QYPE*

There are some parts of Swansea market that feel like they haven’t changed since the war, and other parts less so.

I think it is a great example of a classic British market, with stalls selling an enormous range of goods from mostly independant retailers.

It’s the largest indoor market in Wales, and has a rather impressive glass roof which allows it to be so light indoors that you get the feeling of being outside without the risk of being rained on.

There are several entrances, and each one gives you a different feeling for the market. The entrance situated by the fishmongers has the most distinctive aroma.

A great place to pick up local things, particularly foods. The welsh cakes are baked fresh all day at the bakery stalls, the fish caught locally, and you can even buy those famous Welsh staples of cockles and lavabread. Also there’s a host of Welsh cheeses and meats (of course, Welsh lamb is to be prized - the sheep are well looked after). Lots of fresh fruit and vegetables to be found here too.

Here’s a tip - it’s a good place to find cheap (but still nice) greetings cards. I always find I’m outraged paying 2 or 3 pounds for a card from Clinton’s, but in the market stalls you can get a decent card for under a pound, and they also sell celebratory paraphernalia - like ornamental keys for 21st birthdays, banners, badges etc. all for a very reasonable price.

There’s plenty of opportunity for gift buying here too, with unusual shops selling quirky things, as well as local crafts, jewellery, bookshops, babywear, loads of clothes shops, accessories…

You can get almost anything you need to buy at Swansea market, with the knowledge that you are supporting local trade and getting a bargain all at once.