A TRIP TO SWANSEA: A 1, 2 AND 3 DAY ITINERARY
There are plenty of things to do in Swansea; we’ve mentioned a lot of them in our past Dragon Hotel posts. But with so much to see and do, how do you choose which activities to participate in and places of interest to visit?
Well, whether you’re making a flying overnight visit due to a business appointment, looking to stay with us for a short break with friends or would like to have a romantic long weekend away, we have an itinerary for you. Take a look at the guides below and let us help you plan a top trip to sensational South Wales.
A 1 DAY ITINERARY: AN OVERNIGHT STAY
Arrive 1pm: If you have just a few hours in Swansea we know exactly how you can make the most of every last minute. Once you’ve arrived and settled into your comfortable room here at The Dragon Hotel, take the short stroll to Swansea’s famous market for a spot of lunch.
You can get all the essential information about the market here.
Lunch in the Market 2pm: With over 100 stalls selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to handmade crafts, Swansea Market is a must-visit location during your visit. And there are plenty of eateries here to choose from. We’d recommend Thai Taste for their authentic Thai food because it’s full of flavour and served up in seconds.
Dylan Thomas’ Birthplace 3:30pm: Once you’ve seen the iconic market hall and filled up on delicious treats jump in the car, get on the bus at stand U or take the half hour walk to Dylan Thomas’ Birthplace. Arguably Swansea’s most famous export, world-renowned poet Dylan Thomas was born and raised in 5 Cwmdonkin Drive in the Uplands suburb of Swansea.
A visit to his house is like being welcomed home. There are no ropes cordoning off sections or ‘Do Not Enter’ signs emblazoned on locked doorways, you are free to investigate the property and even sit where the literary hero once did. Guides here are on hand to walk you through the house, telling tales of his life, his most famous works and the restoration project that brought this house back to life.
(image: John Levin under CC BY-SA 2.0)
An Evening Meal at La Parrilla 6pm: After a quick return to the hotel to freshen up, pay a visit to the main place to dine – The Dragon Hotel’s Piano Restaurant. This luxurious restaurants is right on your doorstep, but if you’re looking to explore the area a bit, put your glad rags on and take a leisurely stroll down to Swansea Marina where you can admire the luxurious boats and beautiful waterfront panoramas at sunset.
(image: Walk4Life)
Swansea Marina is the perfect setting for a flavourful evening meal with a view. The Meridian Tower is ideal for this or why not book a table at La Parrilla.
(image: La Parrilla’s Facebook)
La Parrilla continental bar and restaurant is warm and inviting with a modern yet luxurious interior. The fine Mediterranean food served here is simple yet timeless with dishes such as pan fried pigeon with wild mushrooms and deep fried brie with cranberry jelly.
It’s well worth waiting for a table here, but for more restaurant options take a look at our Dragon Post on Swansea Marina’s Best Restaurants.
Then it’s back to the hotel for a relaxing nightcap where you can relax in the lounge before wearily climbing the stairs to your sot awaiting bed.
A Nightcap at Kon-Tiki 9pm: Swansea’s coolest night venue, and only tropical cocktail bar, is the ideal place to round-up an enjoyable day in Swansea. Emblazoned with exotic graffiti on its exterior, you can’t miss this stand-out bar.
Sip on a coconut filled with cocktail and a little umbrella whilst sitting amongst the green palms and the unusual tiki statues, bobbing your head along to the latest music releases.
Kon-Tiki is one of the coolest venues in Swansea, and it’s just a short stroll from our hotel.
(image: TommyyWorthy)
A 2 DAY ITINERARY: A SHORT STAY
Day 1: As above.
Day 2 – Breakfast at the Dragon Hotel 8:30am: Rise from your deep slumber to an award winning breakfast here at The Dragon Hotel. Our Macdonald Signature Breakfast includes a continental buffet of meats, cheeses, fruit, cereals, baked goods and so much more. Alternatively, if you’d prefer, we can dish up a freshly prepared cooked breakfast or another traditional warm breakfast like smoked salmon or laverbread.
Breakfast is available 6:30am to 9:30am, Monday to Friday, or 7:30am to 10:30am on weekends.
Discover the Gower Peninsula 10am: Once you’re set up for the day return to your room and put on your walking shoes. You’re off to visit the beautiful Gower Peninsula!
(image: Graham Taylor under CC BY-SA 2.0)
Three Cliff Bay, named after its unmistakable landscape, is the most famous (and arguably the most attractive) beach in the Swansea Gower. With golden sand, rocky cliffs, blue water and plenty of greenery you can see why it is one of South Wales’ most photographed beaches.
Walk under the cliffs through an archway and jump across the stepping stones before exploring the safe shoreline. In the near distance you’ll see the next stop on this itinerary – the ancient Pennard Castle.
Pretend to be Royalty at Pennard Castle 12pm: The atmosphere at this ruined castle is so peaceful. Surrounded by lush greenery in a secluded section overlooking the bay, it’s paradise on a sunny day.
(image: Swansea Photos)
Pennard Castle isn’t accessible by road, you can only reach it by foot (it’s part of the appeal). The nearest parking facilities are at the Gower Heritage Centre, near Parkmill, where you can pick up a route map.
Find out more about Pennard and the other Castles in Swansea here.
Enjoy a Late Lunch at Maddock’s 1:30pm: By lunchtime you’re sure to have worked up an appetite. Maddock’s Tea Room will definitely curb that for you. They serve a great afternoon tea here, or for something a little heartier try the homemade beef steak pie which is homemade on the premises. And for veggies there’s a warming butternut squash soup, which is to die for.
Gower Coast Adventure Boat Ride 3pm: Once your food has gone down, get a thrill on a Gower Coast Adventure boat ride. Power through the water at speed, and take in the breath-taking views as your face is lightly sprayed with sea water. If you’re lucky you may get to see some of the local wildlife – seals and dolphins!
(image: Gower Coast Adventures’ Facebook)
There are multiple routes to choose from where you can see Oxwich, the Mumbles and the Worm’s Head from the water. Trips start from £34 for adults and £20 for children.
Wine and Dine at the Dragon Piano Restaurant 7:30pm: Back on terra firma you may like to warm up a little with a shower back at the hotel. But don’t worry, you won’t have to venture far for a delicious evening meal.
With beautiful, panoramic views of the city centre, The Piano Restaurant serves modern European food in a relaxed atmosphere. Or for something a little more exotic venture out to The Wild Swan on Orchard Street or one of the many Indian restaurants on St Helen’s Road.
If you don’t want to get redressed for food, don’t worry. We offer a full in room dining experience, so we’ll bring the food to you.
A 3 DAY ITINERARY: A LONG WEEKEND AWAY
Day 1: As above.
Day 2: As above.
Day 3 – Breakfast at the Dragon Hotel 8:30am:
Walk Among the Blooms at Clyne Gardens 10am: When the weather’s bright and fresh there is nowhere better to explore in a morning than the stunning Clyne Gardens. This internationally known green space is full of colour and rare plants, plus it’s just a short walk from the bustling city centre, making it an ideal location for a leisurely walk (especially if you’re a keen gardener).
(image: Martin Bodman under CC BY-SA 2.0)
Find out more about Clyne Gardens here.
A Spot of Lunch at The Dragon Brasserie and Café Bar 12pm: Our Dragon Brasserie and Cafe Bar is award-winning! This informal and friendly restaurant serves up all of your favourite dishes from Welsh classics to contemporary European cuisine, and is open all day should you fancy a coffee and slice of cake or maybe a light bite. Plus the fully fitted bar will mean your glass is always topped up for a leisurely lunchtime tipple or should you visit any time before 11pm closing.
Step Back in Time at Oystermouth Castle 2pm: Make sure to leave some space for dessert as Joe’s ice cream parlour is on the way to the next stop on this itinerary.
Joe’s is iconic in Swansea, so no trip here is complete without a cone.
(image: BBC News)
After a short walk along the front you’ll stumble across Oystermouth village which is dominated by its historic castle on the hill above. Take a step back in time as you cross the threshold here and marvel at the views out over the bay and the modern additions like the glass walkways.
Stroll Along the Sand at Limeslade Bay 3:30pm: Fancy a walk? Then make the half hour stroll to Limeslade Bay. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed. This sand and pebble shore along the coastal walk skirts the Mumbles Hill Nature Reserve, so the scenery here is to die for.
Build a sandcastle, take a dip in the sea (if you’re brave enough) and fly a kite on this clean and safe beach in Swansea.
Find out more about Limeslade Bay here.
Get Gastronomy at the Munch of Mumbles 7pm: The food here tastes as good as it looks – amazing! Munch is a family run restaurant that focuses on delicious dishes utilising fresh and locally sourced produce to make a seasonal menu that is loved by all its patrons.
(image: Munch of Mumbles Facebook)
The emphasis is on good quality ingredients and maximising flavours at Munch, and we’re sure you’ll taste it. Try the roast pheasant with smoked garlic rosti, salsify and chanterelles topped with madeira jus, and order the Vacherin Mont Blanc with poached pear and chocolate ganache for dessert. Yum!
For other meal options take a look at our pick of the best restaurants in the Mumbles.
Round Off the Evening at The Pilot 9pm: Before you make the trip back to The Dragon Hotel, top the night off with a drink at The Pilot. The Pilot serves a number of craft beers, cask ales and fine wines, as well as the regular tipples, including their very own creations from the brewery here. Have a pint of Black Storm for us!
The Pilot has been voted the best pub of the year – find out why here.
ACCOMMODATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO SWANSEA
Looking for a clean and modern place to stay in the city centre for 1, 2, 3 or more nights? Then look no further than The Dragon Hotel. Find out more about our rooms here or give us a call for a chat on 01792 657100. We hope you enjoy your visit to Swansea.