car hire swansea
Pick up your hire car in Swansea and enjoy this lively city with breathtaking scenery on its doorstep. Book car hire swansea downtown now
the 60-second guide to swansea
in its own head
"Forget Cardiff - Swansea is the real capital of Wales! We're rich in character and there are few better places to enjoy a night out."
but more realistically
There is certainly lively nightlife in Swansea, but culturally it lacks the punch of Cardiff. Instead, with the Gower Peninsular on its doorstep, Swansea boasts some of the best beaches and most beautiful scenery in Britain.
the vibe
To experience Swansea in its full glory, take a stroll along Rhossili beach on a sunny day. There aren't many stretches of seafront that can match it for rugged beauty.
the natives
The locals aren't just proud to be Welsh, they're proud to be from what they perceive to be the greatest city on the face of the planet!
the weather
Like the rest of Wales, Swansea is pretty wet. For the chance of some sun, the best time to visit is between June and August.
the local speciality
Laverbread was once described by Wales-born Hollywood star Richard Burton as "Welshman's caviar". Added to bacon and cockles, the seaweedy treat makes a cracking breakfast.
the celebrity
Academy-Award winner Catherine Zeta-Jones is a Swansea lass, and she and husband Michael Douglas regularly pop over from the States.
did you know?
West Indies cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers became the first person in first-class cricket to hit six sixes in one over at Swansea's St Helen's ground.
they say
"An ugly lovely town." - Swansea-born poet Dylan Thomas
5 to see in town...
- 1. Oystermouth Castle
- 2. Castle Square
- 3. National Waterfront Museum
- 4. Oxwich Bay
- 5. Dylan Thomas Centre
The Normans built Oystermouth Castle back in the 12th century, but you can still wander about the remains today. The battlements offer spectacular views across Swansea Bay.
where to park?
Park your hire car at the castle itself for £2 an hour.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Oystermouth Castle
- 2. Castle Square
- 3. National Waterfront Museum
- 4. Oxwich Bay
- 5. Dylan Thomas Centre
As well as being home to the remains of the city's 13th century castle, the square is also Swansea's buzzing epicentre, surrounded by pubs, shops and restaurants.
where to park?
The Oystermouth car park is a ten-minute walk away.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Le Castilletl
- 2. Castle Square
- 3. National Waterfront Museum
- 4. Oxwich Bay
- 5. Dylan Thomas Centre
Time travelling might not be possible, but visitors to the National Waterfront Museum get to experience the next best thing thanks to exhibitions showcasing life during the industrial revolution.
where to park?
The museum has a large pay and display car park or you can use the nearby Oystermouth car park.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Oystermouth Castle
- 2. Castle Square
- 3. National Waterfront Museum
- 4. Oxwich Bay
- 5. Dylan Thomas Centre
Oxwich Bay has a two and a half mile stretch of beautiful beach, so it's a great place to go for a swim or to try your hand at various watersports.
where to park?
There is plenty of parking is available on the bay for just £3.50 a day.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Oystermouth Castle
- 2. Castle Square
- 3. National Waterfront Museum
- 4. Oxwich Bay
- 5. Dylan Thomas Centre
The Dylan Thomas Centre houses a permanent exhibition on the great poet's life and is a must-see for any budding bard.
where to park?
There is a large public car park right next to the centre for up to 600 cars.
and 4 to drive to...
The biggest city in the south west of England has plenty to offer, from live music to museums, as well as some of the best bars and restaurants around.
how to get there?
The eastbound M4 will take you the 80-odd miles to Bristol.
and 4 to drive to...
Shakin' Stevens was born in Cardiff, but if that's not enough reason to visit, there's also the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Castle and the newly regenerated waterfront.
how to get there?
Head east out of Swansea on the M4 you'll reach Cardiff in around an hour.
and 4 to drive to...
With more than 170 miles of coastline, there are a number of spectacular beaches and cliff top walks to enjoy in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
how to get there?
Take the A48 north through Camarthen, then join the A40. Pembroke is about 60 miles away.
and 4 to drive to...
This picturesque Camarthen town is home to the fascinating ruins of Dinefwr Castle, but surely its biggest claim to fame is hosting the 2008 World Sheepdog Trials.
how to get there?
Head north on the M4 and A476. Llandeilo is about 25 miles away.
ask a swansea cabbie!
Local taxi driver Martin Williams on car hire in Swansea: "You'll enjoy driving in Swansea - we recently won the award for the second best commute to work in the UK, thanks to the 'park and ride' and the car sharing schemes. So you shouldn't face too much congestion. Also the traffic lights are synchronised which helps to decrease traffic. Local drivers generally have good manners if you are nice to them. The best thing, though, is being able to drive out into the countryside. It really is spectacular."