The Best Things to do in Swansea: Ultimate Itinerary (13+ Activities)
Are you planning a visit to Swansea and wondering what exciting activities await you? Look no further! Swansea has a wide range of things to do to keep you busy, no matter the season. From stunning beaches to fun dates, markets, excellent food and everything in between, you’ll find the best things to do in Swansea here!
After exploring Swansea with Visit Swansea Bay over the course of 2 days, I’ve put together a detailed itinerary with things to do on a short visit. I’ve also included a section below with additional activities and trails in Swansea to check out.
Swansea 2 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring Mumbles and Castle Adventures
Morning:
Start your day by wandering around the picturesque Mumbles. The charming seaside village is perfect for a leisurely stroll, offering stunning views of the coast. Don’t forget to stop by Boo’s Kitchen for a delightful coffee or a refreshing matcha latte. The matcha latte is my go-to and is incredible with coconut milk!
Late Morning:
Explore the unique shops in Mumbles, including the Love Spoon Gallery, where you can discover traditional Welsh love spoons – a perfect souvenir to remember your trip. The Mumbles area is pretty with so many colourful houses so you could spend a while wandering up and down the streets. If you have the time, you can take a trail over to Bracelet Bay on the other side of the Mumbles and take in the views from the beach!
Lunchtime:
Head to the Oyster House for lunch! While it’s best known for its Oysters and variety of seafood, they have a range of choices on the menu. My partner Sam enjoyed a delicious fish and chips for lunch, while I opted for a vegan curry option! Both were tasty and had a great portion size.
Next, head over to Oystermouth Castle a historical site in the area. The castle is open between April and November each year to explore and some have even reported ghost sightings there! Our guide Haydn was incredibly knowledgable and shared insights regarding the history of the Castle, including who would’ve lived in the castle, came to visit, what each room was used for and more.
From the top of the castle, there’s an amazing view of the Mumbles. Despite visiting on a rainy day, we still enjoyed the view from above and can only imagine how stunning it would be on a clear day!
Afternoon:
Continue your Swansea adventure by exploring Swansea Market. This bustling market is a hub of activity, offering a variety of local goods, fresh produce, and handmade crafts. It’s the largest indoor market in Wales and is home to local foods such as Welsh cakes and laverbread (a seaweed dish). Make sure you get to the market before 3pm, as we arrived near 4pm and most of the stalls had closed by then, despite the market closing at 5 the day we visited.
Evening:
For a thrilling experience, try your hand at axe throwing at Lumberjack Axe Throwing – a unique and entertaining activity that adds a touch of adventure to your day. This makes for an interesting date or fun group activity that you’ve probably never done before!
An expert from Lumberjack will explain how to do various throws and provide pointers to help you get the most out of your experience. Don’t get too upset if it takes you a few times to get an axe on the target, as it took me ages to figure it out!
Night:
Check into Morgans Hotel for a comfortable and stylish night’s stay. I’d recommend checking out the hotel restaurant for dinner after building up an appetite! We had a seasonal soup and mushroom dish to start and a burger and pizza for our mains. Everything was wonderful and exceeded our expectations!
One the best things about this hotel is the location. It’s situated just across from Wind Street which is filled with bars and restaurants. So if you’re planning a night or weekend out, you won’t find a better place to stay.
Before ending your day, take advantage of the bathtub to have a relaxing bubble bath. This was the perfect way to round out day 1 and I’d highly reccomend!
Day 2: Art, Seafood, and Sunset Views
Morning:
Kick off your second day in Swansea with breakfast at Morgans Hotel. They have a buffet, as well as menu option to choose from and both were great! We got the vegetarian English breakfast and loved every bite. Another thing I really appreciated about the breakfast setup was all the alternative milk options for coffee or cereal, which is great for anyone with a dairy intolerance or vegans!
Next, pay a visit to the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery. Immerse yourself in a diverse collection of contemporary and traditional art. We had the pleasure of enjoying a tour around the gallery, learning about the man (Richard Glynn Vivian) who opened the gallery for the people of Swansea after travelling around the world and gathering trinkets and different art pieces throughout the 1800s.
The gallery is now curated with various art from Wales but also includes international exhibits. We loved wandering around, as well as learning about the different art programs that are in place for residents of Swansea. They have many free classes available for children and adults each week which is wonderful if you’re looking for a place to start and embrace your artistic side!
Late Morning:
Explore the Swansea Marina, where you can enjoy scenic views, waterfront cafes, and perhaps even spot some boats sailing by.
After, head to El Pescador for a delicious seafood lunch. This Spanish inspired restaurant is one of the best and you should definitely make it a three course meal. I started with roasted chilli and garlic bread then had a cauliflower steak for my main and a brownie with ice cream for dessert. Despite being absolutely stuffed, I didn’t regret a single bite because it was THAT good!
Afternoon:
Continue your maritime adventure with a stroll along Swansea Beach. This beach is massive so you can walk for a while, feeling the sand beneath your toes as you take in the breathtaking views at sunset.
Additional Activities in Swansea
If you find yourself with extra time or are planning an extended stay, consider venturing out to the stunning beaches of the Gower Peninsula. With its golden sands and rugged cliffs, the Gower offers a perfect escape for beach lovers.
Gower Beaches
My favourite beaches in the Gower have got to be Three Cliffs and Rhossili!
- Three Cliffs – Nestled within the stunning Gower Peninsula, Three Cliffs Bay stands as a coastal masterpiece, captivating visitors with its natural beauty. This pristine beach is renowned for its three majestic limestone cliffs that frame the golden sands and ebbing tides. As the waves gently kiss the shore, visitors can explore the rugged caves and tidal pools that add an adventurous touch to the landscape. Surrounded by lush greenery and accessible via scenic coastal paths, Three Cliffs Bay provides a serene escape, inviting nature enthusiasts, hikers, and beachgoers alike to bask in the tranquility of one of Wales’ most breathtaking coastal treasures.
- Rhossili – Rhossili Bay, a jewel in the Gower Peninsula’s crown, unfolds a mesmerizing panorama of natural wonders. Renowned for its three miles of golden sands, it’s consistently ranked among the world’s top beaches. Overlooked by the iconic Worm’s Head promontory, Rhossili offers a dramatic seascape framed by towering cliffs and undulating dunes. Adventure seekers relish the challenging hike to Worm’s Head during low tide, where seals bask in the sun. The expansive beach invites leisurely strolls and water activities, while the charming village of Rhossili provides a warm welcome. Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Rhossili, where nature’s grandeur takes center stage.
The Best Trails in Swansea
For those seeking more adventure, consider exploring the various trails in and around Swansea!
- Gower Peninsula Trails – There are endless options when it comes to walking trails in the Gower, all of them stunning. Langland to Caswell Bay is an easy path with gorgeous coastal views the entire way.
- Rural Swansea Spring Wildlife Trail – Explore the enchanting beauty of rural Swansea along the Wildlife Trail, where lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems come together to create a haven for nature enthusiasts. This picturesque trail in Swansea offers a captivating journey through thriving wildlife habitats, inviting you to discover the region’s natural wonders in a serene and immersive setting.
- Oxwich Adventure Trail – Embark on an exhilarating adventure along the Oxwich Adventure Trail in Swansea Bay, where a blend of coastal splendour and thrilling activities awaits. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking both natural beauty and outdoor excitement.
Before You Go…
Here are a few other UK posts you might find helpful:
- Best Coffee in Brighton: Guide to 19 Specialty Cafes
- Christmas in Kent: Best festive Events for 2023
- Coach Day Trips From Kent: 20 Ideas for Excursions
Best Things to do in Swansea
Swansea truly has something for everyone, from cultural experiences to outdoor adventures. So, pack your bags, follow this itinerary, and get ready for an amazing journey through the wonders of Swansea!
I’ll be back shortly with a new blog but in the meantime, you can follow my adventures as a full-time traveller and digital nomad on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube!
Cheers,
Amy xx
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