It’s pretty much impossible to visit the Gower Peninsula without stumbling across beautiful beaches and stunning coastal views that will take your breath away. Perfect for a relaxing getaway, active adventures such as water sports and savouring fine local delicacies plucked fresh from the sea. Discover our top picks of the best things to do on the Gower Peninsula.
Whether you want to take the kids for a day out with buckets and spades, enjoy a leisurely stroll on the sands, pick a secluded spot for a romantic picnic or simply sit and admire the seascapes, you can.
It’s hard to pick favourites. However, we love Oxwich Bay which is one of the easiest beaches to reach by car and has amenities nearby including water sports facilities and some village shops. Similarly, Rhossili Bay is close to amenities including places to eat, but it is a fair walk down to reach the stunning 3-mile-long stretch of sand.
For something that feels that bit more remote, head to Three Cliffs Bay with its impressive limestone cliffs. Whilst, it’s not the easiest beach to get to, that does mean it is usually quiet, perfect if you’re seeking solitude. All three of these beaches are dog-friendly year-round making the Gower Peninsula good for a dog-friendly holiday in Wales.
Meanwhile, Caswell Bay is popular with families and in summer it is great fun. There are refreshments and beach toys available to buy nearby, plus toilets and accessible facilities.
Ever wondered what it would be like to indulge in a luxurious spa experience right on a beautiful beach? Ty Sawna is the answer to your daydreaming. This beautiful, wood-fired, barrel sauna, on stunning Oxwich Bay, offers a private space to relax.
Whatever you want to gain – warming up on a chilly day, improving your skin, meditative bliss or simply to admire the views, this unique experience will leave you feeling rejuvenated. Whether the day is bright and sunny, or the sea looks grey with stormy skies above, the seascapes will be mesmerising.
The sauna seats eight people so is perfect for a group of family or friends and time slots can be booked in advance.
Gower is popular with walkers and the Gower Coast Path offers some of the most breathtaking parts on the entire Wales Coast Path. A walk here promises sweeping views of the sea, salt marshes and sand dunes, plus the smell of salty air. However, as trails veer inland there is beautiful countryside and woodland to discover too.
There are many walks to choose from and highlights along the way, with popular routes including easy grade walks such as Rhossili beach to Mewsdale Bay that’s about 3 miles long.
Or, there’s a circular walk from Penmaen to Three Cliffs Bay on which you can admire Pennard Castle, cross the Pennard Pil by stepping stones, or extend your walk along the beach to Oxwich Bay.
For a small region, Gower is blessed with fantastic foodie experiences. For a true taste of Wales, seek out local produce such as Penclawdd cockles, laverbread (a seaweed dish) and saltmarsh lamb – these proudly feature on the menu of many cafes and gastro pubs here.
However, for a memorable fine dining experience, head to the Beach House Michelin Star Restaurant at Oxwich Bay. Here, you can treat yourself to a multi-course, seasonal menu of dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
Worm’s Head is a rocky promontory off the coast at beautiful Rhossili Bay and a haven for an array of seabirds. The name ‘Worm’s’ is derived from an old English word for serpent because the rock is shaped like a serpent.
Visiting Worm’s Head is one of the most popular things to do on the Gower Peninsula, whether you come to photograph it, paint it or admire it from afar. It is cut off by the tide, however at low tide it is possible to walk across a rocky causeway to reach it.
It is a wonderful mini adventure, but precautions must be taken so that you don’t get stranded there by the tide. Check the tide times before you go, they are displayed at the National Trust Visitor Centre and Shop or contact the coastguard.
If part of your downtime is enjoying water sports, or you simply feel inspired by your coastal location, there are plenty of water-based activities to try on the Gower Peninsula.
Providers include Oxwich Water sports that offers everything from standup paddleboarding and kayaking to self-drive boat hire so you can whisk the family off for an hour or two.
The Gower Peninsula is also renowned for surfing with lessons available for all ages and skill level from the likes of the Gower Surf Academy. The company offers one-to-one, group and family sessions.
If there is little more you enjoy than a refreshing glass of local ale, a visit to the Gower Brewery is one of the best things to do on the Gower Peninsula for you. This traditional Welsh brewery specialises in craft ales inspired by the local coastline.
What’s more you can book tickets for the award-winning brewery tour to find out all about the history of the brewery and the brewing process. Led by an expert guide, the tour is interesting, informative and fun.
At the end of the tour, you will retreat to the Brewery Tap Bar for the opportunity to sample some of these fine Welsh beers for yourself.
For history buffs, one of the best things to do on the Gower Peninsula, is explore the region’s castles – there are several.
Head to Oystermouth Castle which is a fine example of the Norman style, not to mention offers fabulous views over Mumbles and towards Swansea Bay. The chapel features ancient graffiti, while the keep is said to be haunted by the white Lady.
Meanwhile, Pennard Castle, positioned above Three Cliffs Bay offers equally impressive views that along with the ruins evoke a romantic atmosphere. Then, there’s Oxwich Castle, where once stood a late medieval castle but now there’s a mansion house built in Tudor times.
One of the best things to do on the Gower Peninsula is discover the local wildlife. The area is rich with marinelife and seabirds and there are a variety of places to head to on your own. Try the Oxwich National Nature Reserve, where woodlands, dunes and lakes are home to a variety of fauna and flora.
If you’d prefer to embark on a guided tour, there are fantastic boat trips with local guides who will take you on sea safaris. Amongst the beaches, caves and coves and breaking through the waves, you might see seals and dolphins. Meanwhile, hovering over the cliffs, you might spot peregrines if you know where to look.
Swansea Indoor Market is a popular place to head to and is a great way to spend some time on a rainy day. It is the largest indoor market in Wales, is steeped in history and a magnet for tourists and locals alike.
Open from Monday to Saturday, it showcases fantastic Welsh goods all undercover. From local farm produce and handmade crafts, you will find everything from Caerphilly cheese to freshly baked breads to take back to your cottage and savour.
With a variety of places to eat and a central seating area too, you can all choose from different food outlets yet dine together.
Famous Welsh poet and writer, Dylan Thomas, was born and raised in Swansea. So, when you stay on the Gower Peninsula, you are perfectly placed to learn more about this influential man. Whether you are one of his greatest fans, or simply want to soak up some local culture, this is the best place to do so.
Much of his inspiration came from the region where he grew up and you can begin your Dylan Thomas journey with a visit to his family home at 5 Cwmdonkin Drive where he lived for half his life.
Do also visit the Love the Words exhibition at the Dylan Thomas Centre. It’s also a great place to find local self-guided trails such as the Mumbles and Gower trail, places that Thomas loved to visit to escape city life.
If you have any questions about any of our cottages or if you’d like some help with your booking, you are very welcome to get in touch with us.
We are always happy to help and go out of our way to tailor your perfect UK holiday.
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