Welsh poet Dylan Thomas famously described his childhood home as “crawling, sprawling … by the side of a long and splendid curving shore.” Many decades later, this description holds. Among the things to do in Swansea, the long, splendid shores are a major feature. The Gower Peninsula, west of the city, is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty—the first in the UK. Many travelers opt for the Welsh capital Cardiff over Swansea or travel through on their way to the Pembrokeshire Coast, but underrated Swansea is worth some time.
The best time to visit Swansea is from May to September when the weather is mild. The winters in South Wales are cold and wet, and rain is common year-round. It can get windy, especially on the beaches of this coastal city. Don’t wait for a perfect day to enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities around Swansea, but being outside is more comfortable in mild, drier weather. Music, entertainment, and outdoor events occur in summer.
Having a vehicle is the most convenient way of getting around Swansea, as you can head out into the countryside and along the coast. However, Swansea has a comprehensive bus service with numerous routes that connect the city with the Mumbles, Gower, and other areas of interest. Explore Wales and Explore South Wales Passes are an economical way of using the trains and buses.
The area's beautiful beaches might motivate you to take a swim. The Swansea area is a great place to surf or to learn to surf, particularly on the Gower Peninsula—wetsuits are helpful. For regular swimming, note that some stretches of the coast have strong tides and currents, so it’s important to follow any warning flags or notices. One of the loveliest beaches is Rhossili Bay, which is sometimes voted the UK’s best beach.
