Things to do in South West Wales
The Gower , Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire Coast and Swansea Bay
Jul 28, 2007
South West Wales has something for everyone: theme parks and waterfalls, modern museums and secluded beaches, bustling cities and ancient castles are just a few of the area’s attractions. The M4 motorway runs from London to the heart of the area and Swansea has regular train services to London and Manchester. The area can be split in to three smaller regions each with a unique character.
Carmarthenshire
Tourist Office Phone 01267 231557
In Carmarthenshire the Teifi and Tywi rivers flow southwards through valleys surrounded by green hills towards a coastline dominated by long sandy beaches and spectacular cliffs.
The areas attractions include
The Dan-yr-Ogof showcaves - the largest show cave complex in Northern Europe.
Carreg Cennan Castle, a Welsh Castle, conquered by Edward I with surving remains from 14th century
The Dolaucothi Gold Mines, where the Romans mined gold and mining resumed for a short period in the 1930’s.
Pembrey Country Park, where eight miles of sandy beaches mix with acres of forest and woodlands, plenty of activities available including train rides, golf and camping.
Laugharne is the burial place of Dylan Thomas, the boathouse where he lived is now a heritage centre.
Shops and markets can be found in the major towns of Llanelli and Carmarthen and a variety of accommodation is available ranging from high quality hotels to self catering on a farm.
Pembrokeshire
Tourist Office Phone 01834 842404
The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is Britain’s only coastal National Park. Explore the 167 mile long Pembrokeshire Coast Path running from St Dogmael’s, near Cardigan to Amroth, near Tenby, Discover hidden beaches , watch wildlife or simply enjoy the space and freedom.
Local attractions include:
Carew Castle, a 14th century castle with restored tidal mill near Milford Haven.
St David's: Cathedral and the adjacent ruins of the medieval Bishops Palace.
Folly Farm a family day out with farm, funfair, zoo and adventure park voted “Top Day Out in Wales 2005”
Oakwood Theme Park has 5 thrill rides including “Speed” which has the steepest drop in the UK but there are plenty of alternatives for younger, or less adventurous, visitors.
Known as “England beyond Wales” there are fewer Welsh influences than in the rest of the country. Major towns include Pembroke, Tenby , Milford Haven, St Davids and Fishguard.
Swansea Bay
Tourist Office Phone 01792 468321
Swansea, “the city by the sea”, is Wales’s second largest city. A compact city centre is home to shops, markets and restaurants. The Quadrant Centre is home to many high street names and has direct access to Swansea Market. Here, in Wales’s largest undercover market, you will discover an intriguing mix of Welsh craft shops and locally sourced meat, vegetables and seafood.
Round the corner, in Wind Street, a wide range of pubs and restaurants cater for all ages and tastes.
The recently renovated Maritime Quarter hosts the National Waterfront Museum of Wales and The Dylan Thomas Centre and top quality bars and restaurants visited by Swansea born actress Catherine Zeta Jones.
Head west down the coast from Swansea centre and you are soon on the Gower Peninsula. Visit the seaside resort of Mumbles where you can shop in independent craft and gift shops, drink in the pubs on the Mumbles Mile or sample Joe’s legendary ice cream. Travel further down the Gower and you will find cliff top walks and award winning beaches.
The area’s attractions are not limited to the coast. Heading inland, walk through the Vale of Neath and explore an unrivalled selection of waterfalls at the southern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Other Things to do in South and West Wales
Family Days Out in South Wales
Margam Country Park ,South Wales
Days Out on The Gower Peninsula
