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Home , Gower Explorer, Gower Peninsula, Llangennith, Mawr, Mumbles Beach, Oystermouth Castle

Finding Out

Swansea Tourist Information Centre Plymouth Street, Swansea SA1 3QG (01792 468321 *[email protected] Open all year National Trust Visitor Centre Coastguard Cottages, Rhossili, Gower, Swansea SA3 1PR (01792 390707 Open all year Image Credits and Copyrights Rock Climbing p5: Dynamic Rock Ltd, Useful Contacts Coasteering p12: Adventure Britain, Rhossili National Trust p14: NTPL/John Millar, Glynn Vivian Art Gallery p28: Powell Dobson Swansea Mobility Hire Architects, Pennard Golf Course p31: Swansea City Bus Station, VisitWales © Crown Copyright, Family p34: Plymouth Street, National Waterfront Museum, Mummy p35: Swansea SA1 3AR Swansea Museum, Beach Volleyball p42: (01792 461785 360 Beach and Watersports RNLI The Council of the City & County of Swansea www.rnli.org cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this brochure and accepts no responsibility for any error or Published by the City & County of Swansea misrepresentation, liability for loss, © Copyright 2015 disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by the reliance on the information contained in this brochure unless caused by This publication is available in the negligent act or omission of the Council. alternative formats. Contact Please check and confirm all details before Swansea Tourist Information booking or travelling. Centre (01792 468321. Swansea Bay Mumbles, Gower, Afan & The Vale of Neath

Key to beach awards 0 6km Blue Flag and Seaside Award Seaside Award 0 3 miles

This map is based on digital photography licensed from NRSC Ltd. © City and County of Swansea 2015 visitswanseabay.com Contents

02 Introduction 04 Adventure 13 Cycling 14 Discover 16 Dylan Thomas 18 Entertainment 19 Event Highlights 20 Fishing 20 Food & Drink 28 Galleries 30 Golf 32 Heritage 36 Horse Riding 37 Parks & Gardens 38 Shopping 41 Walking 42 Watersports & Swimming 47 Getting About Finding Out & Area Map (back cover)

visitswanseabay.com 1 Introduction

Make the most of your visit to Swansea Bay. We’ve put together this new Guide to help you find what you’re looking for in your holiday or day visit. Make your selection and put together your perfect day.

Tasty Make some me time to relax in our café’s and restaurants. If you like your food local then you’re in for a treat, especially as the fine dining will often be accompanied by an equally fine view. Browse our Food & Drink pages for inspiration. There’s plenty there; from outstanding ice cream to couture cuisine and all in warm and friendly surroundings where you’ll feel right at home.

Fun You can have a splashing good time at the LC, meet our Mummy at Swansea Museum and get all hands-on with history at the National Waterfront Museum - and that’s just for starters. There’s always fun stuff happening - the Wales National Air Show is back in Swansea Bay this July.

Fresh Looking for big lungfuls of refreshing sea air? Five minutes from the City Centre shops you can enjoy a bracing walk along the Prom, play volleyball on the beach or even try a spot of stand-up paddle-boarding. A bit further along the coastline and gorgeous Gower has fresh air to spare and enough coastline and countryside to satisfy any adventurous appetite; surf, kite-ride, hike or climb, you can do it all here.

2 visitswanseabay.com Outstanding Did we mention that Gower was the first in the UK to be designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty? 70 square miles of loveliness, with 39 miles of shimmering shoreline to explore; the Gower Coast Path hugs the coastline with eye-popping vistas at every turn. Inland, the countryside just keeps getting greener, with waterfall walks and lakeside views (and even more of that fresh air!).

Cultural Hometown of Dylan Thomas and proud of it. ‘Love the Words’ at the new exhibition at the Dylan Thomas Centre or experience the surroundings that inspired him at his birthplace at 5 Cwmdonkin Drive. He loved Mumbles too. So will you. All arts & crafts; cosy, but with a cosmopolitan vibe.

Browse our Guide, make your plans and go have a great time!

visitswanseabay.com 3 Adventure Try a wild white water ride around the Gower coastline or set your sights high and take a tree top adventure, or for fast-paced fun, kart your way around our exciting indoor karting track! Get dirty at the muddiest assault course ever; go kite-riding, quad biking or paintballing. Want to have a go but not sure how? Our multi-activity providers have the gear and the know-how. Try abseiling, coasteering, kayaking, climbing and bushcraft…. what are you waiting for?

Adventure Britain Call of the Wild Ltd, 83 Church Road, Seven Sisters, Neath SA10 9DT Adventure Britain offer great ideas for outdoor activity breaks, adventure holidays, family activities, stag weekends, hen weekends, team building including canyoning, climbing & caving. Open daily, all year, hours depend on activity - please contact.

www.adventurebritain.com (01639 700388

Antur Ltd. 59 Dulais Road, Seven Sisters, Neath SA10 9ER Antur Ltd. is set at the heart of Wales’ adventurous wilderness. We believe anywhere outdoors has an adventure to offer - rock climbing, gorge walking, coasteering to name but a few! Open daily, all year.

www.anturoutdoor.com (07968 900354

4 visitswanseabay.com Clyne Farm Riding and Activity Centre Clyne Farm, Westport Avenue, Swansea SA3 5AR Your one stop for activities for all ages and abilities, stag and hen, riding, climbing, archery, quads, clay pigeon, surfing, Challenge Valley - the muddiest assault course in the world! Open daily, all year, 10am-6pm. [email protected] (01792 403333

Down to Earth 72a Manselfield Road, Murton, Swansea SA3 3AP Down to Earth offers remarkable experiences and eco-adventures from our two stunning centres on Gower. Adventures for all ages and abilities by an award winning social enterprise. Open daily, all year, 10am-5pm. www.downtoearthproject.org.uk (01792 346566

visitswanseabay.com 5 Outdoor fun for all ages and abilities

ECO ACTIVITIES REMARKABLE EXPERIENCES

• Adventure activities • Eco construction Choose either a 2 hour or full day experience!

Book now at www.downtoearthproject.org.uk or call 01792 346 566

6 visitswanseabay.com Dryad Bushcraft Gower

Dryad Bushcraft is one of the UK’s leading Bushcraft and Wilderness Survival training organisations. As featured on Channel 4’s ‘Time Team’ and ITV Wales ‘Coast and Country’. Open all year, prior booking required. See website for details. www.dryadbushcraft.co.uk (01792 547213

Dulais Valley Quads Nant y Cafn Isaf Farm, Seven Sisters, Neath SA10 9EU Take your breath away with the adventure and thrill of navigating the latest Honda 250cc quad bikes through 175 acres of hills, woodland, streams and mud. Open all year, prior booking needed. www.dulaisvalley-quads.co.uk (07854 864724

Dynamic Rock Adventures Ltd 16 - 18 Hebron Road, Clydach, Swansea SA6 5EJ Dynamic Rock is a dedicated climbing centre, great for both beginners and advanced climbers. We offer Kids Birthday Parties, Taster Sessions, Young Climbers Club and courses for those that catch the bug! Open daily, all year, Mon-Fri 2pm-10pm, Sat & Sun 10am-6pm. [email protected] (01792 845655

visitswanseabay.com 7 Go Ape Margam Margam Country Park, Port Talbot SA13 2TJ Go Ape is the UK’s No.1 Tree Top Adventure at Margam Park. We brief you for safety before you fly down zip- wires, leap off our Tarzan Swing and tackle our obstacles whilst enjoying breath-taking scenery (Min. Age 10 years). Open Feb-Nov, 9am-5pm.

www.goape.co.uk/margam (0845 094 8741

Gower Activity Centres Port Eynon, Rhossili & West Cross

Gower Activity Centres specialise in delivering the very best in outdoor activity experiences for groups of all types on the Gower Peninsula. Challenging and fun for all ages and abilities. Open daily, all year, 9am-5pm.

www.goweractivitycentres.org.uk (01792 401548

8 visitswanseabay.com Gower Adventures 43 Pencaerfenni Lane, Crofty, Swansea SA4 3SD We offer a wide range of exciting outdoor activities based around Gower. Join our team of experienced instructors and let them take you on an adventure with lasting memories. Open daily, all year. www.goweradventures.co.uk (01792 851182

Gower Coast Adventures Gower

Gower Coast Adventures provides breathtaking, interactive boat tours of the South Gower Coast, leaving our passengers with unforgettable memories. Open daily, Mar-Oct, 8am-8pm. www.gowercoastadventures.co.uk (01792 348229

Gower Kite Riders The SUP Hut / Gower Kite Riders, Francis Street, Brynmill, Swansea SA1 4NH Gower Kitesurfing has been teaching people all aspects of kite sports for 10 years. Come and experience power kiting, kite land boarding, kite buggying and kitesurfing and feel the wind. Open daily, all year. See website for details. www.gowerkiteriders.com (01792 446511

visitswanseabay.com 9 Gower Kite Shop Gower Kite Shop, Rhossili, Swansea SA3 1PT Based at Pitton Cross Caravan & Camping Park, Rhossili. The largest range of kites & windsocks on Gower. Diablos,Yo-Yos, maps, beach goods and camping gas. Open daily, all year, 9am-5pm.

www.gowerkitecentre.org.uk (01792 390593

Neath Canal Canoe Hire Ty Banc Cottage, Resolven Canal Side, Resolven SA11 4DP Neath Canal Canoe Hire - An enjoyable family and dog friendly day out for all ages! Affordable Canoeing, Hot & Cold Drinks and free canal side walks. Special offers on our website! Open daily, Apr-Sep, please contact for opening hours. @enc_adventure

www.encounteradventure.co.uk (01639 711746

10 visitswanseabay.com visitswanseabay.com 11 Rip N Rock 8 Brynymor, Three Crosses, Swansea SA4 3PF Coasteering, Canyoning, Gorge Walking, Surfing, Rock Climbing, Abseiling, Bushcraft and team building! Adventure activities on Gower and South Wales for families, friends, stags, hens, corporate groups and more. Open daily, all year. See website for details.

www.ripnrock.co.uk (07815 784122

Skidz Karting Ltd Unit 1 Rear of Queensway, Swansea West Business Park, Swansea SA5 4DJ Swansea’s only indoor karting track! Arrive & Drive, Birthday parties, Stag/Hen parties and corporate team building events all catered for. With karts for all ages and abilities from 4yrs+. Open daily, all year, please contact for opening hours.

www.skidzkarting.co.uk (01792 580927

12 visitswanseabay.com Teamforce Paintball & Activity Centre Llangyfelach Road, Swansea SA5 7PE Located only 1.5 miles off J46/M4, with 15 acres of purpose built Paintball zones, TEAMFORCE is the ideal destination for an action packed adventure day for Paintball, Archery and Air Rifle. Open daily, all year, 10am-4pm. www.teamforceuk.com (01792 772311 Cycling

Want traffic free routes with great views? We’ve got lots! Cycle along the Swansea Bay Prom to Mumbles (you can even stop for an ice cream along the way!). The Tawe Tour is just over 6 miles and is a great trail for families. Many of our routes are also part of the Celtic Trail and National Cycle Network. Wind around some of the quieter roads of North Gower on the Cockleshell Route, for panoramic coastal vistas. But if you’re more of a mountain biker, head to Afan Forest Park. It’s got a worldwide reputation for exhilaration.

visitswanseabay.com 13 Discover Unlock Gower’s hidden histories at the National Trust Visitor Centre, Rhossili. Or delve into your past and discover your ancestors in our archives.

Exploring the present is easy too! Head to our Tourist Information Centre for up-to-the-minute information, event tickets and local gifts, then take a stroll down to Swansea Marina and relax on a River Tawe cruise.

Rhossili National Trust Shop & Visitor Centre Rhossili, Gower SA3 1PR Perched above the majestic Rhossili Bay and within sight of Worm’s Head, the National Trust Shop and Visitor Centre is a must for any visitor to Gower. Open daily, all year (closed Monday in low season). See website for details. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ rhossili-shop-and-visitor-centre (01792 390707

Swansea Community Boat Trust River Tawe Boat Cruises on board Copper Jack A cruise on Copper Jack offers a unique opportunity for both visitors and Swansea locals alike to experience the beauty of the river, and gain an insight into Swansea’s amazing industrial history. Sailings daily from Easter until October. Please phone or visit our website or Facebook page for more information. www.scbt.org.uk (07785 347549

14 visitswanseabay.com Swansea Marina Lockside, Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 1WG Swansea Marina, where the city meets the sea. The Marina’s unique location guarantees something to please all the family. Our central location in the Bristol Channel makes us an unsurpassed cruising centre. Open daily, all year (closed Christmas Day). www.swanseamarina.org.uk (01792 470310

Swansea Tourist Information Centre Plymouth Street, Swansea SA1 3QG Your one-stop shop for booking accommodation, advice on how to get here and information on places to visit, to eat and local events. We can also help with event tickets, maps and gifts. Open all year, Mon-Sat 9:30am-5:30pm. www.visitswanseabay.com (01792 468321

visitswanseabay.com 15 West Glamorgan Archive Service Civic Centre, Oystermouth Road, Swansea SA1 3SN Visit us to research your family and local history and discover a range of books, cards and gifts for sale with a unique local flavour. Open all year, Tue 9am-7pm, Wed-Fri 9am-5pm.

www.swansea.gov.uk/ westglamorganarchives (01792 636589 Dylan Thomas

Take a walk in the poet’s footsteps; visit his city sights and childhood haunts. Cwmdonkin Park is where Dylan played as a boy; nearby his birthplace is a place caught in time - for an hour or two step back into Dylan’s world - see his Mam’s best parlour and the little bedroom where his imagination caught fire. Then step into the ‘Love the Words’ exhibition at the Dylan Thomas Centre to immerse yourself in his life, loves and inspirational words.

Dylan Thomas Birthplace & Family Home 5 Cwmdonkin Drive, Uplands, Swansea SA2 0RA Discover Dylan’s world with a guided tour of the house where he was born, wrote and lived for over half of his life. For a special treat stay overnight or indulge in an Edwardian dinner. Open daily, all year, tours at 11am, 1pm & 3pm (pre booking advisable).

[email protected] (01792 472555

16 visitswanseabay.com Annie from Wales Tour Guide & Dylan Thomas Specialist

Anne Haden is an accredited Tourist Guide specialising in Dylan Thomas, Swansea and South Wales with over twenty years experience of working in the tourism industry. www.anniefromwales.com (07817 753376

Dylan Thomas Centre Somerset Place, Swansea SA1 1RR

Learn to ‘Love the Words’ the way Dylan did at our new exhibition exploring the life, times and work of one of the 20th Century’s greatest writers. Free entry. Open daily, all year, 10am-4:30pm. www.dylanthomas.com (01792 463980

visitswanseabay.com 17 Entertainment A grand night out. Enjoy drama, music, comedy, opera and dance. Our theatres have so much to offer - from summer rep to Christmas panto.

Take it outside. Our events programme does just that - check out the 2015 highlights opposite - but don’t miss the Wales National Airshow in July - it’s going to be an aerial extravaganza!

Brangwyn Brangwyn Hall, Guildhall, Swansea SA1 4PE A landmark venue and home to the historic Brangwyn panels. Regularly hosts internationally acclaimed orchestras and some of the biggest names in contemporary music. Ideal venue for events, conferences, weddings and functions. Open all year.

www.brangwynhall.co.uk (01792 635428

Swansea Grand Theatre Singleton Street, Swansea SA1 3QJ

A cultural gem in the heart of Swansea. The theatre provides an exciting programme of live events as well as an eclectic mix of performances and exhibitions in its Arts Wing. Open all year, see website for details.

www.swanseagrand.co.uk (01792 475715

18 visitswanseabay.com Event Highlights Spring & Summer 17 Apr BBC National Orchestra of Wales (The Planets), Brangwyn Hall 1 - 31 May Clyne in Bloom 9 & 10 May Cheese & Cider Weekend, Gower Heritage Centre 31 Jul - 2 Aug Mumbles Marvellous Weekend, Oystermouth Castle 6 - 21 Jun Gower Walking Festival 14 Jun JCP Swansea Half Marathon 20 Jun Paolo Nutini, Live @ Singleton Park 21 Jun Swansea Festival of Transport 28 Jun Mumbles Raft Race 11 - 12 Jul Wales National Airshow, Swansea Bay 25 Jul - 2 Aug Pirate Week, Gower Heritage Centre 2 Aug Gower Show 8 - 15 Aug Gower Cycling Festival 1 - 31 Aug Botanics in Bloom

Autumn & Winter 10 - 13 Sep Gower Bluegrass Festival, Gower Heritage Centre 20 Sep Admiral Swansea Bay 10k 3 - 17 Oct Swansea Festival of Music and the Arts 27 Oct - 9 Nov Dylan Thomas Festival 5 Nov Swansea Fireworks Display End Nov - Jan Christmas in Swansea and Waterfront Winterland

There are lots more events happening here in Swansea Bay, for more information go to visitswanseabay.com/events

visitswanseabay.com 19 Fishing Charter a boat from Swansea Marina and take to the high seas or visit our local lakes and fisheries - they offer bream and excellent carp fishing. Sea, rock, coarse; Swansea has a choice of places where you can cast your line.

Fish for bass at Worm’s Head and then take it home for supper!

Food & Drink A tasty selection. Creamy ice cream served with a sprinkling of seaside and frothy cappuccinos in cosy cafés, contrast with fine food and wine served in sumptuous surroundings or the best in local produce enjoyed with a pint in a country pub. Many of our dining experiences come with a stunning view as a side order; a beautiful Bay, a woodland glade or even from a high rise restaurant at the top of Wales’ tallest building.

Swansea 360 Café Bar 360 Beach and Watersports, Mumbles Road, Swansea SA2 0AY 360 beachside café is the perfect place to relax with a coffee, refuel with a bite to eat, or hang out with friends. Look out for BBQs, live music, theme nights and more. Open daily, all year.

www.360swansea.co.uk (01792 655844

20 visitswanseabay.com The Bay View 400 Oystermouth Road, Swansea SA1 3UL

Delicious Thai Food served daily. Sunday Buffet for £9.95 and daily lunch special menu for £5.95. Takeaways 20% discount (collection only). Wide range of beers served on draft and in bottles! [email protected] (01792 652610

Blas Café - Wales National Pool Swansea Sketty Lane, Swansea SA2 8QG Blas @ Wales National Pool Swansea, a contemporary café selling Starbucks coffees, an array of snacks & drinks, including a variety of healthy salads, baked potatoes, paninis & sandwiches. Open daily, all year. www.walesnationalpoolswansea.co.uk (01792 513513

Café TwoCann Unit 2, J Shed, King’s Road, Swansea SA1 8PL A café by day, restaurant by night located in SA1, offering customers a unique dining experience and has developed an impressive reputation for high quality cuisine & the finest service as well as a wide range of gifts such as jewellery & handbags. Open daily, all year. www.cafetwocann.com (01792 458000

visitswanseabay.com 21 Grape & Olive Meridian Tower, Trawler Road, Swansea SA1 1JW Award winning restaurant situated at the top of Wales’ tallest building, with superb views across Swansea Bay. We believe in sourcing Welsh products of the finest quality from producers we can trust. See website for opening information.

swansea.grapeandolive.co.uk (01792 462617

Morgans Restaurant Somerset Place, Swansea SA1 1RR

Dine in the luxurious surroundings of Morgans Restaurant with our exciting, imaginative menus coupled with friendly and efficient service allowing you to truly savour your dining experience. See website for opening information.

www.morganshotel.co.uk (01792 484848

22 visitswanseabay.com Mosaic @ The Press House Ty John Penri, 11 St Helen’s Road, Swansea SA1 4AB Swansea’s hidden gem. The food is fresh, inventive and affordable, using local and exotic ingredients. Relax and enjoy our excellent service, eclectic dining and evocative environment just minutes from the City Centre. See website for opening information. mosaicswansea.com (01792 655225

Waterfront Café National Waterfront Museum, Oystermouth Road, Swansea SA1 3RD Unwind after you explore the exhibitions at the Waterfront Café. Enjoy a selection of hot and cold food, homemade cakes and speciality coffees. A children’s play area with plenty of bistro style seating is available. Open daily, all year, 10am-4:30pm. www.museumwales.ac.uk/swansea/ visit/food-drink ((029) 2057 3600

The Westbourne 1 Bryn Y Mor Road, Swansea SA1 4JQ

Ever fancied pouring your own pint? Now you can at The Westbourne with our 7 tap self-serve beer wall and table mounted beer taps with iPad ordering! Come give it a try! Open daily, all year. www.westbourneswansea.com (01792 476637

visitswanseabay.com 23 Mumbles Mumtaz 478-480 Mumbles Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BX Enjoy fine Indian cuisine with fantastic views of Swansea Bay. Mumtaz is a family run restaurant serving traditional Indian cuisine and hospitality. A must for your itinerary when visiting Mumbles. Open daily, all year.

[email protected] (01792 367210

Patricks 638 Mumbles Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4EA A family run restaurant with rooms offering a whole range of dishes from wild seabass with beautiful wine matched to hand made scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam. Open daily, all year. See website for details.

www.patrickswithrooms.com (01792 360199

Verdi’s Knab Rock, Mumbles Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4EN Verdi’s is a family run Coffee Shop, Ice Cream Parlour and Licensed Italian Restaurant with a reputation for authentic Italian flavour and quality, with spectacular views across Swansea Bay. Open daily, all year. See website for details.

www.verdis-cafe.co.uk (01792 369135

24 visitswanseabay.com visitswanseabay.com 25 Gower Bank Farm Café Bank Farm Leisure Park, Horton, Gower, Swansea SA3 1LL Situated overlooking Port Eynon and Horton Bay, Bank Farm caters for the whole family. Enjoy a beverage in our newly renovated coffee lounge or a family meal in the restaurant and bar area. Open Mar 1st - Jan 3rd, 9am-11pm.

www.bankfarmleisure.co.uk (01792 390228

Fairyhill Reynoldston, Gower, Swansea SA3 1BS A contemporary country house hotel, with an award- winning restaurant and a wine cellar of international repute. Open for Morning Coffee, Lunch, Afternoon Tea (bookings only) and Dinner. See website for details.

www.fairyhill.net (01792 390139

Monksland Monksland Road, Scurlage, Gower, Swansea SA3 1BA On the beautiful Gower Peninsula, join us in our family run establishment for a delicious carvery or choose from our superb menu. Alternatively just pop into our bar and enjoy a drink. See website for details.

www.monksland.uk (01792 390597

26 visitswanseabay.com Rural Swansea The Fountain Inn 111 Bolgoed Road, Pontarddulais, Swansea SA4 8JP Join us for delicious homemade food, traditional to a la carte, fine wines and real ales. All in a warm, family friendly atmosphere at our luxurious bar, restaurant and rooms. Open Tues-Sun, all year. See website for details. www.fountaininn.co (01792 881866

Penllergare Valley Woods Coffee Shop Penllergaer, Swansea SA4 9GS Opened in 2013, our community coffee shop is run by local volunteers. Pop in for ‘proper coffee’, delicious homemade cake, traditional scones and fresh sandwiches. All profits go to the future maintenance and restoration of Penllergare. See website for opening hours. www.penllergare.org (01792 344224

visitswanseabay.com 27 Galleries We’ve got a creative side. From the Maritime Quarter to Mumbles; craft shops, art and photographic galleries offer the best in local work - we’ve even got a Lovespoon Gallery!

The countdown has begun to the re-opening of the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery in spring 2016 after a major re-furb - we’ll keep you posted on visitswanseabay.com.

Attic Gallery 37 Pocketts Wharf, Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 3XL Wales’ longest established private art gallery highlights the work of contemporary artists working in Wales. Full programme of solo exhibitions and group shows, with a changing display of work. Open Tues - Sat, all year. See website for details.

www.atticgallery.co.uk (01792 653387

Glynn Vivian Art Gallery - Offsite Activities at YMCA, Swansea Events at various venues Glynn Vivian Art Gallery is currently closed for redevelopment and will reopen in 2016. The Gallery presents an exciting exhibition and lively activities programme while off-site. Open daily, all year. See website for details.

www.glynnviviangallery.org (01792 516900

28 visitswanseabay.com The Lovespoon Gallery 492 Mumbles Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BX Since 1987, the original lovespoon gallery offers hundreds of designs from individual carvers. Our beautiful handcarved Welsh Lovespoons are the perfect souvenir or memento for all special occasions. Open all year, Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm, (Nov & Jan 5pm). www.lovespoongallery.com (01792 360132

Mission Gallery Gloucester Place, Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 1TY Mission Gallery is one of Wales’ best adapted spaces for the contemporary arts. Mission Gallery presents excellence across the visual arts, applied arts and craft, from across Wales and beyond. Open all year, Tues-Sun, 11am-5pm. www.missiongallery.co.uk (01792 652016

visitswanseabay.com 29 Golf Don’t let our breathtaking views put you off your shot! Tee off against the backdrop of beautiful bays and rugged cliffs from our parkland, moorland and links courses. Pennard is 200 feet above sea level, no wonder it’s known as ‘the links in the sky’.

While Gower Golf Club’s golfing break packages mean you can eat and sleep your favourite sport!

Gower Golf Club Cefn Goleu, Three Crosses, Swansea SA4 3HS For a real flavour of Gower countryside, Gower Golf Club offers majestic views over the South Wales Coastline. Facilities include an 18 hole golf course and active clubhouse. Open all year.

www.gowergolf.co.uk (01792 872480

30 visitswanseabay.com Pennard Golf Club 2 Southgate Road, Southgate, Swansea SA3 2BT Pennard is a magnificent links course situated 8 miles west of Swansea, with spectacular views over Three Cliffs Bay on the Gower Peninsula. 6809 yards Par 72. Open daily, all year, daylight hours. www.pennardgolfclub.com (01792 233131

visitswanseabay.com 31 Heritage Interested in time travel? You don’t have to be Dr Who. Go back to pre-history (Swansea Museum shows you the way) then work your way back to the future.

On the way, stop off at medieval castles and a 12th century watermill. Discover how we were a crucible for change in the Industrial Revolution fed by our ‘black gold’ and how war changed our city. And pull all the timelines together at the National Waterfront Museum. An epic journey.

Aberdulais Tinworks & Waterfall Aberdulais, Neath SA10 8EU

In 1584 Ulrich Frosse exploited the natural resources of Aberdulais to smelt copper ‘…far from the pryinge eyes of competitors’. Wales became the world’s first industrial nation - now we’re bringing the secret to life! Spectacular Waterfall•Green and Great- Our Waterwheel and Turbine have had a makeover!•Go to the movies• Dress up in Victorian costume•Tea-Room•National Trust Shop/Conference facilities•Wheelchair accessible•Dog friendly•Open daily, Mar-Oct. See website for details.

[email protected] (01639 636674

32 visitswanseabay.com 1940’s Swansea Bay Museum Baldwin’s Crescent, Crymlyn Burrows, Swansea SA1 8PT Visit our indoor street for the sights and sounds of Wartime Britain. Uniforms & clothes to try on. Gift shop. Admission charge. New for 2015 - Great War trench! Open daily, 10am-4pm (may vary). www.1940sswanseabay.co.uk (01792 458864

Oystermouth Castle Oystermouth Avenue, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BA Come and explore parts of the castle that have been hidden away for centuries and learn about the castle’s exciting history. Look out for events throughout the year. Open daily, Apr-Sep, 11am-5pm. www.swansea.gov.uk/ oystermouthcastle (01792 468321

visitswanseabay.com 33 National Waterfront Museum Oystermouth Road, Swansea SA1 3RD

Take in the sights and sounds of more than 300 years of Welsh industry and innovation. Using a mix of cutting-edge interactive technology and large objects, the Museum offers a gateway to a new experience of history that stretches right across Wales. Open daily, 10am-5pm.

@the_waterfront /waterfrontmuseum

www.museumwales.ac.uk ((029) 2057 3600

34 visitswanseabay.com Gower Heritage Centre Parkmill, Gower, Swansea SA3 2EH Based around an 800 year old corn and saw mill, powered by a working water wheel. Tea rooms, craft workshops, children’s play areas, animal park, woollen mill & La Charrette cinema. Open daily, all year, 10am-5pm. www.gowerheritagecentre.co.uk (01792 371206

Swansea Museum Victoria Road, Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 1SN Swansea Museum gives visitors a glimpse of local life, past, present and future! Plus exciting temporary exhibitions, events and workshops. Open all year, Tue-Sun, 10am-5pm. www.swanseamuseum.co.uk (01792 653763

visitswanseabay.com 35 Horse Riding Gallop your way around the Bay, from the coast to the countryside. Head to the hills for a more relaxed ride or take to the beach and experience the excitement of riding through the surf. Set your own pace.

Parc-le-Breos Pony Trekking Parc-le-Breos House, Parkmill, Gower, Swansea SA3 2HA Explore Gower’s beautiful scenery on horse back. Relaxed riding suitable for all abilities even first timers! Day rides with lunch stops at picturesque country pubs. Riding breaks available. Open daily, all year, 8am-10pm.

www.parclebreos.co.uk (01792 371636

36 visitswanseabay.com Parks & Gardens A natural breathing space and a green oasis; parks are great for a picnic, playing games or just going for a Sunday promenade. We have lots to choose from. Highlights include Clyne Gardens, internationally famous for its superb collections of Rhododendrons and Singleton Botanical Gardens for its rainbow bedding displays. For more of a walk on the wild side explore the secret and magical Penllergare Valley Woods.

Penllergare Valley Woods Penllergaer, Swansea SA4 9GS Penllergare Valley Woods, just off J47 of the M4, with its lakes and waterfalls, terraces, panoramic views and exotic trees - this ‘forgotten’ Victorian paradise is undergoing restoration. Woods open daily, all year. See website for coffee shop opening hours. www.penllergare.org (01792 344224

Swansea Parks and Gardens

Parks and green spaces are plentiful in Swansea with over 52 areas to complement its coastline. With a variety of special events throughout the year, there is something for everyone. Open all year. www.swansea.gov.uk/parks (01792 468321

visitswanseabay.com 37 Shopping Swansea’s savvy shoppers head for the city centre - a retail hub with high street, designer and boutique brands. Stop off for a spot of home grown produce in the Market - it’s the largest in Wales! Try local delicacies such as cockles and laverbread (it’s seaweed!) or warm welshcakes straight from the bakestone. Head west and check out the cosmopolitan corner of Mumbles. Stroll the streets packed with chic boutiques and bistros, trendy surf shops, art galleries and quirky gift emporiums.

Dragoncrafts 530 Mumbles Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4DH Dragoncrafts offers the very best Welsh giftware and souvenirs including jewellery, hand-carved love spoons, t-shirts, flags and gifts for all occasions. Open daily, all year, 10am-5pm.

www.dragoncraftswales.co.uk (01792 360640

Swansea Market Oxford Street, Swansea SA1 3PQ

Enjoy a shopping experience like no other at Swansea Market. A traditional Market hall in the heart of the City Centre with over 100 stalls offering quality, variety and value for money. Open all year, Mon-Fri, 8am-5:30pm, Sat 7:30am-5:30pm.

www.swanseaindoormarket.co.uk (01792 654296

38 visitswanseabay.com visitswanseabay.com 39 40 visitswanseabay.com Walking You really can walk your socks off here! The Wales Coast Path includes 51 miles of coastal walks in Swansea Bay, 39 of which are the glorious Gower Coast Path. From surfaced paths to beautiful beaches and rocky clifftops, there’s a Coast Path walk for everyone. Don’t forget the Gower Walking Festival is taking place between 6th and 21st June with over 70 walks and activities to choose from.

Moving inland, the Gower Way is another 35 mile challenge along the backbone of the Peninsula (there’s three sections so you don’t have to walk it all at once!). There are also a new selection of walking trails to explore in Rural Swansea, including the Mawr and Pontarddulais Heritage trails which tell the story of the area’s past as you explore. Try the tranquil lakeside walks at Lliw Reservoir or a waterfall walk at Penllergare Valley Woods.

Go to visitswanseabay.com/walking for more information and to download walking routes.

Swansea Prom Mumbles Road, Swansea

Swansea Prom, lining the 5 mile stretch of Swansea Bay, offers plenty to keep you and your family entertained! Most attractions open Apr-Sept. See website for details.

www.swanseaprom.com (01792 468321

visitswanseabay.com 41 Watersports & Swimming We’re a Watersports Centre of Excellence and it’s not hard to see why! Choose from surfing (Gower’s good for beginners and really popular with experts), sailing, kitesurfing, stand up paddle boarding and kayaking. Brilliant in the Bay (get the gear and know-how with 360 Beach and Watersports) and great on Gower (our activity operators below know all the best spots and have all the gear). Serious swimmer or looking for serious fun? You can have the best of both watery worlds at the Wales National Pool and the LC Leisure Complex (home to Wales’ first indoor surf simulator).

360 Beach and Watersports Mumbles Road, Swansea SA2 0AY 360 Beach & Watersports is a unique multisport facility situated in the heart of Swansea Bay - kayaking, SUP, beach volleyball, slack-lining & many other sports available for all. Open daily, all year.

www.360swansea.co.uk (01792 655844

42 visitswanseabay.com Gower Stand Up Paddle The SUP Hut/Gower Kite Riders, Francis Street, Brynmill, Swansea SA1 4NH By sharing our knowledge of the beautiful Gower coastline, we hope you will be able to experience the joy of Stand Up Paddling and appreciate a fantastic activity for all the family. Open Mon-Sat, all year. See website for details. www.supgower.com (07799 062447

Oxwich Watersports The Beach Hut, Oxwich Beach, Oxwich, Gower SA3 1LS Oxwich Watersports is a centre of excellence offering a full range of watersports activities and training for all ages and levels of experience. Ideally situated on the Gower Peninsula. Open Apr-Oct, 10am-5pm. See website for details. www.oxwichwatersports.co.uk (07740 284079

visitswanseabay.com 43 SurfGSD - Gower Surfing PO Box 83, Swansea SA3 4XX

Gower Surfing lessons & Supervised Surf Hire. We run the famous Junior Surfing Academy at Caswell daily during the school holidays. We cater for large groups including stag and hen do’s, scout and guide groups, school activity weeks and can cater for bespoke small groups or 1-2-1 surfing sessions. Book online at www.shopgsd.com, text 07739 536122 for last minute sessions or email [email protected] for group/bespoke enquiries. Open daily, all year, daylight hours.

www.shopgsd.com Text 07739 536122

44 visitswanseabay.com The LC Oystermouth Road, Swansea SA1 3ST

The LC is South Wales’ Premier Leisure Destination! Including the Waterpark, 30ft Climbing Wall, Interactive play area and Wales’ first indoor surf simulator, the Boardrider! Open daily, all year. See website for details. www.thelcswansea.com (01792 466500

Welsh Surfing Federation Surf School Llangennith, Gower SA3 1JD

Teaching surfing to absolute beginners and improvers. All instructors hold Surf Coach/Beach Lifeguard awards and are CRB checked. All equipment provided. Owned and regulated by the Welsh Surfing Federation, the National Governing Body for surfing in Wales. Open daily, Mar-Oct, 9am-5pm. www.wsfsurfschool.co.uk (01792 386426

Wales National Pool Swansea Sketty Lane, Sketty, Swansea SA2 8QG For a range of aquatic activities - lane swimming for competent swimmers, recreation swimming for non-swimmers/ families, Splash & Play family fun, fitness classes & learn to swim for all. Open daily, all year, 6am-10pm. www.walesnationalpoolswansea.co.uk (01792 513513

visitswanseabay.com 45 46 visitswanseabay.com Getting About

It’s easy. Swansea Bay is at the heart of South Wales and is easily reached by motorway, express coaches and fast train links.

When you get here, park your car, and become an explorer! Go by bus or on foot. Swansea operates a Park & Ride scheme from three sites.

Why not go ‘Walking by Bus’? We’ve got some short circular walks linked to bus routes. There are 5 ‘Walking by Bus’ leaflets (including Worm’s Head and Llanmadoc). Pick them up from Swansea Tourist Information Centre or download them from visitswanseabay.com

Our buses will take you almost everywhere. Gower’s splendid beaches, coastal and country walks are just a short ride from Swansea using the Gower Explorer.

From Swansea, buses will also take you to the bays and beaches of Mumbles. Great value all-day tickets are available, one for most of Swansea Bay including Gower, Neath, Port Talbot and the Valleys; and the other for Swansea City and Mumbles.

For further information about travelling to or within Swansea Bay, Mumbles and Gower, call Traveline Cymru  08712 002233 or visit www.traveline-cymru.info

visitswanseabay.com 47 Travel Information using Public Transport

Whatever your chosen attraction or activity, you can get there by bus. Visit www.baytrans.org.uk for comprehensive travel information for visitors or email [email protected]

www.baytrans.org.uk

Play Safe

Whatever you do and wherever you do it, please ensure that the conditions are safe and that you have the right equipment. If new to the activity or inexperienced, use an accredited operator (where appropriate, all operators featured in this Guide have achieved the relevant activity accreditation in relation to the sections in which they appear). If participating in an activity in the sea or near the shoreline, then keep an eye on the state of the tide, as it can turn very quickly here.

48 visitswanseabay.com Swansea Bay Mumbles, Gower, Afan & The Vale of Neath

Key to beach awards 0 6km Blue Flag and Seaside Award Seaside Award 0 3 miles

This map is based on digital photography licensed from NRSC Ltd. © City and County of Swansea 2015 visitswanseabay.com Finding Out