Cultural Programme

Llansteffan is a small village just 8 miles from Carmarthen campus. Yet nestled on the shore of the Tywi Estuary, this village is home to Llansteffan Castle, a 12th century Norman Castle. Following a short climb up a hill, views of both the sands and countryside are breathtaking. Nearby is Laugharne, and the Dylan Thomas Boathouse. Dylan Thomas is maybe Wales’ most famous poet. He spent the last four of his short 39 years composing his poetry in the little village of Laugharne.

The capital of Wales Cardiff was once the world’s leading coal-exporting port. Now, it is a destination point for tourists and native Welsh alike. An inviting new waterfront, set along Cardiff Bay, is the home to the Millennium Centre (a state of the art theatre/opera House). You can also visit the Millennium Stadium, the home of Welsh rugby!

Cardiff has a rich history dating back 2,000 years. Its famous castle, built in Roman times, was ‘recreated’ as a medieval-styled showpiece in the nineteenth century. Other popular attractions in the area include the striking Civic Centre, which houses the National Museum, and the city’s Victorian arcades, which offer great shopping.

Once a mining-town, Aberystwyth is now a cultural hub, hosting the National Library of Wales. The National Library is one of the great libraries of the world. Since 1911 it has enjoyed the right to collect, free of charge, a copy of every printed work published in Britain and Ireland. It also houses exhibitions and is home to many rare Welsh and Celtic manuscripts. You will be able to take the cliff railway up Constitution Hill and visit Aberystwyth Castle, a Norman Castle built on the site of an Iron Age fortification. Shopping and walks along the promenade are also a must for any visitor!

Coal mining is an integral part of Welsh History. Big Pit was a working coalmine until it closed in 1980. Then in 1983 it became a museum of the South Wales mining industry and is now known as the National Mining Museum of Wales. The highlight of the visit is the hour-long underground tour, led by ex-miners, which takes you down in the pit cage to walk through underground roadways, air doors, stables and engine houses built by generations of mineworkers. On the surface you can explore the colliery buildings - the engine-house, the blacksmiths' workshop and the pithead baths.

Britain's first designated 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'

Within minutes of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David Swansea campus you reach the 19 mile-long Gower Peninsula. It starts at Mumbles and extends westwards.  It's famous for its beautiful coastline and beaches 

The Gower Peninsula's beaches are some of Wales' cleanest and most beautiful. Rhossili Bay scooped the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award for Britain's Best Beach (as well as placing 3rd in Europe and 10th in the World) in 2013.

For two thousand years Bath has been a spa town, built around Britain’s only hot mineral springs. For centuries this natural phenomenon has attracted visitors to Bath, and led to a unique historic urban environment around the springs. The Romans were the first to realise the value of the hot mineral water. They built their religious spa of Aquae Sulis around the three springs.

The Roman Baths is below the modern street level and has four main features, the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Roman bath house and finds from Roman Bath. The Georgian Pump Room is on the ground level. Bath is also known for its shops and was once the home to literary figure, Jane Austin. This visit is always a favourite among international students!