Vibrant economic, cultural, industrial and commercial city of West Wales, with the unsurpassed scenic beauty of the Mumbles and Gower coastline adding to its unquestionable charm.

In the 19th Century Swansea was the chief copper port of the world and the south docks re-development program has led to the building of a fine marina and general entertainment complex. The excellent Maritime and Industrial Museum concentrates on the city's nautical, industrial and transport heritage, with many exhibits ranging from a Welsh coracle boat and The `Canning` tugboat, to a splendid working woolen mill.

Nearby at Somerset Place is Swansea Museum (1841), housed in an ostentatious Victorian building, with a vast array of artifacts from B.C. to modern.

At Tee Llen is the National Literature Centre for Wales, with a theatre, galleries and a Dylan Thomas exposition. In fact, Dylan, Wales' finest poet, was born in the city at 5 Cwmdonkin Place and in the nearby park there is a memorial to the great man. At Gloucester Place there is the Dylan Thomas Theatre and a captivating statue that can be viewed at the harbour.

Try the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery for a fascinating array of examples of Welsh craftsmanship, including a section on famed Welsh artist Ceri Richards, Cambrian pottery, as well as some fine garden sculptures.

Also worthy of attention is the weird and wonderful Plantasia, with a diverse range of flora and fauna from 3 regions of the world. Alternatively, try the
Environment Centre and Swansea Art Workshop, housed in an exquisitely renovated church.

The city offers some splendid shopping opportunities, particularly at The Quadrant, St. David's (next to Swansea Grand Theatre), and in the north - Parc Tawe.

For the more energetic there's a dry-ski slope and Superbowl close at hand, with first class rugby and cricket on view at St. Helens, while 3rd Division football is played at The Vetch Field.

West of the city lies Swansea University and the wonderfully constructed Taliesin Arts Centre, with its Ceri Richards Gallery and new Egypt Centre displaying Egyptian life and artifacts.

Try Brangwyn Hall for some unsurpassed interior décor on the theme of the British Empire, plus a variety of classical concerts annually, i.e. B.B.C. Welsh orchestra.

Nearby at Victoria Park is Parti Park and Pavilion that provide various entertainments. A mile away at Black Pill is the expansive Clyne Gardens, with a variety of plants and flowers on show.

Tourist Information: Plymouth Street.
(Tel. 01792 468321).

(Population 181,906)