Stunning views, pristine and clean beaches, never too busy .
Disadvantages:
The Gower is a fair way from most other places
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
I lived in Swansea for three years between 1999-2002 while I was an undergraduate student. Clearly it wasn't all work and alot of my 'play' time was spent exploring the Gower Peninsula. A stunning and relatively unknown little gem tucked away in South Wales, The Gower was the first place in Britain to be designated as an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' in 1949 and it truly lives up to this honour.
Getting there and Away. ************************** You can get to the Gower in between 20 minutes and a hour from Swansea, if you're driving, depending on which bit you want to go to. Buses also run but these are sporadic and unreliable. You'd really be much better off in a car. The roads are good, although they are generally single track and wind back and forth which can make for slow progress should you get stuck behind a bus or a tractor. There are parking facilities available at all of the main beaches and the rates are generally very reasonable.
You can easily spend a few days driving around, walking along the beaches, paddling in the sea, surfing if thats your thing or exploring rock pools. Or if you get bored of the beach (yeah right) potter amongst some of the quaint villages, castles, medieval churches and standing stones. Or take a walk away from the coast amongst the hills, commons and woodland, stopping for lunch in one of the many pubs that are dotted here and there! I'd recommend the Gower Inn myself for great homemade lunches for a good price.
The Coastline from Mumbles. ********************************* There are numerous sandy beaches and rocky coves around the headland from Swansea Bay, past Mumbles. The first of these is Bracelet Bay, a pretty cove from which the mumbles lighthouse can be seen. There is a great Italian restaurant here overlooking the bay and the sea and it is very good value although the name escapes me. Limeslade, Langland and Caswell Bay can all be found further along the coastline and all are worth a look. These are also the nearest bays to Swansea and it will only take 15 minutes or so to drive to from the City. If you fancy a stroll take the cliff path that joins these bays, or walk around the headland from Mumbles it won't take long, it isn't too steep and it really is lovely. Mumbles is also a lovely place to stop to browse the shops, to admire the boats in the harbour or for a bite of lunch.
Further Afield. *************** The best beaches are further afield on the far side of the Gower peninsula. Three Cliffs, also known as Oxwich Bay, and Rossily are the best beaches and I can't choose a favourite between the two as they are both stunning.
THREE CLIFFS AND OXWICH Three Cliffs Bay is aptly named after the three prominent granite cliff peaks which jut out into the sea from the bay. The beach itself is called Oxwich and is long and sweeping, with expansive sand dunes and a number of rocky caves at the far end. Oxwich Bay is favoured by families for its parking facilities and shops.
WORMS HEAD AND ROSILLI BAY. Rosilli bay is an enormous stretch of perfect white sands, three miles wide when the tide is out and backed by cliffs which rise 200 feet high. Beware it is a long walk down and it isn't fun on the way back up! The Southern end of the bay is marked by an elongated island known as 'Worm's Head' which points for a mile out to sea. The frame of an 1887 coaster wreck, "Helvetia", is visible in the sands from this end. The Northern end of the bay is rockier and flatter and is known as Llangennith, which is popular with surfers year-round. Rosilli is stunning any time of year, even in the winter and you'll be amazed at how far out the tide can go!
Other Attractions. ******************* There are too many other beaches to discuss them all and anyway these are the best ones! But there are a couple of other interesting features which I'd like to point out!
CULVER HOLE. The most famous of the Gower caves, only accessible at low tide. The narrow entrance leads to a roomy chamber. During excavations in 1924 and 1931, the skeletal remains of over 40 humans were found here. This place is definitely worth a trip!
PENNARD CASTLE. The castle itself, abandoned in 1400, is in ruins but the remains stand to the East of Three Cliffs. The real reason to go here is for the view! imagine the scene. A river meanders its way back and forth along the valley floor amongst the woodlands to the sea, the sky is clear and blue against a backdrop of sea. The castle ruins stands proud surveying this scene. definitely one of the most beautiful views in the country.
INLAND. Also worthy of a mention are the views whcih can be obtained from the high ground in the centre of the Gower, where, in places you get a 360degree view. Inland from the coast there are also many paths and trails through woodlands and valleys, alongside streams and through fields of wild flowers and heather. Although the beaches are the most stunning and well known aspects of the Gower a trip inland may also be worthwhile.
Somewhere to Stay. *********************** As a city Swansea isn't amazing, so you'd be better to stay on the Gower itself if you can or in mumbles if you would rather be nearer to local ammenities. There are loads of B&B's, hotels, guest-houses and campsites. In addition there is a YHA hostel at Port Eynon which is a rocky beach, good for rock-pooling, I have not discussed here. For more information about holidaying on the Gower check out http://www.the-gower.com/
Summary. ************ The Gower Peninsula is a gorgeous, faultless part of Britain, that everyone should go and visit. Ideally during the Summer when you can get your shorts out, go for a paddle and bask in the beauty of the British coastline.
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