When most people think of Swansea, they think of the beach. Although we do have some pretty amazing beaches, there’s so much more to Swansea than that. There’s gardens, quarries, markets, galleries and lots of natural beauty spots that are unique to Swansea. So why not go and sit among the sunflowers near Rhossili Bay, or be amazed by the bioluminescent plankton spotted on particular beaches? Our list outlines the best hidden gems in Swansea if you’re looking for some more unusual places to see in the area.
1. Clyne Gardens
Clyne Gardens is one of Swansea’s best parks, but not many people know about it. Although there’s loads of paths to walk down and benches to sit on, the park is never really packed, so it’s perfect for a quiet day out. What makes this park so special is the different buildings and structures in it. They can be tricky to find, but if you look around the whole park, you can find a Japanese-inspired bridge, a Rapunzel-like tower, a chapel, and an Italian-inspired bridge. There’s also loads of different plants and flowers in the park, such as a bluebell wood, heather beds, azalea gardens and a bog garden! This park is definitely one of my favourite hidden gems in Swansea.
Address: Mayals, Swansea SA3 5BW
2. Brandy Cove
Brandy Cove is a tiny beach on the Gower peninsula, which isn’t visited by many people at all. Although it’s only around a twenty minute drive from the city centre, it’s not the easiest beach to get to. There isn’t any parking on the beach, and you’ll have to go down some rocks to actually get there as well. But if you’re looking for a beach without the huge crowds, then this is a perfect little place to explore.
Address: Bishopston, Swansea SA3 3DT
3. Rosehill Quarry
This is easily one of the best hidden gems in Swansea, but one that is rarely talked about. Rosehill Quarry can be pretty difficult to get to, as there is no car park nearby, but if you’re near the city centre and fine with walking up steep hills, then you have no excuses not to visit! Although the park is small, the view from the top is incredible. You can see the whole of Swansea bay in front of you, and you’d never expect to see that view from somewhere as small as Rosehill Quarry. It’s also a super quiet place to sit down and relax, which you’ll probably need after walking up that hill!
Address: Terrace Rd, Swansea SA1 6HU
4. Uplands Market
Uplands Market only comes around on the last Saturday of each month, so it can be pretty easy to miss! It runs from 9am to 1pm, so you may need to set your alarms as well if you like a lie-in. There is a huge variety of stalls at Uplands Market, so I always think it’s worth going, especially as it’s only on once a month! You can find jewellery stands selling their own handmade pieces, and most of these are on sites such as Etsy as well. There’s also plenty of food stalls selling meats, cheeses, jams, fresh vegetables and also a burger stall selling burgers to go! There’s also a record stall, a clothes shop, a stall selling prints and more as well! If you’re in the area, you have to go at least once!
Address: Gwydr Square, Uplands, Swansea SA2 0HD
5. Try and spot the bioluminescent plankton!
The bioluminescent plankton is a natural phenomenon, where plankton come up to the shore during certain times of the year, and you can see them glowing through the water! This can only be seen during the summer months, and even then it’s a hit or miss whether you’ll see them or not. However, if you live in Swansea you have to try and spot them. They can be found on beaches in Gower such as Caswell Bay and Three Cliffs Bay! The best time to see them is between 11pm and 3am, which does sound late but it’s definitely worth it!
6. Swansea Botanical Gardens
Located in the middle of Singleton Park, Swansea Botanical Gardens is a hidden gem that’s right in front of you! The botanical gardens are a super pretty place to visit, and they’re almost always quiet! In the botanical gardens, there’s two different greenhouses you can walk through, which has a bunch of exotic plants, flowers, and trees for you to see! Outside, there are flowers everywhere, and plenty of benches for you to sit down for a while as well.
Singleton Park, Sketty, Swansea SA2 8PW
7. Glynn Vivian Art Gallery
Glynn Vivian is an art gallery right in Swansea city centre, yet it’s not really talked about enough! They currently have a Dark Materials exhibit in there, which has a bunch of props and costumes from the actual TV show! All of their other exhibits are incredible as well. There’s so much to see in there that it makes for a great day out! And since it’s in the city centre, it’s super easy for anyone to get to as well.
Address: Alexandra Rd, Swansea SA1 5DZ
8. Rhossili Sunflowers
Rhossili sunflowers is one of the best hidden gems Swansea has to offer. Every year from July to early September, there is a huge field near Rhossili Bay that is full of sunflowers. It’s such a pretty view, especially with the sea behind it, and it’s something you definitely have to see if you’re in Swansea or nearby! As it has become busier in recent years, they’ve added a sunflower arch and a sunflower swing for you to take some pictures on! Although it can be pretty difficult to get to, as you definitely need a car, but if you are able to go, you obviously should!
Address: Rhossili, Swansea SA3 1PR
Now you know the best hidden gems in Swansea! If you’re looking for more unusual things to see in the area, then read our article on 10 unusual places to visit in Swansea!
