1940s Swansea Bay

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.

Located in the trendy Maritime Quarter of Swansea, the National Waterfront Museum tells the story of industry and innovation in Wales over the last 300 years. As part of the European Route of Industrial Heritage this is a thematic element of a collection of the most important industrial heritage sites in Europe. Inside you’ll find enough to occupy you for hours, with the beautifully designed space offering a range of regional history exhibits marrying interactive media with traditional displays.

Learn about the local history of Swansea when you take a trip to Grosnez Castle. Amble around this quaint area's marina and enjoy its lively bars.

The Dylan Thomas Centre celebrates the life and works of the eponymous Welsh poet, most famous for his 1954 BBC broadcast radio drama, Under Milk Wood.

You can spend time studying the exhibits at The Environment Centre in Swansea. Stroll along the marina in this quaint area, or check out its lively bars.

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Mission Gallery during your trip to Swansea. Amble around this quaint area's marina and enjoy its lively bars.