The National Botanic Garden of Wales, with its stunning glasshouse and double walled garden – 35 minutes. 

Aberglasney Gardens, only 10 minutes from Middleton, a beautifully restored garden dating back to the 17th century, a real delight -  45 minutes.  For information on the gardens and parks in south west Wales click on One Big Garden.

Rhossili, at the western tip of the Gower Peninsula, has magnificent views across the three mile beach, 200m high downs and with a dramatic walk along the headland to the Worms Head. There are a variety of walks to suit all capabilities – 30 minutes.

Castles galore from Oystermouth only 10 minutes away, to Carreg Cennen, high up in the Brecon Beacons – 30 minutes, or the wonderfully preserved Pembroke Castle – 75 minutes.

In Pembrokeshire are two of Wales's biggest tourist attractions Oakwood Park, a really serious theme park, with genuinely scary rides in a rural setting and Folly Farm, a family attraction with a host of fun activities – both 75 minutes.

Dylan Thomas experience, a guided tour around Swansea including the Dylan Thomas Centre and on to the Boat House at Laugharne – 45 minutes.

Dan-yr-ogof Caves, the showcaves, dinosaur and iron age farm has won numerous national awards – 45 minutes.

National Waterfront Museum of Wales – Billed as one of the most innovative national museums in Europe and set in the beautiful Maritime Quarter, the National Waterfront Museum tells the story of Wales’ huge contribution to the Industrial Revolution – 10 minutes.

For more information click on www.visitwales.co.uk or www.visitswanseabay.com.  Click on http://www.baytrans.org.uk/  to view a wide range of trips that can be taken on public transport and for more useful travel informationFor a listing of outdoor activities ranging from surfing to pony trekking and from coasteering to quad biking click on the city's Leisure site, and Gower-watersports.