Landore

You probably wouldn’t expect to encounter tarantulas, macaws and endangered tamarin monkeys in a Swansea retail park, but visit the spectacular Plantasia, a public hothouse in Parc Tawe close to the city centre, and you’ll find these and much more besides. Easy to locate, as it’s housed in a unique glass pyramid, Plantasia has for a quarter of a century performed the vital function of raising awareness among locals and visitors about the level of rainforest destruction around the world, and the dangers of the consequent biodiversity loss.

Swansea Grand Theatre is located on Singleton Street in the heart of the city of Swansea, Wales. This performing arts venue stages a host of plays, pantomimes, operas, stand-up performances and offerings from touring companies.

Once a private estate, today this urban park is a place to enjoy botanical gardens, miniature golf and live music performances.

Oystermouth Castle occupies a particularly atmospheric vantage point, on a tall limestone ridge that enjoys sweeping views out over Swansea Bay. Built of Norman stone during the 12th Century, it sadly fell into disuse and disrepair from the Middle Ages onward, after a turbulent history, and in paintings it was often portrayed as a romantic ruin, pleasant to look at, but of little interest besides. Now all of that has changed.

One of Swansea’s most recognisable landmarks, the imposing Victorian pier on the southwestern corner of Swansea Bay holds both historic value and offers an entertaining way to pass the afternoon. Once a favoured haunt of Dylan Thomas, this iconic attraction in the village of Mumbles now plays host to tourists and locals out to enjoy themselves.

Stroll along one of Britain’s most picturesque beaches and follow the trails into the nature reserve for its diverse landscape.

Bring your kids to the fascinating ruins of a castle to try on medieval clothes and lie on its straw bed.

Often named as one of the best beaches in the UK and even the world, Rhossili Beach in the Gower Peninsula is unsurprisingly a popular attraction. It has also been called the “supermodel of British beaches” by The Independent because of its good looks, as well as the UK’s most dog-friendly beach by The Times.