Swansea is a pretty big area that stretches out further than just its city centre. Although most people know about everything that’s going on in the city, it can be hard to find out what else is out there that’s just a bit further away.
There are plenty of attractions in Swansea, though, if you don’t want to travel a little further! From the Dylan Thomas Centre in the Maritime Quarter, to the National Waterfront Museum, you’ll never be stuck for things to do in Swansea. Don’t forget to visit Swansea market too!
Whether you fancy soaking up a bit of history at Swansea Castle, or simply travelling further than Swansea Bay, we’ve got you covered. If you’re looking for places near Swansea to visit, then here are our favourite places and how to get there!
1. Gower beaches
This may be the most obvious choice on the list, but you wouldn’t believe the amount of students who never visit the beaches in Gower! From Swansea city centre, some beaches in Gower are only a half an hour drive away, and if you’re up to walking, it can take just over an hour to arrive at the closest beach!
The closest beaches to Swansea are Bracelet Bay, Caswell Bay, and Langland Bay, but obviously, there are many more in-between as well. These beaches are all accessible via bus, so there’s no excuses!
However, some further away beaches do require a car to get to, such as Three Cliffs Bay, Oxwich Bay, and Rhossili Bay. One of the best things about Swansea is the beaches, so these really are the best places to visit near the city!
2. Penllergare Woods
Penllergare Woods is a beautiful park to visit near Swansea. It’s around a twenty minute drive from the city centre, but there are no buses that go directly to the woods so you’ll need a car to get there.
In the woods, there are waterfalls, lakes, gardens, and paths for you to wander round! This is another part of Swansea that isn’t talked about often, even though it’s a really beautiful place to go walking! If you’re looking for a quiet and new place to visit near Swansea, then this is the perfect place for you!
Address: Penllergare, Swansea, SA4 9GS
3. Clyne Gardens
Clyne Gardens is a hidden gem in Swansea, mostly because I’ve never heard anyone talk about it even though it’s one of my favourite places to visit! Clyne Gardens is a park that’s around a twenty minute drive from the city centre, so it’s extremely easy to get to.
What makes this park so special is the various areas that are all different from each other! There’s bluebell woods, azalea gardens, a Rapunzel-esque tower and a Japanese inspired bridge! In the park, there are so many paths to go down and new places to explore, which makes for the perfect place to visit near Swansea! There are lots of other great parks in Swansea too, which are well worth strolling around.
Address: Mayals, Swansea, SA3 5BW
4. Oystermouth Castle
Close to the beaches in the Mumbles area of Swansea is Oystermouth Castle. This pretty little castle is open to the public, and it’s perfect if you’re looking for something to do during the day! There’s so much history behind the castle that you can read about as you walk through it, and the views of the sea from the top are amazing. At the entrance to the castle, there’s this nice grass area which is perfect for picnics or just siting down and relaxing as well!
Address: Castle Ave, Mumbles, Swansea, SA3 4BA
5. Margam Park
Margam Park is a half an hour drive from Swansea city centre, but you do need a car to get there. This park has loads of walks and paths you can explore, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a couple of deer! There’s loads of places in the park to sit down and relax, and it really is a peaceful place to visit near Swansea. The best thing about this park is the events that go on throughout the year! In the winter the place is transformed into a light trail for you to walk through too!
Address: Margam Country Park, Port Talbot, SA13 2TJ
6. The National Botanic Garden of Wales
Explore the expansive terrain home to a stunning assortment of more than 8,000 plant species, covering 560 acres of picturesque rural landscape. This site is renowned for housing the most expansive single-span glasshouse on the planet, a sanctuary for a diverse array of plants from Mediterranean climates.
Proudly, it stands as the inaugural botanical garden in the UK to receive the accolade of a Dark Sky Discovery Site.
Entry fees are £11 for adults (inclusive of Gift Aid), £5 for youngsters aged 5 to 16 (also including Gift Aid), and there is no charge for children under the age of five.
It’s around 24 miles from Swansea, in nearby (ish) Llanarthne.
Address: Middleton Hall, Llanarthne SA32 8HN
7. Pembrey Country Park
If you fancy exploring a combination of coast and countryside, you’re going to love Pembrey Country Park. With picnic and BBQ sites, as well as camping pitches, why not make a weekend of it?
Plus, there’s plenty to do, including horse riding, a dry ski slope, an adventure playground, laser tag and the longest toboggan run in Wales. You’re gonna need a car to get there, and parking charges are in place.
It’ll take you around 45 minutes to get there from Swansea, as it’s around 25 miles away.
Address: Pembrey, Burry Port SA16 0EJ
8. Manor Wildlife Park
Home to dozens of fascinating animals, including tigers and rhinos, Manor Wildlife Park is run by ex-TV presenter Anna Ryder Richardson It’ll cost you £13.95 to get in, but it’s certainly worth a visit.
Located in Tenby, it’s just over an hour away from Swansea, but you won’t be disappointed.
Address: St Florence, Tenby SA70 8RJ
9. Castell Coch
Castell Coch, known as the ‘Red Castle’ in Welsh, is a striking 19th-century Gothic Revival masterpiece towering above the village of Tongwynlais in South Wales. Originally a Norman fortification built post-1081 to oversee Cardiff and the Taff Gorge, it was later abandoned and its remnants repurposed for a new stronghold by Gilbert de Clare in the late 13th century.
Its beautiful woodland setting makes for a great shot for your Instagram, while its colourful interior certainly gives 19th century Gothic vibes. It’s only £6.90 for adults to get in, too.
It’ll take you just over 45 minutes to get there from Swansea.
Address: Castle Rd, Tongwynlais, Cardiff Wales, CF15 7JQ
10. St Fagans
Located in Cardiff, St Fagan’s National History Museum is a great spot to explore, with over 40 original buildings to discover from different historical periods. It’s free to get in, but you will need to pay for parking (£5).
There are a bunch of events on throughout the year, too, so keep your eyes peeled and plan your trip in advance!
It’s around 44 minutes (37 miles) from Swansea.
Address: Cardiff CF5 6XB
11. Folly Farm
Around an hour away from Swansea, Folly Farm is home to over 250 animals, including lions, penguins, giraffes and rhinos. But that’s not all, as there’s also a vintage funfair and an area to meet farmyard animals too!
It’ll cost you £15.50 to get in on the day, or you can save money by booking online in advance.
Address: Begelly, Kilgetty SA68 0XA
12. Take a boat out to Caldey Island
Tenby has beautiful views on a sunny day as it is, but why not explore a little further? Take a boat from here to Caldey Island, where you can catch a glimpse of its monastery which houses a community of Cistercian monks.
While you’re there, walk up to the lighthouse, visit the Old Priory and don’t forget to grab a snap of their medieval churches. Of course, there’s more, including tea rooms, a museum and even a shop selling things made by the Monks of Caldey.
It’ll take you just over an hour to get there from Swansea.
13. Dan yr Ogof caves
Fancy doing something a little different? This 15km long cave system is certainly not your normal attraction!
Nearly a hundred years ago, a pair of brothers stumbled upon these caves, revealing subterranean wonders such as lakes, rivers, and twin waterfalls cascading down 40 feet. Within, visitors can marvel at ancient rock sculptures like stalagmites and stalactites, some dating back millions of years. Above ground, the site boasts a dinosaur park featuring over 200 full-scale replicas of prehistoric giants.
Plus, they’re not too far from Swansea, as it’ll only take you around 35 minutes to get there.
Address: The National Showcaves Centre for Wales, Abercrave Swansea SA9 1GJ
14. Barry Island
Looking for something fun to do in the sun? Why not visit Barry Island? Go on the rides, enjoy fish and chips and build a sandcastle with your mates! Like Gavin and Stacey? You can even do a tour to see the landmarks of the show.
It’ll take you just under an hour to get there from Swansea.
15. Paxton’s Tower
Constructed from 1806 to 1809 by William Paxton, a Scottish landowner and ex-East India Company employee, Paxton’s Tower was initially known as Nelson’s Tower, hinting at its commemorative purpose.
It honours the esteemed naval commander who perished at the Battle of Trafalgar, with memorial plaques in three languages and stained glass windows depicting Lord Nelson. Today, as a Grade II listed edifice managed by the National Trust, it draws visitors alongside its adjacent attraction, the National Botanic Garden of Wales, once part of Paxton’s expansive estate.
Found just 35 minutes away from Swansea, it’s worth exploring if you’re looking for things to do near Swansea.
Address: Llanarthney SA32 8HX
There are loads of more places to visit near Swansea ready to explore, but here are just a few of our favourites! If you’re looking for more things to do outside of Swansea, then read our article on the best waterfalls in Cardiff!
Last Updated on October 2, 2024
Published on July 22, 2023
