The Easter Holidays are here and it's finally Spring - not that we can tell with the dreadful weather we're having, typical! But, hopefully, it will soon be time to swap our coats and umbrellas for sunhats and sun lotion and head down to the brilliant parks, beaches and attractions around the city.
Several of Swansea's most popular outdoor attractions are now open for the 2024 season, including the ever popular Swansea Bay Rider land train and the crazy golf courses in Singleton Park and Southend Gardens in Mumbles, whilst other crowd-pleasers will open in the coming weeks.
Sharing details of the opening times for several Swansea Council-owned attractions, council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: "With the days becoming longer and warmer our attractions are ready for another fantastic season. They include some great new additions boating lake in the form of two unicorn-shaped pedalos; they'll be really popular with families!" For the latest Swansea news, sign up to our newsletter here
Scroll down for the opening times for many of your favourite outdoor attractions in Swansea:
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Swansea Bay Rider land train
The brilliant land train is back - with a new stop at the Mumbles Skate Park added to the schedule.
A statement from VisitSwanseaBay explains: "If you want to travel along Swansea Prom in style, look no further than the Swansea Bay Rider Land Train! Our 72 seater land train runs from Blackpill Lido to Oystermouth along Swansea Prom itself - giving passengers an incredible view of Swansea Bay as they travel along.
"So whether you want to take a seat to soak up the sights in style, or hop on for a relaxing journey after a day of fun in the sun, jump on to the Swansea Bay Rider Land Train!"
When does it open? The Swansea Bay Rider land train is running now! It launched on March 23, 2024, and will now run every day in the school holidays (including the Easter break and Summer holidays) and on weekends during term-time. Later in the year, the spooky Halloween Ghost Train will run on October 30 and 31.
What are the running times? During the school holidays and on term-time weekends, the land train runs from 10.30am to 4.30pm each day. Here's the exact timings on the schedule shared by VisitSwansea Bay:
You can also see this table here on the VisitSwanseaBay website.
Where is it? The land train route covers five stops: Blackpill, Skatepark, West Cross, Norton and Oystermouth (Dairy car park).
How much is it? Tickets are 'hop-on, hop-off' and valid all-day. The prices are: standard - £7, concession - £6, Passport to Leisure holder - £4.30, family - £17, under threes are FREE.
Is it accessible? Visit Swansea Bay says: "The Swansea Bay Rider is fully accessible to wheelchair users. Dogs are allowed on the train if on a lead and under control. For more information please contact outdoorattractions@swansea.gov.uk"
Blackpill Lido
When it's sunny and warm, little ones love splashing around at the Blackpill Lido splashpark - whilst parents and guardians enjoy soft and hot drinks from the nearby coffee shop!
Explaining what visitors can expect, a statement from VisitSwanseaBay says: "There's no better way to enjoy the summer months [than] by cooling off and making a splash at Blackpill Lido, Swansea's very own outdoor water park! Situated on Swansea Prom at Blackpill overlooking the stunning Swansea Bay, Blackpill Lido has a great paddling pool and water features, as well as a children's play area, climbing rock and picnic facilities. And best of all - Blackpill Lido is free!
"Don't worry if you forget your chair as there are deckchairs available to hire! It’s only £2.50 each per chair per day hire and they will need to be returned by 5pm."
When does it open? Blackpill Lido will open for the 2024 season on May 4, 2024.
When can I visit? Blackpill Lido will be open daily from 9am to 5pm until September 22, 2024.
Where is it? Blackpill Lido splashpark is in the Blackpill Prom Open Space area in Blackpill/Mayals, Swansea SA3 5AS
How much is it? It's FREE to visit Blackpill Lido
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Singleton Boating Lake
Another brilliant local attraction: Singleton Boating Lake is a great spot to hop in a pedalo and glide around the lake, enjoy a round of crazy golf with your family, explore the adventure playground with your children or try your hand at fishing!
For those venturing out on the pedalos, life jackets are available for children aged two and up, with an attendant on-hand to ensure they fit. Children must be aged 14+ if they wish to take a boat out on the lake without adult supervision.
When does it open? Attractions at Singleton Boating Lake are open now! The 2024 season began on March 23, 2024, and you can now hire pedalos or take part in crazy golf every day of the school holidays or every weekend during term time.
When can I visit? Crazy golf and the boating lake are open seven days a week during the school holidays and every weekend during term-time. Exact timings to be confirmed. Fishing is available at certain times only, due to the pedalos operating on the lake. The lake contains a number of carp, bream, tench and roach. To fish, you must have a rod licence. For more information, contact outdoorattractions@swansea.gov.uk.
How much is it? Pedalos: Pedalos are available for 30-minute sessions, the price is standard no-matter how many people are on the pedalo. It's £10 for a standard four-seater (options include car pedalos, swans, dragons, small pedalos and NEW unicorn pedalos), £7.50 for concessions (under 16s, student and senior citizen), or £6 for Passport to Leisure holders.
Crazy golf: a standard ticket for the colourful 18-hole crazy golf course is £4.50, concessions (under 16s, students and senior citizens) are £4, Passport to Leisure holders are £3.30, and family tickets (two adults and two juniors) are £13
Children's adventure playground: free
Where is it? Singleton Boating Lake is situated at the bottom of Sketty Lane, between Singleton Hospital and Swansea University, within walking distance of Singleton Park. It's next to well-known local pub, Pub on the Pond, postcode SA2 8PY.
Golf at Southend Gardens
The crazy golf course at Southend Gardens is located next to a popular free children's park and is opposite several popular independent cafes and restaurants.
When does it open? The golf course is open now. It opened for the 2024 season on March 23, 2024.
When can I visit? Southend Gardens is open all year round, with the crazy golf available every day of the school holidays and weekends during term-time from March 23 to September 22, 2024.
How much is it? A standard ticket for crazy golf is £4.50, concessions (under 16s, students, senior citizens) are £4, Passport to Leisure holders are £3.50, and family tickets (two adults and two junior) are £13.
Where is it? Southend Gardens is just past Village Lane in Mumbles. Postcode: SA3 5TN.
Oystermouth Castle
This brilliant castle dates back to the 12th century, is a fascinating landmark to explore, whether you live locally or you're a visitor to Swansea. It's run by dedicated volunteers and is located in Mumbles.
When does it open? Oystermouth Castle opens for the 2024 season on March 25, 2024
When can I visit? Oystermouth Castle will be open Wednesday to Monday (closed Tuesdays) from March 25 to September 30, 2024, and weekends in October, from 11am to 5pm (last admission 4pm).
How much is it? A standard ticket is £6 or it's £3 for Passport to Leisure holders. A family ticket for two adults and three children is £18, or it's £12 for a family ticket for one adult and up to three children. Children under 5 are free. Season passes are available (enquire at the castle).
Where is it? Oystermouth Castle is on Castle Avenue, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BA. The area can get very busy during the summer, but there are several car parks on Mumbles Road or at Underhill.
