Just a short drive from Swansea, the Gower Peninsula is more than just a pretty face. Now known as Gower National Landscape – and area of outstanding natural beauty, it was designated as the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty back in 1956.
The Gower Peninsula is a rich and varied environment which is as ecologically diverse as it is beautiful – from open, wild moors and dramatic limestone cliffs to golden, sandy beaches. Gower is a geological goldmine with inspiring landscapes and a captivating coastline.
Rhossili Bay has been voted into the top ten of beaches in Britain on numerous occasions, the sunsets are a must-see! Three Cliffs Bay’s iconic vista provides a photo stop for walkers on the Gower coast path. Cefn Bryn common is home to neolithic burial chamber King Arthur’s Stone and the intrigue continues with the peculiar cliff structure Culver Hole near Port Eynon.
With some of the most awesome waves in Britain, sandy Llangennith has been popular amongst surfers for decades. True adrenaline junkies can try a spot of coasteering – climb the cliffs and leap into the waves below, not for the faint hearted! Make sure you’re always accompanied by a professional– there are a number of activity providers who would be delighted to hear from you. And if that sounds a bit too much, you can always hop aboard boat and do a bit of seal and dolphin spotting from the sea.
Find out why Gower has a special place in so many hearts – check out Gower’s breath taking beaches, see what all the fuss is about and make a plan to visit us!
Coast and countryside
The 19 mile-long Peninsula starts at Mumbles and extends westwards. It’s famous for its jaw-dropping coastline and beaches (from vast Rhossili Bay to cosy and secluded Pwll Du), and is a favourite destination for walkers and surfers. Inland you’ll find sheltered woodland and rolling grasslands; country pubs and fine food.
It’s no surprise that walking in Gower is so popular, its home to some of the most beautiful sections of the Wales Coast Path (even though we are biased). Grab your boots and be prepared for a spectacular waterfront walk. It’s not all about sea and sand either – you’ll encounter lush woodlands and stunning countryside views along the way
Sample some of the local delicacies, such as Penclawdd Cockles from the Loughor estuary, succulent Salt Marsh Lamb and the famous Laverbread (its seaweed!).
Outstanding Natural Beauty
Covering 188 sq km, Gower was awarded its AONB status for its classic coastline (much of it is Heritage Coast) and its outstanding natural environment (33% is National Nature Reserve or a Site of Special Scientific Interest).
The Peninsula’s richly varied natural environment is renowned for its heathland, limestone grassland, fresh – and salt-water marshes, dunes and oak woodlands. Its mixed geology has given rise to a wide variety of scenery in a relatively small landscape area. Dramatic limestone cliffs, interspersed with sandy beaches and rocky shores, dominate its southern coast. In the north, the coast is low-lying with extensive salt marshes and dune systems.
Travel back in time
There are at least 1200 archaeological sites on Gower of different periods and types. These include caves, Iron Age forts, medieval castles, churches, a lighthouse and 19th Century parks. 73 of these are of national importance, with 124 listed buildings. The western part of Gower is included in the Register of Landscapes of Outstanding Historic Interest in Wales, for the rich evidence of a long sequence of land use and occupation from the prehistoric to industrial periods. This includes Iron Age forts and a surviving medieval open field system (known as the Vile, near Rhossili).
