Swansea

This coastal county in southwest Wales enjoys the sandy beaches of Swansea Bay, the moorlands of Lliw upland, and the rural countryside of the Gower Peninsula – which was the first area in the UK to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  The region overall was once known as ‘Copperopolis’ due to its prominence in the world copper industry.  Swansea’s eponymous city is the second biggest in the country, with three Grade I listed buildings - the Guildhall, Swansea Castle and the Morriston Tabernacle.  As much of the region was bombed during World War I, there are now mainly modern buildings.  The regions proudest star is the poet Dylan Thomas.  The Dylan Thomas Centre celebrates his life and work and is the focal point for an annual literary Festival.  Local delicacies include cockles, laverbread (made from seaweed), and Gower salt marsh lamb, all of which are sourced from the Loughor estuary region.

Barchester homes in Swansea: