This year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. Here’s our choice of the Top 10 things to do in Swansea, the city of his birth.
Dylan Thomas Centre
Housed in a beautiful building in the Maritime Quarter, this museum is the definitive starting point for fans wanting to discover more about the life of Swansea’s most famous son. The Centre is the hub of the year-long celebration of the poet’s life and work.
See dylanthomas.com
Dylan Thomas Birthplace
The modest home at 5 Cwmdonkin Drive where Thomas was born has been transformed into a living house – and you can enjoy and Edwardian dinner or even stay overnight.
See dylanthomasbirthplace.com
Cwmdonkin Park
Cwmdonkin Park in the heart of the city has been recently regenerated and includes a bowling green, children’s play area, tennis courts and walking trails. There is also a new café and a Dylan Thomas memorial stone.
See cwmdonkinpark.co.uk
The LC
More than just a leisure centre, the LC, next to the National Waterfront Museum in the Maritime Quarter has a waterpark, 30ft climbing wall, play area and an indoor surf simulator.
See thelcswansea.com
National Waterfront Museum
Part of the National Museum of Wales, the National Waterfront Museum is housed in a Grade-II listed warehouse and a new slate-and-glass building. It tells story of Welsh industry and innovation over the past 300 years and includes a replica of Richard Trevithick’s steam locomotive.
See museumwales.ac.uk
Swansea Museum
Wales’ oldest museum has an eclectic collection including everything from an Egyptian mummy to a Welsh Kitchen. It’s spread over four locations: the Museum itself on Oystermouth Road, the Tramshed in Dylan Thomas Square in the Marina, the Museum Stores in Landore and the floating exhibits in the dock by the Tramshed.
See swanseamuseum.co.uk
Plantasia
A large, public and pyramid-shaped hothouse in Parc Tawe retail park, Plantasia contains two climate zones: tropical with a rainforest and arid plus a menagerie of animals.
See plantasia.org
Parks and Gardens
Cwmdonkin Park aside, Swansea has more than 50 green spaces with events throughout the year.
See breatheswansea.com
Oystermouth Castle
A Norman stone castle overlooking Swansea Bay, Oystermouth Castle’s visitor facilities have been renovated and now include a a 30-foot high glass viewing platform and bridge that lead to Alina’s Chapel.
See visitswanseabay.com
Gower Heritage Centre
Based around an 800-year-old corn and saw mill, powered by a working water wheel, this rural life museum has tea rooms, craft workshops, children’s play areas, animal park, woollen mill and the La Charrette cinema.
See gowerheritagecentre.co.uk
For more on Swansea see visitswanseabay.com
For more on Wales see visitwales.com
