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Nino Williams

The family days out you can still do if you live in Swansea

It's not much fun being in lockdown - but there is still plenty that people can do.

Cardiff, Swansea and Llanelli all became subject to emergency lockdown measures over the weekend, joining the likes of Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, Newport and Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The rules state that people can no longer meet indoors with people from other households, and can only meet outdoors, as well compelling everyone over the age of 11 to wear masks in all shops.

And people are also no longer supposed to leave the county.

And while some places, such as Swansea Museum and the Dylan Thomas Centre, remain closed, Swansea is blessed with beautiful beaches and countryside, and plenty of other facilities still open to be enjoyed.

Here are the places you can still visit, despite lockdown.

1. Head to Plantasia

The new-look Plantasia in Swansea reopened last year after its £1.1m revamp and it's a truly multi-sensory experience.

So head along and enjoy the sounds of the rainforest - inside Parc Tawe retail park.

Since the pandemic, it's implemented a reduced capacity, and booking is essential but it remains a great haven for plant and wildlife lovers.

2. Take in some art

The Glyn Vivian Art Gallery remains open but under strict conditions (Phil Boorman Photography Ltd)

After being closed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery has now re-opened under carefully-controlled conditions, including a one-way system and reduced opening hours.

The gallery includes work by emerging and established artists based in Swansea and Wales, together with internationally renowned artists.

You can catch the Richard Glynn Vivian exhibition - Journeys between Art & Life.

3. Get lost in some good books

Libraries across Swansea are now open, where in addition to books computer equipment and printers are available to be used responsibly.

They include libraries in Brynhyfryd, Llansamlet, Penlan, Pennard and Sketty as well as at Swansea Central, Gorseinon, Morriston and Oystermouth.

So take the kids along and spend some time hunting down books by your favourite authors.

4. Go for a dip or get back to the gym

Most of the leisure centres run on behalf of Swansea Council, operated by Freedom Leisure, remain open, although operating under government guidance.

The LC is open with its gym glasses program, sports hall, coffee shop and interactive play area open, although the waterpark is not.

They are also still intending to start up its junior programs such as football courses, across the city. They will also be providing half term holiday camps.

Penlan, Bishopston, Penyrheol and Morriston have all their sites facilities open, including swimming pools. Cefn Hengoed and the Elba in Gowerton are not yet fully operational.

5. On your bike

Clyne Valley cycle route is a wonderful way to enjoy the great outdoors (South Wales Evening Post)

Swansea has some new cycle routes to discover, including Clyne Valley and Copperopolis which starts at Swansea Marina.

The Copperopolis trail picks up the industrial heritage of the area bringing in some of the maritime links that facilitated the copper boom.

6. Foot Golf

 

Part football, part golf, the course opposite Ashleigh Road playing fields combines the best of both sports, right next to the sweep of Swansea Bay shoreline.

7. Pretend you're on holiday

Although people cannot travel into Swansea on holiday, people living in the city can still make use of Clyne Farm activity centre.

It's self-catering cottages and horse riding stables remain open, but visitors will have to prove they are from Swansea.

8. A slice of history

Swansea has many blue plaques and now might be the time to find out a little more about them (Copyright Unknown)

Enjoy a family day out - and learn something about your heritage at the same time.

Swansea has a number of walks and trails, including Swansea Blue Plaques, trails along the prom; discovering Medieval Swansea trails and the Dylan Thomas trail.

9. Explore Mumbles Pier

The ever popular Mumbles Pier is open for business.

Take a stroll and enjoy the amusements, food - and spectacular views. 

10. Penllergaer Valley Woods

Waterfall at Penllergare Valley Woods (South Wales Echo)

A 'forgotten' Victorian paradise with lakes, waterfalls, terraces, panoramic views and exotic trees is well worth a look if you haven't already visited.

And it's well worth another look if you have!

11. Step back in time

Gower Heritage Centre is a visitor attraction and rural life museum based around a working 12th century water-mill, and it too is open to local visitors.

12. Gower's golden beaches

Worm's head is just one of the embarrassment of Gower's beach riches (Brian Fagan/ Flickr)

People travel for miles to enjoy Gower's beaches -  but we are so lucky to have them right on our doorstep.

And, frankly, we are spoilt for choice. Gower has so many fantastic beaches that it is difficult to chose one over another. But for sheer, breath-taking scenery, Rhossili and Worm's Head are quite something.

13. Stay at Dylan Thomas' Birthplace

The museum to the poet is not accepting visitors as usual at the moment, but overnight stays in the property on Cwmdonkin Drive are still available.

And they are also providing walking tours of the Uplands, which highlight sites connected to Dylan, including Cwmdonkin Park,

14. Parks and gardens

Singleton Park is just one of the many parks in Swansea (Adrian White)

In addition to Swansea's stunning coastlines, there are more than 52 parks and green spaces to enjoy in Swansea, including Singleton Park, pictured above.

There must be some you haven't visited, so now's the time to start!

 
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