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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to consider Swansea as a summer holiday destination?

68 replies

morningtoncrescent62 · 08/06/2018 17:58

I work in an industry where summer is our busy time and it makes it difficult to take time off during the warmer months. This year work are sending me to Swansea for a few days in July, and because I'll get time off in lieu for travelling at the weekend I can follow my work trip with a few days' holiday. It's tempting to be able to take some holiday in the UK in the summer so I'd quite like to, but is there anywhere in the Swansea area that would be good for a short break? I would be on my own which doesn't faze me at all as I like solo holidays. I like cities, I like swimming in the sea, and I like not-too-challenging walks in the country but I don't drive. Would Swansea be a good place? Or Cardiff? Or anywhere else nearby I should consider?

OP posts:
Original poster
morningtoncrescent62 · 08/06/2018 20:25

I was thinking about booking into the waterside Premier Inn. It's top of the tripadvisor review list so should be fine - unless anyone knows different?

OP posts:
WonderWomble · 08/06/2018 20:47

I agree with those saying don't stay near city centre, not much there and can be dodgy in the evenings (Wind street is something to be seen if you like a big night out with a police presence!). Mumbles is much nicer or maybe the marina. Swansea is great for proximity to beaches and countryside but Cardiff has more going on if you want a city holiday.

WonderWomble · 08/06/2018 20:51

Waterside premier Inn is probably okay - the area has a few bars and restaurants but is mainly businesses so quieter evenings/weekends.

PerfectlySymmetricalButtocks · 08/06/2018 20:53

Mumbles! Loved Mumbles when I was little.

CatsMother66 · 08/06/2018 21:29

If I was you I would jump on a train to Tenby. It has lovely beaches, a harbour and busy seaside town centre with numerous pubs, restaurants and shops all contained in the same place and accessible by foot. You could go on many different boat trips including Caldy Island (where monks live).

Guavaf1sh · 08/06/2018 21:32

Swansea is the best city on earth. Close to areas of outstanding natural beauty and the city itself surrounding a beautiful bay. Lovely

AliceAir · 08/06/2018 21:32

I can’t really add to anything but just wanted to say this thread has made me homesick. I grew up in Swansea (about 2 miles from Singleton). I left when I was 19 but since my df died I haven’t been back (well, apart from his funeral :( ). I hope you have a lovely time - and don’t come away without trying Joe’s ice cream or else you’ll get sent back! The original parlour is about a mile out of town, near the old guild hall and Bryn y Mor Road.

NoHaudinMaWheest · 08/06/2018 21:34

I've stayed in the Premier Inn at Waterside and it is fine - quiet and on a bus route to the city centre.
There are a couple of museums in Swansea if it rains but they wouldn't take more than a morning to do.
I agree avoid Wind Street!

Flev · 08/06/2018 22:11

I was another one at university there - definitely enjoy a few days there. I'd recommend using the Gower explorer bus - Rhossili Bay is my favourite although Caswell Bay and Three Cliffs Bay are also beautiful. In the city centre check out the waterfront museum (free), Swansea Museum (free) and the Glynn Vivian art gallery (free). Parks-wise, there's Singleton Park right next to the University campus so you can go for a wander, or Clyne Gardens a bit further away. Definitely walk round to Mumbles along the coastal path - and ignore the people telling you to try Joe'ice-cream, Verdi's is much better!

Grandmaswagsbag · 08/06/2018 22:15

Yep the gower is one of the most beautiful coastlines I’ve been too. We’ve enjoyed many a holiday at caswell bay just outside Swansea (anywhere along that coastline is lovely). We won’t be going this year for the 1st time as my dB who we used to stay with has moved and I’ll is it so much!

dangermouseisace · 08/06/2018 22:18

I love Swansea (went to uni there). There are so many lovely places around Swansea. You can get the bus to places on the Gower, and it’s quite amusing being on there when it’s squeezing down tiny streets. The Gower is waaaaaaay better than Cornwall, less touristy. There are lots of campsites near beaches as well. Good surfing. And I found the locals were friendly.

glitterbiscuits · 08/06/2018 22:22

Catch the train into,Cardiff and have a day there too. So much to see and do. Museum, castle, the bay and great for shopping.

ICantCopeAnymore · 08/06/2018 22:29

Avoid the city centre, it's fucking foul.

You absolutely must have a Joe's, though. Whoever said Verdis is better must have serious problems Wink

AndhowcouldIeverrefuse · 08/06/2018 22:35

Well Verdi's does have better views Grin

Anyway OP I have had many a lovely Summer holiday in Swansea / Mumbles / the Gower.

Leeds2 · 08/06/2018 22:42

What would people recommend to do in Cardiff? ~Going for four days in August, with a 20 year old.

Somertime · 08/06/2018 22:47

Cardiff has amazing shops, cafes & pubs so any 20 year old will be fine. Restaurants are ok.

PossiblyPFB · 08/06/2018 22:51

We go to the area often on holiday and always stay on the Gower in a holiday cottage. Swansea has improved since we first started going and ok if you’re desperate to shop but I would not stay in a hotel there if you’re looking for a beach break.

Try somewhere like the Oxwich Bay hotel or the King Arthur. Fairy Hill if you’re pushing the boat out.

You will need a car realistically- The coastline and surrounding area on the peninsula is incredible and a real hidden gem destination.

Have a great trip - it’s lovely!

NotMaryWhitehouse · 08/06/2018 22:53

Joe's 99. That is all

llangennith · 08/06/2018 22:54

If you’re based in Swansea and the weather is fine don’t bother with Cardiff. Cardiff is a lovely city but not worth wasting a sunny day on. No beaches, nearest is Barry Island and it’s not a patch on the Gower beaches.

mumof2sarah · 08/06/2018 22:57

You can make anywhere a holiday! Do what you want and love and you've got a holiday 🙌🏻

PossiblyPFB · 08/06/2018 23:15

I missed on your OP that you said you didn’t drive. Sorry.

There are buses and taxis from hotels/pubs available - the walks around there are lovely and not too challenging! I’d stand by the hotel recommendations as they can help you with transport as well.

Wifelife · 08/06/2018 23:21

Oxwich is beautiful- we got married there last summer, the hotel is lovely and beach is amazing, Langland is stunning (used to live there) very close to mumbles high street, the brasserie is lovely to have a glass of wine or a meal with lovely views of the beach, Newton road in Mumbles is lovely for shopping and definitely go to Joe’s (get a strawberry marshmallow sundae, you won’t regret it!) you can walk to and from mumbles and city centre across the sea front, Grape and Olive restaurant in the tower has fab views too!

Swansea is definitely worth a visit!

MovingThisYearHopefully · 08/06/2018 23:39

Verdi's.. Umm!

Leeds2 · 08/06/2018 23:40

Thanks, somertime.

IamaBluebird · 08/06/2018 23:45

Gower is gorgeous. Rhossili beach is spectacular the views are just beautiful. All the beaches are lovely. In Swansea there are some nice walks out to Mumbles. Or get the bus and after your icecream take a walk along the coastal path.
Cardiff is a great place to visit. It's a compact city with a castle in a lovely park. You can get a boat to the bay from here. Loads of places to eat and drink. Hire bikes to cycle to the barrage. A trip to St Fagans museum is a good day out. Hope you have a lovely time op .