Dylan Thomas Centre



The Dylan Thomas Centre celebrates the life and works of the eponymous Welsh poet, most famous for his 1954 BBC broadcast radio drama, Under Milk Wood.

The centre is located in Somerset Place, Swansea in South Wales, in a building that used to serve as the city's Guildhall.

A recent redevelopment of the space saw a new permanent exhibition — Love The Words — opening in October 2014, on what would have been Dylan Thomas' 100th birthday.

This is a wonderful interactive display, delving into the poet's techniques and composition methods, his early notebooks and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death in New York in 1953.

It is said that on this same trip, Thomas completed the manuscript for Under Milk Wood, but only after being locked in his room by his agent. The unfortunate American actors received the last few lines a few minutes before the first performance was scheduled to start.

There is an audio element to the installation in the Dylan Thomas Centre too. Listen to Richard Burton and Prince Charles, among others, reciting extracts from Thomas' works.

The centre is responsible for a fascinating collection of Dylan Thomas memorabilia, including photographs, rare manuscripts, first edition books and original sound recordings.

Each year, in the autumn, the Dylan Thomas Centre hosts a festival that further highlights Thomas' brilliance with lectures, workshops and live performances.

For an insight into one of Wales' foremost literary icons, the Dylan Thomas Centre is a must.

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Things to do near Dylan Thomas Centre

When visiting the Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea, you'll find a wealth of activities to enjoy, including family-friendly pursuits and interactive tours that engage visitors of all ages. The area offers ample activity spaces for relaxation and play, alongside exciting holiday events. For a bit of fun, consider a session of tenpin bowling nearby, ensuring a memorable experience for the whole family.

Shopping

For shopping near the Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea Market offers a vibrant public market just 249m away. The Quadrant Shopping Centre, also 249m away, features a mix of shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, check out the National Trust Rhossili Shop & Visitor Centre, located 9.9km away.

Recreation

At Swansea.com Stadium, immerse yourself in the vibrant sports atmosphere while enjoying a thrilling match, just 1.2km from the centre. LC Swansea, a mere 186m away, offers a serene environment for relaxation and wellness activities. For golf enthusiasts, Pennard Golf Course, located 249m away, provides stunning outdoor scenery.

Adventure

For an exhilarating experience, visit Gower Surfing School, located 3.1km from the Dylan Thomas Centre, where you can ride the waves. Alternatively, explore the scenic Celtic Trail, 1.9km away, perfect for hiking enthusiasts. For a thrilling day out, head to Teamforce Paintball & Activity Centre, also 3.1km distant.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the Dylan Thomas Centre! Enjoy a captivating performance at the Grand Theatre, just 311m away, or explore the stars at the Swansea Observatory, 249m away. For a fun-filled adventure, head to The Play King, located 6.2km from the centre.

Find the best attractions near Dylan Thomas Centre

Within and around the Dylan Thomas Centre, visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including stunning beaches, vibrant urban parks, and historic castles. These points of interest cater to those seeking a cultural experience, outdoor adventures, and relaxation by the sea, making it an ideal destination for a diverse range of activities during your visit to Swansea.

  • Swansea Marina: Experience the thrill of Swansea Marina, located 186m from the Dylan Thomas Centre. This vibrant marina offers outdoor adventures, stunning views, and a lively atmosphere, perfect for leisurely strolls or water sports.
  • Mumbles Pier: A charming 4-mile jaunt from the Centre, Mumbles Pier welcomes visitors with its friendly atmosphere. This historic jetty is ideal for picturesque walks, enjoying local seafood, and soaking in the coastal views.
  • Swansea Beach: Just 249m away, Swansea Beach invites you to unwind on its sandy shores. With its refreshing beach vibes, it’s the perfect spot for sunbathing, beach games, or a relaxing seaside stroll.

Best time to go to Dylan Thomas Centre

The best time to visit Dylan Thomas Centre can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Dylan Thomas Centre falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Dylan Thomas Centre falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
October54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
November49.3°F (9.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December45.9°F (7.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Dylan Thomas Centre

For a budget-friendly visit to the Dylan Thomas Centre, consider travelling between November and January when accommodation prices are lower, and aim to book your stay for a Thursday to save further. Use Expedia’s search tool to find affordable hotels, and don’t forget to explore the option of combining hotel, flight, and activity bookings for additional savings. Take advantage of free activities in the area to enhance your experience without overspending. Finally, for public transport, look into day passes or multi-journey tickets to cut down on travel costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Dylan Thomas Centre are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Dylan Thomas Centre is Thursday. The most expensive day to stay around Dylan Thomas Centre is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel booking at the Dylan Thomas Centre with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.