Things To See and Do When You Stay in Swansea

Swansea is probably one of the most vibrant and lively of all the cities in Wales. Not only is there much for you to do and see in this city but also in the surrounding area as well. Just a short drive by car is the seaside resort of Mumbles which has been a favorite with people since Victorian times. Below we take a look at just a few of the places one can visit when you visit Swansea. 

1.    Swansea Castle - This fortification has stood on the same spot for nearly a thousand years now. Originally is was not just a home but it also acted as the administrative centre for the city. The building you see today is the same one that was attacked in the 14th Century by Prince Owain Glyndwr. In the 19th Century it was used as a debtor's prison. The tower that survives is located in the heart of the city and stands over the amphitheatre and fountains that was where the market use to be some five hundred years ago.

2.    Swansea Museum – This museum explores the history of Swansea. It is now the oldest museum in the whole of Wales and the poet Dylan Thomas who came from the city described it as "A museum which belongs in a museum". Alongside its collection of rare early nineteeth Century Swansea porcelain you will also find the mummy of a 4,000 year old Egyptian priest and the skeleton of an Ichthyosaur dinosaur. 

3.    National Waterfront Museum – Situated in the Maritime Quarter of the city's marina, this has the largest collection of floating exhibits in Wales. The museum offers a large number of interactive displays. So if you have inquisitive children with you then this is a great place to spend an afternoon. 

4.    Museum of Egyptian Antiquities – Outside of London this is the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts you will find anywhere in the UK today. There are over one thousand objects for you to enjoy dating back to between 3500 BC and up to AD500. Admission to this museum is free.  So if the weather isn't as wonderful as you hoped spend a few hours wandering through the museums halls will help to pass the time.

5.    Margam Stones Museum – This is situated 15 miles to the east of Swansea in the town of Port Talbot. Here you will be able to see the Celtic standing stones collection that has been gathered here from across Wales. There are giant cartwheel crosses which are more than 1,000 years old together with an ornate Christian memorial stone that dates back to before the Roman times.

6.    Plantasia – This features all kinds of environments to be found around the world.  Inside the glass pyramid the climate is controlled and you will find yourself wandering from a rainforest to a desert. Along with the attraction containing five thousand different kinds of tropical and exotic plants there is the aviary and butterfly house to enjoy. Plus you will find a range of fish and reptiles and some Cotton Top Tamarin Monkeys to take pleasure in as well.

When you next stay in Swansea, you can book your hotel in Swansea here.