What to do in Ilston

Activities, attractions and tours

Ilston
Photo by Melanie Hartshorn
Photo by Melanie Hartshorn
Photo by Jelena Greb
Photo by Jelena Greb
Photo by Melanie Hartshorn
Photo by Melanie Hartshorn
Photo by Melanie Hartshorn
Photo by Melanie Hartshorn

Places to Visit in Ilston

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Ilston, Swansea while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Ilston attractions from NZ$22, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Ilston tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 10 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Ilston. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

    find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
    calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
    trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Brecon Beacons National Park

Brecon Beacons National Park is an expanse of immeasurable natural beauty. Rugged mountain ranges spill down to valleys while limestone caves and dramatic waterfalls highlight a landscape of flower-filled meadows, forests and grassy hills. Brecon Beacons National Park is a paradise for biking, hiking, horseback riding and touring on canals. Discover more than 250 ancient monuments, villages crowned by castles and designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Learn more
Brecon Beacons National Park which includes rainforest, a lake or waterhole and a waterfall

2. Rhossili Beach

Rhossili Beach is a place of unrivalled natural beauty; a sweeping bay of golden sand backed by the rugged green cliffs of Rhossili Down. Whether on a sun-soaked summer’s day or a blustery winter’s morning, the beach attracts crowds of families, naturalists and surfers.
Learn more
Rhossili Beach which includes landscape views, a beach and a bay or harbour

3. Mumbles Pier

Mumbles Pier is a wooden walkway of fun family activities that juts out into the Bristol Channel. It is among the oldest and most famous landmarks in Swansea. Relax on a bench on the pier at sunset to see the changing hues of the sky against the rock formations on this craggy coastline.
Learn more
Mumbles Pier which includes general coastal views

4. Oxwich Bay Beach

Sand dunes and a forest decorate the quiet refuge of Oxwich Bay Beach in the outskirts of Swansea. Water sports and sunbathing are among the activities along this picturesque stretch of sand. Hike through the wild region to appreciate its varied terrain of salt marshes, streams and mossy cliffs.
Learn more
Oxwich Bay Beach showing touring and a beach

5. Caswell Bay Beach

With its gently sloping sand and picturesque coastline, Caswell Bay Beach is a family hotspot on the Gower Peninsula. The shoreline backs onto the Bishop’s Wood Nature Reserve, an area of limestone woodland and grassland. Enjoy the serene ambiance in this wild area away from the city center.
Learn more
Caswell Bay Beach which includes hiking or walking as well as an individual male

What to do in Ilston

Discover the most popular places to visit in Ilston

Three Cliffs Bay Beach

Three Cliffs Bay Beach

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Three Cliffs Bay Beach during your travels in Swansea? Stroll along the marina in this quaint area or visit its lively bars.

Three Cliffs Bay Beach
Rhossili Beach which includes landscape views, a beach and a bay or harbour

Rhossili Beach

Enjoy long walks, spot birds and marine life, and watch surfers ride big waves at this award-winning beach on the Gower Peninsula.

Rhossili Beach
Mumbles Pier which includes general coastal views

Mumbles Pier

Amble along this Victorian Pier for its arcade games and café and enjoy the views of the sea and the lighthouse.

Mumbles Pier
Oxwich Bay Beach showing touring and a beach

Oxwich Bay Beach

Stroll along one of Britain’s most picturesque beaches and follow the trails into the nature reserve for its diverse landscape.

Oxwich Bay Beach
Caswell Bay Beach which includes hiking or walking as well as an individual male

Caswell Bay Beach

Surf on the choppy waters of this scenic bay and trek along the nature paths for gorgeous views of cliffs and headlands.

Caswell Bay Beach
Singleton Park showing a garden and hiking or walking as well as an individual male

Singleton Park

Once a private estate, today this urban park is a place to enjoy botanical gardens, miniature golf and live music performances.

Singleton Park
Grand Theatre showing street scenes

Grand Theatre

Attend a dramatic performance in this historic 19th-century theater and enjoy the views from the rooftop bar of the Arts Wing.

Grand Theatre
Oystermouth Castle which includes château or palace

Oystermouth Castle

Walk along the high glass bridge that runs through the ruins of this Norman chateau to encounter its hidden halls.

Oystermouth Castle
National Waterfront Museum which includes interior views

National Waterfront Museum

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

National Waterfront Museum

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Ilston

Swansea which includes general coastal views, a sunset and a marina

Swansea

Photo "Fairwood" by Martin Bodman (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Martin Bodman (CC BY-SA)

Fairwood

Photo by Gareth Bickerton

Southgate

Frequently asked questions

Is Ilston worth visiting?
Ilston has a unique blend of local charm, culture and attractions. Whether you're into nature, history or traditional cuisine, there's a lot you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Ilston?
When you've checked off major attractions like Three Cliffs Bay Beach and Rhossili Beach, spend the rest of your day enjoying the food and retail options in Ilston.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ilston?
The top tourist attraction in Ilston is Three Cliffs Bay Beach, so be sure to include it on your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Ilston?
Three days will be enough time to tick off many city attractions, such as Three Cliffs Bay Beach, Oystermouth Castle and Penrice Castle. The average stay in Ilston is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your trip, Swansea isn't far away.
Is Ilston a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city centre, Ilston is a great place to see on foot. Have fun wandering between Three Cliffs Bay Beach and Pobbles Beach. Then take a stroll through Bishopston, located 5 kilometres from downtown, and Llanrhidian Higher, which is roughly 5 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Ilston with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Ilston with kids.
What to do in Ilston for adults?
Egypt Centre and The Environment Centre are just a couple of the things to do in Ilston. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Ilston?
In Ilston, Penrice Castle is an unmissable spot for anyone looking to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the green spaces and other neighbourhoods, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's a simple way to discover the best free things to do in Ilston.