8 Fabulous Day Trips From Swansea
If you’re looking for some fabulous day trips from Swansea then we’ve got you covered!
We discovered the Gower Peninsula in South Wales, the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in October last year while on a campaign with Visit Swansea Bay. You can see what our itinerary looked like here.
Swansea is the closest city to the Gower Peninsula, and so just within this area alone, there are so many incredible places to discover as day trips from Swansea.
But thanks to the M4, Swansea is also in a great location to see some other places around Wales and beyond.
We hope this list of fabulous day trips from Swansea helps to inspire you!
8 Fabulous Day Trips From Swansea
1. Rhossili Bay
Rhossili Bay is less than 40 minutes south west of Swansea and is so beautiful that it frequently makes it onto TripAdvisor’s lists of the best beaches in all of Britain.
And it’s easy to see why!
The sandy beach and surrounding coastal areas are managed by the National Trust and offer such superb views!
At low tide, you can even see the remains of the Helvetia and its mast sticking out of the water, which was shipwrecked in 1887.
Be sure to walk to Worm’s Head at the end of the Rhossili peninsula to see these two little islands, which at certain angles, really do look like a sloping worm jutting out of the water.
2. Penllergare Valley Woods
Found just 15 minutes north west of Swansea near the M4, the beautiful Penllergare Valley is another popular day trip from Swansea.
The woods follow lakes, rivers and waterfalls and are home to a whopping 12km of walking trails where you might be able to spot kingfishers, buzzards and red kites amongst other wildlife.
The woods are free to visit but you will be asked to pay some money towards parking, which helps to keep the whole place running.
3. Mumbles & Oystermouth Castle
Mumbles is just 15 minutes south of Swansea and is often described as the ‘gateway to Gower’ as it marks the start of the Gower Peninsula’s coastline.
This charming Victorian seaside town has a Grade II listed pier and was once the old stomping ground of Dylan Thomas, Wales’ most famous poet.
And overlooking the town of Mumbles is the intriguing Oystermouth Castle, which dates back as far as the 12th century and is cloaked in mystery.
Over the centuries, it has been burned by an invading Welsh King, witnessed upteen sieges and has been passed from Lord to Lord until as late as 1927.
Today, you can explore both inside and outside the castle and twist and turn through secret passageways and staircases.
Or simply admire the seaside views from the castle’s windows and modern glass viewing platform.
4. Three Cliffs Bay & Pennard Castle
Found roughly 20 minutes south west of Swansea is Three Cliffs Bay, which is a pretty sandy beach.
And overlooking the beach is the 12th century Pennard Castle, which is in ruins but was once a grand castle belonging to the first Earl of Warwick.
Given its position, the castle would have made a great lookout against both land armies and naval attacks.
However, it was vulnerable to sand blow and ultimately was left abandoned at the end of the 14th century.
You can hike to and from Three Cliffs Bay to the castle, which is popular with a large number of walkers.
But it is a moderately challenging hike so be sure to wear the right gear!
5. Barry Island
Barry Island is roughly 75 minutes south east from Swansea (close to Cardiff) and is a fun day out.
Here, you’ll find long stretches of golden sandy beach and fun pier games, arcades and a variety of family amusements best associated with British seaside resorts.
You’ll easily want to spend all day here!
6. Bristol
Bristol is roughly 90 minutes to 2 hours from Swansea so is certainly one of the lengthier day trips from Swansea.
But there are so many reasons why you should visit Bristol!
This thriving port city is home to so many fun things to do – from urban axe throwing and interactive science museums to harbourside walks and unique eateries.
You’ll never be at a loss for things to do in Bristol but you’ll probably need to come back a few times to really do this city justice as a day trip!
7. Brecon Beacons
The southern edge of the Brecon Beacons is roughly 30 minutes north of Swansea, and this superb National Park offers so many incredible day trip opportunities!
From walking in ‘Waterfall Country’ to hiking up mountains, the Brecon Beacons are perfect for you if you’re into nature and hiking.
Here are a few of our favourite hikes and walks in the Brecon Beacons that we can highly recommend:
- Four Waterfalls Walk near Ystradfellte
- Pen y Fan & Corn Du Mountain Hike
- Pontsticill Reservoir Walk in Powys
Just like Bristol, you’ll want to keep coming back to the Brecon Beacons – but you’ll never be at a loss for dramatic Welsh countryside to explore.
8. Puzzlewood & Clearwell Caves
Found roughly 90 minutes north east of Swansea is the intriguing Puzzlewood, which is a magical and enchanting woodland in the depths of the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire.
It’s so magical that it has graced the silver screen and our television sets time and time again – and was even a prominent Star Wars filming location!
You’ll want to spend a good few hours exploring this wood… and you’ll probably get lost once or twice while doing so.
Nearby to Puzzlewood (roughly a minute down the road), you can find the Clearwell Caves, which are home to thousands of years worth of mining history.
And they are simply magical to visit at Christmas time as the caves are turned into a magical winter wonderland complete with festive displays to light up the caverns and even an underground Christmas market!
As Puzzlewood and Clearwell Caves are so close to each other, you could probably do both in one day – but you would need to have an early start!
And there you have it – 9 fabulous day trips from Swansea to discover!
Which ones would you like to do first? And have we missed out any other incredible places? Let us know in the comments below!
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