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Swansea (Welsh: Abertawe, "mouth of the Tawe") is a city and county in South Wales, situated on the coast immediately to the east of the Gower Peninsula. The name Swansea is believed to come from "Sweyn's Ey" ("ey" being a Germanic word for "island") and to have originated in the period when the Vikings plundered the south Wales coast.

Swansea is Wales's second city, and it grew to its present importance during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, becoming a centre of heavy industry. However, it did not enjoy the same degree of immigration as Cardiff and the eastern valleys.

The local government area is some 378 km� in size, including a large amount of open countryside, towns like Gorseinon and Loughor, and the Gower Peninsula. The population in mid-2004 is about 225,000, 13.4% of which were Welsh speakers at the 2001 census, as compared with 11% for the capital city, Cardiff.

The Gower Peninsula, to which the city proper is considered the gateway, is Britain's first area to be designated an area of outstanding natural beauty. The coastal landscape of the Gower Peninsula as a whole is impressive. The wide sandy beaches at Langland, Caswell and Limeslade are the most popular with swimmers and tourists with children, whereas the wide and calm waters of Swansea Bay tend to attract the water-sport enthusiast. Coastal paths connect most of the Gower bays and Swansea Bay itself, and hikers can enjoy breathtaking views throughout the year. The north of Swansea, whilst little known on the tourist map, has some of the most outstanding countryside in the country, with unparalleled panoramas of the breathtaking Welsh mountains. Felindre, a district in north-west Swansea,  hosted the National Eisteddfod in 2006.

As part of a coastal region, Swansea experiences a milder climate than the mountains and valleys inland. This same location, though, leaves Swansea exposed to rain-bearing winds from the Atlantic: figures from the Met Office make Swansea the wettest city in Britain.

The South Wales Coalfield reaches the coast in the Swansea area. This had a great bearing on the development of the town.

The former fishing village of Mumbles (located on the western edge of Swansea Bay) has excellent restaurants and coffee shops, and is a great place to pick up a local souvenir. In addition, the vista of Swansea Bay is perhaps most spectacular when viewed from the promenade at Mumbles. The nearby village of Oystermouth is home to the ruins of 12th Century Oystermouth castle.

In addition to being a holiday resort, Swansea is also a commercial centre, and the recently regenerated dock areas are home to some cutting-edge hi-tech industries. One of the most well-known employers in Swansea is the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. Whilst the city itself has a long history, many of the city centre buildings are post-war as much of the centre was destroyed by World War II bombing in the so-called Three Nights' Blitz. Within the city centre, sites worth a visit are the ruins of Swansea Castle, the Marina, the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea Museum, the Dylan Thomas Centre, the Environmental Centre, and the Central Market, which is the largest covered market in Wales. It backs onto the Quadrant shopping centre which was built in the 1970s.

Wind Street is the city's main watering hole and also the location of many chain restaurants. Many of these buildings were originally banks, with one being the old central Post Office and thus they are substantially larger than some of the other city centre pubs. Discos and clubs line the Kingsway and this street is one of two hubs of central Swansea nightlife, the other being the aforementioned Wind Street. St Helen's Road connects the city centre with the Brynmill area, and has many Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants and shops on it: convenient when walking back from the Kingsway to Brynmill in the evening.

Swansea was granted city status in 1969, to mark Prince Charles's investiture as the Prince of Wales. It obtained the further right to a have Lord Mayor in 1982.

Many areas of the city have seen changes within the early part of the 21st century. The Wales National Pool, of Olympic size, was completed. A new multi-million pound National Waterfront Museum officially opened in October 2005. Out-of-town retail parks increased in the first years of the new century. In addition to the Enterprise Park, there arose new developments at Fforestfach and next to the Liberty Stadium in Landore.

Swansea's diverse and interesting past has helped weave a city of character and charm, which has produced many famous personalities. On the literary stage, the poet Dylan Thomas is perhaps the most well known. He was born in the town and grew up at 5 Cwmdonkin Drive, Uplands. There is a memorial to him in the nearby Cwmdonkin Park. The actress Catherine Zeta-Jones is probably the most famous of the city's recent cultural exports, and she maintains close links with the city. Author Mary Balogh, singer/songwriter Mal Pope, MP Michael Heseltine, scriptwriter and producer Russell T. Davies and entertainer Sir Harry Secombe were also born and raised in the city, as was the current Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams.

Perhaps the city's most celebrated personality is Jack - a black Labrador. During his seven years of life, he managed to save twenty-seven people from drowning in the murky waters of Swansea docks. There is a monument to commemorate Jack's gallant efforts on the foreshore near the St. Helen's stadium. People from Swansea are known locally as Swansea Jacks, or just Jacks. The source of this nickname is not clear. Some attribute it to Swansea Jack, the life-saving dog. Others point to Swansea's long history as a port and the use of the word jack to indicate a sailor.

 Rugby: Swansea RFC

 Trains:
 Swansea is on the South Wales Main Line
 Swansea is on the West Wales Line

 Youth Hostel: Swansea Bunkhouse

 Museum: Dylan Thomas Centre
 Museum: National Waterfront Museum
 Museum: Swansea Museum

 Theatre: Dylan Thomas Theatre
 Theatre: Patti Pavillion
 Theatre: Swansea Grand Theatre

 Cinemas:
 Taliesin Arts Centre
       University College
       Singleton Park
       Swansea
       West Glam
       SA2 8PZ
       01792 295438

 Odeon
       Quay Parade
       Trawler Road
       Swansea
       West Glam
       SA1 2BA
       http://www.odeon.co.uk/fanatic/film_times/s19/

 Vue
       Salubrious Place
       Wind Street
       Swansea
       West Glam
       http://www.myvue.com/
 

 Tourist Information Centre

 Telephone:

01792 468321

 Fax:

01792 464602

 Email:

[email protected]

 Address:

Plymouth Street
Swansea
SA1 3QG 

 Hours:

Winter Monday - Saturday  9:30 - 17:30 
Summer
Monday - Saturday  9:30 - 17:30

 Pubs/Bars:
 Adam & Eve Hotel
       207 High Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 1PE
       01792 646529

 Adelphi
       18-19 Wind Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 1DY
       01792 641430

 Admiral Benbow
       Mumbles Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA3 4JT

 The Arches
       280 Oystermouth Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3UH

 Aubrey Arms
       Gurnos
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA9 2LA

 Badminton Hotel
       102 Fleet Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3UT
       01792 410750

 The Bank Statement
       57-58 Wind Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 1EP
       01792 455477

 Bar Oz
       Walter Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 5RG
       01792 643594

 Bar SA1
       2 Wind Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 1DE

 400 Oystermouth Rd
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3UL
       01792 652610

 Barons Bake & Ale
       16 College Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 5AE
       01792 301163

 The Bath Hotel
       298 Oystermouth Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3UJ

 Beachcomber Hotel
       364 Oystermouth Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3UL

 Beaumont Hotel
       Walter Road
             Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 4QA

 Brooklands Hotel
       129 Oxford Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3JJ
       01792 410720

 The Brunswick
       3 Duke St
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 4HS
       01792 465676

 Bryn Melyn Hotel
       33 Llangyfelach Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 2BQ
       01792 652529

 The Brynymor
       Brynymor Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 4JQ
       01792 466650

 The Builders Arms
       36 Oxford Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3HT

 The Chicago Rock Cafe
       2-3 St Mary St
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3LH
       01792 455345

 Cape Horner
       Miers Street
       St Thomas
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 8BY

 The Carlton Hotel
       358 Oystermouth Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3UL

 Champers
       High Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 1LE
       01792 655622

 Chicago Rock Cafe
       2-3 St Mary Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3LH

 The Clarence
       William Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3QS
       01792 653749

 The Cricketers
       King Edward Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 4LU
       01792 455220

 Cross Keys
       12 St Mary Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3LH
       01792 630921

 Deers Leap
       Heol Maes Eglwys
       Cwmrhydyceirw
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA6 6SG

 Dolphin Hotel
       Whitewalls
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3AB

 The Duke of York
       5 Princess Way
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3LW
       01792 630951

 The Dunvant
       The Hungry Horse
       234 Dunvant Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA2 7SS

 Eli Jenkins
       24 Oxford Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3AQ

 The Farmers Arms
       19 North Hill Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 6XS
       01792 476554

 The Fine Leg & Firkin
       King Edward Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 4LH
       01792 480610

 The Fisherman & Firkin
       400 Oystermouth Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3UL
       01792 652610

 Forte Crest
       The Kingsway
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 5LS

 The Garibaldi
       162 Western Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3JZ

 Glamorgan Arms
       Argyle Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3TA
       01792 455120

 Glengarriff Hotel
       372 Oystermouth Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3UL

 The Goose & Granite
       2-5 Wind Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 1DE
       01792 630941

 Grand Hotel
       Ivey Place
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 1NX

 The Hafod Inn
       1380 Neath Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 2HL
       01792 473075

 The Hanbury
       43 The Kingsway
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 5HG
       01792 641824

 Hilton National Swansea
       Phoenix Way
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA7 9EG

 Jersey Arms
       Neath Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 2HE
       01792 653463

 King's Arms
       26 High Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 1LG
       01792 642216

 La Cantina
       7 Castle Square
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 1DW
       01792 472874

 Lower Lamb Inn
       105 High Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 1LZ
       01792 653663

 Mansel Hotel
       67 Mansel Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 5TN

 Monkey Cafe Bar
       13 Castle Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 1JF
       01792 476176

 Mountain Dew Inn
       Terrace Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 6HW
       01792 655853

 The New Wyndham
       3 Wyndham Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3HZ

 The No Sign Wine Bar
       56, Wind St
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 1EG
       01792 465300

 The Office
       2 Castle Gardens
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 1JE

 O'briens Exchange Bar
       10 Strand
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 2AE
       01792 645345

 Old Duke Inn
       140 High Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 1NE
       01792 642283

 Golf:
 Allt-y-Graban Golf Club
       Allt-y-Graban Road
       Pontlliw
       Swansea
       SA4 1DT
       01792 885757

 Clyne Golf Club
       118/120 Owls Lodge Lane
       Mayals
       Swansea
       SA3 5DP
       01792 401989
       http://www.clynegolfclub.com/

 Fairwood Park Golf & Country Club
       Black Hills Lane
       Upper Killay
       Swansea
       SA2 7JN
       01792 203648

 Gowerton Golf Centre
       Victoria Road
       Gowerton
       Swansea
       SA4 3AB
       01792 875188

 Pennard Golf Club
       2 Southgate Road
       Southgate
       Swansea
       SA3 2BT
       01792 233131

 O'neill's
       63 The Kingsway
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 5HN
       01792481951

 The Office
       2 Castle Gardens
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 1JE
       01792 648863

 The Old Inn
       Swansea Road
       Penllergaer
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA4 9AQ
       01792 894097

 Orange House
       71 The Kingsway
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 5JE

 Osborne Hotel
       Rotherslade Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA3 4QL

 Oystercatcher Hotel
       386 Oystermouth Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3UL

 Pantycelyn Hotel
       370 Oystermouth Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3UL

 The Pantygwydr Hotel
       178 Oxford Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3JG
       0179 2411115

 Pitcher & Piano
       Coach House
       59-61 Wind Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 1EG
       01792 461312

 Potters Wheel
       85-86 The Kingsway
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 5JE
       01792 465113

 The Pub On The Pond
       Singleton Park
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA2 8PY

 The Pump House
       Pump House Quay
       Maritime Quarter
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 1TT
       01792 651080

 The Quadrant Gate
       Nelson Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3QE
       01792 654736

 Queens Hotel
       Gloucester Place
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 1TY

 Que Pasa
       11-17 Wind Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 1DP
       01792 455145

 The Queens Hotel
       Gloucester Place
       Maritime Quarter
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 1TY
       01792 521531

 Quids
       15 The Kingsway
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 5JW
       01792 476520

 Rasputins Vodka Bar
       11 Dilwyn Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 4AQ

 Rat & Carrot
       Wind Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 1DY

 Revolution
       25 Wind Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 1DY
       01792 475189

 Robin Hood
       37 Fleet Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3US
       01792 654431

 Sands Hotel
       378 Oystermouth Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3UL

 The Schooner
       Prospect Place
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 1QP
       01792 411024

 Sea Beach Rat & Carrott
       234 Oystermouth Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3UH
       01792 646702

 Seahaven Hotel
       250 Oystermouth Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3UH

 Shades
       84 The Kingsway
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 5JE

 Shamus O'donnells
       205 High Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 1PE
       01792 653629

 Singleton Hotel
       1-2 Dillwyn Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 4AE
       01792 655987

 Smiths Arms
       52 Neath Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 2HR
       01792 652154

 Smokin' Dog
       75 Brynymor Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 4JJ
       01792 630991

 Southview Hotel
       392 Oystermouth Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3UL

 The Square
       10 Wind Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 1DL
       01792 474240

 St Clears Hotel
       382 Oystermouth Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3UL

 St George Public House
       31 Walter Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 5NN
       01792 469317

 St Helens Inn
       6 Burrows Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3TT
       01792 464930

 St James Hotel
       Walter Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 4QA

 Swansea Bay Hotel
       282 Oystermouth Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3UH

 The Strand
       8 Strand
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 2AE
       01792 463638

 The Swansea Jack
       Oystermouth Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3RW
       01792 463082

 The Tenby
       130 Walter Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 5RG
       01792 464665

 Times Hotel
       384 Oystermouth Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3UL

 Trafalgar Tavern
       Oystermouth Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3UL

 Tredegar Arms
       75 Rodney Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3UB

 The Tudor Court Hotel
       306 Oystermouth Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3UJ

 The Uplands Tavern
       42 Uplands Crescent
       Uplands
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA2 0PG

 Villiers Arms
       Neath Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 2HE

 The Village Inn
       6 The Precinct
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA2 7BA

 The Walkabout
       5-6 Castle Square
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 1DW
       01792 450850

 Waterside Cafe Bar
       Victoria Quay
       Maritime Quarter
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3XA

 Waun Wen Inn
       2 Unit Carmarthen Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 1HE

 Westbourne Hotel
       1 Brynmor Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 4JQ
       01792 467637

 White House Hotel
       4 Nyanza Terrace
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 4QQ

 White Swan Hotel
       86 High Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 1LW
       01792 410902

 The Wig & Pen
       134 St Helens Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 4BL

 The Wig
       134 St Helens Road
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 4BL

 Yates Wine Lodge
       1-4 Caer Street
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 3PP
       01792 472440

 Langland Bay Golf Club
       Langland Bay Road
       Mumbles
       Swansea
       SA3 4QR
       01792 366023

 Gower Golf Club
       Cefn Golleu
       Three Crosses
       Swansea
       SA4 3HS
       01792 872480

 INCO Golf Club
       Clydach
       Swansea
       SA6 5QR
       01792 843336

 Morriston Golf Club
       160 Clasemont Road
       Morriston
       Swansea
       SA6 6AJ
       01792 771079

 Taxis:
 City Tax
       85 Mansel St
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 5TZ
       01792 475200

 Data Cabs
       3 Burrows Place
       Maritime Quarter
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 1SW
       01792 474747

 High Street Cabs
       69 High St
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 1LN
       01792 477477

 Yellow Cabs
       2 Picton Lane
       The Kingsway
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 5JQ
       01792 644446

 Vets:
 Companion Care Veterinary Surgery
       Pets at Home
       Unit 6 Parc Tawe Retail Park
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 2AL
       01792 461217

 St James Veterinary Group
       68 Walter Rd
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 4PT
       01792 643906

 Peoples Dispensary for Sick Animals
       Swansea Veterinary Centre
       20 Viking Way
       Winch Wen Estate
       Swansea
       West Glamorgan
       SA1 7DA

 

 

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This Month

October 6th

Ioan Gruffudd (actor) born 1973 in Cardiff

October 11th

Dawn French. Born 1957 Holyhead

October 14th

Christopher Timothy (actor) born 1940 in Bala

 October 27th

Dylan Thomas
(writer/poet)
Born 1914