Swansea

Travel Guide

Swansea featuring a sunset, a marina and general coastal views
Grand Theatre showing theatre scenes and interior views
Oystermouth Castle which includes heritage elements
National Waterfront Museum which includes interior views
Swansea featuring sailing, a sunset and general coastal views

If it is the seaside you look for on holiday, take a trip to Swansea where you will be able to relax on the fantastic Swansea beaches or explore the unspoilt countryside along the coast.

South Wales has a range of places to stay, from the modern seaside hotels, bed & breakfasts overlooking the sea, or perhaps a quirky cottage in the countryside. It has accommodation to suit everyone and all budgets.

Gower Peninsula is famous for its superb beaches and fantastic attractions. It was the first place in Britain to be named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s a place not just for sunbathers and surfers, but birdwatchers also with its many beaches circled with woodland.

The National Waterfront Museum in Swansea tells the human story of Welsh industry and innovation. A visit to the museum offers the opportunity to learn about the history of Swansea and the industrial and engineering displays are excellent, with the majority of them being interactive.

The Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea is the perfect starting point for those wanting to learn more about the life and times of Dylan Thomas. The story of the poet’s life and work is simply told creating an informative and evocative atmosphere.

If you are visiting Swansea for a short city break or weekend in the country then take the opportunity to explore the rest of South Wales. A region of Wales that shares its borders with England and the Bristol Channel, it is also home to capital city Cardiff. All this contributes to make South Wales a home of fantastic Welsh culture, sport and entertainment.

For avid mountain bikers, South Wales has it all regardless of your ability. South Wales has been a popular spot for mountain bikers ever since Dafydd Davies built the first purpose built mountain bike trail. Today it has close to 600km of purpose built track, all with their own unique views over Wales.

A little known fact about Wales in general is that it has more castles than any other country in Europe. With over 500 castles, wherever you go on holiday in Wales you will not be too far from a castle.

In South Wales the main ones to look out for include Raglan Castle, Kidwelly Castle and Caerphilly Castle. Out of these three Caerphilly is well worth a visit, as it is the biggest in Wales almost completely surrounded by a series of moats, with interactive videos to offer context and fun activities around the castle a visit makes for a great family day out.

Take a day trip into Cardiff city centre and check out its unique attractions, entertainment and shopping, all within a short walking distance of each other. An area of Wales that is equally fanatical about football as it is Rugby, Cardiff has the country’s National Stadium.

Where to stay in Swansea

Swansea showing a bridge and a river or creek

Castle

4/5(231 area reviews)

Castle is known for its lively bars, and you can plan a trip to Grand Theatre and LC Swansea while you're in town.

Castle
Default Image

St. Thomas

4/5(88 area reviews)

St. Thomas is well liked for its restaurants, and you can visit sights like 1940s Swansea Bay and Maritime Quarter if you have time to explore the area.

St. Thomas
Default Image

Llangennith, Llanmadoc and Cheriton

5/5(7 area reviews)

Unique features of Llangennith, Llanmadoc and Cheriton include the beaches and restaurants. Make a stop by Rhossili Beach or Whiteford National Nature Reserve while you're exploring the area.

Llangennith, Llanmadoc and Cheriton
Default Image

Llanrhidian Higher

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

While Llanrhidian Higher isn't home to many top sights, Parc y Scarlets and Three Cliffs Bay Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Llanrhidian Higher

Bon-y-maen

3.5/5(6 area reviews)

Travellers like the historical sites in Bon-y-maen, and Grosnez Castle is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Bon-y-maen

Cockett

When in Cockett, you can plan a visit to Grand Theatre and Swansea.com Stadium, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Cockett
Delta Hotels by Marriott Swansea

Delta Hotels by Marriott Swansea

4 out of 5
Maritime Quarter, Swansea, Wales
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €91 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€91
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Swansea. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (417 reviews)
"Great for a Business stop over. Staff attentive."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Delta Hotels by Marriott Swansea
The Grand Hotel Swansea

The Grand Hotel Swansea

3 out of 5
Ivey Place High Street, Swansea, Wales
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €87 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€87
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Swansea. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (827 reviews)
"Clean room. Pleasant and helpful staff. Hotel is a little old but reasonably updated. Appreciated the large shelf space in the bathroom."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

The Grand Hotel Swansea
Village Hotel Swansea

Village Hotel Swansea

4 out of 5
Langdon Road, Swansea, Wales
The price is €98 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
€98
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Swansea. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
Great stay!
"Convenient, lots of parking, really good facilities."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Village Hotel Swansea
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Sleeping Giant - Pen Y Cae Inn

The Sleeping Giant - Pen Y Cae Inn

3 out of 5
Pen Y Ace Inn, Swansea, Wales
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly vacation home in Swansea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and premium bedding. Popular attractions Craig-y-Nos Country Park ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (57 reviews)
All round excellent stay with delicious food
"Wasnt clear how to check in, but rung in the morning and was advised to call to pub for room card. The room was very clean, and well presented. Can see they are looked after. Nice walk in shower with 2 separate heads. Plenty of storage for clothes etc. Bed was very comfortable and made for a great ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

The Sleeping Giant - Pen Y Cae Inn
Ty Nant

Ty Nant

2 out of 5
180 High St, Swansea, Wales
Stay at this apartment in Swansea. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Glynn Vivian Art Gallery and Pennard Golf Course are ...
Ty Nant
Bay Campus

Bay Campus

2 out of 5
Fabian Way, Swansea, Wales
Stay at this apartment in Swansea. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and concierge services. Popular attractions 1940s Swansea Bay and Grosnez Castle are ...
Bay Campus
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do