Things to do in Ilston

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Three Cliffs Bay Beach during your travels in Swansea? Stroll along the marina in this quaint area, or check out its lively bars.

Stroll along one of Britain’s most picturesque beaches and follow the trails into the nature reserve for its diverse landscape.

Often named as one of the best beaches in the UK and even the world, Rhossili Beach in the Gower Peninsula is unsurprisingly a popular attraction. It has also been called the “supermodel of British beaches” by The Independent because of its good looks, as well as the UK’s most dog-friendly beach by The Times.

Surf on the choppy waters of this scenic bay and trek along the nature paths for gorgeous views of cliffs and headlands.

One of Swansea’s most recognisable landmarks, the imposing Victorian pier on the southwestern corner of Swansea Bay holds both historic value and offers an entertaining way to pass the afternoon. Once a favoured haunt of Dylan Thomas, this iconic attraction in the village of Mumbles now plays host to tourists and locals out to enjoy themselves.

Once a private estate, today this urban park is a place to enjoy botanical gardens, miniature golf and live music performances.

Swansea Grand Theatre is located on Singleton Street in the heart of the city of Swansea, Wales. This performing arts venue stages a host of plays, pantomimes, operas, stand-up performances and offerings from touring companies.

Oystermouth Castle occupies a particularly atmospheric vantage point, on a tall limestone ridge that enjoys sweeping views out over Swansea Bay. Built of Norman stone during the 12th Century, it sadly fell into disuse and disrepair from the Middle Ages onward, after a turbulent history, and in paintings it was often portrayed as a romantic ruin, pleasant to look at, but of little interest besides. Now all of that has changed.

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.