Swansea - Wales
Swansea is the second largest city in Wales, located in the historic county of Glamorganshire at the mouth of river Tawe, at its entrance into the Swansea Bay, adjacent to the Bristol Channel; and it is the gateway to the magnificent Gower Peninsula, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
This historic area was once a prehistoric hideaway for Viking invaders who used the natural harbour at Swansea. The French Normans later developed the maritime potential and established a castle in 1106, at the mouth of the Tawe River, which runs through the city. Surprisingly this area established the first passenger railway ever to be used anywhere in the world. The first rail cars were pulled by horses along the rails until the steam engine replaced them. The service was operated to convey the early passengers to the beach cities during the first era of beach tourism. Here one could marvel at the limestone cliffs, see the salt marshes and revel in the dunes along the beautiful sandy beaches.
The city of Swansea was once a market town during the medieval era and later developed a reputation for porcelain manufacture. During the modern times the city grew into retail and light manufacturing sectors, in addition to its tourism trade. Swansea lost much of its architectural heritage during World War II, as their maritime and shipbuilding reputation created a target for the multiple bombings of the time. However, the Maritime Quarter and several other areas, such as Wind Street, Alexander Road and Walter Road which leads to the Uplands district still retains much of its original architectural integrity.
As a large city Swansea has much to see and to do, including museums, theatre, music, historic buildings and castles to explore. Although there is little left to explore, the ruins of Swansea Castle, dating from the 13th century and located in the city centre, contrasts with the more modern structures around it. However, Oystermouth Castle originally built in the early 12th century, with 13th century additions, is well preserved. Oystermouth Castle's battlements offer a magnificent view of Swansea Bay. The city has numerous art galleries available to explore as well as the various museums of interest, as the Egypt Centre at Swansea University, or the Gower Heritage Centre which offers a look at rural life; or the Dylan Tomas centre dedicated to Swansea's "favourite literary son"; the centre offers a theatre, an exhibition and events hall and a few shops. There is also an annual 'Dylan Thomas Festival' held at the literature centre located here. For Dylan Thomas enthusiasts there is a monument to the poet/playwright at Cwmdonkin Park, where he spent many hours during his childhood.
Swansea offers something for everyone, whether looking for history, heritage, prehistoric relics, cultural events, parkland or water sports. The impressive Maritime Quarter on the beautiful bay is an exceptional waterfront leisure and cultural park that offers yachting marinas in addition to restaurants and museums. And for the surfers, the nearby beaches are reputed to have some of the best surfing available.
Where is Swansea?
