NatureViews, Swansea

Rhossili Bay is the first beach to be awarded Britain’s Best Beach by TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice for the second year running, not to mention the 3rd best beach in Europe and 9th best in the world! Rhossili has also been described as ‘The supermodel of British beaches’ by The Independent and has also won accolades from UK Travel Writers and awards for being the best spot to have a picnic! And The Times nominated Rhossili as ‘The UK's No.1 dog-friendly beach’. At low tide, there is a huge expanse of beach. It is possible to walk across the bay to Llangennith or even cross onto the Worms Head. When crossing over to Worm's Head, please report to the Coastwatch Centre before you go. If your return journey is cut off by the high tide, it is very important that you do not attempt to swim back to shore. There is always some sand, even at high tide. It is very popular with surfers. Many different birds nest on the cliffs, so don't forget your binoculars. https://www.visitwales.com/product/1843187

There is something to see throughout the year in the Botanical Gardens. The herbaceous borders are a fantastic sight from late March until mid-October and the variety of glasshouses offer shelter in inclement weather. So even during the harsh winter months, the garden has lots to offer. In 1919 the private estate of the wealthy Vivian family was bought by the Swansea Corporation for use as a public park. In 1926 the Educational Gardens were officially opened as a “collection of economic plants and British flora”. Renamed in 1991 as the Botanical Gardens they contain a renowned double herbaceous border and many mature trees of national importance. In addition, there are fine specimens of rare and exotic plants from around the world as well as a rock garden, herb garden, and the new wildflower garden which opened in 2017. The 40 metre double herbaceous borders were part of the original Educational Gardens created in the 1920’s and their layout is little changed since those times. It is entirely possible that some of the plants found here are divisions of those originally planted. The large aluminium glasshouses were constructed in the early 1990s on the site of the original wooden Tropical and Show glasshouses which had become unsafe. They include a Cactus House with succulents from the desert regions, a Temperate House with plants from Mediterranean-like areas of the world, an Economic House containing plants from around world with various economic uses, and finally a Tropical House with plants from the jungles and rainforests of the world, planted to give a naturalistic setting and kept warm at temperatures above 12° C. https://www.visitswanseabay.com/listings/the-friends-of-the-city-of-swansea-botanical-complex/

The Gardens at Clyne were established by Admiral Algernon Walker-Heneage-Vivian who owned Clyne from 1921 until his death in 1952. He sponsored plant collecting expeditions overseas, and many of Clynes rhododendrons still bear their original collector's numbers. The Admiral's influence can also be seen in the landscaping, which includes a Japanese Bridge, the Admirals Tower and the Gazebo. https://www.visitwales.com/product/516445

Penllergare Valley Woods is a picturesque landscape hidden away in a steep valley just a stone's throw, yet a world away, from the M4 in north Swansea. With its lakes and waterfalls, terraces, panoramic views, and exotic trees and shrubs, this forgotten Victorian paradise is being slowly restored and brought back to life by The Penllergare Trust. The car park and visitor centre are located just off J47 of the M4. Visitors can enjoy a drink at our Woodland Coffee Shop, with views from the terrace over our Woodland Garden and towards the Upper Lake. From here, visitors can enjoy over 12km of walks, including a stroll along the old Carriage Drive, and also down into the Llan valley where the Dillwyn Llewlyn family, who lived on the estate in the 19th century, created the Upper Lake and the stunning man-made waterfall. Paths and tracks lead on down alongside the afon Llan as it meanders its way to Fforestfach. https://www.visitswanseabay.com/listings/penllergare-valley-woods/

Whiteford is a quiet, family orientated leisure park with a large children’s adventure playground, site shop and a laundrette. There is no ‘club-house’ or bar on the premises in keeping with the charm and grace of the area http://tourismswanseabay.co.uk/swansea-tourism/whiteford-bay-leisure-park