The Gower Peninsula immediately to the west — Britain's first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty — is the obvious day trip from Swansea. Rhossili Bay, Three Cliffs Bay, Oxwich and Worm's Head are all under an hour by car or local bus. The cliffs and coves are at their best in clear weather.
Cardiff, an hour east by train, makes a good urban contrast — castle, civic centre, the redeveloped Cardiff Bay and the rugby ground at the Principality Stadium. The Brecon Beacons National Park is about an hour north by car for hill walking and the Penderyn whisky distillery.
