BayTrans welcomes Cardiff residents and visitors to the delights of Swansea Bay, Neath, Port Talbot & the Valleys
Where to go, what to see
We present a selection of interesting places to go, exciting attractions and walks.
Swansea City
Three unique attractions in Swansea within easy reached of the Train and Bus Stations.
The National Waterfront Museum at Swansea tells the story of industry and innovation in Wales, now and over the last 300 years. Our vast industrial and maritime heritage is ready to explore via cutting-edge, interactive technology married with traditional displays. It means a unique, captivating and involved visitor experience lies in wait at Wales’s newest national museum.
Leisure Centre (the LC) has three activity centres
THE CORE where young adventurers can swing, climb, jump and slide in our, aquatic themed, 4 storey, interactive play area or reach exciting new heights on our 30ft Climbing wall!
THE EDGE WATERPARK: Make waves in Swansea’s premier waterpark featuring an exciting network of pools, rides and slides including The Boardrider. The Edge is home to the much loved wave pool and famous Masterblaster slide, a roller coaster style that blasts riders on a rubber ring uphill on jetted water then lets gravity do the rest!
THE PEAK Health & fitness reaches a whole new level at the Peak Gym in Swansea, one of the largest and best gyms in South Wales. It boasts over 180 Technogym stations and equipment with the most up-to-date state of the art technology.
Swansea Market is the largest indoor market in Wales and maintains a century old tradition of market trading in the heart of the city. With over 100 stalls boasting a wide selection of fresh, local produce and traditional Welsh fayre, you’ll also find specialist butchers and fishmongers, many of whom have been serving the people of Swansea for generations.
You’ll also discover stalls selling personalised gifts, beautiful jewellery and accessories, cosmetics, leather goods, special occasion children’s wear and lots more. Plus you can recharge your batteries at one of our cafés and coffee shops
Gower
The Gower peninsula was designated Britain’s first ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ back in 1954. It is worth a visit on the bus just for its stunning views and there is also plenty to do. Three activities in Gower easily reached using the Gower Explorer bus network.
Gower Heritage Centre: bus 118 to Parkmill
Set in the heart of the Gower Peninsula just west of Swansea, South Wales, the Gower Heritage Centre was established in 1990 as a countryside crafts centre situated in historical and beautiful surroundings. The 12th century water powered corn and saw mill was renovated, and experienced crafts people took up residence on site. Today the centre is recognised as a vibrant crafts and rural life museum that welcomes visitors from all around the world.
Perriswood Archery & Falconry: bus 118 to Nicholaston Court
Perriswood’s site has to have the most stunning views in Gower. Here, under expert tuition of qualified instructors, it offers archery lessons for adults and children from the age of 6 for all abilities; lessons are available for 15, 30 or 60 minutes. There are also falconry demonstrations (booking required).
Wales Coast Path Gower:
We suggest three moderately challenging walks that can be encompassed within a day from Cardiff and accessible by bus at each end:
1. Caswell Bay to Oystermouth 4.5 miles/7 kilometres, bus 2C outward, buses 2, 2B or 2C return
2. Llangennith to Rhossili 2.75 miles/4.5 kilometres, bus 118 outward and return
3. Parkmill to Pennard via Three Cliffs Bay 2.5 miles/4 kilometres, bus 118 outward, bus 14 return
Mumbles
Mumbles is easily reached by bus from Swansea with a frequent daytime service. Here you will find a delightful former fishing village with lots of interesting things to do and see. Here are a few:
Oystermouth Castle
There are 600 castles in Wales, but there aren't many which come with a better view than this one! With the improved visitor route into the castle, the new educational space, and the impressive 30 foot high glass bridge leading to Alina's Chapel, you can enjoy and make the most of the castle's dramatic location.
Lovespoon Gallery
Here you will find the largest collection of lovespoon designs from Wales’ best lovespoon carvers. It houses the World’s first Gallery devoted to hand carved Welsh Love Spoons.
Promenade Walk
The promenade extends for 6 miles from Swansea (near the bus station) through to Mumbles Pier. It is suitable for walking or cycling and offers superb views of reputedly a bay to rival the beauty of the Bay of Naples. Take the bus to Mumbles and walk back or just take in part of the walk in Mumbles along with its other attractions
Neath
There are a number of attractions easily reached on the bus from Neath
Aberdulais Tinworks & Waterfall: bus 63 or 158
Famous waterfall and fascinating industrial site with tin workers' exhibition set in a steep gorge, this place demonstrates the power of water and its impact on industry. An early water-powered tinplate works was the last of many industries pioneered here. Today the waters of the River Dulais are used to make Aberdulais Tin Works and Waterfall self-sufficient in environmentally friendly energy. It has the largest electricity-generating waterwheel in Europe.
Neath Abbey: buses 59, 141, 155, 158 or 204
Founded in 1130 by the Norman Baron, Richard de Granville and described as the 'Fairest Abbey in all Wales' by Tudor Historian John Leland. The Abbey enjoyed varying fortunes, even serving as an early copper works after the dissolution. Although situated near an industrial area, the Abbey's location, on the banks of the Tennant Canal, makes it a tranquil and memorable site for the visitor.
Neath Canal Walks: bus X5
There are a number of interesting walks on the Neath Canal in the beautiful Vale of Neath, all easily accessible at start and end points on the bus; here are some ideas for walks:
• Clyne to Aberdulais
• Clyne to Resolven also taking side trip to Melincourt Waterfall
• Resolven to Pentreclwydiau and back
Port Talbot
The hinterland of industrial Port Talbot has some of the most surprising attractions and great beauty and easily reached by bus.
Margam Country Park: bus X1 from Port Talbot train station
Margam Country Park is many things to many people. Steeped in history, wildlife and natural beauty, there’s something for everyone including orienteering, fishing, deer watching and local walks through the beautiful country environment. Come and enjoy Go Ape! The UK’s No.1 Tree Top Adventure. Take to the trees and speed down zip slides. They’re part of an exciting course of rope bridges, Tarzan swings and crossings; all set high above the forest floor.
The Richard Burton trail in Afan Forest Park: bus 23 from Port Talbot bus station
Just one of many easy walking trails in the stunning beauty of Afan Forest Park, this trail commemorates the world famous actor who was born and brought up in the area.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT FACT SHEET
Getting to Neath, Port Talbot & the Valleys
On weekdays, there are at least two trains per hour from Central Station in Cardiff to Port Talbot and Neath. On Sundays there is at least one train per hour. Trains are operated by Arriva and First and good value day return tickets are available on any train
National Rail Enquiries
Downloadable Visitor Timetable
Summary timetable and guide to reaching principal attractions in/from Neath & Port Talbot
Neath Port Talbot Timetable
Buses from Port Talbot
First Cymru buses to Aberafan Seafront and Margam Park serve Port Talbot station directly. Alternatively, it is 7-10 minutes of easy walking to the Bus Station for buses to Afan Forest Park
Traveline Cymru
Taxis from Port Talbot
Taxis are available at all times at Port Talbot station. Distances to most attractions are short so prices should be reasonable
Afan Forest Safaris
This service is available by pre-booking for individuals or small groups (and can include conveyance of cycles) for straightforward journeys or guided tours of the Afan Forest Park.
Afan Forest Safaris
Port Talbot Plus Bus
Buy your bus ticket at the same time as your train ticket and you get unlimited travel for a day to any part of Port Talbot, Aberafan, Margam Park and Afan Forest Park.
Buses from Neath
Most buses from Neath leave from Victoria Gardens Bus Station which is an easy 5 minute walk from the Train Station.
Traveline Cymru
Taxis from Neath
Taxis are available at all times at Neath station. Distances to local attractions are short so prices should be reasonable.
Neath Plus Bus
Buy your bus ticket at the same time as your train ticket and you get unlimited travel from Neath for a day to any part of Neath, Vale of Neath and Dulais Valley
Getting to Swansea, Mumbles and Gower
On weekdays, there are at least two trains per hour from Central Station in Cardiff to Swansea. On Sundays there is at least one train per hour. Trains are operated by Arriva and First and good value day return tickets are available on any train
National Rail Enquiries
Greyhound buses run hourly weekdays (2 hourly Sundays) from Central Bus Station taking an hour to Swansea. Day return tickets are good value and you can book through to Mumbles and Gower. Those wishing to return to Cardiff after the last Greyhound of the day can travel on First trains at no extra charge.
Greyhound
Downloadable Visitor Timetable
Summary timetable and guide to reaching principal attractions in/from Neath & Port Talbot
Swansea Mumbles & Gower Timetable
Buses from Swansea
Some First Cymru buses serve Swansea station directly. The ftrmetro leaves from outside the station to all points in the city centre and connects at Swansea City Bus Station with buses to Mumbles and the Gower peninsula.
Taxis from Swansea
Taxis are available at all times at Swansea station.
Swansea Plus Bus
Buy your bus ticket at the same time as your train ticket and you get unlimited travel from Swansea for a day to any part of the city, Mumbles and Pennard. For travel to Gower, buy a First Day Swansea Bay ticket on the ftr metro.
Cycles on Trains
Individuals or couples can take bikes on all trains (Arriva has a limit of two per train) but larger groups will need to take a First train (up to 6 cycles per train); advance reservation strongly recommended.
Cycle Hire
Mountain Bike Hire is available at Afan Forest Visitor Centre from Skyline Cycles. Action Bikes hires bikes at Swansea.
Getting to the Heart of Wales by train
There is a through train from Cardiff Central at 0809 (Mondays to Saturdays) to the picturesque Heart of Wales line and a later train at 1148 (change trains in Swansea). The line serves a host of fascinating small towns (Llandeilo, Llandovery, Llanwrtyd Wells, Llandrindod Wells, Knighton) each with its own special character. You can come back the same way or with a circular ticket, come back to Cardiff via Shrewsbury on the same or next day.
Heart of Wales Line
Towy Valley Gardens & Castles by train
Every Thursday (also Tuesdays in high summer) the Towy Valley Explorer bus meets the Cardiff train at Llandeilo for the Garden of Wales, Aberglasney Gardens and Dynevor Castle and Estate.
The bus that meets the train