Swansea - South Wales City of Culture

Wales' second largest city has a long and fascinating history that dates back at least to Viking times, and has long been an important port and trading center for Wales. The city grew into prominence in the late 19th century when it developed into a major industrial center thanks to the proximity of the Welsh coal reserves, and at one time, Swansea was the most important energy producing city in the world and its exports were used in almost every country that was part of the British Empire.

In more recent times with the closure of the Welsh coal mines, Swansea has become a completely different place, and the modern city is a place that offers a great deal for visitors whether they want to experience the natural beauty of South Wales in the surrounding area, or prefer the cosmopolitan entertainment and attractions of the city center.

Swansea has a fairly large student population at the University of South Wales, and this has led to the city having a relatively good nightlife. The Welsh are famous for their ability to enjoy a good time, and there are many bars available in the city center that are open until around two in the morning. There are various nightclubs in Swansea, and they offer a wide range of different types of entertainment from comedy at Jongleurs through to rock music at The Cellar, which is renowned as one of the coolest places to go out in the city.

Within easy reach of Swansea, the Gower Peninsula is one of the most beautiful parts of the country thanks to its miles of rolling sand dunes. There are a number of abandoned villages within the landscape that are great for kids to explore and great beaches that are superb during the summer.

I you enjoy maritime attractions, then the Oil Port at Milford Haven with its museum of oil tankers is an offbeat but nonetheless fascinating place to spend a few hours, and if you are lucky enough to be in the town when one of the giant super tankers is coming in to deliver its oil, then you will get the rare opportunity to see one of the world's most impressive sights as the half mile long boat docks just offshore.