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Swansea Bay, Mumbles and Gower 2014 Happy Birthday Dylan Thomas It’s the centenary year of Swansea’s most famous son. No wonder we’re pushing the boat out to celebrate. Throughout 2014 we’re remembering Dylan’s life and work. It’s one more reason to visit our bright, buzzy city and rather lovely coast and countryside, an area brimming with sandy bays and wild woodland seemingly designed for hikers and bikers. Swansea has changed a lot since Dylan’s time. We wonder what he’d make of the surfers on his boyhood beaches, the City’s Premier League football team and our glittering Waterfront. Some things haven’t changed though. Green Gower is still the unspoilt paradise that inspired the artist as a young dog (to borrow from his Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog). And you can still count on a hearty Swansea welcome wherever you go. While the City might have had a cosmopolitan makeover since Dylan’s day, it’s still bursting with the warm, vibrant personality that informed his writing.
Inside the guide 02
Dylan: A local legend, 100 years in the making Help us celebrate a very special birthday
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Sea here Dive into an ocean of possibilities in Wales’ Waterfront City
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Attraction stations There’s so much to do in our city by the sea
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Sights, camera, action! Gorgeous Gower is picture-perfect, but it’s more than just a pretty face
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Making waves The Gower Peninsula is home to a raft of chart-topping beaches
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Listen up Cool, cosmopolitan Mumbles has plenty to shout about
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Mawr than meets the eye The Mawr moors, a walkers’ green, great escape
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Green giants The Afan Valley and Vale of Neath are lush and leafy, lined with woods and waterfalls
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2014 Events There’s a lot going on this year
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Useful Info Getting here and making plans
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Maps Find your bearings
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Dylan Thomas:
A local legend, 100 years in the making A Swansea boy with a way with words
in English Dylan Thomas conjured up a whole new world, writing observations, but with a lyricism that’s utterly, unmistakably Welsh. His of a child, on on some occasions through the puzzled, innocent eyes s unique. others through a weary nostalgia, are mostly evocative, alway ial year A Swansea boy, born in 1914. So 2014 is a very spec s. We’ll be grow for us. One hundred years on, his stature grows and l be able to celebrating his life and times in a big way. We hope you’l a year long share them here in Dylan’s home, where we’re staging ative, Festival based on his life and work, with all kinds of innov engaging and fun events.
Welcome to the party We’re pulling out all the stops to mark Dylan’s centenary. r There’s the world premiere of a new opera based on Unde ition exhib ial Milk Wood, a Dylan themed walking festival, a spec al Dylan of the writer’s poetry notebooks and, of course, our annu ever. Thomas Festival – which will be bigger and better than ’s That’s just scratching the surface. For full details of what on, see opposite or visit www.dylanthomas.com
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Dylan’s town
experience Whenever you come, you’ll find that Dylan is an everyday bronze chair in our city. He’s everywhere. You’ll see him sitting on his have thought overlooking our swanky modern marina (what would he Park, the of that?). And sense his spirit in places like Cwmdonkin ’. Go there young Dylan’s ‘world within the world of the sea town Dylan heard, now. Close your eyes and you’ll hear the same sounds children playing, dogs barking. He lived, Mind you, ‘you’ve got to be a Sherpa to get there’. inside, or – up, up and away at 5 Cwmdonkin Drive. Take a peek d style, is even better – stay. The Edwardian villa, fitted out in perio open for tours and overnight stays. Drop into the Dylan Thomas Centre to get even closer to the man. You’ll see him there and hear him speak in that rich, rolling voice of his. You’ll also see a fascinating collection of artefacts, from old school photos to the blue painted door of his writing shed.
12th Feb On The Edge: Number 5 Cwmdonkin Drive, by Liz Wride, performance 18th – 22nd Mar Under Milk Wood, performance directed by Terry Hands 3rd – 5th Apr Under Milk Wood: an opera, in association with Welsh National Opera 10th May Under the Cranes, film & Q&A, with poet Michael Rosen 26th May Reminiscences of Childhood, solo performance 31st May – 31st Aug Dylan Thomas Notebooks Exhibition 7th Jun Dylan Thomas’ War: the Pacifist, the Propagandist and the Swansea Blitz, tour, talk and film screening 13th Jun Dylan Thomas Walk, with the Gower Walking Festival 10th Jul Under Milk Wood Jazz Suite, with the Gower Festival 12th Jul Dylan Thomas’ Swansea Uplands: the Boy and the Young Dog, tour and lecture, featuring Hannah Ellis, Dylan’s granddaughter 19th Jul Dylan Thomas’ Swansea Hollywood: the Mummy and the Old Dark House, tour, talk and film screening featuring scriptwriter Andrew Davies 5th Sep – 24th Dec Dylan Thomas Manuscripts Exhibition 6th Sep Dylan Thomas, the Kardomah Gang, the Actor and the Comedian, tour and talk featuring Jeff Towns, Chairman of the Dylan Thomas Society 3rd – 4th Oct Time Let Me Play, Dylan Thomas’ poetry set to music, featuring concert artist Keith James 11th Oct – Feb 2015 Dylan Thomas by Alfred Janes, art exhibition
11th Oct Wales Premiere of A Dylan Thomas Trilogy, with Swansea Festival of Music & the Arts, featuring the BBC National Orchestra 18th Oct Russian State Philharmonic Orchestra play Karl Jenkins’ ‘Llareggub’, with Swansea Festival of Music & the Arts 19th – 28th Oct The Beginning, ten days of celebration leading up to the 100th anniversary! 24th – 26th Oct Do Not Go Gentle Festival, featuring music, literature, comedy and film 27th Oct – 9th Nov Dylan Thomas Festival, events and special guests as our annual Festival celebrates Dylan’s centenary 4th – 8th Nov A Child’s Christmas in Wales, Michael Bogdanov’s production of Dylan’s classic story
Dylan’s Swansea, performance based guided tours, with Fluellen Theatre Company: various dates Apr to Nov.
D yla n T ho m as Attractions & Ac tiv iti es Dylan Thomas Centre Somerset Place, Swansea SA1 1R R ( 01792 463980 www.dylanthomas.com Dylan Thomas Birthplace Dylan Thomas House, 5 Cwmdonkin Drive, Uplands, Swansea SA2 0RA ( 01792 472555 info@dylanthomasbirthplace. com Cwmdonkin Park Swansea SA2 0RA ( 01792 205327 www.cwmdonkinpark.co.uk
Return Journey, promenade performance, with Lighthouse Theatre: various dates May to Sept. This is just a selection of events, for more information on these and many more go to www.dylanthomas.com.
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Sea here
Mari n as, museums, markets and more. There’s an ocean of possibilities in Wales’ Waterfront City.
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Swansea’s relationship with all things maritime goes back centuries. After all, the sea is right there in our name. Our historic docklands have been reimagined and reinvented into a state-of-the-art, award winning Maritime Quarter. Dive in and you’ll find a buzzing complex packed with things to see and do, from fascinating museums to cool waterfront cafés. It’s the perfect location for a seaside stroll with a difference.
History buoys We take our heritage seriously, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. The hi-tech National Waterfront Museum lets you get hands on with history, telling the tale of Wales’ industry and people through innovative interactive exhibits. It’s certainly made quite a splash. Opened in 2005, it has already welcomed more than two million visitors. Just across the road from Wales’ newest museum is Wales’ oldest. Swansea Museum may be more traditional than its neighbour, but it’s just as entertaining. Home to a quirky cornucopia of exhibits, it throws up fresh surprises around every corner. Meet the mummy, the golden 2,000-year old artefact from Egypt, or relive the times when Swansea was an equally golden ‘Copperopolis’.
Dock star Blue Flags aren’t just for beaches. Our boat filled marina has also snapped up one of these prized seaside accolades. It’s easy to see why. Even if you’re a confirmed landlubber, it’s hard to resist the nautical romance of sparkling water and colourful sails snapping in the breeze.
Local flavours You’re never far from the water in our compact, visitor friendly city centre. Just across the road from the seafront you’ll find yourself in shopping streets where big-name stores rub shoulders with inviting independent speciality shops. At the heart of it all is Swansea’s famous covered market. It’s a lively place, a bustling maze of stalls where you can buy almost anything, from light bulbs to linen. But it’s fabulous food that’s the big draw. Try some laverbread – our tasty seaweed-based local delicacy – or pick up peppery cockles from Penclawdd, Gower saltmarsh lamb and unbelievably fresh seafood that’s made the short trip from the waters of Swansea Bay. It’s the place to go if you want a true taste of the sea – and that traditional, warm hearted Swansea welcome.
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Accommodation in the Swansea Area Beachcomber 364 Oystermouth Road, Swansea SA1 3UL ( 01792 651380 www.beachcomberguesthouse.com ´´´ GH
Chatcoombe B & B 20 Rhyd-Y-Defaid Drive, Derwen Fawr, Sketty, Swansea SA2 8AH ( 01792 207100 www.chatcoombe.co.uk ´´´´ BB
The Dragon Hotel The Kingsway, Swansea SA1 5LS ( 01792 657100 www.dragon-hotel.co.uk ´´´´ / ´´´´ H
Premier Inn Swansea North Upper Forest Way, Morriston, Swansea SA6 8WB ( 0871 527 9062 www.premierinn.com/ swanseanorth BH
The Bayswater 322 Oystermouth Road, Swansea SA1 3UJ ( 01792 655301 bayswaterswansea@gmail.com AG Morgans Hotel Somerset Place, Swansea SA1 1RR ( 01792 484848 www.morganshotel.co.uk ´´´´ H Swansea Marriott Hotel Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 3SS ( 01792 642020 www.swanseamarriott.co.uk ´´´´ H
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Premier Inn Swansea Waterfront Waterfront Development, Langdon Road, Swansea SA1 8PL ( 0871 527 9212 www.premierinn.com/ swanseawaterfront BH Premier Inn Swansea City Centre Salubrious Place, Wind Street, Swansea SA1 1EE ( 0871 527 9060 www.premierinn.com/ swanseacitycentre BH
Village Urban Resort Langdon Road, SA1 Waterfront, Swansea SA1 8QY ( 0871 222 4608 www.village-hotels.com L
Victoria Quay Victoria Quay, Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 3XG ( 01269 595640 www.canolcottages.com ´´´´ SC
Mercure Swansea Phoenix Way, Swansea SA6 8LW ( 01792 310330 sales.mercureswansea@ jupiterhotels.co.uk ´´´ H
Bay Apartments 29 Camona Drive, Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 1YJ ( 01792 645566 www.bayapartments.co.uk AG – ´´´´ SC
Campus Accommodation, Swansea University Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP ( 01792 295665 www.swansea.ac.uk/conferences ´´´ – ´´´´ CA
Clyne Farm Cottages Westport Avenue, Mayals, Swansea SA3 5AR ( 01792 403333 cottages@clynefarm.com ´´´ – ´´´´ SC
Somerfield Lodge B & B Clyne Golf Club, 118-120 Owls Lodge Lane, Mayals, Swansea SA3 5DP ( 01792 401989 www.clynegolfclub.com ´´´´ GA
Gower Edge Holidays 52A Killan Road, Dunvant, Swansea SA2 7TH ( 01608 674467 www.gower-edge-holidays.co.uk ´´´ SC
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Attractions & Activities in the Swansea Area Wales National Pool Swansea Sketty Lane, Swansea SA2 8QG ( 01792 513513 www.walesnationalpool swansea.co.uk West Glamorgan Archive Service Civic Centre, Swansea SA1 3SN ( 01792 636589 www.swansea.gov.uk/ westglamorganarchives Swansea Grand Theatre Singleton Street, Swansea SA1 3QJ ( 01792 475715 www.swanseagrand.co.uk LC Oystermouth Road, Swansea SA1 3ST ( 01792 466500 www.thelcswansea.com Swansea Prom Mumbles Road, Swansea ( 01792 468321 www.swanseaprom.com Plantasia Parc Tawe, Swansea SA1 2AL ( 01792 474555 www.plantasia.org
Swansea Parks and Gardens Swansea www.breatheswansea.com Glynn Vivian Art Gallery – Offsite Activities at YMCA, Swansea. Events at various venues. ( 01792 516900 www.glynnviviangallery.org 1940’s Swansea Bay Museum Baldwin’s Crescent, Crymlyn Burrows, Swansea SA1 8PT ( 01792 458864 www.1940sswanseabay.co.uk
National Waterfront Museum Oystermouth Road, Swansea SA1 3RD ( (029) 2057 3600 www.museumwales.ac.uk Down to Earth 72a Manselfield Road, Murton, Swansea SA3 3AP ( 01792 232439 www.downtoearthproject.org.uk Annie from Wales Tour Guide & Dylan Thomas Specialist ( 07817 753376 www.anniefromwales.com Teamforce Paintball & Activity Centre Llangyfelach Road, Llangyfelach, Swansea SA5 7PE ( 01792 772311 www.teamforceuk.com
360 Beach and Watersports Mumbles Road, Swansea SA2 0AY ( 01792 655844 www.360swansea.co.uk
Dynamic Rock Adventures Ltd. 16-18 Hebron Road, Clydach, Swansea SA6 5EJ ( 01792 845655 info@dynamicrock.co.uk
Skidz Karting Ltd. Unit 1 Rear of Queensway, Swansea West Business Park, Swansea SA5 4DJ ( 01792 580927 info@skidzkarting.co.uk
Clyne Farm Riding and Activity Centre Westport Avenue, Mayals, Swansea SA3 5AR ( 01792 403333 muddy@clynefarm.com
Swansea Museum Victoria Road, Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 1SN ( 01792 653763 www.swanseamuseum.co.uk Swansea Community Boat Trust Swansea Museum Pontoon, Museum Square, Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 3XA ( 07785 347549 www.scbt.org.uk Swansea Market Oxford Street, Swansea SA1 3PQ ( 01792 654296 www.swanseaindoormarket.co.uk Swansea Tourist Information Centre Plymouth Street, Swansea SA1 3QG ( 01792 468321 www.visitswanseabay.com
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Attraction stations
Indoors or outdoors, wet or dry - there’s so much to do i n our ci t y by the sea.
Wales’ Waterfront City comes with some big advantages. There aren’t many places where you can hit the shops in the morning and hit the surf in the afternoon. In pretty, beachy Swansea, we’ve got the best of both worlds.
One fine Bay Thrill seekers will make a bee line to 360 Beach and Watersports, Swansea’s new Centre of Excellence for all things watersporty (the clue is in the name). For real sea dogs the centre offers activities like sea kayaking and kite surfing, while those who don’t fancy getting their feet wet can enjoy sandy beach volleyball, soccer and power kiting. The 360 comes complete with a welcoming café-bar serving up delicious locally sourced food. Just the thing for when you’ve built up a big, Swansea Bay sized appetite. The action continues indoors at the state-ofthe-art LC Leisure Complex. Ride the slides at the popular waterpark or scale the four storey climbing wall – provided you have a head for heights. You can even catch waves on Boardrider, the first indoor surfing experience of its kind anywhere in the world.
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Surf and turf Sea and sand are just part of the big Swansea picture. This is a green city, dotted throughout with lush parks and gardens – more than 50 in total. We’re well known for our Blue Flag beaches, but our green spaces are star performers too. Brynmill Park, Clyne Gardens, Cwmdonkin Park, Singleton Botanical Gardens and Victoria Park are all proud holders of a prestigious Green Flag Award. We’ve even got our own miniature rainforest, smack in the city centre. Housed in a huge glass pyramid, Plantasia is bursting with exotic vegetation, along with a colourful collection of animals including monkeys, snakes and lizards.
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Sights, camera, action!
Gorgeous Gower might be picture-perfect. But it’s more than just a pretty face.
Our beautiful peninsula is a place where inspirational views go hand in hand with outdoor adventure. Gower’s panoramas wouldn’t look out of place in an art gallery, but its rugged landscape demands to be experienced hands on. It’s the complete opposite of ‘look, but don’t touch’.
Hey, good looking Gower’s been wowing visitors for years. But don’t take our word for it – the Peninsula was designated the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty way back in 1956. It hasn’t changed much since then. Though it’s less than 20 miles long and covers just 70 square miles, Gower’s landscape packs in oceans of variety. You’ll find craggy limestone cliffs in the south, long sandy beaches in the west and ethereal salt marshes in the north. In between there’s a green patchwork of rolling common land, strung with drystone walls and ancient hedgerows. Thrusting into the waves like some giant sea serpent, mile long Worm’s Head at the edge of Rhossili Bay is one of Gower’s most iconic sights. It’s the ultimate shop window for the Peninsula’s stunning scenery. With its rugged cliffs and grassy spine, it’s almost a miniature version of Gower itself.
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Make a splash Stay on dry land in Gower and you’re only getting half the story. The warm waters and superior swell of sandy Llangennith have been a surfer’s paradise for decades. In that time we’ve added kite surfing, sea kayaking and paddle boarding to our watery repertoire. The truly adventurous can even combine land and sea with a spot of coasteering – climbing on our rugged cliffs to leap into the waves below.
Feet first It’s no surprise to learn that Gower has some of most beautiful stretches of the 870 mile Wales Coast Path. Strap on those boots and you’re in for some spectacular waterfront walks. And, as a bonus, there’s usually more to see than sand and sea. The short 4½ mile coast walk between Port Eynon and Oxwich, for example, also takes in lush woodland and some of Gower’s prettiest man made landmarks in the form of Tudor Oxwich Castle and 13th century St Illtyd’s Church.
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Accommodation in the Gower Area The Wormshead Hotel Rhossili, Gower, Swansea SA3 1PP ( 01792 390512 www.thewormshead.co.uk ´´ SH Tallizmand Guest House Tallizmand, Llanmadoc, Gower, Swansea SA3 1DE ( 01792 386373 www.tallizmand.co.uk ´´´´ GH Fairyhill Reynoldston, Gower, Swansea SA3 1BS ( 01792 390139 www.fairyhill.net ´´´´´ / ´´´´´ RR Parc-le-Breos House Parkmill, Gower, Swansea SA3 2HA ( 01792 371636 www.parclebreos.co.uk ´´´´ / ´´´´ F Fairways B & B 110 Owls Lodge Lane, Clyne Common, Swansea SA3 5DP ( 01792 401080 www.fairwaysweb.com ´´´´ BB
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Gower Golf Club Cefn Goleu, Three Crosses, Swansea SA4 3HS ( 01792 872480 bookings@gowergolf.co.uk L Seren Retreat Bryncoch Farm, Gower, Swansea SA2 7LB ( 01792 371421 www.serenretreat.com ´´´´ BB Westwinds B & B Westwinds, Blackhills Lane, Fairwood, Swansea SA2 7JN ( 01792 281573 www.westwindsbandb.co.uk ´´´´ BB
The King Arthur Hotel Higher Green, Reynoldston, Swansea SA3 1AD ( 01792 390775 www.kingarthurhotel.co.uk ´´´ INN
Cedi Cottages Blaen Cedi Farm, Blue Anchor, Penclawdd, Swansea SA4 3LX ( 01792 851448 www.walesgowercottages.co.uk ´´´´ SC
Wyndgarth Reynoldston, Swansea SA3 1AD ( 01792 390140 www.wyndgarthgower bedandbreakfast.co.uk ´´´´ BB
Highmead Overton, Port Eynon, Swansea SA3 1NR ( 01792 390300 www.highmeadgower.co.uk ´´´´ SC
Bayholme Cottage & Holiday Bungalow Bayholme, Oxwich, Gower, Swansea SA3 1LS ( 01792 390785 / 874 www.bayholmegower.co.uk ´´´ – ´´´´´ SC
Kings Head Inn Llangennith, Gower, Swansea SA3 1HX ( 01792 386212 www.kingsheadgower.co.uk ´´´´ INN
Caswell Holiday Chalets & Gower Coast Ltd Summercliffe Chalet Park, Gower, Swansea SA3 3BR ( 01792 233599 www.gowercoast.com ´´ – ´´´ SC
Oldwalls Gower Oldwalls, Nr Llanrhidian, Gower SA3 1HA ( 01792 391468 www.oldwallsgower.com ´´´´´ GA
Westernside Bungalows Horton, Gower, Swansea SA3 1LL ( 01792 511734 gowergirl@sky.com ´´´ SC
Ash Cottage Oxwich, Gower, Swansea SA3 1LS ( 01792 391207 www.gower-cottages.co.uk ´´´´ SC The Cross Llangennith, Gower, Swansea SA3 1HU ( 01792 390000 www.thecrossgower.co.uk L
Whiteshell Chalets ll, Summercliffe Chalet Park, Caswe Swansea SA3 3BP ( 01792 424186 www.caswell-chalet.co.uk ´´´ SC Green Meadows Annexe Green Meadows, 23 Tirmynydd Rd, P Three Crosses, Swansea SA4 3P ( 01792 873781 b.morris781@btinternet.com ´´´´ SC The Penthouse 24 Woodridge Court, Langland, Swansea SA3 4TH ( 01792 535309 www.gowerbreaks.com ´´´´´ SC The Haven Rectory Meadows, Reynoldston, Swansea SA3 1AD ( 01792 535309 www.gowerbreaks.com ´´´´ SC Gower Activity Centres Group Accommodation (YHA Partner) Port Eynon, Rhossili & West Cross ( 01792 401548 .uk www.goweractivitycentres.org ´´ – ´´´ AcA / B / GA
31 Gower Holiday Village Scurlage, Nr Port Eynon, Gower, Swansea SA3 1AY ( 01432 760963 .uk www.31gowerholidayvillage.co ´´´ SC The Stable r, Ash Tree Cottage, Penmaen, Gowe Swansea SA3 2HQ ( 01792 371459 . www.thestableashtreecottage talktalk.net ´´´´ SC Hael Farm Cottages , Hael Farm, Hael Lane, Southgate Swansea SA3 2AP ( 01792 232797 www.haelfarmcottages.co.uk L – ´´´´´ SC Horton Farmhouse Horton Farm, Horton, Gower, Swansea SA3 1LB ( 01792 390256 www.hortonfarmgower.co.uk ´´´´ SC Slade Barn Bettis Meadow, Slade, Gower, Swansea SA3 1NA ( 01792 391551 www.sladebarngower.co.uk ´´´´´ SC
Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Cottages North Hills Farm, Penmaen, Swansea SA3 2HB ( 01792 371218 www.threecliffsbay.com AG – ´´´´ SC Pitton Cross Farm Pitton Cross, Rhossili, Gower, Swansea SA3 1PH ( 01792 391175 .uk www.pittoncrossfarmhouse.co ´´´´ SC Tir-Cethin Farm Luxury Barn Holidays Tir-Cethin Farm, Three Crosses, Gower, Swansea SA4 3NA ( 07876 030985 www.tircethinfarm.co.uk ´´´´´ SC Frogs Hop Cottage 3 1LS Oxwich, South Gower, Swansea SA ( 07968 494440 frogshopcottage@gmail.com ´´´´ SC Bank Farm Bungalows Bank Farm Leisure Park, Horton, Gower, Swansea SA3 1LL ( 01792 390228 www.bankfarmleisure.co.uk ´´´ SC
Gower Holiday Village Scurlage, Nr Port Eynon, Gower, Swansea SA3 1AY ( 01792 390431 www.gowerholidayvillage.co.uk ´´´ SC Bank Farm Leisure Park Horton, Gower, Swansea SA3 1LL ( 01792 390228 www.bankfarmleisure.co.uk ´´´ HTC Greenways of Gower Oxwich Green, South Gower, Swansea SA3 1LY ( 01792 391203 www.greenwaysleisure.co.uk ´´´´ HC Scamperholidays North Hills Farm, North Hills Lane, 2HB Penmaen, Gower, Swansea SA3 ( 01792 202325 www.scamperholidays.co.uk SP – APP AA Pitton Cross Caravan and Camping Park Rhossili, Swansea SA3 1PT ( 01792 390593 www.pittoncross.co.uk
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Attractions & Activities in the Gower Area Wales Coast Path www.walescoastpath.gov.uk Rhossili National Trust Shop & Visitor Centre 3 Coastguard Cottages, Rhossili, Gower, Swansea SA3 1PR ( 01792 390707 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ rhossili-shop-and-visitor-centre
Gower Activity Centres Port Eynon, Rhossili & West Cross ( 01792 401548 www.goweractivitycentres.org.uk Parc-le-Breos Pony Trekking Parc-le-Breos House, Parkmill, Gower, Swansea SA3 2HA ( 01792 371636 www.parclebreos.co.uk Pennard Golf Club 2 Southgate Road, Southgate, Swansea SA3 2BT ( 01792 233131 www.pennardgolfclub.com Dryad Bushcraft Gower, Swansea ( 01792 547213 www.dryadbushcraft.co.uk
Oxwich Watersports The Beach Hut, Oxwich Beach, Oxwich, Swansea SA3 1LS ( 07740 284079 www.oxwichwatersports.co.uk
Gower Heritage Centre Parkmill, Gower Peninsula, Swansea SA3 2EH ( 01792 371206 www.gowerheritagecentre.co.uk
Gower Coast Adventures Boat Trips Gower, Swansea ( 01792 348229 www.gowercoastadventures.co.uk
Surf GSD Gower Surfing PO Box 83, Swansea SA3 4XX ( 07739 536122 www.gowersurfing.com Welsh Surfing Federation Surf School Llangennith, Swansea SA3 1JD ( 01792 386426 www.wsfsurfschool.co.uk
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Making waves
When it comes to sea and sand, we have it in spades (and buckets). The gorgeous Gower Peninsula is home to a raft of chart-topping beaches.
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iR ding high at nRthhatoosusr bilieaches
know have We’ve always but it’s nice to , rs te a e -b d rl l Rhossili were wo f. Big, beautifu o ro p r e h rt fu and the some ach in the UK e b t s e b e th users in was voted by TripAdvisor e p ro u E in t s es e third b the Radio Tim t u b t, a th ly n g, 2013. Not o ust-visit’ ratin ‘m r lla te s a it also gave ay… the place b e in st ri ‘p a s kers, describing it a orts. Sea kaya p rs te a w r fo ed to to come rders don’t ne a o b ite k d n a surfers ree mile e along the th c a p s r fo e tl s jo r’. stretch of wate ture side strolls, na a e s r fo t o p s t rsports, The perfec pounding wate e ls u p d n a g t spottin leaser. Not tha p d w ro c l a re us, Rhossili is a on this spacio d e d w ro c ls e orm’s it ever fe of shoreline. W e s n a p x e g in s at p swee nd’s end’ – lie ‘la n w o s r’ e w of Burry Head – Go sh tidal island lu e th , e m e tr find one ex etween, you’ll b In r. e th o e the Holms at th aculate sand, m im f o ile m n mile upo wn nvas for your o a c k n la b te a ultim . ide adventure personal seas
Coast with the most
bathing beauties Rhossili is just one of many asts. There are along its south and west co ys and beaches no less than 39 miles of ba Plenty of these studded along the Peninsula. r trophy cabinet are award winners too – ou collection of is bulging with an impressive een Coast and Blue Flag, Rural Seaside, Gr ‘best beach’ Seaside Awards, plus more magazine accolades from newspapers, -quarters of and websites. Oh, and three National Trust. the coast is in the care of the me things will Isn’t it good to know that so never change?
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Off the beaten track The nooks and crannies of Gower’s coast conceal a treasure chest of secrets. Pebbly Pwll Du Bay can only be reached via footpath. Be ready to walk for up to an hour – but the reward is total seclusion and some of the Peninsula’s best bird watching. Pretty Three Cliffs Bay isn’t quite so remote, but its ‘Michelin-star views’ and combination of rolling dunes, sandy beach and craggy limestone cliffs add up to one of Gower’s wildest seaside experiences. Tales of smuggling and the supernatural loom large in isolated Brandy Cove’s history. The pirates and witches have long gone, but the rugged bay still holds a powerful air of mystery.
Kidding around The rockpools at Bracelet Bay and Limeslade Bay, the duo of intimate coves close to Mumbles, will enthral explorers of all ages. Crabs, starfish and sea anemones are just a few of the beasties you’ll encounter on your own miniature marine safari. Sandy Port Eynon and Oxwich are two more family favourites, perfect for those classic, timeless seaside activities. There are sandcastles to be built (and a real one to visit at Oxwich), ice-creams to be eaten and waves to be ridden. Some things never go out of fashion.
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The beautiful south Langland Bay and Caswell Bay are two more Gower gems strung out along the Peninsula’s south coast. They’re a pair of sheltered, perfectly formed sandy crescents – Langland even comes with its row of charming beach huts, a lovely period touch.
Up north What a difference five miles makes. North Gower might well be on another planet. You’re not quite sure where land meets sea on this misty, moody expanse of low-lying saltings. The sheep seem to know, mind you. You’ll see them grazing on marshland. Gower saltmarsh lamb is some of the best in the world. For seafood fans, Penclawdd cockles, picked fresh from the beds and taken straight to Swansea Market, are pretty good too.
Paws for thought We think that the whole family should be able to enjoy our stunning seaside and that includes the four-legged members. Dogs are welcome all year round on many of Gower’s beaches. Rhossili was even named the UK’s top dog friendly beach by The Times. Phew, yet another accolade.
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Listen up
It’s a uni q ue mi x of ol d school seasi d e and cosmopolitan cool. Mumbles has plenty to shout about.
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Mumbles is the kind of neighbour we’d all like to have. Just five miles from Swansea, the former fishing village is a true one of a kind seaside resort and must visit companion to its big brother along the Bay. A short drive – or walk, or bike ride – along the Bay brings you to a pretty little seafront, complete with boatyard, bustling promenade, pier and a personality all its own.
Decision time Do you want the classic seaside experience – all frothy milkshakes and end of the pier fun? Or are you looking for winding streets packed with art galleries, buzzy boutiques, classy craft shops and tasty bistros? In Mumbles, you don’t have to choose. Appearing side by side in happy harmony on the Mumbles menu are crazy golf and buckets and spades for the kids, plus chic shopping and a cool, contemporary feel for the grown ups. We’ve also got four proper Italian ice cream parlours that always go down well with young and old alike. You’d struggle to find Mumbles’ quirky qualities and perky personality anywhere else. No wonder we’re so fond of it. You’ll like it too.
Something old, something new Mumbles’ long heritage stretches back further than its prom and Victorian pier. Take the delightfully named Oystermouth Castle, a medieval stronghold perched on a hill above the rooftops with big bayside views. Always a handsome beast, this fantastic fortress has recently received something of a facelift. Previously unseen areas of the castle are now open to the public, with visitors getting a bird’s eye view from a stunning glass bridge. It’s another example of Mumbles’ knack of blending yesterday with today.
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The beach go
es on
Sitting at the gatew ay to Gow is the ide e al jumpin g off poin r, Mumbles Peninsula t to ex ’s b the headla eautiful beaches. V plore the e nd at the end of the nture round and you’l l find rock Promena de pool dott Walk a litt ed Brace le further le t B a n ay. twin sand d you’re s y surf para oon in the dises of L and Casw ang ell Bay. K e en explore land Bay further into rs can str Gower w ike ith a boun Port Eyno cy boat tr n or the s ip p ectacular to of Worm’s ‘land’s en Head. d’ Top tip: k ee porpoise p your eyes pee led for s and se als along the way.
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Accommodation in the Mum bles Area Tides Reach 388 Mumbles Road, Swansea SA3 5TN ( 01792 404877 info@tidesreachguesthouse.com ´´´´ GA Langland Road Bed and Breakfast 17 Langland Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4ND ( 01792 361170 www.langlandroad.co.uk ´´´´ BB Langland Bay House Bed & Breakfast 27 Langland Bay House, Langland Bay Road, Swansea SA3 4QP ( 01792 367241 enquiries@langlandbayhouse.com ´´´´´ BB Park Villa Luxury Breaks Park Villa, 21D Langland Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4ND ( 07970 545459 morgan.store@btconnect.com ´´´´ SC
Home from Home Holiday Cottages 101 Newton Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BN ( 01792 360624 www.homefromhome.com AG – ´´´´´ SC Gold Star Holidays Unit 9 Castleton Walk, 26 Newton Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4AX ( 01792 360555 www.goldstarholidaylettings.co.uk AG – ´´´´´ SC Gower Getaways 162 Newton Road, Newton, Swansea SA3 4UD ( 01792 369694 www.gowergetaways.co.uk ´´´ – ´´´´´ SC Driftwood Chalet Limeslade, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4JP ( 01792 405471 www.driftwoodchalet.co.uk ´´´ SC
Riversdale Cottage 7 Riversdale Road, Norton, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 5PU ( 07952 635815 www.riversdalecottage.co.uk ´´´´ SC Sea Breeze Holiday Chalet 16 Bridle Mews, Limeslade, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4JP ( 07811 607141 www.mumblesgower selfcatering.co.uk ´´´ SC Pilton House 2 Nottage Road, Newton, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4SU ( 01792 360624 www.homefromhome.com/ cottage-details/299# ´´´´ SC
Attr acti o ns & Acti v i t i e s i n the Mum bles Area Oystermouth Castle Castle Avenue, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BA ( 01792 361302 www.swansea.gov.uk/ oystermouthcastle Mumbles Tourist Information Centre Mumbles Methodist Church, 520b Mumbles Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4DE ( 01792 361302 www.mumblesinfo.org.uk Dragoncrafts 530 Mumbles Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4DH ( 01792 360640 www.dragoncraftswales.co.uk The Lovespoon Gallery 492 Mumbles Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BX ( 01792 360132 www.lovespoongallery.com
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Mawr than meets the eye
Swansea Bay isn’t just sand and surf. Mawr’s moors and uplands are a green great escape for walkers.
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of ntre, Mawr is a rural area Just north of the City Ce odland – wo n valleys and secluded rolling countryside, hidde a. e to multifaceted Swanse offering a whole new sid
Best foot forward
reservoirs of the Lliw Valley. the d un aro ils tra e ntl ge re Explo n’t on the se parts, even when you are Water is a big feature in the strenuous, make the climb re mo ng thi me so er aft e u’r coast. If yo rt of ’s highest point and the sta ea ns wa S It’s ll. ste Ca ’r nlle to Pe la from route traversing the Peninsu the Gower Way – a 35 mile east to west. d walk, head to Penllergare. For a truly unique woodlan al s created in the 1800s by loc This designed landscape wa ed and is currently being restor lyn we Lle n lwy Dil hn Jo er landown to its former glory.
Accommodation in the M aw r Ar ea Cartref Holidays Valley View, Rhyd y Gwin, Swansea SA6 5TE ( 01792 845040 www.cartrefholidays.co.uk ´´´´ SC
Attracti o ns & Acti v i t i e s i n the Mawr Area Penllergare Valley Woods Penllergaer, Swansea SA4 9GS ( 01792 344224 www.penllergare.org
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Green giants The Afan Valley and Vale of Neath, lined with woods and waterfalls, are lush and leafy.
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Fal ing stars
oded Waterfall The Vale of Neath’s wild, wo its name. Home to Country certainly lives up to llte, Nedd and Pyrddin four rivers – the Hepste, Me mile than anywhere – and more falls per square ep gorges contain else in Europe, the Vale’s ste ular cascades. some of Wales’ most spectac Sgwˆd Gwladys is The deep pool at the foot of s swimmers. If you a popular spot for adventurou t, follow the path don’t fancy getting that we wˆd yr Eira – literally behind the white waters of Sg y end up a little damp, ‘The Fall of Snow’. You ma a real one of a kind but it’s a small price to pay for view. behind the scenes waterfall s green Vale It’s difficult to believe that thi ustrial Revolution. was once a crucible of the Ind e today, but you can Nature is very much in charg ritage at Aberdulais see traces of mechanised he ling waters that once Tin Works and Waterfall. Tumb w provide clean, green powered the busy works no nning backdrop – renewable energy – plus a stu st attraction. for this unusual National Tru
The wheel deal
the nsely wooded landscapes of de , ep ste the in elf urs yo Lose ndered given for thinking you’d wa Afan Valley and you’d be for ls centre has replaced pit whee g nin mi r me for is Th s. Alp into the n biking one of the UK’s top mountai me co be to ls ee wh e bik h wit are ilt trails of Afan Forest Park destinations. The purpose bu ntle and experts alike. Take a ge es vic no for en av he d roa an off ged ie Trail or test yourself on rug woodland ride on the Rook il – Afan’s newest addition. tracks like the epic Blade Tra
Keep it green
lbot m Country Park near Port Ta We’re big on park life. Marga s to , each one packed with thing res ac ling rol 00 1,0 to ds exten a high tch herds of deer, Go Ape on see and do. Visitors can wa or hunt oll in the ornamental gardens wire climbing adventure, str Park, stle. At Gnoll Estate Country Ca m rga Ma ky oo sp in ts os gh lies, has been augmented by fol Neath, the natural landscape u tal features. Sometimes yo ponds and unusual ornamen can improve on perfection.
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Accommodation in the Afan & Vale of Neath Area Castle Hotel The Parade, Neath SA11 1RB ( 01639 641119 www.castlehotelneath.co.uk ´´´ / ´´´ H Bluebell Hotel A 14-16 The Parade, Neath SA11 1R ( 01639 644000 www.thebluebellneath.co.uk ´´´´ H Best Western Aberavon Beach Hotel Bay, Princess Margaret Way, Swansea Port Talbot SA12 6QP ( 01639 884949 www.aberavonbeach.com ´´´ / ´´´ H Cwmbach Guest House Cwmbach Cottages, Cwmbach Road, Cadoxton, Neath SA10 8AH ( 01639 639825 .uk www.cwmbachguesthouse.co ´´´´ GH Cwmbach Lodges Cwmbach Cottages, Cwmbach Road, Cadoxton, Neath SA10 8AH ( 01639 639825 .uk www.cwmbachguesthouse.co ´´´´ SC
Cwmshon Cottages Brook Cottage, Llanguicke Road, Ynysmeudwy, Pontardawe, Swansea SA8 4PL ( 01792 865237 .co.uk www.cwmshoncottageswales ´´´´´ SC Swansea Valley Holiday Cottages e, Plas Farm, Cilybebyll, Pontardaw Swansea SA8 3JQ ( 01792 864611 www.walescottages.com ´´´´ – ´´´´´ SC 1 & 2 Tan Yr Eglwys Cilybebyll, Pontardawe, Swansea SA8 3JR ( 01792 863367 rees.lloyd@btinternet.com ´´´´ SC site Glyncorrwg Ponds Camp Glyncorrwg Ponds Co-operative, Ynyscorrwg Park, Glyncorrwg, Port Talbot SA13 3EA ( 01639 851900 www.glyncorrwgponds visitorcentre.co.uk ´´´ TC
Attracti o ns & Acti v i t i e s in the Afan & Vale of Neath Area Aberdulais Tinworks & Waterfall National Trust, Aberdulais, Neath SA10 8EU ( 01639 636674 aberdulais@nationaltrust.org.uk
Adventure Britain Call of the Wild Ltd, 83 Church Road, Seven Sisters, Neath SA10 9DT ( 01639 700388 www.adventurebritain.com
South Wales Miners’ Museum Afan Forest Park, Cynonville, Port Talbot SA13 3HG ( 01639 851833 www.swmm.co.uk
Go Ape Margam Margam Country Park, Port Talbot SA13 2TJ ( 0845 094 9639 www.goape.co.uk/margam
Margam Country Park Margam, Port Talbot SA13 2TJ ( 01639 881635 www.margamcountrypark.co.uk
Dulais Valley Quads Nant y Cafn Isaf Farm, Seven Sisters, Neath SA10 9EU ( 07854 864724 www.dulaisvalley-quads.co.uk
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2014 Events For more events go to www.visitswanseabay.com and don’t forget our Dylan Thomas centenary celebrations – the highlights are featured on pages 2 & 3.
February
25th & 26th Good Food Festival, Gower Heritage Centre 26th Margam Park Bank Holiday Family Fun Day (incorporating Kite Festival)
June 7th – 22nd Gower Walking Festival 14th Festival of Transport, City Centre 15th Festival of Transport – Under Milk Wood Road Run, Bracelet Bay to Laugharne
22nd – 2nd Mar Pirate Week, Gower Heritage Centre
July
March
(Date TBC) Mumbles Raft Race 1st – 12th Gower Festival, Various Churches, Gower 12th & 13th Vintage Tractor Display, Margam Park 12th & 13th Gower Dance Festival, Gower Heritage Centre 13th – 3rd Aug Swansea Bowls Festival, Victoria Park 26th –10th Aug Pirate Weeks, Gower Heritage Centre
From 1st St David’s Week Celebrations 8th & 9th Celtic Craft Fayre, Gower Heritage Centre
April 12th – 27th Easter Fun, Gower Heritage Centre 19th Dungeons & Dragons Day, Oystermouth Castle 21st Margam Park Easter Fun Day 26th Gorseinon Food Festival 27th Welsh Mam’s Day, Cwmdonkin Park
May 1st – 31st Clyne in Bloom 5th Margam Park Bank Holiday Family Fun Day 10th & 11th Cheese & Cider Weekend, Gower Heritage Centre 23rd – 26th Mumbles Marvellous Weekend, Oystermouth Castle 23rd – 26th Margam Kite Festival, Margam Park
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August 1st – 31st Botanics in Bloom, Botanical Gardens at Singleton Park 3rd Gower Show 9th – 16th Gower Cycling Festival 16th – 22nd Dart 18 Catamaran European Championships (Racing 18th – 22nd Aug TBC), Knab Rock, Mumbles 18th – 23rd IPC Athletics European Championships 21st – 23rd Swansea Bay Beer & Cider Festival 25th Margam Park Family Fun Day
September (Date TBC) Wales Valleys Walking Festival 5th – 7th Gower Bluegrass Music Festival, Gower Heritage Centre 10th – 13th Neath Fair 21st Admiral Swansea 10K
October 3rd & 4th Neath Food & Drink Festival 18th & 19th Autumn Fayre & Cider Making, Gower Heritage Centre 19th South Wales Boat Jumble, Margam Park 23rd – 26th Mumbles Oyster & Good Food Festival 27th – 9th Nov Dylan Thomas Festival 29th – 31st Halloween Parties, Gower Heritage Centre
November 5th Swansea Fireworks Display 14th – 4th Jan Waterfront Winterland 15th & 16th Viking re-enactment, Gower Heritage Centre 16th Christmas Parade 22nd & 23rd Christmas Craft Fayre, Gower Heritage Centre
December Christmas in Swansea continues with Waterfront Winterland and ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ Pantomime at the Grand Theatre.
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Useful Info
Travelling around Swansea Bay
By Train National Rail enquiries ( 08457 484950 www.nationalrail.co.uk
Traveline Cymru ( 08712 002233 www.traveline-cymru.info
Heart of Wales Line www.heart-of-wales.co.uk By Coach National Express enquiry line ( 08717 818178 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 ( 01446 711111 www.cardiff-airport.com By Sea Sailings operate between Rosslare and Fishguard or Pembroke Dock, 90 minutes away from Swansea. Irish Ferries (Pembroke) ( 08717 300400 www.irishferries.com Stena Line (Fishguard) ( 08447 707070 www.stenaline.co.uk
Must see, Must do, Must stay!
Park & Ride www.swansea.gov.uk/parkandride
If you would like to find out more about the accommodation, attractions and activities listed please contact direct or go to their page on www.visitswanseabay.com.
Tourist Information Centres
Access information is online at www.visitswanseabay.com or contact the accommodation, attraction or activity to ensure they have everything you need.
Swansea Plymouth Street, Swansea SA1 3QG ( 01792 468321 tourism@swansea.gov.uk www.visitswanseabay.com OPEN ALL YEAR Mumbles ( 01792 361302 info@mumblestic.co.uk OPEN ALL YEAR
Local Travel Info BayTrans Local travel information using public transport. www.baytrans.org.uk
Please check with your accommodation prior to booking if you are bringing your pet. Dogs are welcome on many beaches, but some have seasonal dog bans from 1st May to 30th September. See www.visitswanseabay.com. We want you to have a great time when you visit – so please check and confirm all details before booking or travelling.
A quality experience All the accommodation featured here and on www.visitswanseabay.com has been independently assessed by either Visit Wales or the AA and each rated according to their quality and facilities.
Occasionally it is not possible to assess a property prior to publication and in these cases the property is marked as ‘Awaiting Grading’. All gradings and awards were correct at time of publication. For further information on grading visit www.wales.gov.uk/tourism.
Play safe We want you to enjoy your time in Swansea Bay, so make sure that you have the proper equipment before you begin any activity and check the tide tables prior to any coastal activity. The tide can turn very quickly with strong coastal currents – for more info go to www.visitswanseabay.com. Please do not attempt any activity without instruction if you are inexperienced. Our attraction and activity operators take play very seriously and as appropriate are recognised by accrediting organisations – visit their page on www.visitswanseabay.com for more details. Please mention this Swansea Bay Holiday Guide when you make your booking. Thank you!
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