InfoBritain

 

5 Cwmdonkin Drive, Birthplace of Dylan Thomas

Dylan Thomas was born on the 27th of October 1914 at 5 Cwmdonkin Drive in the Uplands area of Swansea. Childhood memories shaped much of Dylan's later work, and a visit to Cwmdonkin Drive is revealing. It is an ordinary suburban street, with a remarkable view of Swansea Bay and Mumbles Head. Finding the wide open spaces in the small things is a great feature of Dylan Thomas's work, and for me Cwmdonkin Drive reflected this.

As of early 2008 Number 5 itself is closed for renovation work. The property is now privately owned by Geoff and Annie Haden. The couple are restoring the house to its appearance in 1914, when it was bought as a new house by the Thomas family. From around August 2008 they plan to let 5 Cwmdonkin Drive as themed holiday accommodation, allowing visitors to experience what life might have been like for a young Dylan Thomas growing up here. The restoration will be authentic - there will be no TV or radio.

 

Driections: To get to Cwmdonkin Drive, from the centre of Swansea take Walter Road, which leads into Uplands Crescent. At the Uplands shops turn right into Uplands Terrace, and then left into Cwmdonkin Drive. Number 5 is on the right towards the top of the hill. Click here for an interactive map centred on 5 Cwmdonkin Drive.

Cwmdonkin Park where Dylan played as a child, and which made a profound impression on him is within easy walking distance. Go to the top of Cwmdonkin Drive, turn left into Penlan Crescent, follow this road for about two hundred yards and you will come to an entrance to the park.

Contact:

web site: www.5cwmdonkindrive.com