Swansea, Wales

Swansea, Wales, as seen from its marina
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:SwanseaMarina.jpg
Author: Simon Morrison


Swansea is the second biggest city in Wales after Cardiff. Located on the South West Wales coast, it has a population of 228,100.

The history of Swansea goes back to the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age, based on archaeological discoveries made at the Gower Peninsula. The modern city dates back to a Viking settlement. Swansea was first mentioned in the 12th century, when it appeared as Sweynesse.

By the 18th century, Swansea was a thriving trading port, based on wine, wool, and later coal. Later it became a major site for copper smelting. By 1801, Swansea was bigger than Cardiff - it was the second biggest town in Wales after Merthyr Tydfil. Through the 20th century, the heavy industries that had brought development to Swansea were in decline, and with it, went the town's economy. This has forced it to diversify to other sources of income, among them tourism. Swansea was granted city status in 1969, on the occasion of Prince Charles investiture as the Prince of Wales.

Harbour Trust Building, Swansea
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Swansea_harbourtrust.JPG
Author: jrw

Visiting Swansea

The nearest commercial airport to Swansea is the one in Cardiff. From there, you still have to take a train to reach Swansea. Alternatively, you can take a train direct from London Paddington Station to Swansea Station. You can also reach Swansea by car on the M4 motorway.

Clyne Gardens Lodge, Swansea
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Clyne_Gardens_Lodge.JPG
Author: Wiccasha

Places of Interest in Swansea