Swansea and Gower: A Budget Adventure

Experience the charm of Swansea without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Swansea is a charming coastal city in the United Kingdom that's perfect for budget travelers. Walk along the picturesque coastline from Swansea Bay to Mumbles, and take in the stunning scenery. Visit the free National Waterfront Museum and Swansea Museum to learn about the city's history and culture without breaking the bank.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Discovering Swansea

  • Stay at the Ibis Swansea Hotel for affordable comfort and central location.
  • Start with breakfast at the Uplands Diner, a traditional greasy spoon that has been serving up hearty fry-ups for over 60 years.
  • Walk off breakfast with a stroll along Swansea Bay, taking in the views of the Mumbles Head and the lighthouse.
  • Visit the Dylan Thomas Centre, a museum dedicated to the famous Welsh poet and writer, featuring exhibitions, events, and a shop.
  • Lunch at Pizza Express in the city centre, offering a wide variety of pizzas at reasonable prices.
  • Afternoon tea at the Grand Hotel, a Victorian-era establishment with stunning sea views, accompanied by delicious cakes and scones.
  • Dinner at La Parmigiana, a family-run Italian restaurant serving authentic dishes and generous portions at affordable prices.
Day 2

Exploring Gower Peninsula

  • Stay at the Devon View Guesthouse, a family-run B&B with warm hospitality and a peaceful location close to the Gower Peninsula.
  • After breakfast, drive to Rhossili Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, with its white sand, turquoise sea, and dramatic cliffs.
  • Take a walk along the coastal path, heading towards Worms Head, a rocky outcrop that is only accessible at low tide.
  • Stop for lunch at the Worms Head Hotel, a pub with a cosy atmosphere and stunning views of the bay, serving classic pub food.
  • Visit the National Trust property of Pennard Castle, a ruined medieval fortress on a clifftop with breathtaking views over Three Cliffs Bay.
  • Have a picnic on the beach of Three Cliffs Bay, with its three towering limestone cliffs and a river running into the sea.
  • Dinner at the King Arthur Hotel in Reynoldston, a historic pub with a charming interior, serving hearty pub meals and local ales.
  • Note: This itinerary only scratches the surface of what Swansea and Gower Peninsula have to offer, so be sure to explore further if you have more time.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Swansea by plane is to fly into Cardiff Airport and then take the Swansea shuttle bus which runs every 30 minutes.

Car

The best way to get to Swansea by car is to take the M4 motorway which runs from London to South Wales and then take the exit for Swansea.

Train

The best way to get to Swansea by train is to take a direct train from London Paddington to Swansea station which takes around 3 hours.

Boat

There are no direct boat routes to Swansea, but you could take a ferry from Ireland to Pembroke Dock and then drive to Swansea which takes around 2 hours.

Bus

The best way to get to Swansea by bus is to take the National Express coach which runs from London Victoria Coach Station to Swansea bus station.

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