National Waterfront Museum Tours

National Waterfront Museum showing interior views
National Waterfront Museum showing street scenes
National Waterfront Museum which includes street scenes
National Waterfront Museum featuring interior views
National Waterfront Museum featuring interior views


Learn about 300 years of Welsh innovation and societal changes in this restored marina warehouse that mixes old with new.

The National Waterfront Museum has interactive workshops and themed days to teach families about the Welsh industrial revolution. Play with the touch screens and digital presentations of important themes, such as maritime, transportation and technology.

Admire the sleek look of the modern glass-and-slate building integrated with a port warehouse. Enjoy the views of the marina and the water from this well-placed museum. Stroll through the pleasant marina quarter of Swansea for views of boats and the Bristol Channel.

The museum’s interior has a spacious feel, with stylish displays dotted around the warehouse. Spend time at each exhibit and read the plaques about how transportation and materials shaped present-day Wales. Browse the models of boats and trains that played a huge role in industry. Touch interactive street maps to see how Swansea has changed over the centuries. A video timeline projects the history of Welsh maritime tradition.

Learn about momentous societal changes relating to the trade unions, the National Health Service and the Miners Association, which suffered during Margaret Thatcher’s conservative rule in the 1980s.

Find out about Richard Trevithick’s Locomotive that changed the course of history in 1804. Life-size coal wagons and other outdated modes of transportation decorate the warehouse. Step back in time to a room full of antiques such as Spectrum computers and Corgi toys. Organize a guided tour for behind-the-scenes access and a greater context behind the displays.

Visit the Waterfront Café on the first floor for meals and snacks. The café has a children’s play area and high chairs available for babies. Purchase souvenirs and gifts from the museum shop.

Enter the museum, open daily from morning until late afternoon, for free. Book a group visit in advance to benefit from shop and café discounts.

The National Waterfront Museum is in the marina area of Swansea’s city center. It overlooks the Tawe Basin, beside the Dylan Thomas Theatre and the Swansea Museum. Drive to the parking lot, which has a fee except on Sundays. Buses also bring passengers to this lively waterfront area. Swansea Railway Station is a short walk from the museum.

Plan a trip to see National Waterfront Museum

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Celtic International Hotel Cardiff Airport
The Loft 2BR Duplex, Central & Parking
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Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near National Waterfront Museum

Delta Hotels by Marriott Swansea

Delta Hotels by Marriott Swansea

4 out of 5
Maritime Quarter, Swansea, Wales
Delta Hotels by Marriott Swansea
The Grand Hotel Swansea

The Grand Hotel Swansea

3 out of 5
Ivey Place High Street, Swansea, Wales
The Grand Hotel Swansea
Village Hotel Swansea

Village Hotel Swansea

4 out of 5
Langdon Road, Swansea, Wales
Village Hotel Swansea
The Dolphin SA1 Hotel

The Dolphin SA1 Hotel

3 out of 5
Whitehalls, Swansea, Wales
The Dolphin SA1 Hotel
The Dragon Hotel

The Dragon Hotel

4 out of 5
The Kingsway, Swansea, Wales
The Dragon Hotel
Morgans Hotel

Morgans Hotel

4 out of 5
Somerset Place, Swansea, Wales
Morgans Hotel
The Georgian Swansea

The Georgian Swansea

5 out of 5
2-3 Prospect Place, Swansea, Wales
The Georgian Swansea
Cwtsh Hostel

Cwtsh Hostel

1 out of 5
Castle St, 10-14, Swansea, Wales
Cwtsh Hostel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near National Waterfront Museum

While visiting the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea, you can explore various entertainment options nearby, including shopping at Swansea Market and enjoying the vibrant nightlife. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are opportunities for golfing and camping, as well as a relaxing beach getaway. This diverse mix of activities ensures a memorable experience during your visit to Swansea.

Food and drinks

For a true taste of Wales, enjoy a hearty Welsh breakfast at The Swigg, where local ingredients shine. For delicious dining, visit The Smoke Haus for mouth-watering BBQ. Street parking is available nearby, making it convenient to explore Swansea's vibrant food scene.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience, visit Swansea Market, only 0.3 miles from the museum, offering local goods and crafts. Additionally, the Quadrant Shopping Centre, also 0.3 miles away, features family-friendly shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, explore the National Trust Rhossili Shop & Visitor Centre, 15 miles away.

Recreation

At LC Swansea, immerse yourself in wellness with a variety of relaxation facilities, perfect for rejuvenation after a day of exploring. For outdoor enthusiasts, Pennard Golf Course offers a beautiful setting to enjoy a round of golf, blending sports with nature just half a mile from the museum.

Adventure

Explore the Celtic Trail, a scenic hiking path located 3 miles from the National Waterfront Museum, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For thrill-seekers, Surf School Wales offers exciting water sports 6 miles away, while the Quad Challenge, 12 miles distant, provides an adrenaline-pumping motor racing experience.

Nightlife

In Swansea, the Grand Theatre is a charming venue just 0.4 miles from the National Waterfront Museum, offering a mix of culture and romance. Gwyn Hall, 7 miles away, and The Ffwrnes Theatre, 11 miles away, both provide engaging performances in a family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for a delightful night out.

Find the best attractions near National Waterfront Museum

Visiting the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea offers a variety of attractions for every traveler. Explore the beautiful Swansea Beach, dive into local history at the Swansea Museum, and marvel at the impressive Swansea Castle. For outdoor enthusiasts, Swansea Bay provides stunning views and recreational opportunities. Whether you're seeking culture, adventure, or relaxation, there's something for everyone near the museum to make your visit memorable.

  • Swansea University: Experience the charm of Swansea University, a historic institution steeped in culture. Just 2 miles from the National Waterfront Museum, its beautiful campus invites exploration and offers a glimpse into academic life in Wales.
  • Swansea Marina: Located right next to the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea Marina is perfect for adventure seekers. Enjoy outdoor activities, stroll along the waterfront, or relax on the beach while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
  • Singleton Park: Just 2 miles away, Singleton Park is an urban oasis ideal for families. With expansive green spaces, playgrounds, and picturesque gardens, it’s a great spot for outdoor fun and relaxation in the heart of the city.

Best time to go to National Waterfront Museum

Visitor numbers around National Waterfront Museum is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit National Waterfront Museum can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around National Waterfront Museum falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around National Waterfront Museum falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
July61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November49.3°F (9.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December45.9°F (7.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for National Waterfront Museum

To save money on your visit to the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea, take advantage of its free entry and nearby attractions like Swansea Marina and Swansea Beach. Travel during the cheaper months of November to January for lower hotel prices, and book about a month in advance. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and filter hotel options by price or type. Consider package deals to combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around National Waterfront Museum are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around National Waterfront Museum about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to narrow down your choices by hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the National Waterfront Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.