As one of the largest cities in Wales and one of the most important administrative centres on the west coast of the country, Swansea has long been a popular destination for holiday makers hoping to take advantage of its stretches of pleasant beaches. The Guildhall, Swansea Castle, Oystermouth Castle, the Dylan Thomas Centre, and the Gower Peninsula are all firm favourites with tourists and locals alike. Swansea is located just off of the M4 motorway that connects it to Cardiff in the east. The M4 leads further east from Cardiff into Bristol and Swindon before reaching London. Swansea has great rail connections to Shrewsbury in the north-east, as well as Cardiff, Bristol, Swindon, Reading and London. There are also several ferry routes from Swansea harbour to Ireland. As a busy seaside town and one that is positively jumping in summer, Swansea has a huge variety of accommodation on offer. There are hostels, bed and breakfasts, cottages, self-catering apartments, and a large selection of hotels all within the city area.