Swansea city centre / Maritime Quarter
National Waterfront Museum · Photo: Reading Tom from Reading, UK
Two free museums a few minutes apart cover Welsh industry and Swansea's own past, from trams to an Egyptian mummy. The afternoon is spent in the warm under glass at Plantasia among reptiles, monkeys and tropical plants.
Museum · 10:00–12:00 (2h)
Free; hands-on displays about how Wales worked and travelled.
An indoor museum in Swansea.
Photo: Reading Tom from Reading, UK
Museum · 12:15–13:15 (1h)
Free; the oldest museum in Wales, with a mummy upstairs.
Wales's oldest public museum, run by Swansea Council, with a mix of local history, archaeology and curiosities including an Egyptian mummy. It is free and small enough for a short visit alongside the nearby Waterfront Museum.
Photo: Colin Smith
Zoo · 13:40–15:30 (1h50m)
Paid; a warm glasshouse of animals, fine on the wettest days.
An indoor zoo in Swansea.
WalesCardiff city centre
Start under cover at the national museum, where natural history and Welsh art sit side by side and entry costs nothing. After lunch, cross the city centre to Cardiff Castle to explore its wartime tunnels, Victorian rooms and the Norman keep on its mound.
National Museum Cardiff → Cardiff Castle
WalesTenby
Day one is spent at a big farm park and zoo near Kilgetty with animals, rides and plenty of indoor space. Day two follows the medieval trail west: Pembroke's great round keep, a ruined bishop's palace at Lamphey, then lunch and a tidal mill at Carew.
Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo → Pembroke Castle → Lamphey Bishop's Palace → Nest Tearoom, Carew Castle + 1 more
WalesConwy
Climb the towers of Conwy's medieval castle and look down on the harbour, then step into an Elizabethan townhouse a few streets away. After lunch, drive to the hillside zoo above Colwyn Bay for sea lions, big cats and views over the coast.
Conwy Castle → Plas Mawr → Welsh Mountain Zoo
