swansea bay Mumbles and Gower 2010
Attractions
SwanseaBay visitswanseabay.com
Welcome! Maximise your me time! This handy guide is just the thing to help you make the most of your visit, whether the weather is warm, wet or windy! But if you do need further information, then pop in to see the friendly and knowledgeable team at Swansea Tourist Information Centre in Plymouth Street, behind the Grand Theatre, (( 01792 468321) or go to our website, visitswanseabay.com Have a good time! Look out for this symbol - it means that the attraction is accredited by Visit Wales as a Quality Assured Visitor Attraction. V
Contents 4
Swansea
5
Mumbles
6
Gower
8
Events & Entertainment
12
Arts & Crafts
15
Nature & Wildlife
16
Family Fun
19
Heritage & History
22
Castles
24
Parks & Gardens
28
Shopping & Local Markets
30
Getting About
31
Area Map visitswanseabay.com
3
Welcome! Maximise your me time! This handy guide is just the thing to help you make the most of your visit, whether the weather is warm, wet or windy! But if you do need further information, then pop in to see the friendly and knowledgeable team at Swansea Tourist Information Centre in Plymouth Street, behind the Grand Theatre, (( 01792 468321) or go to our website, visitswanseabay.com Have a good time! Look out for this symbol - it means that the attraction is accredited by Visit Wales as a Quality Assured Visitor Attraction. V
Contents 4
Swansea
5
Mumbles
6
Gower
8
Events & Entertainment
12
Arts & Crafts
15
Nature & Wildlife
16
Family Fun
19
Heritage & History
22
Castles
24
Parks & Gardens
28
Shopping & Local Markets
30
Getting About
31
Area Map visitswanseabay.com
3
Swansea The SA1 Waterfront is a stylish start to five miles of glorious coastline, and it’s attractions all the way as you work down the coast - Plantasia, Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea Museum, National Waterfront Museum, the LC Leisure Complex, Theatres, Promenade, Lido, Boating Lake, and award winning Parks and Gardens. Many are within walking distance of each other and are on easy bus routes. The City is also tops for shopping and entertainment in the evening; fancy a film? Or maybe theatre? Catch a quick bite or enjoy the latest catch (seafood is our speciality!).
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Mumbles The ‘Mumbles’ are the headlands jutting out into Swansea Bay and topped by the lighthouse; but we like the name so much we use it for the whole of this lovely Victorian seaside village. Candy coloured fishermen’s cottages line narrow streets and yachts sail in the bay. Hug the headland road to find Bracelet Bay and Limeslade. What’s not to like? With its very own medieval castle, Victorian ironwork pier, Nature Reserve and all manner of arts, crafts, boutiques, cosy cafés, fantastic fine dining … and four Welsh Italian ice cream parlours. visitswanseabay.com
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Gower Surprising statistics. What is only 19 miles long but has over 34 miles of coastline, 83 scheduled ancient monuments, 67 ancient woodlands and 6 Nature Reserves? It’s the UK’s first ever Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A captivating combination of coast and countryside with evocative names like Three Cliffs Bay, Pobbles, Worm’s Head and Rhossili Bay. If the names are memorable, wait until you see the views! Our beaches are legendary; miles of sand (the fine, golden type - just right for castles), award-winning (that means safe and clean - good to know), and many with easy access and great facilities just off the beach (great for when you hear the shout ‘can I have an ice cream?’).
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Events & Entertainment A good place to start for a ‘Grand’ night out. Our City Centre theatre has divas, drama and dames; with summer season rep, opera, dance, comedy, children’s entertainment and, of course … panto! But, that’s not all. Below is a taster of our events line-up for 2010 - music, theatre, sport, fun for kids – and we’re always adding more. For the very latest events news go to: visitswanseabay.com/events
Swansea Grand Theatre Singleton Street, Swansea SA1 3QJ
A cultural gem at the very heart of Swansea, the Grand Theatre provides an exciting programme of live events and more every season. An eclectic mix of performances and exhibitions is provided in its Arts Wing. Theatre Tours also arranged. For full listings of our shows and events see our website www.swanseagrand.co.uk or contact our box office on 01792 475715. www.swanseagrand.co.uk 8
( 01792 475715
January BBC National Orchestra of Wales (23rd) Abertawe Festival for Young Musicians (28th-2nd Feb) Wales International Open Indoor Bowls (30th-5th Feb)
February Swansea City Opera, ‘The Pearl Fishers’ (16th) BBC National Orchestra of Wales (20th) St David’s Day Celebrations (22nd-1st Mar)
March BBC National Orchestra of Wales (5th) Welsh Regional Brass Band Championships (20th-21st)
April Welsh National Opera, ‘Tosca’ (16th) & ‘Carmen’ (17th) Gorseinon Food Festival (24th) Mumbles Mostly Jazz & Blues Festival (30th-3rd May)
May Clyne in Bloom (1st-31st) Fortress Wales (2nd-3rd) Swansea Bay Film Festival (8th-16th) Mumbles Navy Days (29th-31st tbc) visitswanseabay.com
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June Gower Walking Festival (5th-21st) Gower Folk Festival (11th-13th) Escape into the Park (12th) South Wales Boat Show (18th-20th) Outdoor Theatre
July Margam Festival (1st-31st) Gower Festival (17th-31st) Gower Rock Festival (23rd24th) Aberavon Beach Festival
August Gower Show (1st) Botanics in Bloom (1st-31st) Pontardawe Festival (13th-22nd) Swansea Bay Beer Festival (26th-28th) World Party Weekend (28th-29th) Outdoor Theatre
September Festival of the Horse (4th-5th) Neath September Fair (8th-11th) ‘Regenerations 2010’ – Dr Who Convention (18th-20th) Gower Cycling Festival (18th-25th) Afan Monster Mountain Bike Endurance Challenge (25th) Admiral Swansea Bay 10k (26th) Bae Fest Proms in the Park* 10
October Swansea Festival of Music and the Arts (8th-17th) Dylan Thomas Festival (27th-9th Nov) Neath Food Festival
November ‘Sparks in the Dark’ Fireworks Display (5th) Christmas in Swansea Parade, Illuminations, Christmas Markets and of course… Waterfront Winterland! (21st-2nd Jan)
December Christmas in Swansea continues! BBC National Orchestra of Wales (14th) The Gower Chorale Perform Handel’s Messiah (18th) South Wales Miner’s Museum Christmas Craft Fair
Event information was correct at time of publication, please check visitswanseabay.com/events before visiting. * to be confirmed
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Arts, Crafts and Galleries Start at the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery for old masters, rare Swansea Pottery and cutting edge exhibitions. Maritime Quarter galleries show the best in local work; and there’s definitely something in the air in Mumbles – art galleries, craft shops and potteries bring out the creative side in everyone. Poet Dylan Thomas was a rebel and a celebrity – and we love him for it! So much so, he has his own Dylan Thomas Centre, home to a unique exhibition and a strong literary programme, culminating in the annual Dylan Thomas Festival. visitswanseabay.com/arts
The Lovespoon Gallery 492 Mumbles Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BX Since 1987 the original gallery, with hundreds of designs from individual carvers. Our beautiful handcarved Welsh Lovespoons are the perfect souvenir or a memento for all special occasions. Open Mon - Sat, 10am - 5.30pm. www.thelovespoongallery.com ( 01792 360132 12
Glynn Vivian Art Gallery Alexandra Road, Swansea SA1 5DZ The Glynn Vivian offers a range of visual arts from the original bequest of Richard Glynn Vivian (1835 - 1910) to 20th century Welsh Art, which is complemented by the lively contemporary exhibitions programme. Free activities, events and workshops available. Visit the website for details. Open all year, Tues - Sun (closed Mondays except Bank Holidays), 10am - 5pm. V
www.glynnviviangallery.org
( 01792 516900
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Mumbles Pottery 626 Mumbles Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4EA Affordable, individual selection of quality gift ideas all hand crafted on the premises. Come and throw or paint your own pottery, it's easy and fun! Open Mar Dec, daily, 10am - 5pm (for Jan and Feb telephone). www.mumblespottery.co.uk ( 01792 361245
Dylan Thomas Centre Somerset Place, Swansea SA1 1RR The centre celebrates the life of Dylan Thomas with its permanent exhibition. It’s also the home of the Dylan Thomas Festival and regular literary events. The venue also has a restaurant and bookshop cafÊ. Weddings and conferences are also accommodated. Open all year, daily, 10am - 4.30pm. V
www.swansea.gov.uk/dtc 14
( 01792 463980
Nature & Wildlife Our green spaces are great places to enjoy the views, the wildlife and the tranquillity. The National Trust protects much of our Gower Coastline, and across the region we have 10 Nature Reserves and 24 Wildlife Trust Reserves – some of international importance. All offer sanctuary to birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles and mammals – in very diverse habitats ranging from grassland, woodland, wetlands and sand dunes to salt marsh. And our new Wildflower Centre on Gower is doing its bit for the British bee with its natural planting programme. visitswanseabay.com/naturereserves
Gower Wildflower & Local Produce Centre Blackhills Lane, Swansea SA2 7JN Wales' only wildflower centre, and Gower's local produce shop and café. Delicious home baked food using home grown and Gower produce. Enjoy relaxing afternoon teas in peaceful countryside. Open daily. www.gowerwildflowers.co.uk ( 01792 298496 visitswanseabay.com 15
Family Fun Where can you surf (the real deal) inside and out? Here! Our LC Leisure Complex is the place to go; as well as the Boardrider, the exhilarating Master Blaster, waterslides and Wave Pool, there’s the 30ft Climbing Wall, Playzone, state of the art gym and spa. They mean it when they say there’s something for everyone! Next door, the National Waterfront Museum encourages kids to get interactive with our history. Over the road it’s all plants, fish, and parakeets at tropical Plantasia. The Gower Heritage Centre has a working water mill, the Swansea Bay Rider chugs along the Prom, you can even ride a Dragon on our Boating Lake or go for a white water ride along the Gower coastline. visitswanseabay.com/funforall
The Chocolate Factory Kingsway, Swansea Industrial Park, Swansea SA5 4DL Visit the Chocolate Factory for a really chocolatey experience! Please visit our website for opening times. Open Jan - Dec, Mon - Fri, booking essential. www.michton.com 16
( 01792 561617
Gower Coast Adventures Gower Friendly, family-run business established in summer 2003. Aiming to provide a breathtaking, interactive tour of the South Gower Coast. Operating from Knab Rock, Mumbles. Open Mar - Oct, daily, 8am - 8pm. V www.gowercoastadventures.co.uk ( 07866 250440
Gower Heritage Centre Mill Buildings, Parkmill, Swansea SA3 2EH A 12th Century watermill with tearooms, children’s play areas, craft activities and shops, animal enclosure, Wales’ smallest cinema, blacksmith, woodturner, woollen mill, farming museum and accommodation. Open all year. V www.gowerheritagecentre.co.uk ( 01792 371206
Heart of Wales (Railway) Line Swansea - Llandrindod Wells Shrewsbury Choose the Heart of Wales Line for a relaxing day out exploring the hills and valleys of Mid Wales. Glorious views, splendid walks and fine places to stay. Open all year, see website for details. www.heart-of-wales.co.uk ( 0845 748 4950
National Waterfront Museum Oystermouth Road, Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 3RD Looking for free family fun? Visit the National Waterfront Museum. Explore the rich history of Welsh industry and innovation, where the technology of today puts the past at your fingertips. Open daily, 10am - 5pm. V www.museumwales.ac.uk ( 01792 638950 visitswanseabay.com 17
Mumbles Pier Mumbles Road, Swansea SA3 4EN Try Happy Hour coffee while looking out over Swansea Bay, with great food, a friendly pub, state of the art amusements, a private beach - oh, and a Victorian Pier too! Open all year, daily, 10am - 10pm. www.mumbles-pier.co.uk ( 01792 365225
LC Oystermouth Road, Swansea SA1 3ST LC is South Wales’ premier leisure complex, jam packed with activities for all ages including the fantastic waterpark, 30ft climbing wall and indoor play area. Open all year, see website for details. V www.thelcswansea.com ( 01792 466500
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Heritage & History Mystery tour. No need to stay in the dark. There are lots of ways to shine a light on our history. It’s all high tech and interactive at the National Waterfront Museum - not to mention fun. Or you could dig for buried historical treasure at our Archives. And Swansea Museum should be in a museum (so said Dylan Thomas) - it’s the oldest in Wales - you can delve even further here to prehistoric Swansea Bay! visitswanseabay.com/history
1940’s Swansea Bay Baldwin’s Crescent, Crymlyn Burrows, Swansea SA1 8PT Experience the sights and sounds of life during WWII. 1940’s clothes and uniforms to try on. Fun for everyone! Indoor street scene, shop, cafe, special events, groups welcome. Open daily, 10am - 4pm, details on website. V www.1940sswanseabay.co.uk ( 01792 458864
West Glamorgan Archives Civic Centre, Oystermouth Road, Swansea SA1 3SN A service for those who wish to delve into our area’s past. You can trace your family tree and discover more of our maritime and industrial heritage. Details on website. www.swansea.gov.uk/ westglamorganarchives
( 01792 636589 visitswanseabay.com 19
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. Swansea Museum is open all year, Tuesday to Sunday, 10am - 5pm. The Museum’s Collection Centre, open on Wednesdays, is a short drive away. www.swansea.gov.uk/ swanseamuseum
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( 01792 653763
Neath Port Talbot Museums Neath Port Talbot Fun filled hours at NPT Museums. Follow the history of Neath and its coal mining past at two great museums. Neath Museum open all year Tuesday to Saturday. Cefn Coed Colliery Museum open daily from March to October. Free entry.
www.npt.gov.uk/museums
( 01639 645726
Aberdulais Falls The National Trust, Aberdulais Falls, Aberdulais, Neath SA10 8EU An historic Victorian tinplate works is what remains of 400 years of industrial innovation. Today, Aberdulais Falls generates its own 'green' electricity from Europe's largest waterwheel. Fully accessible for all. Details on website. www.nationaltrust.org.uk ( 01639 636674 20
National Waterfront Museum
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Castles How do you like your castles? Impressive medieval keeps, fortified Tudor manor houses or brooding ruins cursed by the Queen of the Faeries (yes, really!). We even have a medieval castle in a farmyard. They’ve all got stories to tell of conquering Norman lords, rebel uprisings or Tudor gentlemen favoured by the new court of Henry VII. visitswanseabay.com/history
Oxwich Castle Gower, Swansea SA3 1NG The remains of this magnificent Tudor mansion, created by the Mansel family during the sixteenth century stands on a headland above the wide sweep of Oxwich Bay. Open Mar - Oct, Mon - Sat, 10am - 5pm. www.cadw.wales.gov.uk ( 01792 390359
Oystermouth Castle Off Newton Road, Mumbles, Swansea Visit website for opening times of castle. Grounds and woodland walks are open all year. www.swansea.gov.uk/ oystermouthcastle 2 22
( 01792 468321
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Parks & Gardens You can’t tame Mother Nature - but in the parks and gardens across the City our park keepers have certainly managed to bring out the best in her. We have our very own secret garden in a quiet corner of Singleton Park; walk into a world of colour which changes with the seasons. Clyne Park glows red and pink in springtime, as azaleas and rhododendrons bloom. Victorian Brynmill Park has just had a makeover, Cwmdonkin Park, the favourite of Swansea poet Dylan Thomas, is a short walk from his childhood home, while many of our parks feature activities from tennis and bowls to crazy golf! Go undercover at Plantasia, perfect for rainy days, but also perfect if you like plants from the tropics, parakeets, and cotton-top tamarin monkeys. visitswanseabay.com/gardens
Margam Country Park Margam, Port Talbot SA13 2TJ Set in 1000 acres of glorious parklands, Margam Country Park offers beauty, history, wildlife and a wide range of facilities to make it one of the best days out in Wales for all the family. Open all year, daily, 10am - 5pm. www.npt.gov.uk/margampark ( 01639 881635 24
Singleton Park & Botanical Gardens Singleton Park, off Gower Road, Swansea SA2 9DU Home to one of Wales' premier plant collections with spectacular herbaceous borders and large glasshouses. Perfect relaxing family day out. For opening times see website. www.breatheswansea.com ( 01792 205327
Clyne Gardens Blackpill, Swansea SA3 5BD Beautiful and varied national collections of plants set in picturesque award-winning parkland. Open all year.
www.breatheswansea.com
( 01792 205327 visitswanseabay.com 25
Plantasia Parc Tawe Swansea SA1 2AL
An exotic world 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, perfect for that unique family day out. Open daily 10am-5pm (closed Mondays, December & January). Admission fees apply. Coffee shop and gift shop on site. www.plantasia.org
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( 01792 474555
·.-1breathe swansea
~
• onadlu obertowe My Swansea City and County of Swansea Fy Abertawe Dinas a Sir Abertawe
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Shopping & Local Markets There are different types of shopping. The ‘must get something to wear for tonight’ shopping, the ‘ooh Penclawdd cockles and locally caught fresh fish’ shopping and ‘that watercolour of Mumbles would be a lovely keepsake’ shopping. We specialise in all three varieties here. The City Centre has your favourite stores, interesting boutiques and Wales’ largest indoor market for fresh local produce (including cockles and warm welshcakes fresh from the bakestone). Our Farmer’s Markets and local produce centres will make your mouth water and easy to get to ‘out of town’ shopping centres have all the big names. Mumbles has a different pace … you could spend the whole day browsing (fortified by the lovely cafés and coffee shops!). www.visitswanseabay.com/food
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Bwyd blasus gan bobl go iawn Real food from real people
© Crown copyright (2009) Visit Wales
Ymwelwch â marchnadoedd ffermwyr a siopau fferm i gwrdd â’r brodorion! Visit farmers’markets and farm shops to meet the locals! Cynnyrch o safon o siopau fferm, marchnadoedd ffermwyr, cynlluniau bocsys ac ar-lein Quality produce direct from farm shops, farmers’markets, box schemes and on-line
www.fforchifforc.org.uk www.fork2fork.org.uk
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Getting About Easy peasy. Swansea Bay, at the heart of South Wales, is easily reached by motorway, express coaches and high speed train links. When you arrive, park your car, and become an explorer! Go by bus or on foot. The area operates a Park & Ride scheme from three sites; Landore, Fforestfach and Fabian Way (A483), with frequent services to and from the City Centre. And now you can go 'Walking by Bus' with our short circular walks linked to bus routes. There are 5 'Walking by Bus' leaflets (including Worm's Head and Llanmadoc). You can pick them up from Swansea Tourist Information Centre or download them from visitswanseabay.com/walkingbybus First Cymru, the Gower Explorer and Lliwlink networks provide bus services to all parts of the area, including most parts of Gower. The ftrmetro bus is servicing Swansea City Centre, Liberty Stadium, Morriston and Swansea University. For further information about travelling to or within Swansea Bay, Mumbles and Gower, call Traveline Cymru ( 0871 200 2233 or visit www.travelinecymru.info
This publication is available in alternative formats. Contact the Tourist Information Centre for further details, (01792 468321. 30
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
Image credits and copyrights ©Crown Copyright (2010) Visit Wales Cover, Pennard golf, Surfing. Pony trekking; p8, surfers; p13. The Council of the City & County of Swansea cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this brochure and accepts no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation, liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by the reliance on the information contained in this brochure unless caused by the negligent act or omission of the Council. Please check and confirm all details before booking or travelling.
Finding Out Swansea Tourist Information Centre Plymouth Street, Swansea SA1 3QG (01792 468321 tourism@swansea.gov.uk visitswanseabay.com Open all year Other TICs Mumbles (01792 361302 *info@mumblestic.co.uk Open all year Aberdulais (01639 636674 *aberdulaistic@nationaltrust.org.uk Open all year (November to March, weekends only) National Trust Visitor Centre Coastguard Cottages, Rhossili, Gower, Swansea SA3 1PR (01792 390707 Shopmobility Unit 12, St. Davids Sq, Swansea SA1 3LG (Due to relocate September 2010) (01792 461785 Coastguard (01792 366534 Published by the City & County of Swansea Š Copyright 2010 City and County of Swansea Dinas a Sir Abertawe
Finding Out Swansea Tourist Information Centre Plymouth Street, Swansea SA1 3QG 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
Image credits and copyrights ©Crown Copyright (2010) Visit Wales - Cover; Aberdulais Falls, Oystermouth Castle. Family on beach; p6. The Council of the City & County of Swansea cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this brochure and accepts no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation, liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by the reliance on the information contained in this brochure unless caused by the negligent act or omission of the Council. Please check and confirm all details before booking or travelling.
(01792 468321 tourism@swansea.gov.uk visitswanseabay.com Open all year Other TICs Mumbles (01792 361302 *info@mumblestic.co.uk Open all year Aberdulais (01639 636674 *aberdulaistic@nationaltrust.org.uk Open all year (November to March, weekends only) National Trust Visitor Centre Coastguard Cottages, Rhossili, Gower, Swansea SA3 1PR (01792 390707 Shopmobility Unit 12, St. Davids Sq, Swansea SA1 3LG (Due to relocate September 2010) (01792 461785 Coastguard (01792 366534
Published by the City & County of Swansea © Copyright 2010