The Egypt Centre

Write-ups about the Egypt Centre at Swansea University.

From the April 17, 2014 issue of the South Wales Evening Post.

 















 

From the March 5, 2014 issue of the South Wales Evening Post.

                                     
From the March 3, 2014 issue of the South Wales Evening Post.

                                             
From the February 18, 2014 issue of the South Wales Evening Post.

The Egypt Centre, Swansea

My column for the February 2014 issue of Swansea Life magazine.
   

    
---------------------------------------------

Richard Thomas visits The Egypt Centre at Swansea University

The Egypt Centre opened in 1998 and holds a major selection of Egyptian antiquities largely formed by the 19th century pharmacist and archaeologist Sir Henry Wellcome, who collected them from excavations. There are two galleries and a shop sales area to visit, and the centre welcomes around 15,000 visitors each year.

On location: Located within the Taliesin building at Swansea University, the Egypt Centre is the only museum of Egyptian antiquities in Wales. The funerary items on display in The House of Death downstairs include: amulets, shrouds, statues, coffins and fragments of coffins, and even canopic jars, which were used by the Ancient Egyptians to store and preserve the internal organs of the deceased for their journey through the afterlife. Upstairs is the House of Life, where visitors can handle actual Ancient Egyptian artefacts under the supervision of one of the museum's excellent volunteers.

Backstory: There are over 5000 items in the collection. Most of them were collected by the pharmacist Sir Henry Wellcome, who collected artefacts from excavations all over Egypt, including Armant, Amarna, Deir el-Medina, Esna, Mostagedda and Qau. Other items came to the centre from other museums, including the British Museum.

Where: For sat-nav users the address and postcode is: Egypt Centre, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP.

Opening hours: The Egypt Centre is open Tuesday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm. An hour is plenty of time to see all of the wonderful exhibits, but visitors are free to spend as much time as they like until closing.

Parking: There are some car parks close to Swansea University where the Egypt Centre is located. The Foreshore car park opposite St Helens Rugby ground and the Recreation Ground Car Park on Mumbles Road are good places to park, and only about a ten minuet walk to the university campus.

Crowd scene: The Egypt Centre is open to the public but also welcomes school visits from early years, primary and secondary school, right up to university level. Special needs groups are also welcome. To book a school or group visit phone: 01792 295960.

Noteworthy: There are over five thousand artefacts in the collection. These include several offerings from the British Museum. One of the most interesting artefacts on display is a statue of the historical Imhotep, the Ancient Egyptian who designed the first pyramid and who was made immortal in the Mummy movies.  

Show business: In the House of Life upstairs as well as handling actual Ancient Egyptian artefacts, including a flint knife and jewellery, you can also learn to play Senet, a popular board game played by the Ancient Egyptians. On display is a replica of the golden Senet board found in Tutankhamun’s tomb when it was opened in 1922 by Howard Carter. Downstairs in the House of Death you can watch a mock mummification, where pretend human organs are removed from a mummy dummy before it is wrapped in bandages. You will also learn about the trials the Ancient Egyptians believed they would face on their journey to the afterlife, including the weighing of the heart which is also demonstrated.

What about the kids:  Children will want to pick up some keepsakes in the Egypt Centre gift shop located on the ground floor foyer of the museum. As well as pens, pencils and key-rings, they can also bring home a Senet board to play the Egyptian board game at home after practicing in the House of Life with the volunteers.

What about the adults: Also on sale in the shop are a wide range of statues, recycled glass, papyrus from Egypt, and exclusive hand-made jewellery.

Prices: Admission to the centre’s two fantastic galleries is free!

Food and drink: The Taliesin cafébar just next door offers a full menu, including a selection of tapas and snacks for all different appetites.

Events: Once a month the Friends of the Egypt Centre society organises lectures in Fulton House, Room 2 at 7pm unless otherwise stated. On February 12, Felicitas Weber will give a lecture entitled “Learning is Not Just For Life, But For Death”. Tickets cost £3 at the door, or you can opt to buy a year membership for £16.50.

Staff: The knowledge of gallery assistants about the different museum displays is encyclopaedic, and they are easy to approach and friendly to talk to.

Top tip: Unfortunately due to limitations of space some of 5000 plus artefacts in the Egypt Centre’s collection are not on display. You can still see these ancient treasures, however, on the Egypt Centre website. Egypt Centre staff have created over a hundred pages of online content to browse through. Visit: www.swan.ac.uk/egypt.

Gower Fresh Christmas Trees and the Gower Heritage Centre

Below is my “Days Out” column from The Weekend supplement in the Saturday, December 14, 2013, issue of the South Wales Evening Post.

 
----------------------------

Days Out!

With Richard Thomas

...IF THE WEATHER'S BAD

Forget getting your old plastic tree in the attic back out again this year. At Gower Fresh Christmas Trees you can shop for the best fresh cut trees well as visit Wales’ largest reindeer herd.

WHERE? The tree site and Christmas grotto is located at Poundffald Farm in Three Crosses, Swansea, just five minutes from Junction 47. For sat nav-users the postcode is: SA4 3PB.

WHY? Gower Fresh Christmas Trees was set up about ten years ago by Poundffald Farm owner and fifth generation farmer Robert Morgan. What began as a concrete slab and a small number of Christmas trees soon became the largest grower in South Wales with over 250,000 trees for sale. Robert added the Christmas grotto five years ago to add some more Christmas cheer to the farm and to give children something to enjoy while adults are busy scouting for this year’s Christmas tree. There is a huge selection of trees to choose from at Poundffald Farm this Christmas. This year's crop includes every type of tree from Norway Spruce to the Noble Fir.

WHEN? Gower Fresh Christmas Trees is open 9.30am to 7pm on weekdays and 9.30am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. The Christmas attraction Winter Wonderland is open at the same times as the tree site. Children can visit Father Christmas in his grotto between 3pm and 6.30pm on weekdays and 9.30am to 4pm on weekends (last admissions at 3pm). After the start of the school holidays children can see Santa all day until 3pm on Christmas Eve.

CONTACT? Phone: 07811 949239.

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?     One to two hours is enough time to see everything and pick your Christmas tree to take home.

WHO WILL ENJOY IT? Children will love the outstanding Winter Wonderland exhibits where you can come and meet Santa and his reindeer as they prepare for Christmas Eve. Inside is the farm's Arctic display which includes penguins, polar bears and seals. There are also singing Santa's and children can even have their photo taken in Santa's sleigh or visit Father Christmas himself in his grotto. There is even a life size 12 piece nativity display with baby Jesus, Mary, the three wise men, and shepherds. They also have a shop full of all types of Christmas items to purchase.

WHERE CAN I PARK? There is an onsite car park.

PRICES? Prices are from £4 to £6.50 for non-drops and £2 to £4 for spruce, but trees that are eight foot plus are more expensive. Decorations, gifts and tree stands are all for sale in the Christmas Shop. To visit Winter Wonderland and see Santa in his grotto costs £6.50 on weekends and £6 per child on weekdays, but is just £2.50 each for adults. To find out more got to: www.gower-fresh-christmas-trees.com.

...IF THE WEATHER'S GOOD

Set in the heart of the Gower Peninsula, the Gower Heritage Centre is a fun way to spend your day with a wide range of craft displays and activities to enjoy. In addition, the centre also holds several special annual events. Father Christmas will be in his Christmas grotto at the centre every weekend between 11am and 4.30pm until Christmas Eve.

WHERE? For sat-nav users the full address and postcode is: Gower Heritage Centre, Parkmill, Gower, Swansea, SA3 2EH.

WHY?  The Gower Heritage Centre is a visitor attraction and rural life museum based around a working 12th century water-mill. Located only a 15 minuet walk from the breath taking Three Cliffs Bay, the centre offers fun activities for all the family, including craft shops and craft activities.

WHEN? The centre is open from 10am to 5.30pm all week. 

CONTACT? Phone 01792 371206

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE? With so much to do, you could spend the whole day at the centre.

WHO WILL ENJOY IT? There is something for the whole family to enjoy at the centre. Everyone will enjoy watching the craftspeople resident at the centre at work in the stores. Some of the gifts available to buy at the centre include various items in different turned woods made by woodturner John De Filippo, puppets and puppet making kits at Poppet Puppets, as well as paintings and artwork by Cheryl Firths. Other special items available to buy at the centre include some amazing driftwood gifts and handmade candles, as well as a range of garden furniture made at the Mill. There’s also an old fashioned games arcade, as well as a sandpit area, adventure playground, soft play area, and tractor play area. There’s even an animal farm with ducks, baby rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, sheep, horses and other animals. And, if all that wasn’t enough to see, the centre is also home to the smallest cinema in Wales, the La Charrette.

WHERE CAN I PARK?  There is an onsite car park.

PRICES? There is a fee of £6.45 for adults and £5.45 for children 2 years old and up. Seniors and disabled visitors only pay £5.45 and you can opt to buy a family ticket which covers 2 adults and 2 children for £22 or a supersaver family ticket which covers 2 adults and up to 4 children for £26. More information can be found at: www.gowerheritagecentre.co.uk.

Swansea Christmas Market and the Taliesin Arts Centre

Below is my “Days Out” column from The Weekend supplement in the Saturday, December 7, 2013, issue of the South Wales Evening Post.

-------------------------------------------

Days Out!

With Richard Thomas

...IF THE WEATHER'S GOOD

The familiar green and red wooden chalets have returned again to Oxford Street in Swansea, transforming the city centre into a Christmas Market for the festive season. At the Swansea Christmas Market you’ll find all the ingredients for a perfect Christmas this year, including food, spirits, cheeses and handmade gifts available from Welsh and continental traders.

WHERE? Swansea Christmas Market is located on Oxford Street and Princess Way in the city centre, just outside Swansea Market and Quadrant Shopping Centre.

WHY? With over 40 stalls selling everything from glassware and jewellery to perfumes and luxury chocolates, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect Christmas gifts for friends and family. And to keep you entertained while you shop, school choirs and street dance groups will be performing at the market.

WHEN? The Swansea Christmas Market will be doing business until 22 December. The market's open hours are 10am to 5.30pm each day, except Thursdays when the market will be open late until 8pm. 

CONTACT? More information can be found at www.swanseachristmas.com.

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE? As long as you need to find the perfect gift.

WHO WILL ENJOY IT? There's a lot of entertainment, promotions and events being held in the city centre in the build-up to Christmas.

WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS? A snow globe will be on hand for people to have photos taken in a snowy winter wonderland and live entertainment will be taking place on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11am to 2pm.

LUNCH? Once you’ve worked up an appetite shopping there are some tasty treats to try along the way, from hot crepes, doughnuts and hot drinks to a delicious hog roast and exotic burgers.

WHERE CAN I PARK? To complement late-night shopping, parking after 5pm in the St David's and Quadrant multi-storey car parks only costs £1 on Thursdays.

ANYTHING ELSE IN THE AREA? Don’t forget to call into Swansea Market. Inside the steel and glass building you will find over a hundred stalls offering a huge selection of traditional Welsh cuisine, as well as cards, flowers, clothes, sweets and other gifts. Waterfront Wonderland is also nearby where you can enjoy ice skating on the main Admiral Rink and child friendly Rocky's Rink, visit Father Christmas in his Grotto, as well as enjoy the funfair rides like the brand new Sky Ride replacing the Big Wheel this year.

...IF THE WEATHER'S BAD

The Taliesin Arts Centre is a very popular venue presenting a wide variety of performances and exhibitions. First opened in 1984 and is named after the 6th century Celtic poet of the same name. the centre host a broad programme of events including cinema screenings and a wide variety of live performances all year round.

WHERE? The Taliesin Arts Centre can be found on the campus of Swansea University at Singleton Park. For sat nav users the postcode is: SA2 8PZ. 

WHY? The Taliesin hold over 50 live performances per year. Next Saturday (December 14) the Taliesin will be screening The Nutcracker performed at the Royal Opera House.

WHEN? The Taliesin is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm. On Saturdays the centre is open 10am to 1pm and 1.30pm to 4pm. The box office remains open until 8pm on performance evenings, unless otherwise stated screenings begin at 7.30pm.

CONTACT? To book tickets call: 01792 602060.

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE? More information about event times and dates can be found on the Taliesin website. Just go to www.taliesinartscentre.co.uk and click "diary".

WHO WILL ENJOY IT? With a programme ranging from children's events to opera, there's something to suit all tastes. The Taliesin is also home to the Egypt Centre; a museum of Egyptian antiquities. The funerary items on display in The House of Death downstairs include: amulets, shrouds, statues, coffins and fragments of coffins, and even canopic jars, which were used by the Ancient Egyptians to store and preserve the internal organs of the deceased for their journey through the afterlife. Upstairs is the House of Life, where visitors can handle actual Ancient Egyptian artefacts under the supervision of one of the museum's excellent volunteers. 

WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS? Children will want to pick something up in the Egypt Centre Shop. As well as pens, pencils and key-rings, also on sale are a wide range of statues, recycled glass, papyrus from Egypt, and exclusive hand-made jewellery.

LUNCH? The Taliesin cafébar offers a full menu, including a selection of tapas and snacks for all different appetites.

WHERE CAN I PARK?  There are some car parks close to Swansea University, the Foreshore car park opposite St Helens Rugby ground and the Recreation Ground Car Park on Mumbles Road.

ANYTHING ELSE IN THE AREA? The Taliesin also houses The Ceri Richards Gallery, which stocks an excellent range of greetings cards as well as jewellery, ceramics and other craft items. 

The Egypt Centre and St Fagans

Below is my “Days Out” column from The Weekend supplement in the Saturday, November 30, 2013, issue of the South Wales Evening Post. 

  

   

----------------------------------

Days Out!

With Richard Thomas

...IF THE WEATHER'S BAD

The Egypt Centre opened in 1998 and holds a major selection of Egyptian antiquities largely formed by the 19th century pharmacist and archaeologist Sir Henry Wellcome, who collected them from excavations. Admission is free.

WHERE? The centre is located within the Taliesin building on the Swansea University campus. 

WHY? The Egypt Centre is the only museum of Egyptian antiquities in Wales. There are over 4500 items in the centre's collection. Egypt Centre staff have published over 100 online pages concerning individual items, which you can find on the Egypt Centre website at www.swan.ac.uk/egypt. The funerary items on display include amulets, shrouds, statues, coffins and fragments of coffins, and even canopic jars, which were used by the Ancient Egyptians to store and preserve the internal organs of the deceased for their journey through the afterlife.

WHEN? The Egypt Centre is open Tuesday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm. Next Thursday and Friday the Egypt Centre will be getting into the Christmas spirit with the gift shop open until 6pm and food and drink on hand for visitors.

CONTACT: Phone 01792 295960.

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE? An hour is plenty of time to see all the exhibits but you can spend as much time as you like until closing time.

WHO WILL ENJOY IT? There is something for all ages.

WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS? Children will want to pick something up in the Egypt Centre Shop, located in the foyer of the museum. Some of the more unusual gifts available include books of Egyptian spells and curses, as well as a wide range of statues, recycled glass, papyrus from Egypt, and exclusive hand-made jewellery. Pens, pencils and key-rings are also available to buy.

WHERE CAN I PARK? There are some car parks close to Swansea University, the Foreshore car park opposite St Helens Rugby ground and the Recreation Ground Car Park on Mumbles Road.

ANYTHING ELSE IN THE AREA? There is a lot more to see inside the Taliesin Arts Centre which provides a wide variety of performances and exhibitions. Visit www.taliesinartscentre.co.uk.

...IF THE WEATHER'S GOOD

Enjoy a walk through history from Celtic times to the present at St Fagans: National History Museum.

St Fagans is one of Europe's leading open–air museums and Wales's most popular heritage attraction. Open to the public since 1948, the museum stands in the grounds of the magnificent St Fagans Castle and gardens, a late 16th-century manor house donated to the people of Wales by the Earl of Plymouth. Entry is free. For more information visit: www.museumwales.ac.uk.

WHERE? St Fagans is situated on 100 acres of parkland near Cardiff. Located inside the site are over 40 original buildings from different historical periods, which have been re-erected over the last 50-years.  Among these historical gems are old fashioned houses, as well as a farm, school, chapel and a Workmen's Institute.

WHY? At St Fagans traditional crafts and activities help bring the past back to life. Inside the museum’s workshops craftsmen demonstrate traditional skills and their produce are for sale if you want to take home some souvenirs. Native breeds of livestock can also be seen in the fields and farmyards, and demonstrations of farming tasks take place daily too.

WHEN? The museum is open daily between 10am and 5pm.

CONTACT: Phone 029 2057 3500.

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE? Allow at least between 2 and 4 hours for your visit. With so many interesting buildings to see, you can spend the whole day at St Fagan’s and have lots left to see on your next visit.

WHO WILL ENJOY IT? Anyone with an interest in Welsh history and culture will enjoy exploring the 100-acre area packed with re-erected historical buildings. A visit to the Rhyd-y-Car Ironworkers' Houses is almost like traveling through time as you see six homes, their contents and gardens change from 1805 to 1985. Other popular locations include St Teilo's Church built in stages between 1100 and 1520, as well as Kennixton Farmhouse dating from 1610.

WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS? Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

HOW TO GET THERE? St Fagans: National History Museum is located 4 miles west of Cardiff City Centre, just off the A4232. For sat-nav users the full address and postcode is: St Fagans National History Museum Cardiff CF5 6XB.

LUNCH:  The assisted-service Vale Restaurant, situated on the first floor of the museum, serves hot and cold lunches; a range of sandwiches, baguettes & salads; home-made soup; cakes; and hot and cold drinks. The restaurant is family friendly and a range of children’s sandwich boxes and meals are also available. There is also the Gwalia Tea Rooms, a traditional 1930's tea room serving light lunches and afternoon teas, as well as the Cafe Bardi, situated in the Main Entrance Hall, which as well as hot and cold drinks, serves a variety of home-made cakes, sandwiches, boxed salads and soup.

WHERE CAN I PARK? There is a car park on site, but this costs £3.50.

ANYTHING ELSE IN THE AREA? Dominating Cardiff city centre is Cardiff Castle, a remarkable site with a history that spans over 2000 years to Roman times.

Vue Swansea and Neath Abbey

Below is my “Days Out” column from The Weekend supplement in the Saturday, November 23, 2013, issue of the South Wales Evening Post. 
   
  

  
-----------------------

Days Out

With Richard Thomas

...IF THE WEATHER'S BAD

With an impressive 12 screens, the Vue Swansea can seat up to 1,762 people and is equipped with wall-to-wall screens and digital projectors, making it an ideal choice for viewing the best blockbusters in 3D!

WHERE? The Vue Swansea is located in the center of Swansea. For sat-nav users the address and postcode is: Vue Cinema Swansea, York Street, Swansea SA1 3LZ.

WHY? This weekend Doctor Who is celebrating fifty years of scaring children behind sofa with an explosive 50^th anniversary episode. Shot in eye popping 3D, The Day of the Doctor will be broadcast in 76 countries simultaneously. And for the first time since the two Dalek films starring Peter Cushing in the 1960s, Whovians will have the chance to see the Time Lord’s greatest enemies on the big screen! Day of the Doctor stars Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor, David Tennant as the returning Tenth Doctor, and introduces John Hurt as the mysterious War Doctor. Billie Piper is also reprising her role as the Doctor’s companion Rose Tyler, alongside the newest TARDIS crew member Jenna Coleman as Clara Oswald.

WHEN? Day of the Doctor will be shown today (23 November) at the The Vue Swansea at 7.30pm. It is scheduled to run approximately 76minuets long and will be shown again at 9.30pm and tomorrow (24 November) at 12.45pm and 2.45pm.

CONTACT? To book tickets phone 08712240240 or visitwww.myvue.com/home/cinema/swansea.

WHO WILL ENJOY IT? Rated PG, there is something for fans of the series both old and new. As well as the Daleks, the feature length special sees the return of the shape shifting Zygons, not seen since they battled Tom Baker’s Fourth Doctor in 1975!

PRICES? Standard seating 3D tickets for the Saturday 23 November 7.30pm screening of Day of the Doctor cost £10.15 for adults (19+ years); £8.00 for teens (13-18 years); £8.45 for students (valid photo ID required); and £7.60 for children (2-12 years) and seniors (60+ years). Family tickets (minimum of 2 children) are available for £30.40.

LUNCH? The Vue has its own speed bar where you can kick back with a beer before your film starts.

WHERE CAN I PARK? Parking is available in the St. David’s car park opposite the cinema.

ANYTHING ELSE IN THE AREA? Nearby is Swansea’s award-winning Waterfront Winterland.With two ice rinks, a festive funfair, stalls, hot food and the Sky Ride, it’s fantastic fun for the festive season. Visit www.swanseachristmas.com.

...IF THE WEATHER'S GOOD

From spectacular natural scenery to stunning monument settings, the historical and archaeological landscapes of South Wales have lots to offer. One great place to visit is Neath Abbey and Gatehouse. Originally founded as a daughter house of Savigny in 1130, the abbey was absorbed into the Cistercian order in 1147. Fairly complete remains of the abbey survive, together with the 16th century mansion raised within its precincts.

In more recent times the Abbey has been used as a filming location for Doctor Who. Scarier than the Daleks, though, are the many stories of ghostly monks that are said to haunt the ruins and have been reported by visitors. On 16 November 1326 Edward II was captured by forces loyal to Queen Isabella, the king's own wife, whilst making his way from Neath Abbey towards Caerphilly Castle. According to local legend a monk at the abbey betrayed the king, who was later killed, and still haunts the ruins today.

WHERE? The abbey is located in Neath Port Talbot. Although situated near an industrial area, the Abbey's location, on the banks of the Tennant Canal, makes it a tranquil and memorable site to visit. For sat-nav users the address and postcode is: Neath Abbey and Gatehouse, Monastery Road, SA10 7DW.

 WHY? Admission to the site is free and it’s a fascinating and quiet place to wander around. While only a ruin remains today, at one time it was the largest abbey in Wales and gives a good impression of what things were like before the dissolution of the monasteries in 1536 by Henry VIII. It is also a wonderful spot for photographers to take some snaps. 
 WHEN? The site is open daily between 10am and 4pm. Last admissions are 30-minutes before closing.
 CONTACT: For more information call 44 292 050 00200.
 HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE? There is no charge to see the Abbey and Gatehouse, so you can spend as much time as you like taking in the surroundings.

WHO WILL ENJOY IT? Whether you’re a fun seeking family or a couple looking for a romantic setting for a picnic, all ages will enjoy this beautiful historical site.

LUNCH? The Abbey is a great place for a picnic, so pack one.

ANYTHING ELSE IN THE AREA? Located in Port Talbot, along the eastern rim of Swansea Bay, Margam Country Park boasts a magnificent 18th century orangery, picturesque Tudor-Gothic style Victorian mansion house, a 12th century chapter house, ornamental gardens and one of the best deer herds in Wales. Children will enjoy the narrow gauge railway, adventure playground, farm trail and Fairytale Land. Visit www.margamcountrypark.co.uk.

Waterfront Winterland and The National Waterfront Museum

Below is my “Days Out” column from The Weekend supplement in the Saturday, November 14, 2013, issue of the South Wales Evening Post. 

  

-----------------------------

Days Out!

With Richard Thomas

...IF THE WEATHER'S GOOD

This weekend Swansea’s award-winning Waterfront Winterland returns with all the magic of the festive season right in the heart of the city.

Lighting up the skyline this year is the amazing Sky Ride along with some brand new festive funfair rides. Ice skating is still top of the bill with two fantastic outdoor ice rinks – the Admiral Rink and a children’s rink, plus Santa’s Grotto and an indoor café – all the ingredients for a perfect day out!

For more information visit: www.swanseachristmas.com.

WHERE? Waterfront Winterland is located in Museum Park, Swansea, just outside the LC and Swansea Museum.

WHY? With two ice rinks, a festive funfair, stalls, hot food and the Sky Ride, it’s fantastic fun for the festive season. The Wave radio station has a studio at Waterfront Winterland, which you can listen to on 96.4FM.

WHEN TO GO? Until January 5 Waterfront Winterland will be open every day except Christmas Day.

CONTACT? Tickets for ice skating can be booked online (http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/info/waterfront_winterland.asp) or you can ring Swansea Tourist Information Centre on 01792 637300. Tickets and gift vouchers can also be bought in person from the Skate House at Waterfront Winterland or from the Tourist Information Centre on Plymouth Street, just opposite the bus station.

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE? With so many great rides to try out at the funfair, plus the ice skating rinks, you’ll want to stay until closing. Waterfront Winterland is currently open 10am to 10pm on Saturday and Sunday, and 12pm to 10pm Monday to Friday.

WHO WILL ENJOY IT? The whole family will enjoy the brand new Sky Ride replacing the Big Wheel this year. Visitors can also hover 60m above the ground in this spectacular chair ride and there is also a penguin children’s ride too.

WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS? Kids will love the funfair where they can enjoy the Sky Ride, Carouse, Snow Storm, Fun House, Children’s rides, Simulator and Game Stalls. Funfair tokens cost £1.50 each, but some rides require more than 1 token to do.

HOW DO I GET THERE? Waterfront Winterland takes place in the grounds of the National Waterfront Museum, which is right next to Swansea Museum and The LC. For sat-nav users the full address is: Waterfront Winterland, Museum Park, Oystermouth Road, Swansea, SA1 3RD.

WHERE CAN I PARK? St David’s car park is a long-stay, pay-on-foot facility just 1 minute away from the Winter Wonderland site.

LUNCH? There is an indoor café selling hot drinks and food to help stay warm.

 ANYTHING ELSE IN THE AREA? Nearby is the Quadrant shopping complex, where you can do some Christmas shopping.

...IF THE WEATHER'S BAD 
Jam-packed with the latest interactive technology married with traditional displays, the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea offers visitors a unique and fully involved learning experience for the 21st century. The museum has more than 100 historical artefacts from Wales’ industrial past. Formerly the site of the Swansea Industrial & Maritime Museum, the new National Waterfront Museum was opened in October 2005. The museum building itself is a synthesis of contemporary architecture and Welsh history. The building eloquently combining a Grade II listed former dockside warehouse built in 1902 with a 21st century glass and slate structure, designed exactly a century later by Stirling Prize-winning architects Wilkinson Eyre. Admission is free but you might want to purchase some keepsakes in the museum’s gift shop, where the money you spend is gifted back to the museum. Visitors wishing to take photographs will be required to complete a Declaration Form available from the Information Desk, but this doesn't take long, so bring a camera with you. To find out more about exhibits etc. you can visit the National Waterfront Museum website at www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/swansea.
WHERE? The National Waterfront Museum at Swansea is located in Swansea's Maritime Quarter, and less than half a mile from the city centre. 
WHY? The National Waterfront Museum at Swansea tells the story of industry and innovation in Wales, now and over the last 300 years. The museum uses a collage of real life artefacts, archive footage and photographs, 2-D graphic panels, video diaries and various and often ingenious interactive computer displays, to bring Wales’ industrial and social history vividly to life for visitors. One of the most memorable exhibits is a detailed scale model of the 1865 steam ship Zeta, after which Swansea-born Hollywood actress Catherine Zeta Jones was named. There’s also a replica of the world's first steam locomotive, built by British inventor Richard Trevithick, which made its first journey along the tramway of the Penydarren Ironworks, near Merthyr Tydfil in 1804.
WHEN? The museum is open from 10am to 5pm daily.
CONTACT: Phone 01792 638950.
HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE? An hour is enough time to see most the exhibits but you can spend as much time as you like.
WHO WILL ENJOY IT? About 230,000 people a year visit the National Waterfront Museum. Key customer groups include families, tourists, adults and young people.
WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS? The events programme is stacked with interactive workshops, themed fun days, film screenings and arts and crafts, so there is something for visitors of all ages and interests. Many of these activities are free but there is a small charge for some.
HOW TO GET THERE? For sat-nav users the address and postcode is: National Waterfront Museum, Oystermouth Road, Maritime Quarter, Swansea, SA1 3RD.
WHERE CAN I PARK? A pay and display car park is situated just a short walk away from the Museum on Oystermouth Road. For sat nav users the postcode is SA1 3RD.
LUNCH? The Marina has several shops, cafes and restaurants. The Grape and Olive can be found on the 28th floor of the Meridian Tower by Swansea Marina. For sat nav users the postcode is SA1 1JW. Go to www.grapeandolive.co.uk or phone 01792 462617.
ANYTHING ELSE IN THE AREA? The Tower is located in the heart of the Marina and only 50 metres from the promenade that borders the bay from the Marina to Mumbles Pier.