Michael On The Move: Exploring Wales

Hi all, welcome back to the latest edition of the column. Last time we explored Bhutan, one of the furthest places we’ve talked about so far, so this time I thought we would turn our attention a little closer to home: Wales!

In my first year at Warwick, when I first joined the darts team, we had a strong Welsh contingent, and now, with a Welsh President leading the club, what better way to honour his presidency than with a column dedicated to Swansea, the second largest city in Wales.

The Peninsula is home to stunning limestone cliffs, wide sandy beaches and historic sites such as Pennard Castle

Swansea is a coastal city located in the south of Wales, renowned for its stunning coastline and natural beauty. In fact, it is home to the UK’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. While the weather may not be particularly warm, with the hottest months average around 18°C, the cooler climate can be ideal for comfortably exploring everything the city has to offer. 

I think one of the first things you must do when in Swansea is visit the Gower Peninsula’s beaches. The Peninsula is home to stunning limestone cliffs, wide sandy beaches and historic sites such as Pennard Castle. Its coastline is also perfect for surfing and other water sports, while those who enjoy hiking will find plenty of scenic trails to explore. Why not make the trip to Worm’s Head, a striking rocky high point that stretches out into Rhossili Bay? Just be sure to plan ahead, as the walk is only accessible for around two hours either side of low tide. Before setting off, check the tide times displayed on the board near the causeway to ensure safe crossing!

Looking at photos of the Peninsula, it’s easy to see why it was designated an Area of Outstanding Beauty, it truly looks breathtaking! And it’s not just visitors who think so, the Gower Peninsula has been featured on many tv series and movies. Notably, Henry Cavill was spotted filming The Witcher at Three Cliffs Bay in 2021, while scenes of Doctor Who have been filmed at Rhossil, using its dramatic coastline as the perfect backdrop. 

A visit to Clyne Gardens is well worth it, with its impressive collection of exotic plants, including Elephant Rhubarb and American Skunk Cabbage

A visit to Swansea wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Swansea Market. Awarded Britain’s Best Large Indoor Market in 2024, it is also the largest covered market in Wales. Known for its local produce like cockles and Welsh cakes, it’s the perfect place for visitors to browse, shop and enjoy a bit to eat. One spot that particularly caught my attention while researching places to eat was Little Tokyo, which serves dishes like ramen, sushi and katsu curry, perfect for anyone craving Japanese cuisine. If Japanese cuisine isn’t quite your thing, The Lunchbox offers a tempting range of British classics, including carveries and Yorkshire pudding wraps, which I’ve been especially keen to try.  

After grabbing a bite at the Market, why not take some time to wander around the city? A visit to Clyne Gardens is well worth it, with its impressive collection of exotic plants, including Elephant Rhubarb and American Skunk Cabbage. The gardens also feature a charming Japanese garden, complete with a brightly painted bridge.  Alternatively, you could head to Swansea Cathedral, a grade II listed building constructed in 1888 that serves as the focal point of Catholicism in the city. Its striking gothic architecture makes it a particularly impressive landmark and a must-see for visitors interested in historic buildings.  

With its rich history, it is definitely worth a visit, especially for history enthusiasts

If you’re willing to travel a little outside the city centre, consider taking a stroll through the Mumbles, a popular seaside area known for its scenic views, boutique shops, cafes and ice cream parlour. From there, you can visit Oystermouth Castle, a 12th century fortress that was once home to the Marcher Lords of Gower. Although the castle now stands in ruins, it has been carefully preserved by the Swansea Council and the Friends of Oystermouth Castle. With its rich history, it is definitely worth a visit, especially for history enthusiasts. 

As with many of these column editions, I’ve once again run out of space to mention everything that Swansea has to offer. Whether it’s visiting Dylan Thomas’ birthplace or catching a match at the Swansea.com Stadium. However, I hope this column has shown that you don’t always have to go abroad for a memorable holiday. Sometimes, a trip within the UK, like Swansea, can be just as fulfilling. 

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about Swansea and until next time…