Swansea Beach, the waterfront beach for the city of Swansea, stretches for five miles between the Maritime Quarter and the ‘Knab Rock’ near Mumbles in Wales. Popular since Victorian times, the beach throngs with sun-lovers during the summer months who come for the dunes, golden sands and fine swimming. It’s recommended by the Marine Conservation Society for the quality of its water and the cleanliness of the sand.
Local attractions include cycling, best enjoyed along the back of the beach on a National Cycling Route, as well as beach volleyball. Blackpill, which is the name given for a specific portion of the beach, has been designed an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and Wildlife Centre. It’s an important destination for migratory birds who pass through during winter months as part of their path from Africa to Greenland and the Russian Steppe. Sanderling, Ringed Plovers and Oystercatchers are seen here, with volunteers from the Gower Ornithological Society staffing the Lido during summer to answer any of your questions.
Swansea Beach, like much of the Gower Peninsula, is a popular surfing destination, especially during winter when the steep Atlantic swells provide optimal conditions. Other watersports enthusiasts who enjoy the waters here include kite surfers, wind surfers, sailors, sea-kayakers and fisherman. Excellent beach and rock fishing is possible in the vicinity with bass, mullet and cod regularly pulled from the ever-giving sea.
