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1940s Swansea at Crymlyn Burrows: A Living History Experience

Step back into wartime Swansea at 1940s Swansea, where history and nature meet in the evocative Crymlyn Burrows landscape.

4.3

1940s Swansea is a unique history museum and tourist attraction located at Baldwins Crescent, Crymlyn Burrows, Skewen, Swansea. It offers visitors an immersive glimpse into Swansea’s wartime past, particularly focusing on the 1940s era. Set near the Swansea University Bay Campus and the ecologically significant Crymlyn Burrows area, this site combines historical exhibits with the atmospheric backdrop of a once-industrial and wartime landscape.

A brief summary to 1940s Swansea

  • Baldwins Cres, Swansea, Crymlyn Burrows, Skewen, SA1 8PT, GB
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Visit during special events or reenactments for a more immersive 1940s experience.
  • Combine your visit with a walk around the nearby Crymlyn Burrows nature reserve for a blend of history and nature.
  • Check opening hours in advance as the museum may have seasonal or event-based schedules.
  • Use public transport or taxi from Swansea city centre to avoid parking limitations.
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Getting There

  • Public Bus

    Take the First Bus number 91 from Swansea city centre to Crymlyn Burrows; journey time is approximately 20-30 minutes with a single fare around £2.00. Service frequency is moderate, so check schedules in advance.

  • Taxi

    A taxi ride from Swansea city centre to 1940s Swansea at Crymlyn Burrows takes about 15 minutes, costing approximately £10-15. This is a convenient option if traveling with luggage or in a group.

  • Car

    Driving via the M4 motorway (Junction 42) to Crymlyn Burrows offers easy access, with parking available near the museum. Parking may be limited during events, so plan accordingly.

1940s Swansea location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

Unlock the Best of 1940s Swansea

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Discover more about 1940s Swansea

A Portal to Swansea’s Wartime Past

1940s Swansea is dedicated to preserving and presenting the rich history of Swansea during the turbulent 1940s, a decade marked by World War II and its profound impact on the city and its people. The museum’s location at Baldwins Crescent in Crymlyn Burrows situates it within a historically significant area that was once a hub of industrial activity and wartime operations. Visitors can explore exhibits that showcase the social, cultural, and military aspects of Swansea life during this era, including the effects of bombing raids, rationing, and community resilience.

The Setting: Crymlyn Burrows and Its Historical Layers

Crymlyn Burrows itself is a fascinating place, lying east of Swansea city centre and adjacent to the Crymlyn Bog, a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Historically, this area was industrial, with oil storage depots and chemical pipelines, some of which were targeted during WWII bombing campaigns. The landscape today offers a juxtaposition of natural beauty and industrial heritage, with sand dunes, saltmarshes, and remnants of wartime infrastructure. This setting enriches the museum experience, connecting visitors to the physical environment that shaped Swansea’s 1940s story.

Exhibits and Immersive Experiences

The 1940s Swansea museum features a wide array of artifacts, photographs, and reconstructed scenes that bring the decade to life. From recreated wartime homes and shops to displays of military equipment and personal stories, the museum provides a vivid portrayal of daily life during the war years. Special events and reenactments often enhance the experience, allowing visitors to engage with history in an interactive way. The site’s extensive photo collection documents Swansea’s transformation and the resilience of its people.

Community and Educational Importance

Beyond its role as a tourist attraction, 1940s Swansea serves as an educational resource for schools, historians, and the local community. It fosters an understanding of the social history and heritage of Swansea, highlighting how the war shaped the city’s identity. The museum’s location near Swansea University’s Bay Campus also facilitates academic collaboration and research, linking historical study with contemporary community engagement.

Natural and Cultural Connections

Visitors to 1940s Swansea can also appreciate the surrounding natural environment of Crymlyn Burrows, which is part of a network of wildlife sites including Crymlyn Bog and Tennant Canal. This blend of cultural heritage and ecological significance makes the location unique, offering a tranquil yet historically charged atmosphere. The museum’s proximity to these protected areas emphasizes the importance of preserving both history and nature in Swansea.

Visitor Experience and Atmosphere

The museum’s setting in a semi-rural industrial landscape, combined with its detailed historical recreations, creates an evocative atmosphere. Visitors often feel transported back in time, surrounded by the sights and sounds of 1940s Swansea. The site’s extensive photographic archives and interactive displays deepen this immersion, making it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

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