Dylan Thomas (1914-1953), Wales’ most famous literary figure, was born in Swansea and lived there permanently until he was twenty. Even after moving away, he regularly came back to visit and seek inspiration from his hometown.
Dylan was born in the Uplands area of the city on the 27th of October 1914. This is where he grew up and wrote around two-thirds of all his poetry, as well as many letters and short stories.
Various landmarks associated with his early life and writings can be discovered by following the Dylan Thomas Trails. Dylan’s legacy is everywhere, from his home at 5 Cwmdonkin Drive and neighbouring Cwmdonkin Park, to the quiet resort of Mumbles and the Gower Peninsula.
The City and County of Swansea’s Dylan Thomas Collection ranges from memorabilia and exhibition in the Dylan Thomas Centre to academic materials based in the Central Library.
Don’t miss Dylan’s Bookstore on King Edward Road, which is packed with rare and collectable books by and about Dylan Thomas, as well as other valuable memorabilia and photographs.
There is also a permanent exhibition, Man and Myth, housed at the Dylan Thomas Centre on the banks of the River Tawe, adjacent to the Maritime Quarter.
Enjoy a Dylan Thomas-themed trail through part of the Maritime Quarter. This gentle, flat stroll is around 1 kilometre in length, and can take 20 – 25 minutes.
From heavy industry to high art, Swansea Bay’s story defies easy categorisation. Trace a line from the distant past to the present day and you’ll find tales of legendary kings, opera stars, industrial innovations, poetry…
Swansea Bay, Mumbles and Gower are locations steeped in history, from ancient castles, to pirates and smugglers, to it’s rich industrial history with Swansea’s copperworks, and it’s cultural heritage with literary icons such as Dylan Thomas.
