St David’s Day 2014 has seen the launch of a new set of television adverts from Visit Wales, encouraging people to choose the country as the destination of a short break or holiday. Accompanied by a Welsh lullaby sung by Cerys Matthews, the advert showcases picturesque images of some of the best things that Wales has to offer, including Caernarfon Castle in Snowdonia, biking in Gethin Woodlands in the South Wales Valleys and dolphin spotting on the coast of Ceredigion.
But imagine if the tourist board were making an advert about Swansea. What do we have to offer potential tourists to the city? According to research conducted by Swansea Council, in 2012, Swansea received over 4.1million visitors to the area, many of which are from other places in the UK and others as far afield as America and Australia.
Here are just a few of the city’s best offerings based on what tourists and residents have said:
Swansea Bay By Alicia Nugent
Rhossili Beach
Rhossili beach on the Gower coast is so impressive that it has not only been voted the number one beach in the UK, it has been voted the ninth best beach in the whole WORLD according to a poll conducted by TripAdvisor. If that doesn’t warrant a visit, what does!?
Charlotte Williams who studied at Swansea University, loves visiting Rhossilli and the other beaches in Gower as “the coastal paths are especially pretty in the summer”. Hayley Parker, also a former student agrees, and said “I love being outdoors and near the sea, so I really enjoy going to Rhossili.”
Along with the rest of the Gower coast, Rhossili was declared an outstanding area of natural beauty back in 1956 and is extremely popular with surfers and water sports enthusiasts. The beach is also home to a shipwreck dating back to 1887, which is still visible during low tide. Although most people would associate visiting a beach with summer time, a visit on a crisp winter’s day is equally as appealing provided you wrap up warm!
The LC
Described as ‘South Wales’ premier attraction, the LC is a leisure centre situated in the centre of Swansea and is home to Wales’ biggest indoor water park. The centre which is an ideal rainy-day destination, was re-opened in 2008 by the Queen after it received a £32 million makeover. The LC has a variety of different pools and slides and even features the ‘Boardrider’- a continuous wave simulator which enables thrill-seekers to body board or practise their surfing.
The LC indoor waterpark By Alicia Nugent
Birthplace of Dylan Thomas- 5 Cwmdonkin Drive
The house where Dylan Thomas was born, is nestled amongst the back streets of The Uplands and has been restored to what it would have originally looked like when the poet lived there. You can organise a tour of the house and even hire it to be used as accommodation whilst you are in the city. In addition, regular events are held in the house and you can even have an ‘evening dinner’ catered for in the comfort of Dylan’s very own dining room.
‘A man of words’ – The birth place of Dylan Thomas’ By Alicia Nugent
Dylan Thomas’ house in Uplands, Swansea By Alicia Nugent
The National Waterfront Museum
The National Waterfront Museum blends historical artefacts with new cutting edge technology to tell the story of industry and innovation in Wales during the past 300 years.
Part of the museum is dedicated to the types of transport and machinery that were used throughout the last three decades. Many of the items exhibited were actually invented and pioneered in Wales, whilst other items on display were developed elsewhere in the world but contributed greatly to Welsh industry.
In addition to the permanent articles on display, there are also temporary exhibitions and events organised throughout the year.
National Waterfront Museum By Alicia Nugent
Wind street
Something for the youngsters, or at least the young at heart! This is where you will find the majority of the city centres’ bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants. The street comes alive at night, especially during the weekend and on a Wednesday which is extremely popular with students.
Catrin Williams, a student from Swansea said: “I always have a good night when I go to Wind Street as there are so many bars and clubs to choose from. There is always a great atmosphere.”
Some of the establishments on Wind Street have had many different uses over the years and it is not until you pay a visit during the day that you can appreciate the grandness and beauty of some of the buildings.
Above:A quieter Wind Street during the day Below: a gallery of other places of interest in Swansea. By Alicia Nugent
Click here for a detailed map of where you can find all of the above places.
Our City of Swansea 