Oxwich Bay on the Gower Peninsula was named Britain's most beautiful beach. Photo / Wikimedia Commons
Oxwich Bay on the Gower Peninsula was named Britain's most beautiful beach. Photo / Wikimedia Commons
The All Blacks are camped out in Swansea ahead of their quarter-final match against France this weekend. We've lined up a few things for them to do in the run-up to the this important challenge.
1. Hit the beach
Swansea is known for its beaches, with Oxwich Bay on the Gower Peninsula named the the most beautiful beach in Britain by travel writers. Although it's not really the right season for swimming, there's 5km of golden sand to pensively walk down while awaiting an importantquarter final.
On August 31 1968, Sir Garry Sobers became the first player in cricket history to hit six sixes in an over - at the famous old St Helen's rugby and cricket ground in Swansea. Stop by during a walk to Mumbles along the prominade of Swansea Bay.
Swansea was the home of celebrated Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, who was born and lived in the house at 5 Cwmdonkin Drive until he was in his early twenties. He wrote about half of his poems here and the house was been restored to its original condition by a local couple. It was opened in 2008 and can even be rented for short stays.
4. Try the local cuisine
The Fairy Hill restaurant serves up an authentic taste of Wales. Photo / Chris Henley Wikimedia Commons
The All Blacks could get a pretty decent feed at the Fairyhill restaurant, named Welsh Restaurant of the Year in 2008. It's housed in a small country house hotel about 20 minutes from Swansea. The majority of the food on offer is sourced locally, from the hotel's gardens or within a mile of the property.
5. Crash a quiz night
The Clyne Valley Community Project hosts its Autumn Quiz Night on Friday night at the Sketty Park Estate Community Hall in Swansea. It's a mere £4 entry and there's nibbles on offer - and the locals would surely be pleased to host some rugby heroes. They'll need to bring their own drinks and glasses though.
