Things to See and Do in Swansea
Home to two universities, Swansea combines the buzz of a thriving student city with a laidback coastal charm. And if you’re thinking of studying here, you’ll be happy to know that there’s plenty of fun ways to fill your downtime. From epic nights out and brilliant beaches to watersports and seriously good ice cream, we’ve got the lowdown on the best things to see and do in Swansea.
Have a night out on Wind Street
Your time in Swansea won’t be complete without a few nights out on Wind Street. Swansea’s most famous street is actually (and probably more appropriately) pronounced “wine” street, and is packed with pubs, bars and clubs. Student faves include Popworld for cheesy pop bangers, One Eyed Willy’s for alternative music and £1.50 bombs, and Founders & Co for chilled pints, street food and a weekly pub quiz.
Soak up the seaside vibes
Every day can be a beach day in Swansea! Whether you head down for a quick blast of sea air between lectures or a beach bbq on a sunny afternoon. Swansea Bay beach is just a stone’s throw from Swansea University. With five miles of golden sands, it’s the perfect place for a morning coffee, a stroll with friends or a game of football.
Walk to Mumbles
Mumbles is a charming former fishing village just outside of Swansea, and home to a lighthouse, a Victorian Pier and 12th-century castle ruins. The promenade runs from Swansea Marina all the way to Mumbles Head and makes for a nice leisurely walk.
Once there, you can happily while away a few hours, browsing the independent shops, hitting the arcades or scoffing fish and chips on the seafront. Don’t fancy walking? Jump on the Cymru coaster bus or hire a Swansea University Cycle instead.
Visit Swansea market
You’ll find your student budget stretches further at this award-winning market. Open six days a week, it’s the place to go for great value fresh and local produce, as well as traditional Welsh goodies such as cheeses, larverbread and Welsh cakes.
Enjoy the great outdoors
Head slightly further afield and you have the spectacular surroundings of the Gower Peninsula to explore. The Gower Coast Path takes in the whole of the coastline, and rewards you with stunning views of sand dunes, limestone cliffs and sweeping stretches of sand.
Beyond Mumbles, you’ll find more gorgeous beaches, including Langland Bay and Three Cliffs, which, alongside beautiful scenery, are top places for SUP, surfing, kayaking and rock climbing.
Grab an icecream
Ice cream and the seaside go hand in hand, and Swansea has two iconic purveyors serving up the sweet treat. Joe’s is a Swansea institution; their secret-recipe vanilla has been a favourite since 1922.
Verdi’s is another long-established favourite and serves around 30 different flavours of ice cream, as well as Italian coffee, from its waterfront café in Mumbles. (It’s currently being rebuilt as it was sadly damaged by a fire this year.)
Check out the view from Kilvey Hill
Tackle the short but steep woodland trail on Kilvey Hill, and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over the city, Swansea Bay and the Gower Peninsula.
From there, you can follow the paths to explore Crymlyn Bog, Wales’s largest lowland fen. Keep your eyes peeled for its abundant birdlife and wetland flowers as well as dragonflies and butterflies.
Make a splash at LC Swansea Waterpark
You’re never too old for a waterpark! Swansea’s own has a lazy river, wave pool and plenty of hair-raising slides and rides. It’s a great place to let off steam with your mates.
Ready to be a true student?
A great Swansea student experience starts with finding the right accommodation. At true student Swansea, our ensuite rooms and studios are a home away from home. From double beds and smart TVs to rainfall showers, you have all the creature comforts you’ll ever need. And with plenty of great social spaces, such as a cinema, Festival Zone and gym, plus a packed calendar of events throughout the year, your social life is sorted too.
Want to find out more? Check out our luxury student accommodation: true student Swansea