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Situated along the beach-lined coast of South Wales, the city of Swansea overlooks the sprawling Gower Peninsula. A once prosperous market and trading town, the city is home to some famous personalities and striking natural landscapes, making it a characteristic holiday destination well worth exploring. Preserving architectural remnants of medieval times, the city’s museums and castles are fascinating.
Cheap flights to Swansea are now available for a limited time only, so book your flight today and prepare to be impressed by the gorgeous landscapes and historical charms this city has to offer!
Swansea is home to Swansea Airport (SWS), a 25-minute commute from the city centre. SWS mainly serves light and privately-owned aircraft, but the city is only a 1-hour drive from Cardiff Airport (CWL). There are no direct flights from South Africa to Swansea, but popular connecting flights depart from Amsterdam. Flight duration from Johannesburg to Cardiff is approximately 15 hours.
The historic, Edwardian house of poet, Dylan Thomas, is not to be missed; while the castles of Oystermouth and Weobley transport you back to the days of Tudors and royalty.
The coastal vistas over Gower Peninsula and the surrounding cliffs are jaw-droppingly gorgeous, while scenic walks through the sprawling parks will leave you feeling energised and rejuvenated.
Wander through the seaside villages, sampling the freshest seafood and ice cream, while local delicacies like cockles and laverbread can be found at the renowned Swansea Market.
Essential details you need to know before your trip
| Country | Wales |
|---|---|
| Currency | British Pound (GBP) |
| Exchange Rate | 1 ZAR = 0.059 £ |
| Language | Welsh / English |
| Hub Airport | Swansea Airport (SWS) |
| Airline | British Airways |
| Time Zone | GMT + 0 |
| Travel Adaptor | Type G |
The best time to visit this friendly city is during the months of April and September when crowds are few, prices are reasonable and rainfall levels are low enough to enjoy outdoor activities. November through to March sees temperatures significantly dropping and heavy rainfall setting in – not ideal beach weather, but great for exploring festive Christmas markets and ice sculptures. Summer time, between June and August is the hottest and most pleasant, but be prepared for crowds and inflated prices. The city comes alive in October with The Swansea Festival of Music and the Arts, showcasing orchestral concerts, theatre productions, opera performances and art exhibitions.
Average temperature (°C) & rainfall (mm) per month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low °C | 2°C | 2°C | 4°C | 6°C | 9°C | 12°C | 14°C | 13°C | 11°C | 8°C | 5°C | 3°C |
| High °C | 7°C | 7°C | 10°C | 13°C | 16°C | 19°C | 20°C | 20°C | 17°C | 14°C | 10°C | 8°C |
| Rainfall (mm) | 125 | 83 | 90 | 66 | 68 | 70 | 70 | 91 | 101 | 118 | 130 | 132 |
The quaint, picturesque city of Swansea is located along the scenic Gower Peninsula coastline in South Wales. Home to some famous legends like Dylan Thomas and Richard Burton, the city is filled with historical buildings and landmarks, with deep-rooted Welsh traditions. With the onset of the Industrial Revolution, the city was a hub for textile and wine trade, and copper smelting factories. Archaeological remnants of the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages can still be found at the Swansea Museum. Along with 12th and 13th century fortresses, like Swansea and Oystermouth Castles, some of the finest examples of Victorian and Georgian architecture can be found in the centre of town. Sample favourite local dishes at the quirky Swansea Market, and take a peek in the Egypt Centre, a hidden treasure tucked away in the town.
Other sights not to be missed are the pretty coastal stops of Mumbles, Three Cliffs Bay, Oxwich Bay and Llangennith Beach. Nature lovers will cherish the breath-taking views, scenic trails and colourful plants in Clyne Gardens, while the tranquil landscapes of Penllergare Valley Woods are a therapeutic retreat from the city hustle. Adventure enthusiasts can charter boats around the bay, go mountain biking or grab a surfboard and hit the waves at Langland Bay.
Compare several airlines, and book your cheap flights to Swansea online at Travelstart!
South Africans do require a visa in order to enter Wales. Leave plenty of time for visa processing and make sure your passport is valid for six months after your return date.
See this step-by-step guide on how to apply for your UK visa.
The South African High Commission in the UK can be reached at: +44 (0) 20 7451 7299
Swansea, along with Wales, experiences a fairly low crime rate. Take the usual safety precautions of watching over personal possessions and being wary of pick-pockets. Do not carry around excess cash or valuables, and leave jewellery and passports locked away in your hotel safe. Do not leave items unattended at the beach – ask someone to watch over your belongings while you swim.
| Item | Cape Town | Johannesburg | Swansea |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal, inexpensive restaurant | R 90.00 | R 100.00 | R 202.00 |
| Domestic beer (0.5 litre draught) | R 22.00 | R 20.00 | R 63.00 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | R 19.00 | R 20.00 | R 44.00 |
| Taxi 1km (normal tarriff) | R 10.00 | R 12.00 | R 25.00 |
| Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) | R 35.00 | R 35.00 | R 146.00 |
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