Cwmdonkin Park, Swansea
Cwmdonkin Park, a cherished green space in Swansea, offers a range of recreational amenities and a rich history intertwined with local culture. Established on July 24, 1874, the park was created from land initially used for Cwmdonkin Reservoir, which was developed around 1850 by William Henry Smith and the Swansea Waterworks Company. The transformation of the reservoir into a public park was part of a broader movement to increase access to green spaces, driven by the "Open Spaces Movement" led by William Thomas of Lan. This movement advocated for parks in less affluent areas, responding to criticisms that the original park was situated in a wealthier district.
Today, Cwmdonkin Park boasts a variety of features, including a bandstand, children鈥檚 play area, water gardens, tennis courts, and a bowling green. The reservoir itself was filled in during the 1950s and the area was repurposed as a children's play space, further enhancing the park鈥檚 appeal to families and visitors of all ages.
The park holds special significance in literary history as the childhood playground of the renowned poet Dylan Thomas. Growing up at 5 Cwmdonkin Drive, adjacent to the park, Thomas drew inspiration from its tranquil surroundings. His connection to the park is evident in his works, including the poignant radio broadcasts 鈥淩eturn Journey鈥� and 鈥淩eminiscences of Childhood,鈥� as well as his famous poem 鈥淭he Hunchback in the Park.鈥� These works reflect the deep influence of the park on his creative expression.
In recognition of Dylan Thomas's connection to the park, a memorial stone with lines from his poem 鈥淔ern Hill鈥� was placed in Cwmdonkin Park in 1963. This tribute serves as a lasting reminder of the park鈥檚 role in shaping the poet鈥檚 life and work, ensuring that both the park鈥檚 historical significance and Thomas鈥檚 literary legacy continue to be celebrated.
Today, Cwmdonkin Park boasts a variety of features, including a bandstand, children鈥檚 play area, water gardens, tennis courts, and a bowling green. The reservoir itself was filled in during the 1950s and the area was repurposed as a children's play space, further enhancing the park鈥檚 appeal to families and visitors of all ages.
The park holds special significance in literary history as the childhood playground of the renowned poet Dylan Thomas. Growing up at 5 Cwmdonkin Drive, adjacent to the park, Thomas drew inspiration from its tranquil surroundings. His connection to the park is evident in his works, including the poignant radio broadcasts 鈥淩eturn Journey鈥� and 鈥淩eminiscences of Childhood,鈥� as well as his famous poem 鈥淭he Hunchback in the Park.鈥� These works reflect the deep influence of the park on his creative expression.
In recognition of Dylan Thomas's connection to the park, a memorial stone with lines from his poem 鈥淔ern Hill鈥� was placed in Cwmdonkin Park in 1963. This tribute serves as a lasting reminder of the park鈥檚 role in shaping the poet鈥檚 life and work, ensuring that both the park鈥檚 historical significance and Thomas鈥檚 literary legacy continue to be celebrated.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Swansea. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Cwmdonkin Park on Map
Sight Name: Cwmdonkin Park
Sight Location: Swansea, Wales (See walking tours in Swansea)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Swansea, Wales (See walking tours in Swansea)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Swansea, Wales
Create Your Own Walk in Swansea
Creating your own self-guided walk in Swansea is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Swansea Introduction Walking Tour
Swansea, the city on the southwest coast of Wales, is the country's second-largest. Its original name in Welsh 鈥� Abertawe 鈥� means 'mouth of the Tawe' and hints at its geographic location and historical ties to the River Tawe.
The area's history dates back to ancient times when it was contested by early Welsh kingdoms. During the Viking Age, it became a significant trade... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
The area's history dates back to ancient times when it was contested by early Welsh kingdoms. During the Viking Age, it became a significant trade... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Dylan Thomas Trail
The Dylan Thomas Trail in Swansea is a captivating journey that celebrates the life and works of one of Wales' most famous literary figures. This trail guides visitors through a series of landmarks intimately connected to the poet and writer native of Swansea, providing a deep dive into the environments that influenced his work.
Starting at the Captain Cat Statue, this whimsical sculpture... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Starting at the Captain Cat Statue, this whimsical sculpture... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles