Sunny days are here once again and it is officially time to sit back and bask in the glow of the glorious hot weather in Swansea. The shorts and t-shirts have been brought forward from the back of wardrobes, and many are dashing off for a day laying on the beach. But for others, days like these mean it is time to slap on the sunscreen and head for some liquid refreshments in one of the city's many beer gardens.
And we're spoilt for choice. There are plenty of watering holes away from the beach, and crowds, that are lovely places to visit when the weather is fine. Here, in no particular order, we've produced a guide of just some of our favourites, whilst also featuring a list of places which have outdoor drinking spots, rooftop bars and terraces.
Do you think we've missed a great beer garden that should be on the list? Let us know in the comments section what you think the best beer garden in Swansea is. Get Swansea stories straight to your inbox with our newsletter.
READ MORE: Three-day Swansea Bay Beer and Cider Festival set to return
The Cross Keys, Swansea city centre
The pub itself is said to date back to the 1300s and is situated in Swansea city centre. The beer garden is a popular spot on sunny days but is used all year round so it's complete with outdoor heaters. Click here for more.
King Arthur, Reynoldston
Nestling under Cefn Bryn, the King Arthur Hotel boasts log fires and an old pub atmosphere. The family-run venue has two bars, a restaurant, hotel rooms and even self-catering cottages. Out the front they have plenty of picnic benches. Click here to find out more.
Beer Riff, Swansea Marina
Set just off Trawler Road, the microbrewery is based at the former angling centre at Pilot House Wharf, and overlooks the peaceful views of Swansea marina. They have 15 taps serving their own beer as well as other craft beers from around the world and if you get hungry, they also offer stonebaked pizzas. Click here to find out more.
Britannia Inn, Llanmadoc
Enjoy the stunning views over the Loughor Estuary with beer gardens to the front and back of the building, and there's even something for the little ones to enjoy with a rabbit hutch and aviary with a variety of budgies, cockatiels, quails and a parrot. There is a daily menu in the pub and restaurant, which uses fresh, local ingredients. Learn more by clicking here.
Rake and Riddle, Penclawdd
With a name inspired by the Penclawdd cockle industry, The Rake and Riddle aims to "combine modern flavours with traditional quality with emphasis on using local produce". They have a large beer garden and play area for children. You can find out more by clicking here.
West Cross Inn, West Cross
It sits right next to the prom with stunning views of Mumbles and Swansea Bay. It's a gastropub, so it offers fresh food including lighter meals, grills, vegetarian and children's meals. You can find out more here.
Beaufort Arms, Kittle
The only pub in Kittle, it's a great spot to begin or end a visit to Gower. They have a great beer garden that gets the sun from sun rise to sun set, as well as a children's play area.
Pump House, Swansea Marina
A waterfront bar in an old pump house with waterside tables, cask ales and a pub-style menu.
The Railway Inn, Killay
A traditional pub set in woodlands in the Clyne Valley, it runs adjacent to the former railway line that is now a cycle path. No website, but it's on 553 Gower Road, Swansea, SA2 7DS.
The Dunvant, Dunvant
The Dunvant serves up pub classics throughout the day. Its beer garden gets plenty of sun.
Colliers Arms, Bonymaen
The Colliers Arms has a huge menu of classic pub food with large portions. There is a beer garden as well as ample parking for customers, and it says it's child-friendly. You can find out more here.
Ynysmeudwy Arms, Pontardawe
Historically unique, the Ynysmeudwy Arms is a great spot for the whole family to enjoy, and serves up pub classics. Click here to learn more.
Mary Dillwyn, Fforestfach
The Mary Dillwyn, named after the local photography pioneer, is a Marston's pub restaurant next to Parc Fforestfach. As well as a beer garden it has indoor and outdoor play areas for the kids. Click here for more.
The Worm's Head Hotel, Rhossili
The view from this beer garden in Rhossili has got to be a contender for one of the best spots in the world to savour a tipple.
To the left you can see Worm's Head point, which becomes an island when the tide comes in. And to the right, the breathtaking view is completed by a long stretch of golden, sandy beach. The beer garden is simple with picnic tables, but this place is all about the view. Click here for more details.
King's Head Inn, Llangennith
It's just a short journey to the shore from the King's Head, so you'll find plenty of beach-goers stopping off for a drink here. You'll find up to seven real ales on offer usually, nearly all produced at The Gower Brewery and there is seating at the front of the pub looking across to the oldest church in Gower. Learn more by clicking here.
Oxwich Bay Hotel, Oxwich
Enjoy sweeping views of Oxwich Bay as you take a tipple at the hotel's beer garden, which is within 10 metres of the beach. The hotel itself is set in eight acres of private grounds at the western end of the beautiful beach, and there’s a good choice of beers and wines and food on offer. Visit the website by clicking here.
Outdoor drinking spots, rooftop bars and terraces
Bar Saint James, Uplands
The stylish bar occupies a former Edwardian detached home in the heart of Uplands and features many original features. Set over two floors, with a bar on each, there's also an exclusive tea room to enjoy once venues open indoors. The spacious outdoor seating area is illuminated at night by fairy lights. Visit its website by clicking here.
Croeso Lounge, Mumbles
This trendy eatery has a menu available all day, including the extensive brunch menu. The surroundings are cool and comfortable and there is a roof terrace with its own bar. Click here to learn more.
The Lighthouse, Mumbles
In the shadow of Mumbles Lighthouse, The Lighthouse is a cafe bar that seats 200 outside, serving up pizzas, pastas, ice creams and more. Whether it's a mug of coffee or a glass of wine, the views don't get much better.
The Secret Beach Bar and Kitchen
This cafe and restaurant is situated on the site of the former 360 and has been popular for takeaway pints on the beach during lockdown. It has a dog-friendly section and seating outside. You can learn more by clicking here.
Hoogah, Bryn-y-Mor Road
Taking their name inspiration from the Danish word hygge - which is an all-encompassing word for cosiness and wellness and contentment - this Swansea cafe is definitely cosy and chill out any time of day. Whether you want craft ale and homemade pizza or a pretzel roll or a lazy brunch, Hoogah's got you covered. Click here for more.
Swigg, Swansea Marina
A cosy cafe by day that turns into a sophisticated bar by night has brought a touch of the Mediterranean to the Swansea waterside. Click here to learn more.
Verdi's, Mumbles
This café, ice cream parlour and licensed restaurant serves up authentic Italian snacks and dishes and is situated on the seafront in Mumbles. They have indoor and outdoor seating for up to 400, with every seat enjoying spectacular panoramic views across Swansea Bay. Being right by the sea, it's as popular as you'd expect in the summer months but has a steady stream of customers all year round. Click here for more.
Hogarths, Swansea city centre
Hogarths is in the style of a Victorian gin palace and serves up gin cocktails along with the usual favourites. There is plenty of seating outside for fine weather. Visit the Hogarths website by clicking here.
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