Frequently Asked Questions
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Here you will find a list of regularly updated frequently asked questions.
Q. What is there to do in Swansea when it is raining?
Q. Are there any Blue Flag award beaches in the Swansea area?
Q. What historical sites are there in the area?
Q. When was the Gower declared an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB)?
Q. In what year was Swansea's poet Dylan Thomas born?
Q. Where in Swansea was the famous actress Catherine Zeta Jones brought up?
Q. When did the Mumbles Train begin and in what year did it end?
Q. What beaches am I not able to take my dog on in the summer months in Swansea?
Q. Where did the term 'Swansea Jack' originate from?
Q. How can you find out information on the Neath Port Talbot Waterfall Country?
Q. Where is one of the best places to visit for mountain biking in Neath Port Talbot?
Q. How many miles long is Aberavon Beach?
Q. Where can I go fishing in Neath Port Talbot?
Q. Name two famous opera singers from Neath Port Talbot that performed at Margam Park the summer 2007?
Q. What famous TV programme has been filmed at Margam Park?
Q. What is the name of one of the last remaining collieries open to visitors in South West Wales that is location in Neath?
Q. What National Trust attraction in Neath Port Talbot is also home to the County Boroughs Tourist Information Centre?
| Q. What is there to do in Swansea when it is raining? |
| A.Swansea has a number of indoor attractions, including, UCI Cinema, Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea Museum, Plantasia, Dylan Thomas centre, Museum of Egyptian Antiquities (based on the Swansea University campus), Swansea Market, Marina Towers Observatory. |
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| Q. Are there any Blue Flag award beaches in the Swansea area? |
| A.Beaches with the Blue Flag award in Swansea:
Knab Rock Marina Bracelet Bay Caswell Bay Port Eynon Langland Bay Visit www.blueflag.org for further information |
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| Q. What historical sites are there in the area? |
| A.The Gower and Swansea Valley have a large number of historical sites open to visitors. These range from Neolithic monuments such as Arthur's Stone and Giant's Grave, to fortified sites some of which have been occupied since before the Romans, like Loughor Tower, Oxwich Castle, Oystermouth Castle and numerous ancient sites on the Gower peninsula.
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| Q. When was the Gower declared an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB)? |
| A.An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is exactly what it says it is: a precious landscape whose distinctive character and natural beauty are so outstanding that it is in the nation's interest to safeguard them.
Gower was the first AONB to be designated in 1956. The area ranges from the south coast's superb carboniferous limestone scenery at Worms Head and Oxwich Bay to the salt-marshes and dune systems in the north. The AONB has three National Nature Reserves, two Local Nature Reserves and many Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Almost all the coast is in the protective ownership of City and Council of Swansea, the National Trust, the Countryside Council for Wales or the Glamorgan Wildlife Trust. Sources: http://www.swansea.gov.uk/aonb and http://www.aonb.org.uk |
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| Q. In what year was Swansea's poet Dylan Thomas born? |
| A.Dylan Thomas was born on October 27th 1914 at his family's semi-detached home, 5 Cwmdonkin Drive, Uplands, Swansea.
Visit:www.dylanthomascountry.com |
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| Q. Where in Swansea was the famous actress Catherine Zeta Jones brought up? |
| A.Catherine Zeta Jones lived in Mayals in Swansea, just outside the village of Mumbles and on the edge of the Gower Peninsular, before becoming a star and moving to the USA. She was born on 25th September 1969. |
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| Q. When did the Mumbles Train begin and in what year did it end? |
| A.On 25th March 1807, a railroad carriage converted to carry passengers, was pulled by horses along Swansea Bay to Mumbles.
In the early 1860's, the track was refurbished and steam locamotives were introduced In 1898 a 835ft pier was built and the line was extended and the Mumbles Terminus was now at the Pier by the Lighthouse. The line was electrified in 1929. The train has 7 methods of traction in its history: horse, sail, steam, battery, petrol, diesel and electric. The last journey of the the first passenger railway in the world, commenced at 11.42 on 5th january 1960 and the track were taken up shorty afterwards. Source: www.welshwales.co.uk/mumbles_railway_swansea.htm |
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| Q. What beaches am I not able to take my dog on in the summer months in Swansea? |
| A. From May 1st to 30th September inclusive, the dog prohibited beaches are:
1.SWANSEA BAY – from the River Tawe to the slip opposite Swansea Baths and from the beach access Sketty Lane to the Northern edge of the slip opposite the West Cross Inn. 2.BRACELET BAY 3.LIMESLADE BAY 4.ROTHERSLADE BAY 5.LANGLAND BAY 6.CASWELL BAY 7.PORT EYNON BEACH - from the Eastern edge of the steps to Port Eynon Beach to the Eastern edge of Horton Beach access Dogs must be kept on leads at: 1.THE ENTIRE PROMENADE AT SWANSEA BAY (from the River Tawe to the Knab Rock Car Park, Mumbles) 2.THE PROMENADE AT LANGLAND BAY and ROTHERSLADE 3.THE PROMENADE AT CASWELL BAY (Including the cliff path) Any offenders may be liable for a fine of up to £100. Source: www.swansea.gov.uk/tourism/dogsonbeaches.htm |
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| Q. Where did the term 'Swansea Jack' originate from? |
| A. Although “Swansea Jack" is a term often given to the residents of Swansea, it is believed by many, that the nickname is taken from a brave black Labrador Retriever of the same name.
Jack the dog was often found playing around Swansea Dock in the early 1930’s. The dangerous water attracted local children, who at times found themselves in the danger of drowning. Brave Jack, on seeing child in danger would jump into the murky waters and drag them to safety. With an estimated 27 rescues to his credit, Jack is thought of as a local hero. Visit www.swansea-gower.co.uk/history/swanseajack.htm |
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| Q. How can you find out information on the Neath Port Talbot Waterfall Country? |
| A. By contacting the Tourist Information Centre on 01639 636674 / aberdulaistic@nationaltrust.org.uk / Pontneddfechan Geopark 01639 721795
Neath Port Talbot is home to a number of breathtaking waterfalls, For more information visit www.npt.gov.uk/discover. |
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| Q. Where is one of the best places to visit for mountain biking in Neath Port Talbot? |
| A. Afan Forest Park
For further information visit www.afanforsetpark.co.uk / 01639 850564 |
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| Q. How many miles long is Aberavon Beach? |
| A. Aberavon Beach is 3 Miles long and is situated in Port Talbot.
Families need look no further for things to do on one of Wales’ longest sandy beaches, which also boasts an aquasplash play pool, adventure playground, safe cycling along the promenade and grassed open areas providing hours of family fun. For more information contact the Afan Lido on 01639 871444 / www.npt.gov.uk/discover |
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| Q. Where can I go fishing in Neath Port Talbot? |
| A. For more information on fishing in Neath Port Talbot contact any of the following associations / businesses.
Neath and Dulais Angling Association Telephone: 01639 634148 or 01639 701899 Glyncorrwg Ponds Telephone: 01639 851900 Margam Park Telephone: 01639 881635 Corus Game Angling Association Telephone: 01639 871111 ext 3368 Gnoll Park Telephone: 01639 635808 Afan Anglers Club Telephone: 01639 763757 or 01639 820150 Pontardawe and Swansea Angling Society Telephone: 01792 844014 Skewen Angling Club Telephone: 01639 639657 |
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| Q. Name two famous opera singers from Neath Port Talbot that performed at Margam Park the summer 2007? |
| A. Paul Potts / Catherine Jenkins, For more information on events in Neath Port Talbot visit www.npt.gov.uk/wow or contact the Tourist Information Centre on 01639 636674 |
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| Q. What famous TV programme has been filmed at Margam Park?
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| A. Dr Who, for more information on Margam Park visit www.npt.gov.uk/margampark
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| Q. What is the name of one of the last remaining collieries open to visitors in South West Wales that is location in Neath? |
| A. Cefn Coed Colliery, for further information on the colliery contact 01639 750556. |
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| Q. What National Trust attraction in Neath Port Talbot is also home to the County Boroughs Tourist Information Centre?
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| A. Aberdulais Falls, for further information on other attractions in Neath Port Talbot telephone 01639 636674. |
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