St Thomas Library

St Thomas Library sits right in the heart of Swansea, a proper Victorian-era building that's far more interesting than your average lending library. The space itself is worth a look - all period features and solid architecture - but it's the local history collection that really catches your attention. You'll find documents, photographs and records about Swansea's industrial past, which makes sense given the city's coal and copper heritage.

It's mainly useful if you're genuinely interested in Welsh history or doing some research rather than a casual family outing. Kids won't find much to occupy them beyond an hour, to be honest. That said, if you're into archives and local stories, there's real depth here.

Admission is free, and it's well positioned for a town-based holiday rather than something you'd trek out to from a caravan park. If you're staying at Swansea Marina Tourer Park just down the road, it's an easy walk in and worth a 30-minute wander on a rainy afternoon. The library sits within walking distance of Swansea's town centre, so you could bundle it with a proper look around the shops and waterfront.

Check ahead on opening hours before you visit - library hours shift seasonally and the website information isn't straightforward. Parking in central Swansea can be a bit of a pain, so aim for mid-morning when the town's quieter if you're coming by car.