Friends of Clydach Heritage Centre
Clydach Heritage Centre is operated and managed by a group of volunteers, The Friends.
Many of the Friends give up a few hours a month to staff the centre where we provide information to visitors on the local Heritage and other attractions in the area.
Many visitors bring their own anecdotes and information about which help us provide more information to our visitors.
We also sell: Tea, coffee, soft drinks, ice-cream, home-made Welsh cakes and other things.
Background and Foundations
Project Origins: In 2010, the City and County of Swansea secured funding through the Valleys Regional Park initiative to restore the former Canal Museum building in Coed Gwilym Park, Clydach.
This funding, combined with a contribution from the City and County of Swansea, totalled £45,000, enabling the redevelopment of the site into what is now known as Clydach Heritage Centre.
Establishment and Purpose
Following the redevelopment, local volunteers formed the Friends of Clydach Heritage Centre.
The group was established to:
- Preserve and promote the heritage of Clydach and the surrounding area
- Support the operation and sustainability of the Heritage Centre
- Provide visitors with informed insight into the local history and environment
Members are invited to attend heritage talks and are supported through training provided by Swansea Council and partner organisations, helping ensure accurate and engaging information is shared with visitors.
Wider Context
The Clydach Heritage Centre is located within Coed Gwilym Park, which forms part of the Valleys Regional Park.
This initiative is a network of visitor facilities, country parks, heritage sites, and nature reserves across the South Wales Valleys, designed to strengthen the region’s identity and accessibility as a destination.
The Valleys Regional Park has been supported through funding from the European Regional Development Fund, via the Welsh Government.
Location and Setting
Coed Gwilym Park, opened during Coronation Week in 1953, provides the setting for the Heritage Centre.
- Sports facilities (playing fields, new bookable tennis courts), and open recreational areas
- Children’s play areas and a BMX track
- Walking trails, woodland areas, and formal gardens
- The Swansea Canal towpath and Sustrans cycle route 43 run alongside the site.
The Heritage Centre sits within this broader environment, contributing to both the cultural and recreational value of the park.
Further Park Information
Additional information about the park can be found via Swansea Council:
🔗 https://www.swansea.gov.uk/coedgwilympark
What can we offer?
Visitors can explore a range of local heritage features, historical exhibits, and outdoor activities at the Centre.
Further details on everything available can be found on our Overview of Resources page.
Where We Are
The Clydach Heritage Centre building opened in 22nd October 2011 and is located within Clydach's Coed Gwilym Park (click to see How to Find us).
Contact Us
We'd love to hear from you! Simply view our contact page and select the method that best suits you - Thank you.