Dylan Thomas

Dylan Thomas was just 39 when he died. Yet this charismatic poet, playwright and short-story writer left a prodigious body of work notable for its brilliant imagery, much inspired by the exuberant land- and seascapes of his native South Wales. He idealized natural energy, and the lilting rhythms of waves sweeping the Welsh coast floods his language. 

Thomas was born in 1914 in Swansea where he played on the 'splendid-curving shore', later declaring 'This sea was my world' and sharing his early experiences in Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog. Visitors can follow trails to the landmarks of his youth and the Dylan Thomas Centre has a permanent exhibition on the author.

Take the Dylan Thomas Trail west to the golden sands of the Gower Peninsula, Britain's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and where the poet yearned at Rhossili Bay, ‘Why don't we live here always, always and always’. There were childhood holidays in the scenic valley of the Tywi, too, recalled in the poem Fern Hill.

Today's holidaymakers still find an unspoiled adventure playground: cliff and coast walks around Swansea; adrenaline-rushing surfing in the bay; rock-fishing and pony-trekking on the Gower Peninsula; as well as pedal-power touring along routes like the Celtic Trail and the Clyne Valley Cycleway. 

Thomas led a nomadic if short life. In 1937, he married Caitlin Macnamara at Penzance in Cornwall, honeymooning in Mousehole - ‘the loveliest village in England’ - and Newlyn. If you visit, you'll find few rugged-romantic scenes to surpass the South West Coast Path, which entices walkers around England's southern tip.

Thomas also resided in Oxford, Ireland, Hampshire and London. But his final home was along the coast from Swansea at Laugharne, transformed into Llareggub in his celebrated radio play for voices, Under Milk Wood. The Boat Shed, his ‘seashaken house on a breakneck of rocks’, is now a heritage centre where you can also see more about his life and works.

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