It’s here you’ll find the Gower Peninsula, the first ever designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in the UK. The AONB is one of the country's finest wild areas and is imaginatively interpreted at the National Trust Visitor Centre at Rhossili. The Peninsula is also home to the Gower Heritage Centre with its water powered corn mill, craft shops and tea rooms, famous for their home-baked Welsh cakes and cream teas.

Singleton Park Botanical Gardens are internationally famous for their colourful bedding displays and Clyne Gardens for its superb collections of Rhododendrons, Pieris and Enkianthus. Both are a must-see on any tour of the region's gardens and green spaces. Both of the gardens have been awarded a coveted Green Flag for excellence and feature special events throughout the year. Throughout May, 'Clyne in Bloom' is a riot of colour as the rhododendrons and azaleasvie for your attention. Singleton Botanical Gardens hosts 'Botanics in Bloom' during August when it's an ideal opportunity to view the stunning floral and architectural plant designs.

You can find another fascinating place to visit right in the heart of Swansea city centre. Plantasia is an impressive tropical hothouse glass pyramid housing over 5000 exotic plants in both arid and tropical climatic zones.

Swansea Bay itself is protected by hills and warmed by the sea, creating a micro-climate in which tender plants flourish. Victorian plant finders sourced plant specimens from India, China and Tibet to bring back to the area's parks and gardens and that legacy is still enjoyed by thousands each year.

In the east of Swansea Bay, you find the Neath and Afan areas. This area has a huge choice of beautiful sights to visit. From some of Wales's finest country and forest parks through to a wealth of dramatic waterfalls including the National Trust's Aberdulais with its backdrop of picturesque ruins.

Set in 850 glorious acres, Margam Country Park is an attraction that boasts a magnificent 18th century orangery (Europe's largest), a ruined abbey and an imposing 'castle' in the form of the Tudor Gothic style Victorian mansion house that overlooks the landscape.

Gnoll Country Park is based on an 18th century landscaped garden with lakes, cascades and excellent visitor facilities. Afan Forest Park contains one of the most beautiful valleys in Wales within its 3,250 hectares.

Explore Swansea Bay in more detail at www.visitswanseabay.com
And gardens of Swansea Bay and Neath Port Talbot