Have you planned your summer in Swansea yet? Well fear not, as we are the home of Swansea Bay events and activities and we have SO much happening this year, 2022 is the THE year for great events and days out on your doorstep.
From our beautiful beaches, to the big and small events, ParkLives activities to Prom activities for keeping you and the whole family active. Like a bit of culture? We’ve got that covered too, indoors at the National Waterfront Museum or outdoors at Oystermouth Castle, it’s all yours…to enjoy!
Read on for summer inspiration
Our Sport and Health team are busy finalising their summer programme of fun for everyone, and this year promises to be better than ever! Think family paddle boarding sessions, mountain biking, Us Girl camps, mountain boarding, balance bikes and more.
In the meantime their weekly timetable is continuing with Nordic Walking, Circuits, Pilates, Tai Chi, Zumba and Low impact fitness for older adults. Be sure to check out their timetable.
Five miles covers quite a lot, and in this stunning stretch we’ve got you covered. Whether it’s a few rounds of crazy golf (take your pick from Southend Gardens or Singleton Park) whilst at the park why not have a relaxing ride on one of the pedalos in the boating lake. Then hop aboard the Swansea Bay Rider Land Train and head to Blackpill Lido for a splash at our very own waterpark that boasts a children’s play area, climbing rock and picnic facilities too, don’t forget to pack some goodies!
Oystermouth Castle has stunning view overlooking Swansea Bay, as it sits majestically on the hill in Mumbles. It, it dates back to the 12th century and is steeped in history. You can discover the hidden histories of the castle at one of its many Castle Guided Tours taking place throughout the summer by one of the many experienced volunteer guides from the Friends of Oystermouth Castle. As well as the tours the castle also has other wonderful events taking place such as Outdoor Theatre performances of Rapunzel and A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Prince and Princesses day.
We’ve got a weekend of headliners for you at Singleton Park this July. One of music’s greatest living legends, Nile Rogers and CHIC perform on Friday 29th, followed by platinum selling multi-talented Anne-Marie on Saturday 30th and finishing with none other than Paul Weller on Sunday 30th who’s show will feature work from across his prolific career and his brilliant new material. Get your tickets now!
Get your folding chair ready and pack something nice to eat for outdoor theatre at Oystermouth Castle this August sponsored by Home from Home. Expect, silliness and puppets in the family friendly production of the tale of the girl with the long hair – Rapunzel on 5th August.
Enjoy Shakespeare’s classic comedy of love and intrigue and mayhem A Midsummer Night’s Dream in a truly magical setting on Thursday 25th August. The course of true love never did run smooth…
Outdoor theatre is sponsored by Home from Home.
The National Waterfront Museum continue to have great exhibitions on throughout the summer months including ‘Keeping it Local’ where you can find out about the people, vehicles, businesses and projects linked to shopping locally in the past and present.
‘Trawsnewid’ is an Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales project aimed at LGBTQ+ young people aged 16 – 25. Praising the rich culture that the often-forgotten LGBTQ+ communities of Wales have to offer.
Discover the story of some of the people who were housed at the ex-military barracks in Penally, Tenby the exhibition ‘One World – Art From Penally Camp’ of their art.
Celebrate ‘Home Away From Home’ with all the people and organisations that have been involved with making Swansea a City of Sanctuary for over ten years and discover the stories of those who have sought sanctuary in Swansea and how they have helped shape the city to become a more welcoming space.
There are also a whole host of events taking place including Dance days, GRAFT Supper Night, Play Days, Pirate Party and Swansea vintage and Makers Market. Check out their website for all the details.
This summer, the Dylan Thomas Centre will be celebrating Dylan’s writing about his childhood holidays with creative workshops, children’s trails, and a whole host of fun activities for all the family to enjoy. Have a go at cut-up poetry, create a comic full of amazing characters and stories, and write a postcard sharing your own holiday memories! And if you’d like to know more about Dylan’s Swansea, join Fluellen Theatre Company for a brilliant performance-based tour of central Swansea.
The first week of August sees some of the fittest athletes in the country swim, run and cycle across Swansea when the World Para Series Triathlon and Ironman 70.3 comes to town on the weekend of August 6/7th. Why not go along and whoop, clap and cheer the super-fit participants along the route?
Your local library has much to offer than books. This summer, Swansea libraries have some very exciting projects taking place including their summer reading challenge, Stories Futures and World Re-imagined.
This year’s summer reading challenge theme is Gadgeteers, created in partnership with Science Museum Group and illustrated by top children’s writer and illustrator Julian Beresford. Read a set number of books over the holidays and receive a certificate and medal!
At the heart of the city centre, under an iconic domed roof, you’ll find the glorious Swansea Market – home to over 100 traders selling everything from local delicacies to international cuisine and unique gifts. Whether you’re Swansea born and bred or a visitor from further afield, you’re certain to have a warm welcome!
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the fabulous Market Garden at the centre of the Market hall. It’s a haven where you can eat, work or enjoy a variety of entertainment….there’s even a special watering station for doggy visitors.
Give your little ones a chance to lose themselves with the family Madrigal, the Quadrant is bringing you completely free Encanto dance sessions on Saturday, July 30. Booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Follow the Quadrant Shopping Centre on social media or sign up to the newsletter to be the first to book!
Experience a T-rex, Triceratops, and Velociraptors right in the heart of Swansea on Monday, August 1. Get up close and personal with dinosaurs, under the careful guidance of the brave Dino Rangers. Stay tuned on Quadrant socials for the full itinerary of the day.
From art workshops to circus activities, there’s something for everyone during the Midsummer Mayhem week at the Quadrant. The dates of the week will soon be revealed and your little ones will get to enjoy a different free activity each day. It will also give you the perfect reason to pop into town and treat yourself to some retail therapy afterwards. Booking is essential to avoid disappointment.
Who says you need to go on big adventures and holidays to entertain the kids this summer? The Entertainer, The Works and Trespass can kit you out for a summer to remember right in your own back yard. If you are heading to warmer climes, make sure your skin’s ready with the help of The Body Shop, Boots and Superdrug. Don’t forget that you can also get your wardrobe evening-ready with the help of Quiz, Superdry, The Clothing Culture and Schuh.
The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery has a packed calendar of summer activity starting with Glynn Vivian at Night on July 21st to celebrate the opening of new exhibitions with live music, workshops and talks.
Families will love the weekly sessions of fun activities lined up over the holidays – every Sunday starting on July 24th take part in Summer Sunday Forest School (morning) and Family Film Club (afternoon). On Wednesdays throughout August the ‘I can…workshops’ take place, they are accessible workshops for families with a different theme every week – I can…Print, I can…Paint, I can…Sculpt, I can…Sew. Thursdays offer a chance to make and paint your own fantastical, super-sized, magical forest-scape installation in the weekly Magical Forests and Mystical Mountains Family Workshop.
