The city of Swansea is situated to the east of the Gower Penninsula and is called Abertawe in Welsh, meaning mouth of the Tawe. However, the name Swansea is thought to be of Germanic origin and date from the Viking occupation. During the 18th and 19th century, Swansea became a centre of heavy industry and grew to its current importance during that period. Being a coastal region, Swansea enjoys a milder climate that the inland regions of mountains and valleys, however, the Met Office figures list Swansea as the wettest British city. The most heavily populated areas are the city centre, Morriston and Sketty, towards the north are the Lliw uplands, a stretch of moorland reaching the foot of the Black Mountain. Although a small area, Swansea has complex geology ranging from carboniferous limestone at Worms Head to the Lougher Estuary which has salt marshes and dune systems. The inland area is covered by grassland overlooked by sandstone heath ridges, this is most evident at Cefn Bryn. The citys best known employer is the DVLA, a good example of Swanseas importance as a commercial centre as well as a sea resort
The city has several attractions including the Dylan Thomas Centre, ruins of the castle and the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery. Swansea also has a bustling nightlife with the main areas being Wind Street and the Kingsway. Swansea is a city of great charcter and culture with the actress Catherine Zeta-Jones being one of its most famous exports. Singer Bonnie Tyler and Sir Harry Secombe were also born and raised in the city. Swansea City AFC and Swansea RFC are the citys main sports clubs, the former are known as the Swans. The city also has a number of sporting venues including St Helens Cricket Ground. Swansea has good local, national and international links through buses, trains and airplanes. Swansea airport is used mainly for domestic flights but Cardiff International airport is less that an hour away.The citys varied topography makes it an ideal destination for outdoor activities from sailing and water skiing to angling and hiking. Ont the west coast of Swansea Bay is one of the couny most popular destinations. Mumbles is a former fishing village and offers a variey of shops as well as breathtaking views
Suburbs of Swansea include Birchgrove, Bishopston, Bon-y-maen, Castle, Clydach, Cockett, Cwmbwrla, Dunvant, Gorseinton, Gowerton, Grovesend, Ilston, Kilay, Landore, Llangennith, Llanmadoc and Cheriton, Llangyfelach, Llanrhidian Higher, Llanrhidian Lower, Llansamlet, Llwchwr, Mawr, Morriston, Mumbles, Mynydd-Bach, Penderry, Penllergaer, Pennard, Penrice, Pontarddulais, Pont-Lliw, Port Eynon, Reynoldston, Rhossili, Sketty, St Thomas, Townhill, Uplands, Upper Killay
Swansea Hotel, Swansea Bed and Breakfast, Swansea Cheap Hotel accommodation suitable for a Swansea Weekend Break, a Swansea City Break, Swansea Wedding Accommodation, Swansea Guys Night out, Swansea Girls Night out or even a Swansea Stag Night or a Swansea Hen Night