National Waterfront Museum

National Waterfront Museum showing interior views
National Waterfront Museum showing street scenes
National Waterfront Museum showing street scenes
National Waterfront Museum showing interior views
National Waterfront Museum featuring interior views


Located in the trendy Maritime Quarter of Swansea, the National Waterfront Museum tells the story of industry and innovation in Wales over the last 300 years. As part of the European Route of Industrial Heritage this is a thematic element of a collection of the most important industrial heritage sites in Europe. Inside you’ll find enough to occupy you for hours, with the beautifully designed space offering a range of regional history exhibits marrying interactive media with traditional displays.

Designed by architects Wilkinson Eyre, the Museum is housed in a Grade II listed warehouse building, formerly the Swansea Industrial & Maritime Museum, and ringed by a beautifully landscaped park. Opened in 2005, it represents one of National Museum Wales's biggest, most ambitious projects, costing over £35m to complete.

If you’re taking the kids for a day out in Swansea, National Waterfront Museum offers regular exhibits that will delight them. Both disabled visitors and those hard of hearing will get huge pleasure from the museum, too, thanks to its award winning disabled access, and British Sign Language captioning on all interactive content. For non-English speakers, this is one of the first museums in the United Kingdom to feature multilingual voiceovers for its exhibits.

Free to visit, the National Maritime Museum is one of Swansea’s top days out. Once you’ve had your fill of industrial history, stroll along to the picturesque marina full of yachts or enjoy a coffee in one of the many nearby cafes.

Plan a trip to see National Waterfront Museum

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Delta Hotels by Marriott Swansea

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Things to do near National Waterfront Museum

The National Waterfront Museum in Swansea offers a delightful array of interesting exhibits and imaginative activities that celebrate Wales' industrial and maritime heritage. Visitors can engage with interactive displays, explore fascinating historical artefacts, and enjoy various events throughout the year, making it a perfect destination for those seeking both entertainment and education during their stay.

Shopping

Discover Swansea Market, just 186m from the National Waterfront Museum, offering a vibrant atmosphere with local goods. Also nearby is the Quadrant Shopping Centre, 186m away, featuring shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, the National Trust Rhossili Shop & Visitor Centre is 9.3km away.

Recreation

Experience the invigorating atmosphere at Swansea.com Stadium, just 1.2km away, where you can enjoy various sports events. For relaxation, LC Swansea, located a mere 62m away, offers wellness activities and a tranquil environment. Alternatively, unwind at Pennard Golf Course, 311m away, with its scenic outdoor setting.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Gower Surfing School, located 3.1km from the museum, offering exhilarating water sports in a vibrant seaside setting. For a scenic adventure, hike the Celtic Trail, 1.9km away, where stunning landscapes await. Alternatively, unleash your competitive spirit at Teamforce Paintball & Activity Centre, also 3.1km distant.

Nightlife

In Swansea, the Grand Theatre offers a vibrant cultural experience just 249m from the National Waterfront Museum, perfect for families and romance. For a more adventurous vibe, The Play King, located 6.2km away, provides exciting arcade fun, while Swansea Observatory, 124m away, captures the imagination with its celestial displays.

Find the best attractions near National Waterfront Museum

When visiting the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea, immerse yourself in the rich culture and outdoor experiences the area offers. Explore the nearby urban park, relax on the beach, or visit the historic Swansea Museum for a deeper insight into the city's heritage. For a touch of history, don't miss the chance to see a nearby castle, adding a unique charm to your trip.

  • Swansea Marina: Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Swansea Marina, a hub for adventure and outdoor activities. Enjoy the stunning views of the boats and yachts, take leisurely walks along the promenade, or indulge in watersports and local eateries.
  • Mumbles Pier: A delightful spot for families, Mumbles Pier offers a friendly community vibe. Stroll along the jetty, take in the breathtaking coastal views, and perhaps enjoy some ice cream while watching the boats sail by.
  • Swansea Beach: Just a short walk from the museum, Swansea Beach boasts golden sands and refreshing sea air. Ideal for sunbathing, beach games, or a relaxing stroll along the shore, it’s a quintessential Welsh seaside experience.

Best time to go to National Waterfront Museum

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

To save money on your visit to the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea, plan your trip between November and January for lower accommodation rates. Opt for a Thursday stay for the best deals, and avoid Saturdays when prices peak. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotels, and consider eco-certified options for sustainability. Additionally, bundle your hotel, flights, and activities for potential savings. Look out for discounts on accommodations and meal deals to further enhance your budget-friendly experience.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around National Waterfront Museum 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 National Waterfront Museum is Thursday. The most expensive day to stay around National Waterfront Museum is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can organise your search results by price, starting with the most affordable hotels. Additionally, 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 save money by combining your hotel stay at the National Waterfront Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.