Parks and the Great Outdoors

Swansea is home to a plethora of impressive parks and outdoor activities to keep the whole family happy this summer.

With over 50 parks spreading right across Swansea, there’s plenty of fun to be had right on your doorstep. As well as beautiful and relaxing scenery there is a wide range of facilities for the whole family to enjoy.

Junior Park Rangers

The Junior Park Ranger’s Club has an action packed programme of free children’s events running throughout the summer holidays. The Club is FREE to join for 4 -11year olds. It is a great way to learn about local parks and the nature within them. For more information and to book a place please contact 01792 636485 or visit www.breatheswansea.com

Skate Jams

For youngsters over the age of 12, there will be a series of Skate Jams held at skate parks throughout Swansea.  For those into skating, this is definitely something not to miss!

The Skate jams will be held every Friday between 24 July – 21 August at a number of ramps throughout the city, from 1pm until 3.30pm.  There will also be a Summer Street Sports Festival at the end of the summer.  For more information please contact the Parks Development on 01792 635485 or visit www.breatheswansea.com

Botanics in Bloom

The Botanics in Bloom Festival is back from August 1st – 31st hosting its usual array of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy, as well as the spectacular visual treat of the gardens. Activities include guided tours of the garden, bird and wildlife tours, band concerts, children’s activities and plant sales, as well as the ever popular workshops and demonstrations. For further information contact Steve Hopkins on 01792 205327 or visit www.breatheswansea.com

Brynmill Discovery Centre

The Centre provides the park with a focus for exploring its history and wildlife. See the birds in their natural habitat, without disturbing them, through the large one way glass window and take a look at the permanent exhibition.
Kiosk Facilities are due to be in place for the summer months.

The centre is open every day and visitors can enjoy its use for free.  If you would like more information enquire within, call 01792 205327 or visit www.breatheswansea.com.

Clyne Gardens and Clyne in Bloom

Japenese and Italian bridges, historic castle, romantic tower, 2,000 varieties of plants – yes you’re still in Swansea! In fact you can stumble across these fascinating features all in one place – the fabulous Clyne Gardens. The gardens are truly spectacular all year round with its busy birdlife and oak woodland, a remnant of a medieval forest.

Pop down to Clyne Gardens during May and experience the gardens at their most beautiful and admire the award-winning Rhododendrons and Azaleas. 

Clyne will also play host to a number of exciting events for you and your family to enjoy.

Take a guided tour or learn about the wonderful variety of birds and wildlife which inhabit the gardens.  Relax and take in the sounds of Swansea’s finest bands or let your children get creative at the art workshops and take in an exciting story under the branches of the Magical Story Tree.

For the horticulturalists amongst you why not pop along to the popular Rare Plant Sale on Sunday 17th May and take home something a bit unusual to add to your garden.

Clyne in Bloom takes place in Clyne Gardens, Blackpill, between May 1st and May 31st.  For further information visit www.breatheswansea.com or call 01792 205327.

Swansea Prom

There is plenty of family fun to be had outdoors along Swansea Prom from May. 

Enjoy a leisurely ride aboard the Swan and Dragon pedalos around Singleton Boating Lake, followed by a fun round of Crazy Golf. 

For those who prefer ‘pitch and putt’, Ashleigh Road’s 10-hole golf course is only a short distance away.  The course is ideal for both beginners and experts with no handicap required.

Stroll further down the Prom and take a dip in Swansea’s very own outdoor shallow waterpark, Blackpill Lido.  Blackpill Lido is a must visit with its superb paddling pool and unique interactive water features, fantastic children’s play area and climbing rock.  Furthermore, the glorious Clyne Gardens, in bloom throughout May, are situated just across the road.  The Lido will be open from 23rd May until September. 

At the end of the Prom, Southend Gardens and its pleasant surroundings is an ideal place to relax and take in the spectacular views of Swansea Bay.  Furthermore, why not take advantage of the superb playing facilities, Crazy Golf, and Boules area. 
If walking along the Prom sounds like too much effort then hop aboard the Swansea Bay Rider, which runs back and forth between Blackpill Lido and Southend Gardens, sit back and enjoy the views of Swansea Bay stopping off at all the fabulous attractions along the way.  It really is the unique way to see the bay.  The Bay Rider will operate every day from May 23rd – May 31st and then every weekend until June 23rd when it will resume daily operation.

For further information call 01792 635436, visit www.swanseaprom.com, or pick up a copy of the new Swansea Prom brochure from any City and County of Swansea venue.

Swansea Bowls Festival at Victoria Gardens

Swansea’s prestigious Bowls Festival is once again being held this Summer in Victoria Park.   Anyone can take part and be in with the chance of winning some fabulous cash prizes and becoming Swansea Bowls Champion 2008.  Spectators are also welcome to come down and show their support.

The festival is now in its 42nd year and is a major hit on South Wales bowls scene. It is taking place in Victoria Park between Sunday 19th July and Saturday 8th August and features a host of different categories, including, 
Gents Singles, Gents Pairs, Ladies Singles, Ladies Pairs, Mixed Pairs, Visually Impaired Integrated Pairs, and Junior Singles.

 The closing date for entries is Monday 15th June. For further information please call 01792 635436.