1. Explore the Gower Peninsula
The Gower Peninsula is just a short drive from Swansea city centre, and was designated as the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956. The environment is spectacular and varied, from limestone cliffs and oak woodlands, to glorious, sandy beaches.
The 19 mile-long Peninsula, which starts at Mumbles and extends westwards, is most famous for its beautiful coastline and stunning beaches – a favourite destination for walkers and surfers alike.
For more information about the Gower Peninsula, click here.
2. Watch some professional sport
Swansea is currently home to premier league football, with Swansea City AFC, and professional rugby, with the Ospreys, at the Liberty Stadium. Glamorgan County Cricket Club also play matches at St Helen’s Rugby and Cricket Ground.
3. Enjoy a night out in Wind Street
Wind Street is home to a variety of bars, clubs and restaurants for students to enjoy and indulge – a student night on a Wednesday is not something to be missed!
Grab a fresher’s band from the Students’ Union for entry to all Union-run events during freshers’ fortnight.
4. Shop in the city centre
Swansea has a mixture of independent shops which offer a huge variety of niche products alongside the big name stores. Drop into the famous Swansea Market for a vast array of stalls from electrical goods to food and fresh produce, including the renowned cockles and laverbread.
The city centre is also home to a bowling complex, laser tag and two large cinemas for everyone to enjoy.
5. Discover the Mumbles seafront
Mumbles marks the beginning of the Gower Peninsula’s coastline and is a well-loved area of Swansea. There’s a lighthouse built in 1794, a Victorian Pier, an arcade, a range of high end shops, independent boutiques and quirky galleries. Check here https://lajolladetail.com./. There are also numerous restaurants offering delicious, fresh food and ice-cream, including Verdi’s café and the legendary Joes Ice Cream.
6. See a show at the Swansea Grand Theatre
The historic Swansea Grand Theatre is full of charm and atmosphere, and provides the public with a broad range of cultural, artistic and general entertainment events.
7. Stroll around Swansea Marina
Swansea Marina is situated in the award-winning Maritime Quarter area of Swansea. Annual events include the Waterfront Wonderland with its winter fair and ice skating, the annual Air Show and the Swansea Bay Summer Festival.
There’s a range of bars and restaurants to enjoy, including the Grape & Olive which is situated at the top of the tallest building in Wales – spectacular views are guaranteed!
UWTSD’s new SA1 Swansea Waterfront campus is nearing completion and will be ready for new students from the Faculties of Education & Communities and Architecture, Computing & Engineering from September 2018. Visitn the SA1 Swansea Waterfront Development website for more information.
8. Explore some of Swansea’s many parks and gardens
Parks and green spaces are plentiful in Swansea, with over 52 areas to complement its coastline, including Clyne Gardens, Singleton Botanical Gardens, Victoria Park, Cwmdonkin Park, Parc Llewelyn and Brynmill Park. These green spaces are great places in which to relax, revise and spend time with friends.
9. Pick up some local produce at the Uplands Market
This popular market started in 2013 as a social enterprise runs on the last Saturday of the month and brings together a wide range of local producers and performers arrive in style. Thanks to the popularity of the Uplands Market there is now also a Marina Market on the second Sunday of every month. For more information visit the Uplands Market website.
10. Watersports on Swansea Bay beach
Swansea Bay is Wales’ waterfront city beach, just minutes away from the heart of Swansea city centre – the perfect place to enjoy some fresh fish and chips or a BBQ with friends!
At the heart of Swansea Bay there are plenty of opportunities to try a range of land and water-based activities, including beach volleyball, beach rugby, beach football, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking and kite surfing.
