how many times Rhossili, the For a start, there are the Gower Gower. Start off snug as a bug in ‘supermodel of British beaches’ Peninsula’s 34 miles of coastline a rug at Bracelet, Limeslade or has won ‘best of’ awards (the and (around) 50 bays, coves and Langland, three cosy little bays latest, since you ask, was beaches, protected every inch just beyond Mumbles. Fourteen announced in the Daily Mail). of the way as an Area of miles later you’re in the wild west Outstanding Natural Beauty.

– Gower’s dramatic ‘land’s end’, where towering cliffs and a vast three-mile beach fight it out for the wow factor.

13/visitswanseabay.com

Where do you find scenic lakes, tranquil waterways and Wales’s largest concentration of waterfalls?

They’re all here, within 20 miles of the sea. ^ Sgw d around ^ Sgw d is the Welsh name for waterfall.

It crops up a lot in the Vale of Neath, where there are so many that they’ve baptised it ‘Waterfall Country’. For a taster take a walk along the leafy riverside ^ d path from Pontneddfechan to Sgw Gwladus. When you get to the falls, which tumble into an atmospheric, mossy bowl, you’d swear you’re in Hobbit country.

waterworld//continued

14/visitswanseabay.com

Melincourt Falls plunges through a tangled forest glade rich in wildlife. The great landscape artist JMW Turner painted them in 1794. But his most famous subject was Aberdulais Falls, a fascinating – and highly unusual – cascade that combines great natural beauty with industrial heritage.

At Neath’s Gnoll Country Park the waterfalls are man-made – but no less spectacular – than their naturally born neighbours.

Its fancy, formal French cascades – magnificent water features dating from the 1720s – tumble through mossy landscaped grounds.

Previous page Burry Holms, Rhossili Bay Page 14 Waterfall Country and Gnoll Park Cascades Page 15 Surfers at Llangennith

waterworld the wetter the better Surfing’s in the DNA on Swansea Bay. In 1962 The Beach Boys released their debut album Surfin’ Safari, the same year that surfing began on Gower. It’s not surprising that we weren’t far behind California.

Gower’s west-facing beaches have some of the UK’s best surf.

Llangennith has become our very own surf city, where VW campervans (split-screen, of course) congregate and the cool surfing crowd comes to play.

It’s just one of many places – from Langland and Caswell Bays across to Aberavon – where the waves match the vibes. But don’t think that we only attract addicts of big Atlantic breaks. This part of Wales is amongst the best places to learn to surf in Britain.

15/visitswanseabay.com

Don’t forget your toothbrush Actually, you can if you want (we have toothbrush shops).

If you forget your surfboard, we also have surfboard shops for hiring and buying.

Indoor surfing?

Although surfing summers last longer (the sea is at its warmest in September and October), the climate’s always spot on at Swansea’s LC (shorthand for our new leisure complex).

One of The LC’s many aquatic attractions is the Boardrider, Europe’s first indoor surfing centre.

waterworld the wetter the better//continued

Do you prefer kitesurfing or canal cruising, windsurfing or beachcombing?

Making more waves We don’t just do surfing.

Swansea Bay is also awash with canoeing, coasteering, diving, kitesurfing, jetskiing, paddleboarding, powerboating, sailing, waterskiing and windsurfing.

Breaking news!

Wakeboarding, the latest sport to make waves, has come to Swansea. But it’s wakeboarding with a twist. GoWake at the SA1 waterfront is Wales’s one and only overhead cable wakeboarding park.

16/visitswanseabay.com

And now for something Treat Your Feet • Take your shoes off. Get sand completely different Absolutely no effort is involved between your toes. Walk out on the Neath and Tennant Canal, to the wreck of the Helvetia where you can glide along on on Rhossili beach. You can a leisurely 4 mph boat trip. still touch its barnacled, skeletal ribs at low tide. Or Catch of the day pack a picnic and walk the Cod and whiting, mackerel and entire five miles to the dunes sea bass… just some of the and deserted sands at fruits of the sea you can pluck Whiteford, Gower’s most from our beaches and boats, northerly beach rocks and headlands. Bream, perch, roach and carp… that • Put your wellies on. Go to the should keep coarse fishermen cockle picking shores of happy for a start. They’re all Penclawdd, north Gower’s tidal there in abundance in our lakes, estuary. It’s all very different to ponds and reservoirs. sandy south Gower – you may even come back with a cockle or two

• Go lakeside. The Lliw Valley • Get to grips with the Gower lakes, hidden away amongst Way. Well maybe not all in woods just north of Swansea, one go. To make the going are in a strangely secret a bit easier we’ve split this location. There’s easy walking exhilarating 35-mile walk into around the lower lake on a three bite-sized sections – and tranquil waymarked three-mile it’s waymarked all the way path. It’s a green experience in more ways than one. The walk • Follow rivers (and railways).

Walk beside the River Afan is part of our eco-friendly along the ghostly route of the ‘Walking by Bus’ service old South Wales Mineral Line.

Then come back through the woods of the Afan Forest Park.

It’s one of the area’s top 10 walks

17/visitswanseabay.com

Page 16 Helvetia, Rhossili Bay Page 17 Clockwise from top left: Fresh fish!, Serious fun, Glyncorrwg Ponds, Whitford Lighthouse, Get a different view of Gower, Neath Canal, Winter walks in Lliw Valley

Life CYCLE / /

What goes around comes around.

We’re falling in love with bikes again.

Cycle sales are booming, and many of you seem to be heading our way with all sorts of bikes – everything from bombproof, top-of-the-range mountain bikes to comfy family cycles for easy-going bike paths.

• Pedal along the prom You just have to do it. Cycle along the bay from Swansea to Mumbles. Have an ice-cream. Then cycle back again

Wonderwall Afan Forest Park is ranked with Chamonix, California and the Himalayas as one of the world’s top mountain biking destinations. One of the reasons is The Wall, a sensational snaking singletrack that hairpins down the mountain from way up high to the valley floor.

Another is the 29-mile Skyline Trail, a giant of a ride.

• Cycling with a Celtic cadence Follow the stretch of the waymarked Celtic Trail from Aberavon seafront (more fab views across Swansea Bay) to Margam Park (more fab cycling and scenery tucked away on private parkland roads)

Life in the slow lane You don’t have to be a downhill hero at Afan. There are also gentle, low-level cycle routes suitable for everyone.

In fact, you’ll find laid-back traffic-free cyclepaths and dedicated routes everywhere in this bike-friendly part of Wales.

• Take the Tawe Tour visitswanseabay.com has details of gentle routes suitable for casual cyclists who want to enjoy fresh air and fascinating parts of Swansea Bay they might otherwise miss Main picture: Afan Forest Park

18/visitswanseabay.com

c.5000 BC Parc le Breos Burial Chamber, Parkmill, Gower. Substantial foundations of a spooky Neolithic (New Stone Age) chambered tomb c.2500 BC Arthur’s Stone (above). Another Neolithic monument on a windy ridge high on Gower. But does it have anything to do with King Arthur, who came much later?

AD 74–78 The Romans conquer Wales.

Follow in their imperial footsteps by walking the Sarn Helen Roman Road (but please don’t try it in sandals) 10th century The Great Cross of Cynfelyn, Margam Stones Museum.

Admire the craftsmanship on this cross, the finest of a notable collection of stones carved with elaborate Celtic symbols

10th/11th centuries Swansea, or Sweyn’s-Ey (‘Sweyn’s Island’) is named

by Sweyn Forkbeard (what a name!). So, contrary to popular opinion, the City takes its name from a crazy Viking and has nothing whatsoever to do with swans

12th century Oystermouth Castle is founded just after the Norman Conquest, and improved in later centuries.

Along with Weobley Castle, north Gower, it’s a well-preserved 1810 Hafod Copperworks, the crucible medieval monument of Swansea’s copper industry, opens. Swansea subsequently becomes known as ‘Copperopolis’, producing 60% of the world’s supply

1584 Aberdulais Falls, Vale of Neath.

A waterwheel (above) provides power for a pioneering copper and tinplate industrial site, yet to this day the Falls retain their great natural beauty 1807 The world’s first railway service runs along Swansea Bay. Find out more about this – and the famous Mumbles Tram – at the Tramshed Museum

timeline Interested in time travel? You don’t have to be Dr Who (thanks to local boy Russell T Davies, he’s no stranger to these parts).

Go back to pre-history then work your way back to the future. Our story is the story of mankind.

19/visitswanseabay.com

18th/19th centuries Swansea becomes well known for its exquisite pottery. Fine collections can be seen in the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery and Swansea Museum (above)

1841 Swansea Museum opens.

Wales’s oldest museum is a wonderfully eclectic treasure chest (Egyptian mummy, Welsh kitchen – get the picture?)

2005 National Waterfront Museum opens, telling the story of industry, maritime heritage and innovation in an involving, entertaining way Now it’s your turn Trace your personal timeline with the help of our Family History Centre in Swansea’s Civic Centre.

FESTIVAL AND EVENTS DIARY 2011 So far… we’re always adding more. For the latest news go to visitswanseabay.com/events

June Margam Kite Festival (4th-5th) Gower Walking Festival (4th–19th) Gower Folk Festival (10th-12th) January BBC National Orchestra of Wales Escape into the Park (11th) in the Brangwyn Hall (1st) South Wales Boat Show (17th–19th) February BBC National Orchestra of Wales in the Brangwyn Hall (4th) St David’s Week (26th-6th Mar) March St David’s Week continues (to 6th) Richard Burton 10k, Afan Forest Park (27th) April Gorseinon Food Festival (16th) Margam Park Easter Family Fun Day (25th) Mumbles Musical Mile Festival (29th-2nd May) May Clyne in Bloom (1st-31st) Fortress Wales (1st-2nd) Swansea Bay Film Festival (7th-15th) Mumbles Navy Days (28th-30th) Welsh Waterways Festival (28th-30th) Margam Park Family Fun Day (30th) Urdd Eisteddfod (30th-4th Jun)

20/visitswanseabay.com

Swansea Bay Summer Festival Summer fun from May to September.

September Neath September Fair (14th-17th) Admiral Swansea Bay 10k (25th) Gower Cycling Festival October Swansea Festival of Music and the Arts (8th-22nd) Gower Cider Weekend (15th-16th) Dylan Thomas Festival (27th-9th Nov) Neath Food Festival

November ‘Sparks in the Dark’ Fireworks www.swanseabayfestival.com Display (5th) Christmas in Swansea Bay – July Parade, Illuminations, Christmas Margam Festival of Arts and Markets and of course…

Culture (1st-31st) Waterfront Winterland!

Aberavon Beach Festival (2nd) (from end of Nov) Wales National Airshow December (9th-10th) Gower Rock Festival (22nd-24th) Christmas in Swansea Bay Breeders Crown Horse Harness continues! (to early Jan) Racing (30th-31st) Some events are still being Gower Festival finalised, but we have given August dates where possible.

Botanics in Bloom (1st-31st) Gower Heritage Centre Medieval Main picture Fun Day (3rd) Wales National Airshow, 2009 Gower Show (7th) Swansea Bay Beer Festival (25th-27th) Margam Park Family Fun Day (29th)

Tourist Information Centre Plymouth Street Swansea SA1 3QG ( 01792 468321 * tourism@swansea.gov.uk visitswanseabay.com Open all year

Making plans

The following pages will give you oodles of ideas on where to stay and what to do. Have a browse and take your pick. There’s a lot of choice, so if you’re undecided or want to fine-tune your plans then we have the technology!

Visitswanseabay.com Winner of ‘Best Use of Technology’ in the Swansea Bay Tourism Awards 2010!

Packed with up-to-date information, the site helps you plan your visit by bringing you the latest events, attractions and activities available in the area.

Catch up with the local news, download free maps, visit our photo galleries, become a fan on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

You can even win a £100 by taking part in our web survey!

Oh and don’t miss out on our latest deals and packages.

See you online…

Quick links: visitswanseabay.com/wheretostay visitswanseabay.com/attractions visitswanseabay.com/activities visitswanseabay.com/events visitswanseabay.com/offers

21/visitswanseabay.com

It’s good to talk If technology isn’t your thing you may prefer to speak to a friendly voice or see a friendly face.

So please telephone or call into our Tourist Information Centre.

Our Swansea Bay experts are on hand to help with: • choosing and booking your accommodation (both locally and nationwide) • advice on how to get here and route planning • more information on places to visit, where to eat and local events Pop in and take a look at our wide range of books, maps, walking guides, local souvenirs and gifts. For a full list of items for sale, please contact us or go to visitswanseabay.com

Other TICs Mumbles ( 01792 361302 * info@mumblestic.co.uk Open all year Aberdulais ( 01639 636674 * aberdulaistic@ nationaltrust.org.uk Open all year (weekends only November–March)

Ask for our free visitor guides to Attractions & Activities, Beaches and Walking & Cycling in Rural Swansea. They’re full of detailed information on what to see and do. Please call 01792 468321.

Or order your copy from visitswanseabay.com/ orderform

1

Swansea bay Mumbles, Gower, Afan and the Vale of Neath

2

3

4

5

6

Key to beach awards 7

Scale of swansea bay map

Marina Blue Flag Award Blue Flag and Seaside Award

A 22/visitswanseabay.com

B

Rural Seaside Award Green Coast Award

C

0

6 km

0

3 miles

D

E

Cork

This map is based on digital photography licensed from NRSC Ltd. Š City and County of Swansea 2011 F

G

23/visitswanseabay.com

H

I

J

# !

,9 17(30,*+5 4$,.,0*4 2(3 8((- 8,5+ (,*+5 4$,.,0*4 2(3 8((- ,0 6.: 6*645 ,0( ,0 45:.( ($5 ,0)13/$..: 13 *3$% $ 40$&- 8,5+ $ &+1,&( 1) 5+3(( 3(45$63$054 51 46,5 $.. 5$45(4 $0' %6'*(54 +,.'3(0<4 2.$: ;10( ,0(/$ $4,01 +122,0* ",4,513 0)13/$5,10 (053( $34 13 163 .18(45 )$3(4 $0' 42(&,$. 1))(34 %11- 10

888 )$450(5.,0( &1/ !

3(.$0'

24/visitswanseabay.com

Travel information

By train Frequent trains run direct from London Paddington, Bristol, Manchester and Cardiff to the Swansea Bay area. There are also good connections from North-East, South and SouthWest England. For travellers arriving by air, there are fast rail/air links to Swansea Bay from London (Gatwick and Heathrow), Bristol and Cardiff International Airports. The scenic Heart of Wales line also runs direct to Swansea.

National Rail enquiries: ( 08457 484950 www.nationalrail.co.uk Heart of Wales line: www.heart-of-wales.co.uk By coach Express coaches run direct to Swansea Bay from Central London, Gatwick and Heathrow Airports; West and South Yorkshire; the West Midlands and Cardiff.

National Express enquiry line: ( 08717 818181 www.nationalexpress.com By car The M4 motorway brings you directly to Swansea Bay from London and the South-East.

The M6, M5, M42 and M50 link the area with the Midlands and the North-West, North-East and South-West of England.

By air Cardiff International Airport, which has scheduled flights from many major European destinations, is under an hour’s journey from Swansea Bay.

Travelling around Swansea Bay Helicopters and personal jets aside, you’ll probably be travelling to Swansea Bay by car, train or coach. We can take over from there, thanks to our superconvenient local bus services.

Coming into Swansea for a day, for example, you can use one of three ‘park & ride’ sites to get to the City. They’re easy to use – and cheaper than City Centre parking.

Our buses will take you almost everywhere. The walks, waterfalls and hidden wonders in the valleys of Neath Port Talbot are easily reached by bus. Gower’s splendid Cardiff International Airport: beaches, coastal and country ( 01446 711111 walks are just a short ride from www.tbicardiffairport.com Swansea using Gower Explorer.

Try it – it’s one of Britain’s top rural By sea bus networks. From Swansea, Fastnet Line Swansea Cork Ferry buses will also take you to the ( 0844 576 8831 bays and beaches of Mumbles. www.fastnetline.com Great value all-day tickets are available, one for most of Gower In addition, sailings operate and the other for Swansea, between Rosslare and Fishguard Mumbles, Neath and Port Talbot. or Pembroke Dock, both a Traveline Cymru: 90-minute road journey away ( 0871 200 2233 from Swansea Bay. www.traveline-cymru.info Irish Ferries (Pembroke): ( 08705 171717 www.irishferries.com Stena Line (Fishguard): ( 08705 707070 www.stenaline.co.uk Freedom of Wales Flexi Pass This offers unlimited travel on all train and most bus services in Wales, plus discounted admission to many of Wales’s tourist attractions and accommodation at Youth Hostels. Freedom of South Wales Flexi Rover tickets are also available. ( 0845 6061660 (option 5) www.walesflexipass.co.uk

Baytrans

Swansea Bay, Mumbles, Gower, and Neath Port Talbot Arriving by train or coach and need to get around Swansea Bay? Coming by car and want a break from driving while you’re here?

Travelling to or around Swansea Bay by public transport; it’s all at www.baytrans.org.uk 01792 205071 www.baytrans.org.uk

25/visitswanseabay.com

Choosing your accommodation

Here are the quality ratings: Simple, practical, no frills ★★ Well presented and well run ★★★ Good level of quality and comfort ★★★★ Very good ★★★★★ Excellent ★

Further information on grading and awards can be found at www.wales.gov.uk/tourism On the following pages you’ll find A guide to quality assurance or contact Visit Wales, a great choice of places to stay – All accommodation grades in this guide have been based on a Welsh Assembly Government, from five-star luxury to quality set of common quality standards Rhodfa Padarn, Llanbadarn Fawr, B&Bs and cosy self-catering Aberystwyth, Ceredigion agreed by Visit Wales, Visit properties.

SY23 3UR Britain, Visit Scotland and the ( 0845 010 8020, How to use our AA. The star ratings reflect the * quality.tourism@ accommodation guide facilities and overall quality of wales.gsi.gov.uk First of all make a cuppa and the experience. have a browse through the selection on offer. Once you have All the accommodation featured All gradings and awards were correct at time of publication. shortlisted your favourites, turn to in this publication has been Grading assessments are onthe accommodation tables on quality graded. Star grades going and improvements made pages 40-43 for more mean that you can be sure by establishments may have information on facilities and of standards and choose the resulted in a revision since prices. On the facing page you accommodation that’s just publication. Please check will find a key to symbols, right for you. when booking. awards and abbreviations.

Visit Wales/AA are the only Pets Prices checking agents in Wales, Serviced accommodation prices checking out over 5,000 places. Many accommodation operators welcome pets, but please check are for bed and breakfast Occasionally, it has not with the accommodation before (B&B), per person, per night been possible to visit the you visit. Dogs are welcome on based on two people sharing a accommodation prior to many beaches, but some have twin or double room. Please publication. In these instances, seasonal dog bans from 1st May note that a supplement may the property is marked as to 30th September. Contact apply for single occupancy.

‘Awaiting Grading’. the Tourist Information Centre Prices were correct at time of (page 21) or go to: publication (December 2010).

The Star Quality Grading visitswanseabay.com/pets Schemes apply to all types Access Statements of accommodation: serviced Please mention this Swansea Access information for (hotels, guest houses, B&B, Bay Holiday Guide when accommodation, attractions and farm accommodation, hostel/ booking. activities is available online at hostel-type accommodation), visitswanseabay.com. But, self-catering cottages and please check with the operator apartments, caravan holiday before your visit to ensure your homes and touring/camping specific requirements can be parks. catered for.

We want you to enjoy your visit – so please check and confirm all details before booking or travelling.

26/visitswanseabay.com

Key to Symbols

Star Grading Abbreviations

Ensuite rooms

Restaurant

Licensed

Credit cards accepted

Private parking

Laundry facilities

Totally non-smoking establishment

Meter charge for fuel

Short breaks available TV in rooms Pets by arrangement Evening meals available Tea/coffee in rooms Indoor pool Outdoor pool Children welcome Lift

Walkers and Cyclists Welcome Awards Properties that provide amenities for walkers and/or cyclists, including drying facilities for wet clothes and boots, secure lockable areas for bikes, storage space for rucksacks and packed lunches.

Tourism Swansea Bay Many of our operators are members of Tourism Swansea Bay, an association that works with the tourism industry to enhance the visitor experience.

27/visitswanseabay.com

Linen provided Linen for hire Food/mobile shop Showers Electric hook ups Evening entertainment Toilets Children’s playground Chemical toilet facilities Gas cylinders

Play safe We want you to have a great time in Swansea Bay, so make sure that you have the proper equipment before you begin and check the tide tables prior to any coastal activity (the tide can turn very quickly see: visitswanseabay.com/weather).

Please do not attempt an activity without instruction if you are inexperienced.

Our attraction and activity operators take play very seriously and as appropriate, are accredited by the following organizations: Quality Assured Visitor Attraction Only attractions that have been assessed by Visit Wales, and meet the VAQAS Cymru standard, receive the quality marque.

AG BB CA F GA GH H HC

Awaiting Grading Bed and Breakfast Campus Farm Guest Accommodation Guest House Hotel Holiday, and Camping Park HTC Holiday, Touring and Camping Park RR Restaurant with Rooms SH Small Hotel TC Touring and Camping Park ★★★ Visit Wales grading ★★★ AA grading AA grading for caravan parks and campsites Gold Denotes exceptional Award standards of hospitality, comfort and food Adventure Activities Licensing Authority British Activity Holiday Association British Horse Society British Kite Surfing Association British Surfing Association Mountain Leader Training Wales Royal Yachting Association Tourism Quality Services Wales Trekking and Riding Association

Swansea Serviced

Beachcomber

Swansea Serviced

Swansea GH

£25 - £35 F5

01792 651380 www.beachcomberguesthouse.com

Hurst Dene

Uplands, Swansea GH GH

Morgans Hotel £30 - £45 F4

Swansea H

£37.50 - £125 F5

01792 280920 hurstdenehotel@yahoo.co.uk

01792 484848 www.morganshotel.co.uk

Swansea Waterfront Premier Inn Swansea

Acorns

Budget Hotel

£36.95 - £64.90 G4

Sketty, Swansea GH

from £25 F4

01792 201345 www.acornsguesthouse.com

Ramada Swansea Swansea H

£37.50 - £85 G4

Swansea’s newest and biggest hotel offers 132 bedrooms overlooking the SA1 docklands. At Premier Inn you can have a good night guaranteed and relax and enjoy a meal or a drink in our brand new Beefeater Grill restaurant and bar.

Premier Inn Swansea Budget Hotel

from £36.75 F5

0871 527 9212 www.premierinn.com With easy access from the M4 we are near the city centre and Liberty Stadium. A few miles away are Swansea Marina and picturesque Gower beaches. Relax in our indoor heated pool, sauna, or burn some calories in our Seb Coe gym.

0844 8159081 www.ramadajarvis.co.uk/swansea 28/visitswanseabay.com

Swansea Marriott Hotel Swansea H

£41 - £61 F5

01792 642020 www.swanseamarriott.co.uk

At the Premier Inn you can have a good night guaranteed, comfortable bedrooms, friendly service and fabulous location. Serving great food and drink by people who really care.

Rooms available from only £29.

Terms and conditions apply.

0871 527 9060 www.premierinn.com

The Dragon Hotel

Ibis Swansea Hotel

Uplands, Swansea GA GA £42 - £45 F4

Swansea H H £89 - £149 F4

Budget Hotel

Swansea £33.45 - £44.45 G4

01792 638800 www.ibishotel.com Nominated for ‘Best Hotel’. The White House is famed for superb local food, great hospitality and boutique style bedrooms you’ll just love! Situated in the leafy Uplands, the gateway to the Gower Peninsula.

Check out the reviews on our website.

01792 473856 www.thewhitehousehotel.co.uk

Located in the heart of Swansea's vibrant city centre, the newly refurbished Dragon Hotel boasts an 18m heated swimming pool, fully equipped gymnasium, award-winning brasserie and air-conditioned bedrooms. Easily accessible by road and rail. An ideal base for tourist attractions.

£35 - £47.50 F5

Swansea H

£69 - £138 G4

01792 657100 www.dragon-hotel.co.uk

Chatcoombe Sketty, Swansea BB

Village Hotel

For Full Accommodation Details see pages 40 - 41

Located on the SA1 Waterfront Development within walking distance of marina and city centre.

115 bedrooms, leisure club, 25 metre pool, gym, restaurant, pub, Starbucks, free car parking, aircon, free wifi. Close to Mumbles and Gower Peninsula, ideal for leisure and business.

01792 479930 www.village-hotels.co.uk

Ideally located for city centre, Maritime Quarter, Mumbles and Gower. Minute’s walk to University, Singleton Hospital, National Pool, Sketty Hall. Comfortably furnished rooms, en-suite facilities available.

Extensive breakfast. Finest Welsh produce and a warm, friendly welcome. Free WIFI. 01792 207100 www.chatcoombe.co.uk

29/visitswanseabay.com

The Bayswater Swansea GH

Swansea University £23 - £28 F5

01792 655301 bayswater@supanet.com

Campus Accommodation £31 - £37 F5 - CA

01792 295632 www.swansea.ac.uk/conferences

Swansea Serviced

The White House

Mumbles Serviced

Cafe Valance Bar & Rooms

Mumbles Serviced

Mumbles GA

£55 - £67.50 E5

01792 367711 www.cafevalance.com

Glenview Guest House

Tides Reach Guest House

Mumbles GA

Mumbles GA

£37.50 - £47.50 E6

£30 - £60 F5

01792 367933 www.mumblesglenview.com

The Coast House

For Full Accommodation Details see pages 40 - 41

Mumbles GH

£32 - £40 F6

Gower Serviced

01792 368702 www.thecoasthouse.co.uk

Superb sea-facing bedrooms and lounge, guest courtyard garden, elegant surroundings, convenient bus stop opposite, close to university and hospital. Short promenade walk to Mumbles village, shops and restaurants. Safe cycle, golf, walking, watersports storage.

Self-catering house available, limited private parking.

01792 404877 www.tidesreachguesthouse.com

Fairways

Gower Serviced

Gower BB

£30 - £37.50 E5

01792 401080 www.fairwaysweb.com

Kings Head Inn

Fairyhill

Stoney-Forge Guest House

Llangennith, Gower INN

Reynoldston, Gower RR 5 RR £90 - £140 B5

Knelston, Gower GH

01792 390139 www.fairyhill.net

01792 390920 www.stayingower.co.uk

£35- £65 B5

01792 386212 www.kingsheadgower.co.uk 30/visitswanseabay.com

Gold Award

£28 - £32 B5

Tallizmand

Rhossili, Gower £37.50 - £40.50 A5 SH

Llanmadoc, Gower GH

01792 390512 www.thewormshead.co.uk

01792 386373 www.tallizmand.co.uk

Seren Retreat

Parc-le-Breos House

White Stile

Fairwood Common, Gower £30 - £40 D5 BB Our 23 acres of private grounds include an ancient oak forest, river and wildflower meadows. Spacious en-suite accommodation. Easy access to Gower beaches. Holistic therapies, hot tub, sauna available.

01792 371421 www.serenretreat.com

Parkmill, Gower F F

Knelston, Gower BB

Westwinds B & B Fairwood, Gower BB

from £35 E5

£33 B4

£35 - £40 D5

For Full Accommodation Details see pages 40 - 41

£25 - £30 B5

01792 390922 christinegriffiths1@yahoo.co.uk Victorian hunting lodge set in seventy peaceful acres, surrounded by deciduous woodland. Lovely walks, scenery/heritage on doorstep. Lounge, games room, home grown produce and local Welsh wines. Enjoy gardens in summer, log fires in winter. Riding also available.

The King Arthur Hotel Reynoldston, Gower £35- £50 C5 INN

01792 281573 www.westwindsbandb.co.uk

01792 371636 www.parclebreos.co.uk

01792 390775 www.kingarthurhotel.co.uk

Maes-Yr-Haf Restaurant with Rooms Parkmill, Gower

Little Haven Guest House

Highmead

Oxwich, Gower BB

Port Eynon, Gower BB

RR 5 RR

£70 - £140 D5

£35 - £45 C6

01792 390940 www.littlehavenoxwich.co.uk Maes Yr Haf is fast becoming one of the well known places to visit in the Gower. It is run by Ben Griffiths and Mark Wicks, who have combined both great food with great service to ensure Maes Yr Haf is here to stay.

01792 371000 www.maes-yr-haf.com 31/visitswanseabay.com

£33 - £40 B6

01792 390300 www.highmead-gower.co.uk

Gower Serviced

Wormshead Hotel

Afan & The Vale of Neath Serviced

Afan & The Vale of Neath Serviced

Best Western Aberavon Beach Hotel Neath Port Talbot

H H

£30 - £65 H5

Best Western Hotel of the Year.

Modern seafront hotel, opposite sandy beach. Seven miles from Swansea. Convenient for Gower Peninsula, tourist attractions of South Wales. Restaurant, bar, refurbished bedrooms. Free wi-fi, all weather leisure centre, friendly staff. Families and pets welcome.

01639 884949 www.aberavonbeachhotel.com

For Full Accommodation Details see pages 40 - 41

32/visitswanseabay.com

The Bluebell Hotel Neath H

£35 - £50 H4

Perfectly situated offering exceptional luxury accommodation, superb dining facilities in comfortable surroundings, The Bluebell is the ideal choice for guests looking for something a little bit special. All 23 rooms have been furbished to a high standard offering supreme comfort.

Cwmbach Cottages Guest House Cadoxton, Neath

GH

£58- £68 I3

01639 644000 www.thebluebellneath.co.uk

01639 639825 www.cwmbachcottages.co.uk

The Barn B & B

Tree Tops Guest House

Margam, Port Talbot £35 - £40 J6 BB

Neath GH

01656 748644 www.tyncellarfarm.co.uk

01639 812419 www.treetopsguesthouse.net

£32 - £36 H4

Swansea Self Catering

Serviced Apartments in Swansea £448 - £889

Situated in 4 central locations we have something to suit everyone, from views across the bay to the heart of the city centre. Impeccable attention to detail, fully equipped kitchens. LCD TV with DVD, internet, housekeeping. Families welcome. Short breaks available.

Valley View Craigcefnparc, Swansea AG - £230 - £550 G3

08454 095 044 www.aspaceinthecity.co.uk

Victoria Quay

Clyne Farm Cottages

Swansea

Swansea -

AG

Rural, tranquil, yet minutes from the M4, Swansea and Afan. Overlooking and adjoining the RSPB Reserve, enjoying miles of Mawr countryside.

Quality individual properties to suit all, each enjoying secured parking and private garden areas.

The beautiful rural setting combined with convenient seaside and city accessibility encourages many guests to return year after year.

Testimonials available. Warm Welsh welcome awaits.

01792 845040 www.cartrefholidays.co.uk

For Full Accommodation Details see pages 42 - 43

£200 - £425 F5

01792 403333 cottages@clynefarm.com The apartments view, directly overlooking marina. Near beach.

Private parking. Superbly appointed.

Everything provided. See website.

Also flat of character in 17th century farmhouse, amidst beautiful farm park with fishing.

White Springs Pontarddulais, Swansea

£355 - £715 E2

01269 592064 www.canol-apartments.co.uk

Swansea Bay Holiday Apartment Swansea

£445 - £750 F5

07971 402613 www.mumbles-swansea.co.uk 33/visitswanseabay.com

£300 - £1650 E5

Relax at an award winning coarse fishery offering a choice of apartments and log cabins with spectacular views over the lakes, two miles from M4 convenient for Gower and West Wales coastline.

Touring caravan facilities, pets by arrangement, brochures available.

01792 885699 www.whitespringsfishery.co.uk

Swansea Self Catering

A Space in the City

Mumbles Self Catering

Gower Getaways

Mumbles Self Catering

Swansea, Mumbles & Gower - £200 - £1500

Driftwood

Mumbles Holiday Bungalow

Limeslade, Mumbles £140 - £330 F6

Limeslade, Mumbles £160 - £340 F6

01792 405471 www.driftwoodchalet.co.uk

01639 813302 rhos44@aol.com

Bridle Mews

For Full Accommodation Details see pages 42 - 43

Limeslade, Mumbles £180 - £400 F6

0121 246 0254 www.swanseabaymumblesgower.co.uk

We offer a large selection of beautiful 4 and 5 star holiday properties throughout Swansea, Mumbles and the Gower Peninsula.

Our concierge service can arrange a full itinerary so your holiday starts from the moment you arrive.

We are passionate about the Gower and will ensure your holiday is effortless and unforgettable.

Call our team for help and advice.

01792 369694 www.gowergetaways.co.uk

Home From Home

Swansea, Mumbles & Gower

- £200 - £1890

With the most extensive selection of properties throughout Gower, Mumbles and the Maritime Quarter, let the Home from Home team help you to choose the right holiday property for you and your family. Established now for over 38 years we have a wealth of local knowledge and can offer first-hand, honest and reliable information about the area and the properties we 01792 360624 www.homefromhome.com 34/visitswanseabay.com

enquiries@homefromhome.com

manage. Whether it's a deluxe apartment in Swansea Marina, a fisherman's cottage in the heart of Mumbles Village, or a beachside family house on the Gower Peninsula, we have something to suit everyone.

Visit Wales graded and verified.

Gower Self Catering

Caswell Holiday Chalets & Gower Coast Ltd Gower

-

£170 - £440 E6

Oxwich, Gower £150 - £500 C6

Part of 400 year old cottage.

2 annexes with 1 or 2 double bedrooms. Parking for 1 car each.

Fitted kitchen, lounge TV/DVD, dining patio area. 5 min to nature reserve & beautiful beach.

01792 391207 www.gower-cottages.co.uk

The Stable

Three Cliffs Bay Cottages

Penmaen, Gower £230 - £420 D5

Stone-built converted stable in beautiful National Trust area in South Gower. Ideal for walkers (Cefn Bryn), beach lovers (Tor Bay) surfers, bird watchers and golfers.

Ten miles from Swansea.

01792 371459 www.thestableashtreecottage.talktalk.net

Penmaen, Gower

Bank Farm Holiday Bungalows Horton, Gower

Chalets situated in the attractive Gower countryside in the Summercliffe Park at Caswell Bay. We have a range of one and two bedroom chalets. Families, walkers and surfers welcome. Dogs are allowed in certain chalets. You may shop in nearby Mumbles or Swansea city centre. Short breaks available out of summer season. You may email sueschalet@aol.com or telephone Sue Morgan.

01792 233599 www.gowercoast.com

£150 - £490 C6

Idyllic location near award winning Three Cliffs Bay. Thoughtfully restored barn conversions with exposed beams and stonework.

Communal south facing courtyard with patio furniture. Ideal location for coastal and countryside walking.

DTV. DVD. Golf, pony trekking and watersports close by.

01792 371376 www.threecliffsbay.com

Fully equipped holiday bungalows sleeping 4-5, within walking distance of beach. Licensed bar serving meals. Grocery shop and laundrette. Outdoor heated swimming pool with retractable roof. One bungalow has been adapted for disabled use, designated parking. Tennis court for hire.

Westernside Bungalows Horton, Gower

£190 - £480 C6

01792 390228 www.bankfarmleisure.co.uk

Thirty Seven Westernside Horton, Gower

£280- £520 D5

£150 - £430 C6

01792 401891 www.visitswanseabay.com/37westernside 35/visitswanseabay.com

For Full Accommodation Details see pages 42 - 43

Family-run accommodation with sea views on tranquil site overlooking Port Eynon Bay. Award-winning sandy beach within walking distance. Licensed bar serving meals, outdoor heated pool, shop, launderette. Off road parking. Pets by arrangement. Contact Rachel Harrison for details.

01792 511734 www.westernside.co.uk

Gower Self Catering

Ash Cottage

Gower Self Catering

Bayholme Cottage & Holiday Bungalow Oxwich, Gower

Gower Self Catering (continued)

The Granary

Slade Barn

Reynoldston, Gower £425 - £895 C5

Slade, Gower

-

£500 - £1200 C6

01792 391551 www.sladebarngower.co.uk Award-winning barn restoration located 5 minutes drive to beaches.

Two ensuite bedrooms, vaulted ceilings, wood floors, log stove, patio, large garden with panoramic views, heated outdoor pool, superb location. Near to pub and shops.

Sleeps 4. Brochure available.

£170 - £690 C6

For Full Accommodation Details see pages 42 - 43

01792 391306 www.thegranarygower.co.uk

Bayholme Cottage featured in the BBCTV holiday programme boasts Visit Wales' highest grading. Approx 200yds from the beach.

Accommodating 5/6 people. Also detached bungalow on Oxwich Leisure Park with 3 star grading.

Accommodates 4. Cleanliness is our priority. Discount for two people. Sorry no pets.

Enquiries: Mr M J Crombie Tel: Oct - Mar 01792 390785 Apr - Sep 01792 390874 01792 390785 www.bayholmegower.co.uk

Gower Holiday Village Scurlage, Nr. Port Eynon

£251 - £743

B6

A warm welsh welcome awaits you at our friendly holiday village. Set in spacious grounds, our two and three bedroomed bungalows provide a high standard of accommodation and are ideally located to discover the scenic beauty of Gower. Relax in our heated indoor swimming pool with spa bath and sauna.

01792 390431 www.gowerholidayvillage.co.uk 36/visitswanseabay.com

For your little ones we have an indoor soft play area and an outdoor adventure playground. We supply free electricity and bed linen. Car parking is beside your bungalow and pets are welcome in selected bungalows.

enquiries@gowerholidayvillage.co.uk

Rhossili, Gower

Windsor Cottage £375 - £950 A6

Breathtaking sea views. Fully equipped detached house. Large enclosed gardens. Three bedrooms, one ensuite. Sleeps 6. Beautiful sandy beaches, walking, fishing, surfing. Pub, restaurant 500m.

Off-road parking. Owner supervised.

Visit Wales highest grading. View website for further details.

Rhossili, Gower

Pitton Cross Farmhouse £220 - £560 B6

Quiet farming village in the heart of Britain’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Sea views. Private garden. Half mile walks to three sandy beaches and spectacular coastal scenery. Sleeps three to four.

Friday to Friday. Short breaks possible.

Rhossili, Gower

£300 - £1150 B6

Traditional farmhouse. 3 bedrooms, 2 lounges, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, shower room. Private parking. Enclosed garden. Sea views, countryside, coastal walks. Short drive or walk to sandy beaches, fishing, surfing. Village pub one mile.

Pets welcome. Short breaks available.

01792 390616 www.faircroftgower.co.uk

0131 552 5443 windsorcottagemiddleton@hotmail.co.uk

01792 391175 www.pittoncrossfarmhouse.co.uk

The Cross

Bethel

Fernbank

Llangennith, Gower £435 - £860 B5

Scurlage, Gower

Horton, Gower £750 - £1800 C6

Well furnished spacious self catering family holiday house in quiet seaside village. Sleeps 10-12 people. 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 sitting/study rooms, large fully equipped kitchen, utility area, garden, parking.

01865 340005 www.fernbankgower.co.uk

Spacious cottage with two double and two twin bedrooms, lounge, kitchen/diner and utility room.

Sleeps 8. Double glazing, central heating, enclosed gardens, garage and off road parking. One mile to Rhossili Bay or Broughton Bay. Brochure available or see website.

01792 386213 www.thecrossgower.co.uk

37/visitswanseabay.com

£220 - £580 B6

Well equipped two bedroom bungalow, sleeps four. French doors to grassed area. Electricity and bed linen included. Free use of indoor swimming pool. Parking. Beautiful beaches nearby, other facilities on site. Phone or email millsofcalne@supanet.com 01249 814923 www.34gowerholidayvillage.co.uk

Oldwalls Leisure Gower

£599 - £1190 C5

01792 391468 www.oldwallsleisure.com

Gower Self Catering

Faircroft

Afan & The Vale of Neath Self Catering

Cwmshon Cottages

Afan & The Vale of Neath Self Catering

Pontardawe, Swansea £350 - £730 H2

01792 865237 www.cwmshoncottages.co.uk

Swansea Valley Holiday Cottages Pontardawe, Swansea

- £275 - £595 H2

Award winning, picturesque, peaceful and cosy - four farm cottages in great location for exploring South Wales’s cities, beaches, mountains. Private woodland walks with views.

Woodburning stove. 4-poster bed.

Excellent tourist information. Freesat HDTV. Free Wi-Fi. M4 six miles.

Ample parking.

01792 864611 www.welshholidaycottages.com

38/visitswanseabay.com

Cilhendre Fawr Farm Cottages Pontardawe, Swansea £340 - £715 H2

Three cottages on hill farm recently converted from a stone barn to a very high standard. Extensive views over Swansea Valley, midway between Gower coast and the Brecon Beacons.

01792 862210 www.cilhendrefawrfarmcottages.co.uk

For Full Accommodation Details see pages 42 - 43 Cwmbach Lodge Cadoxton, Neath

£280 - £700 I3

01639 639825 www.cwmbachcottages.co.uk

Caravan & Camping

Caravan & Camping

Greenways Leisure Park

Bank Farm Leisure Park

Pitton Cross Caravan Park

Oxwich, Gower HC

Horton, Gower HTC

Rhossili, Gower TC TC £9 - £31.50 B6 Open all year. Quiet family run park near Rhossili, with level pitches and sea views. Over 50’s special offer.

Good walking. Pets welcome.

Gower Kite Centre.

£12 - £21 C6

£17.50 - £30 C6

01792 386676 www.greenwaysleisure.co.uk

For Full Accommodation Details see pages 42 - 43

01792 390593 www.pittoncross.co.uk Family run park overlooking Port-Eynon Bay. Within walking distance of the beach. Licensed bar serving meals. Grocery shop and laundrette on site. Outdoor heated swimming pool with retractable roof. Children's play area, games room, tennis court available to hire.

01792 390228 www.bankfarmleisure.co.uk

39/visitswanseabay.com

Glyncorrwg Ponds Campsite Glyncorrwg, Port Talbot from £5 J3 TC

01639 851900 www.glyncorrwgponds.com

Prices and full accommodation details

PAGE 28 Swansea Serviced Property Name

Address

Acorns 176 Gower Road, Sketty, Swansea SA2 9HS Beachcomber 364 Oystermouth Road, Swansea SA1 3UL Hurst Dene 10 Sketty Road, Uplands, Swansea SA2 0LJ Morgans Hotel Somerset Place, Swansea SA1 1RR Premier Inn Salubrious Place, Wind Street, Swansea SA1 1EE Ramada Swansea Phoenix Way, Swansea SA7 9EG Swansea Marriott Hotel Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 3SS Swansea Waterfront Premier Inn Langdon Road, Swansea SA1 8PL PAGE 29 Swansea Serviced Bayswater 322 Oystermouth Road, Swansea SA1 3UJ Chatcoombe 20 Rhyd-y-Defaid Drive, Sketty, Swansea SA2 8AH Dragon Hotel The Kingsway, Swansea SA1 5LS Ibis Swansea Hotel Fabian Way, Port Tennant, Swansea SA1 8LD Swansea University Conference Services, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP Village Hotel Langdon Road, Off Fabian Way, Swansea SA1 8QY White House 4 Nyanza Terrace, Uplands, Swansea SA1 4QQ PAGE 30 Mumbles Serviced Café Valance Bar & Rooms 50 Newton Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BQ Coast House 708 Mumbles Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4EH Glenview Guest House 140 Langland Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4LU Tides Reach Guest House 388 Mumbles Road, Swansea SA3 5TN PAGE 30 Gower Serviced Fairways 110 Owls Lodge Lane, Mayals, Swansea SA3 5DP Fairyhill Reynoldston, Gower, Swansea SA3 1BS Kings Head Inn Llangennith, Gower, Swansea SA3 1HX Stoney-Forge Guest House Knelston, Gower, Swansea SA3 1AR PAGE 31 Gower Serviced Highmead Overton, Port Eynon, Swansea SA3 1NR King Arthur Hotel Reynoldston, Gower, Swansea SA3 1AD Little Haven Guest House Oxwich, Gower, Swansea SA3 1LS Maes-Yr-Haf Parkmill, Gower, Swansea SA3 2EH Parc-le-Breos House Parkmill, Gower, Swansea SA3 2HA Seren Retreat Bryncoch Farm, Fairwood, Gower, Swansea SA2 7LB Tallizmand Llanmadoc, Gower, Swansea SA3 1DE Westwinds B&B Blackhills Lane, Fairwood, Swansea SA2 7JN White Stile Knelston, Gower, Swansea SA3 1AR Wormshead Hotel Rhossili, Gower, Swansea SA3 1PP PAGE 32 Afan & The Vale of Neath Serviced Aberavon Beach Hotel Princess Margaret Way, Port Talbot SA12 6QP Bluebell Hotel 14 The Parade, Neath SA11 1RA Cwmbach Cottages Guest House Cwmbach Road, Cadoxton, Neath SA10 8AH The Barn B&B Ty’n Cellar Farm, Water Street, Margam SA13 2PD Tree Tops Guest House 282 Neath Road, Briton Ferry, Neath SA11 2SL 40/visitswanseabay.com

Telephone 01792 201345 01792 651380 01792 280920 01792 484848 0871 527 9060 0844 8159081 01792 642020 0871 527 9212 01792 655301 01792 207100 01792 657100 01792 638800 01792 295632 01792 479930 01792 473856 01792 367711 01792 368702 01792 367933 01792 404877 01792 401080 01792 390139 01792 386212 01792 390920 01792 390300 01792 390775 01792 390940 01792 371000 01792 371636 01792 371421 01792 386373 01792 281573 01792 390922 01792 390512 01639 884949 01639 644000 01639 639825 01656 748644 01639 812419

AA

3 GH 3 GH 3 GH 3 GH 4 H Budget Hotel 3 H 4 H Budget Hotel

Months Bed- B&B Open rooms £pppn 1 - 12 1 - 12 1 - 12 1 - 12 1 - 12 1 - 12 1 - 12 1 - 12

3 8 10 42 116 119 119 132

from 25 25 - 35 30 - 45 37.50 - 125 from 36.75 37.50 - 85 41 - 61 36.95 - 64.90

Facilities/Awards ¨ ≈ p ¨ V t˙ § ± qp > « Z Ò

¨ ≈ p ¨ V t˙ § ± qp > « Z Ò 1 GH 4 BB 4 H 4 H Budget Hotel 3-4 CA 3 H 4 GA 4 GA

2 - 12 1 - 12 1 - 12 1 - 12 4, 7-9 1 - 12 1 - 12

5 3 106 99 1100 115 9

23 - 28 35 - 47.50 89 - 149 33.45 - 44.45 31 - 37 69 - 138 42 - 45

¨ ≈ p ¨ V t˙ § ± qp > « Z Ò 4 GA 4 GH 4 GA 5 GA

1 - 12 2 - 11 1 - 12 1 - 12

4 6 5 7

55 -67.50 32 - 40 37.50 - 47.50 30 - 60

4 BB 5 RR Gold 5 RR 4 INN 5 GH

1 - 12 1 - 12 1 - 12 2 - 11

2 8 27 3

30 - 37.50 90 - 140 35 - 65 28 - 32

¨ ≈ p ¨ V t˙§ ± qp > « Z Ò

¨ ≈ p ¨ V t˙ § ± qp > « Z Ò 4 BB 3 INN 3 BB 5 RR 4 F 4 BB 4 GH 4 BB 4 BB 2 SH

1 - 12 1 - 12 1 - 12 5 RR 1 - 12 4 F 1 - 12 1 - 12 1 - 12 1 - 12 1 - 12 1 - 12

5 19 5 5 10 3 3 3 1 17

33 - 40 35 - 50 35 - 45 35 - 70 35 - 40 30 - 40 33 from 35 25 - 30 37.50 - 40.50

3 H 3 H

3 H

52 23 5 6 5

30 - 65 35 - 50 58 - 68 35 - 40 32 - 36

¨ ≈ p ¨ V t˙ § ± qp > « Z Ò

4 BB 4 GH

1 - 12 1 - 12 4 GH 1 - 12 1 - 12 1 - 12

41/visitswanseabay.com

Prices and full accommodation details

Grading VW

Prices and full accommodation details

PAGE 33 Swansea Self Catering Property Name Address

Telephone

A Space in the City Serviced Apartments in Swansea Clyne Farm Cottages Westport Avenue, Mayals, Swansea SA3 5AR Swansea Bay Holiday Apartment Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 1UA Valley View Valley View, Craigcefnparc, Swansea SA6 5TE Victoria Quay 54 Victoria Quay, Marina, Swansea SA1 3XG White Springs Pontarddulais, Swansea SA4 8QG PAGE 34 Mumbles Self Catering Bridle Mews 16 Bridle Mews, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4JP Driftwood 18 Bridle Mews, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4JP Gower Getaways 97 Newton Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BN Home from Home 42 Queens Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4AN Mumbles Holiday Bungalow 12 Langcliffe Park, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4JF PAGE 35 Gower Self Catering Ash Cottage Oxwich, Gower, Swansea SA3 1LS Bank Farm Holiday Bungalows Horton, Gower, Swansea SA3 1LL Caswell Holiday Chalets Summercliffe Chalet Park, Swansea SA3 3BR The Stable Ash Tree Cottage, Penmaen, Swansea SA3 2HQ Thirty Seven Westernside Westernside Chalet Park, Horton, Swansea SA3 1LQ Three Cliffs Bay Cottages North Hills Farm, Penmaen, Swansea SA3 2HB Westernside Bungalows Horton, Gower, Swansea SA3 1LQ PAGE 36 Gower Self Catering Bayholme Cottage Oxwich, Gower, Swansea SA3 1LS Gower Holiday Village Scurlage Nr. Port Eynon, Gower, Swansea SA3 1AY Slade Barn Slade, Gower, Swansea SA3 1NA The Granary Hayes Farm House, Reynoldston, Swansea SA3 1HN PAGE 37 Gower Self Catering Bethel 34 Gower Holiday Village, Scurlage, Swansea SA3 1AY Faircroft Rhossili, Gower, Swansea SA3 1PL Fernbank Fernbank, Horton, Gower, Swansea SA3 1LQ Oldwalls Leisure Oldwalls, Gower, Swansea SA3 1HA Pitton Cross Farmhouse Pitton Cross, Rhossili, Gower, Swansea SA3 1PH The Cross Llangennith, Gower, Swansea SA3 1HU Windsor Cottage Middleton, Rhossili, Gower, Swansea SA3 1PJ PAGE 38 Afan & The Vale of Neath Self Catering Cilhendre Fawr Farm Cottages Wernddu Road, Pontardawe, Swansea SA8 3HY Cwmbach Lodge Cwmbach Road, Cadoxton, Neath SA10 8AH Cwmshon Cottages 8/9 Old Road, Pontardawe, Swansea SA8 4PN Swansea Valley Holiday Cottages Cilybebyll, Pontardawe, Swansea SA8 3JQ PAGE 39 Caravan & Camping Property Name Address Bank Farm Leisure Park Horton, Gower, Swansea SA3 1LL Glyncorrwg Ponds Campsite Glyncorrwg, Port Talbot SA13 3EA Greenways Leisure Park Oxwich, Gower, Swansea SA3 1LY Pitton Cross Caravan Park Rhossili, Gower, Swansea SA3 1PH 42/visitswanseabay.com

08454 095 044 01792 403333 07971 402613 01792 845040 01269 592064 01792 885699 0121 246 0254 01792 405471 01792 369694 01792 360624 01639 813302 01792 391207 01792 390228 01792 233599 01792 371459 01792 401891 01792 371376 01792 511734 01792 390785 01792 390431 01792 391551 01792 391306 01249 814923 01792 390616 01865 340005 01792 391468 01792 391175 01792 386213 0131 552 5443 01792 862210 01639 639825 01792 865237 01792 864611

Grading Telephone VW AA 01792 390228 3 HTC 01639 851900 3 TC 01792 386676 3 HC 01792 390593 3 TC 3 TC

No of Pitches 180 30 200 100

Months £ per Open Sleeps week

units

` ≈ p ¨ V ‡ ˙ s t q p > Ò

4 3 - 4 4 AG - 4 AG 3

1 - 12 1 - 12 1 - 12 1 - 12 1 - 12 2 - 11

4 9 1 3 1 9

1-4 2 - 51 1-4 1-9 2-4 1-7

448 - 889 300 - 1650 445 - 750 230 - 550 200 - 425 355 - 715

` ≈ p ¨ V ‡ ˙ s t q p > Ò 3 3 4 - 5 1 - 5 3

1 - 12 2 - 11 1 - 12 1 - 12 2 - 11

4 2-3 1 - 13 1 - 10 4

180 - 400 140 - 330 200 - 1500 200 - 1890 160 - 340

1 1 30 100+ 1

4 3 2 - 3 4 3 4 3

1 - 12 3 - 12 3 - 10 1 - 12 3 - 12 1 - 12 3 - 12

2-7 4-5 2-6 2 5 2-4 4

150 - 500 150 - 490 170 - 440 230 - 420 150 - 430 280 - 520 190 - 480

2 11 11 1 1 3 4

3 - 5 3 5 5

3 - 10 3 - 12 1 - 12 1 - 12

2-5 4-8 1-6 4

170 - 690 251 - 743 500 - 1200 425 - 895

3 9 1 1

3 5 3 5 4 4 3

3 - 12 1 - 12 1 - 12 1 - 12 1 - 12 1 - 12 1 - 12

4 6 10 - 12 1 - 24 6 8 3-4

220 - 580 375 - 950 750 - 1800 599 - 1190 300 - 1150 435 - 860 220 - 560

1 1 1 5 1 1 1

4 4 5 4 - 5

1 - 12 1 - 12 1 - 12 1 - 12

1 - 18 2-6 1 - 12 1 - 16

340 - 715 280 - 700 350 - 730 275 - 595

3 3 2 4

Facilities vary between units - please see website for details Facilities vary between units - please see website for details

` ≈ p ¨ V ‡ ˙ s t q p > Ò

` ≈ p ¨ V ‡ ˙ s t q p > Ò

` ≈ p ¨ V ‡ ˙ s t q p > Ò

` ≈ p ¨ V ‡ ˙ s t q p > Ò

Months Open 3 - 11 4 - 10 4 - 10 1 - 12

Tourers

Tents

17.50 - 30 from 5

17.50 - 30 from 5 12 - 21 16.50- 24.50 9 - 31.50

43/visitswanseabay.com

Facilities/Awards ` ≈ p ¨ V ‡ ˙ s t q p Í Å ) ‚ w ? = ” Ò

Prices and full accommodation details

Facilities/Awards

Grading VW

Attractions & Activities

Oystermouth Castle

Attractions & Activities

Newton Road, Mumbles, Swansea The castle will partially re-open in April 2011 and will feature new visitor facilities and improved access.

The conservation works continue until 2014 when the castle fully re-opens.

01792 468321 swansea.parks@swansea.gov.uk

Swansea Watersports

The Pilot House, Pilot Wharf, Swansea Marina SA1 1UN 07989 839 878 www.swanseawatersports.com

Aberdulais Falls

National Trust, Aberdulais Falls, Neath SA10 8EU

Among Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s earliest industrial sites, with a spectacular waterfall.

Discover how, since 1584, Aberdulais helped put Wales at the nucleus of industrial revolution. A family and environmentally friendly experience with Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest generating water wheel. A warm welcome whatever the weather.

01639 636674 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Welsh Surfing Federation Surf School Llangennith, Swansea SA3 1HU

We specialise in teaching absolute beginners to surf. All equipment provided. Individuals and groups welcome. Open Spring to Autumn. Owned by the governing body for surfing in Wales, and the only surf school based at Hillend Caravan and Campsite in Llangennith on Gower. British Surfing Association approved.

01792 386426 www.wsfsurfschool.co.uk 44/visitswanseabay.com

Heart of Wales (Railway) Line

Swansea - Llandrindod Wells Shrewsbury 08457 484950 www.heart-of-wales.co.uk

Plantasia

Parc Tawe, Swansea SA1 2AL An exotic rainforest of plants and animals situated in the heart of the city. From insects, reptiles, fish and monkeys to banana/pineapple plants, prickly cacti and giant bamboo - this all-weather attraction has it all, including an exciting events programme. Open daily 10am-5pm (closed Mondays December/January). Admission fees apply. Coffee shop and gift shop on site.

01792 474555 www.plantasia.org

Morriston Golf Club

Glynn Vivian Art Gallery

Alexandra Road, Swansea SA1 5DZ 01792 516900 www.glynnviviangallery.org

160 Clasemont Road, Morriston, Swansea SA6 6AJ Challenging 18 hole parkland course close to M4 and Gower Peninsula.

Welcoming clubhouse and 19th hole for apres golf. Resident professional with shop and practice facilities.

Special rates for visitors.

01792 796528 morristongolf@btconnect.com

Attractions & Activities

45/visitswanseabay.com

Attractions & Activities

The Lovespoon Gallery

Call of The Wild Ltd

83 Church Road, Seven Sisters, Neath SA10 9DT

Surf GSD - Gower Surf School

PO Box 83, Swansea SA3 4XX Established over a decade ago, SurfGSD is one of the premier British Surfing Association approved surf schools. Recently featured on The Gadget show, Anna Richardson's Supersize versus Superskinny and in the highly acclaimed Coast magazine.

SurfGSD is open all year round.

From children to adults, beginners to next-step surfers, all are welcome on our tailored surf courses.

01792 417170 www.gowersurfing.com

Dylan Thomas Centre Somerset Place, Swansea SA1 1RR

Adventure activities for all ages and abilities such as canyoning, caving, climbing, gorge walking, quads, paintball and clays. Get up close and personal with the amazing Welsh countryside. Current Welsh Small Business and National Team Building Company of the Year.

01639 700388 www.callofthewild.co.uk

Swansea Grand Theatre Singleton Street, Swansea SA1 3QJ

Attic Gallery

A cultural gem in the heart of Swansea, the theatre provides an exciting programme of live events as well as an eclectic mix of performances and exhibitions in its Arts Wing. For full listings see website or contact box office.

01792 653387 www.atticgallery.co.uk

01792 475715 www.swanseagrand.co.uk

Gower Kiteriders/Go Wake

Margam Country Park

37 Pocketts Wharf, Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 3XL Attic Gallery has been showing the best of Welsh contemporary art since 1962. Situated on the eastern edge of the Marina, the gallery has an exciting and varied exhibition programme.

SA1 Waterfront, Kings Road, Swansea 07795 251986 www.gowake.co.uk

The focal point for fans worldwide, the Centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home to a permanent Dylan Thomas exhibition, and year-round programme of arts events, including the Dylan Thomas Festival. Explore the books and gifts in the bookshop-cafĂŠ. Talks and tours available on request.

National Trust Shop & Visitor Centre - Rhossili

01792 463980 www.dylanthomas.com

01792 390707 rhossili.shop@nationaltrust.org.uk

46/visitswanseabay.com

492, Mumbles Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BX 01792 360132 www.thelovespoongallery.com

Rhossili, Gower, SA3 1PR Explore a fantastic shop and exciting Visitor Centre, set in the heart of iconic Rhossili Bay, filled with the quality and uniqueness that you can expect from the National Trust.

Margam, Port Talbot SA13 2TJ 01639 881635 www.npt.gov.uk/margampark

Gower Heritage Centre

Mill Buildings, Parkmill, Swansea SA3 2EH 01792 371206 www.gowerheritagecentre.co.uk

Gower

07866 250440 www.gowercoastadventures.co.uk

Clyne Farm Riding & Activity Centre Clyne Farm,

Westport Ave, Swansea SA3 5AR 01792 403333 info@clynefarm.com

Teamforce Paintball Centre (Teamforce UK Ltd)

Llangyfelach Road, Swansea SA5 7PE 01792 772311 www.teamforceuk.com

Dylan Thomas Birth House 5 Cwmdonkin Drive Tours

West Glamorgan Archives

Uplands, Swansea SA2 0RA 01792 472555 tours@5cwmdonkindrive.com

Discover your family history amongst the archives at Swansea Civic Centre. Explore our bookshop for gifts and souvenirs with a local flavour. Relax afterwards and enjoy the sea views at the café in the Civic Centre foyer.

Princess Royal Theatre

Civic Centre, Oystermouth Road, Swansea SA1 3SN

01792 636589 www.swansea.gov.uk/ westglamorganarchives

Civic Centre, Port Talbot SA13 1PJ The impressive Princess Royal Theatre is a multi purpose venue and boasts 798 seats. Ideal venue for professional and amateur shows, concerts, musicals, conferences, exhibitions, children’s shows and weddings.

01639 763214 www.princessroyaltheatre.com

Margam Country Park, Port Talbot SA13 2TJ A tree-top adventure based in the heart of Margam Country Park. Go Ape is an award winning adventure set 40 feet up in the trees! Swing, crawl and climb your way through high wires, tricky crossings and wind-smattering zip wires.

0845 094 8554 www.goape.co.uk 47/visitswanseabay.com

Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 3RD

Baldwin’s Crescent, Crymlyn Burrows, Swansea SA1 8PT Experience the sights and sounds of life during WWII. 1940’s clothes to try on. Indoor street scene. Fun for all ages! Open all year. Shop, café. Admission charge.

Using a mixture of cutting-edge interactive technology, real-life artefacts and more, the Museum covers almost every imaginable aspect of Wales' industrial and social history over the past 300 years.

Visit us and lose yourself in Wales’ newest museum, where the technology of today puts the past at your fingertips.

Free entry.

01792 458864 www.1940sswanseabay.co.uk

01792 638950 www.museumwales.ac.uk

1940’s Swansea Bay

Go Ape! Margam

National Waterfront Museum

For more information on what to see and do, places to visit and where to stay in Swansea Bay, Mumbles and Gower

visitswanseabay.com

Attractions & Activities

Gower Coast Adventures

Attractions & Activities

Dryad Bushcraft Gower

01792 547213 www.dryadbushcraft.co.uk

Breakout Adventure

26 Woodland Avenue, West Cross, Swansea SA3 5LY 01792 406023 www.breakoutadventure.org.uk

Action Bikes Cycle Hire 5 St David’s Square Swansea SA1 3LG

City and County of Swansea Parks Swansea

Swansea has 52 areas of green space to complement our coastline.

The collections of Singleton Park Botanical Gardens and Clyne Gardens, as well as the recently renovated Brynmill Park, are a must-see on any tour of the region's gardens and green spaces.

All three have been awarded the coveted Green Flag for excellence, and feature special events throughout the year.

Discover the bays, beaches and cycle tracks of Swansea and Gower. Adults and kids bikes available with trailers, childseats and tag-a-longs. Located in city centre close to seafront, cycle path and marina.

01792 464640 actionbikesswansea@yahoo.com

Swansea Museum

Victoria Road, Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 1SN

The oldest museum in Wales is now accessible to all visitors. It gives a feel of Swansea life, past and present, from the Egyptian Mummy to the nearby Tramway Centre and floating exhibits. The Museum’s Collection Centre, open Wednesdays, is a short drive away.

01792 653763 www.swansea.gov.uk/swanseamuseum

Dynamic Rock Adventures Ltd 16-18 Hebron

Road, Clydach, Swansea SA6 5EJ 01792 845655 www.dynamicrock.co.uk

MLTW

Lliw Reservoir Café and Fishery

01792 468321 www.breatheswansea.com

Felindre, Swansea SA5 7NA Lower Lliw Reservoir is a beautiful, tranquil place only a few miles from Swansea. Lovely walks, good fishing, local food and drink in the refurbished café and a friendly welcome.

01792 781521 www.mawrcommunity.org.uk

Cynonville, Port Talbot SA13 3HG 01639 850564 www.afanforestpark.co.uk

Pony Trekking

Oxwich Castle

White Springs

Parc-le-Breos House, Parkmill, Gower, Swansea SA3 2HA 01792 371636 www.parclebreos.co.uk 48/visitswanseabay.com

Oxwich, Gower, Swansea SA3 1NG 01792 390359 www.cadw.wales.gov.uk

Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre

Pontarddulais, Swansea SA4 8QG 01792 885699 www.whitespringsfishery.co.uk

South Wales Miners Museum Afan Forest Park, Cynonville, Port Talbot SA13 3HG

Herbert Street, Pontardawe, Swansea SA8 4ED Pontardawe Arts Centre has gained a reputation as one of the finest cultural venues in South Wales. Theatre, dance studio, cinema, meeting rooms and art gallery. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something for everyone.

(01792 863722 www.pontardaweartscentre.com

The Visitor Centre, Gnoll Estate, Fairyland, Neath SA11 3BS (01639 635808 www.visitnpt.co.uk

Coynant Farm Park and Fishery Coynant Farm,

Visit our award winning Museum located in the beautiful Afan Valley where men once tunnelled for coal.

Take a journey back in time and visit our three dimensional exhibition of a working day in the life of a miner.

Dulais Valley Quads

(01639 851833 www.southwalesminersmuseum.co.uk

Nant-y-Cafn Farm, Seven Sisters, Neath SA10 9EU (01639 701768 www.dulaisvalley-quads.co.uk

49/visitswanseabay.com

Gnoll Estate Country Park

Felindre, Swansea SA5 7PU Three lakes Course or Trout. Carp to 28 lb. 200 spectacular acres with farm, wildlife animals & birds, woodland picnic trails and wide open spaces. Something to see and do for everyone.

(01269 592064 www.coynant.btinternet.co.uk

Attractions & Activities

Pontardawe Arts Centre

For FREE copies of up to THREE Holiday Area brochures please tick the appropriate boxes and send to: Visit Wales, Dept J12, PO Box 1, Cardiff CF24 2XN Area 1

Area 2

Area 3

Area 4

Area 5

Area 6

Area 7

Area 8

Area 10

Area 11

Area 12

Area 13

Name (please print): Address (please print):

Post Code:

Published by the City and County of Swansea © Copyright 2011.

Standard disclaimers apply and are available from the Tourist Information Centre on ( 01792 468321.

Front cover: Sailing on Swansea Bay Back cover: Three Cliffs, Gower

Image Credits and Copyrights Main images by Peter Price of A Frame Photography, with additional images by Robert Preddy The following images are used with the kind permission of: Visit Wales © Crown Copyright: p01 Swansea Marina, p03 cockles, p05 National Waterfront Museum, Promenade, Castle Square, LC, p06 Neath Abbey, p10 Cyclist, Swansea Market, Rhossili Bay, Bushcraft on Gower 5 Cwmdonkin Drive, Mrs A Haden: p05 Dylan Thomas plaque CADW © Crown Copyright: p06 Margam Stone Cross Welsh Assembly Government © Crown Copyright: Welsh beef

This Guide is available in alternative formats, please contact the Tourist Information Centre (( 01792 468321) for details.

More holiday areas

5 Mid Wales and the Brecon Beacons www.exploremidwales.com

2

1

3 4

6 Ceredigion – Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Mountains www.tourism.ceredigion.gov.uk 5

6

7

7 Pembrokeshire www.visitpembrokeshire.com

8 9

13

10 12

11

Swansea Bay is one of the 13 Holiday Areas within Wales.

Each area has its own distinct character.

1 The Isle of Anglesey www.visitanglesey.co.uk 2 Llandudno and Colwyn Bay Rhyl and Prestatyn www.visitllandudno.org.uk www.visitrhylandprestatyn.co.uk

4 Snowdonia Mountains and Coast/ Eryri Mynyddoedd a Môr www.visitsnowdonia.info

10 The Valleys – Heart and Soul of Wales www.thevalleys.co.uk 11 Cardiff, capital of Wales www.visitcardiff.com 12 The Most Southerly Point in Wales – The Glamorgan Heritage Coast and Countryside www.visitthevale.com www.visitbridgend.com 13 The Wye Valley and Vale of Usk www.visitwyevalley.com

To order FREE copies of up to THREE Holiday Area brochures see overleaf.

SBHG 1210

3 The North Wales Borderlands www.northwalesborderlands.co.uk

8 Carmarthenshire – Carmarthen Bay www.discovercarmarthenshire.com