A warm welcome in Wales
01/05/2005
The small town of Mumbles lies on the edge of Swansea Bay, and has narrow back streets similar to Lynton and Lynmouth and even St Ives, but never appears to get crowded - even in the height of summer.
by Keith Hedges
It certainly appeals to those looking for a relaxed holiday, with wonderful scenery surrounding it, as weII as receiving day visitors from other parts of South Wales and England.
What is there to do in Mumbles nowadays - besides relaxing, of course? How about fishing or walking the many cliff paths nearby. There are high quality golf courses in the area, and you may even find one or two celebrities having a round! Enjoy the excellent restaurants which use locally grown produce, or try out the surfing in nearby Caswell Bay.
With its connection with the sea we must not forget Navy Day with a wacky raft race across Swansea Bay - normally in August or September, depending upon the tides. For more information, log onto www.visitswanseabay.com
The town has twinning arrangements with Kinsale in County Cork, and is currently due to complete twinning arrangements with Hennebont, near Lorient in Brittany, and many an enjoyable weekend is spent enjoying their similar Celtic culture.
Further down the bay is Swansea, a city with a small town feel to it, now at last coming out of the shadows of its big brother, Cardiff, and famous for its connections with Dylan Thomas. It has had a splendid indoor market since 1652 which reached its peak in the 1920s when there were a total of 670 stalls. The market has recently been featured on TV with a series showing the four seasons of trading. Here the famous Gower cockles are sold, along with many other superb Welsh foods and drinks.
There are excellent, award winning restaurants on the foreshore as well as shops selling local fare, and cafes such as the well-known Verdis with its Italian coffee and ice cream.
Slightly further along, you will find the Mumbles lifeboat and the Pier; then around the Mumbles Head there is Bracelet Bay, with both The Pier and Castellmare providing refreshment facilities. Sit back and enjoy the view over the lighthouse and Swansea Bay - there are even sightings of the Devon coast on clear days.
Come and see what we have to offer: I can promise you a warm welcome!