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If you are looking for a town with both natural beauty and exciting culture, than look no further! Welcome to Swansea, the Golden Coastal City of Wales. From festivals on the bay and the oldest museum in the country to a plethora of pubs and clubs, Swansea has something for every interest. The UK’s first “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty," this coastal city is home to some Hollywood actors as well as famous historical sites.
• Swansea University was recently awarded the Times Higher Education Supplement Award for the UK's Best Student Experience. The award, judged by student opinions and ratings, is given based on such things as overall experience, facilities, academic reputation, and course satisfaction.
• Student life is a huge part of the Swansea experience. Swansea University, for example, has over 80 societies and groups to choose from, including more than 50 athletic and outdoor clubs. From the Shoreline Theatre group and the Conservation Society to varsity sports teams, there is something that fits every interest.
• The student union at Swansea University hosts social events for students and coordinates athletic teams and student clubs. For example, at the start of every fall term, the student union hosts Fresher’s fortnight which is “two weeks of fun and frolics devoted to welcoming our newest students to the experience of a lifetime which is Swansea Uni.”
• There are many nightclubs and pubs in Swansea, with Wind Street and the Kingsway, located in Swansea City Centre, being the two major nightlife streets.
• From acoustic nights and karaoke to live music at clubs and pubs, there are many nightlife venues to choose from.
• The beach is a popular destination for students who like to spend their free time hanging out, surfing, and having BBQ’s.
• There are parks throughout Swansea, and students can check out the Singleton Park for “Escape in the Park” dance weekend and the BBC sponsored ‘Proms in the Park’ event. Proms, referring to a “Promenade Concert,” is a nation-wide classical music festival produced ever year by the BBC.
• Swansea’s Oxford Street is big for shopping. Just a short trip around the bay, the town of Mumbles is also full of unique boutiques.
• Originally a prehistoric settlement founded around 2000 BC, Swansea is home to the “Red Lady of Paviland,” which is considered one of the world’s most important archaeological finds. According to the BBC, The Red Lady skeleton may be as many as 29,000 years old and contributes to research on the history of human presence in western Europe, being the oldest human remains in the UK.
• The French Normans established a castle at the mouth of the Tawe River, developing Swansea’s potential as a natural harbour.
• Shipbuilding began in the early 14th century.
•Iron and copper production fueled Swansea’s industrial growth. The city became known as the “Copper Kingdom” or “Copperopolis,” producing 60% of the world’s copper during the 17th and 18th centuries.
• In 1807, the world’s first passenger railway was established in the Mumbles area of Swansea.
• The city’s Welsh name is “Abertawe,” meaning “mouth of the Tawe,” referring to the river that flows through the city.
• Swansea is home to the oldest museum in Wales, the Swansea Museum. With free admission, the natural history and art museum boasts four locations of exciting exhibits, containing “everything from an Egyptian mummy to a Welsh Kitchen.”
• Swansea is home to the Museum of Egyptian Antiques.
• For a “unique tropical haven” in the middle of Wales, be sure to visit Plantasia: “Futuristic Garden of Eden.” A Botanic Garden, Plantasia boasts three different climate zones: tropical, arid and a humid seasonal butterfly house.
• Swansea Festival of Music and the Arts takes place annually in the month of October, and is the second largest (and one of the most applauded) festivals of its kind in the U.K.
• Swansea Bay Summer Festival includes everything from film to beer festivals.
• Pontardawe International Music Festival takes place every August and attracts up to 20,000 visitors.
• Cheer on The Ospreys, the regional rugby team that shares their home at Liberty Stadium with the Swansea City Football Club.
• At the National Waterfront Museum visitors can learn the history of industry and innovation in Wales, and the impact both had on the people of the region.
• Seaside activities include the 200 year-old Mumbles Lighthouse and scenic boat ride. Visitors can travel the "Mumbles Mile" of waterfront pubs, ride a bike along the 5 mile historical road that lines the coast, or take a dip in the waves.
• Anthony Hopkins - actor
• Catherine Zeta Jones - actress
• Dylan Thomas – poet
• Ray Milland – actor/director
• Richard Burton - actor
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