Sands and cliffs at the Eastern End Of Oxwich Bay Beach On The Gower Peninsula In Wales

The Best Places to Visit on the Gower Peninsula

At 80 square miles, the Gower Peninsula is relatively compact, making it easy to fit lots into just one visit. As a predominantly rural area and rich with coastal beauty, there are beautiful villages next to unspoilt beaches to discover, coastal walks and water sports to enjoy, plus dramatic moorlands to explore. It’s also well connected by the Gower Explorer bus service so you can enjoy day trips without the car if you wish. Discover some of the best places to visit on the Gower Peninsula in our travel guide.

Rhossili

Gower is renowned for its beaches and Rhossili Bay, at the far west end of the Gower Peninsula, is a very fine example. It is regarded as one of Wales’ best beaches and is a stunning, 3-mile-long stretch of sandy shore. Rhossili Bay is fantastic for a family picnic or a dog-friendly holiday in Wales – it’s one of Gower’s most dog-friendly beaches.

As the most westerly of Gower’s bays, Rhossili Bay is most exposed to the waves of the Atlantic, making it fantastic for surfing and is regarded as one of the best beaches in Wales for surfing.

It’s also a popular place with walkers. Up on Rhossili Downs there are incredible views of the bay, while at low tide you can walk across a rocky causeway, to the tidal island of Worm’s Head. However, do check the tide times at the beach to make sure you don’t get cut off on the way back.

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Oxwich

The coastal village of Oxwich is an upmarket enclave and has been voted amongst the most desirable places to live in the UK. Historic fisherman’s cottages, houses with thatched roofs and the medieval church of St Illtyd are all part of the charm.

Yet, it’s the beautiful, unspoilt beach of Oxwich Bay that is the star attraction. It’s the perfect spot for a paddle with your kids, an amble whilst admiring the sea views and a walk with the dog – the beach is dog-friendly.

Active and energetic holidaymakers can visit the water sports centre that offers a variety of activities including kayaking, windsurfing and coasteering. Meanwhile, just beyond the beach, there’s the Oxwich National Nature Reserve, ideal for a walk amongst the dunes, woodlands and wetlands.

To round off your day, or as a special treat, Oxwich Bay also boasts a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant, The Beach House, located right next to the sea.

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Pennard

Pennard is popular with walkers and renowned for its views. Pennard Castle, a Grade II listed 12th century construction is a fantastic vantage point for incredible vistas. It sits at the edge of the valley of the Pennard Pil and from up here you can see across the Three Cliffs Bay and the Penmaen Burrows.

Enjoy exploring the surrounding woods, the river (the Pennard Pil), salt marshes and sand dunes, before admiring the dramatic scene that is the three towering limestone cliffs called Three Cliffs Bay. Part of this wildly stunning coastline is owned by the National Trust. If you’re an artist or photographer, it’s a must, while simply enjoying a picnic lunch here is a delight.

There are plenty of captivating walks and for a bit of fun there are stepping stones to cross the river from the Penmaen side (but do check that you can get back).

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Mumbles

Mumbles borders Swansea Bay and is regarded as the easterly gateway to the Gower Peninsula. It is the place to go if you like lots to see and do within striking distance. It also has a delightful cosmopolitan feel.

Historic highlights include a lighthouse, a Victorian Pier and nearby Oystermouth Castle, while there are also connections with poet and writer Dylan Thomas.

If you like a bit of retail therapy, Mumbles offers everything from high-end shops to independent boutiques, so picking up quality fashion, locally made crafts or even surfing gear, isn’t a problem. For souvenirs, how about a decorative Welsh lovespoon from the Lovespoon Gallery? Or a painting or piece of pottery inspired by the Gower’s coastal beauty from one of the art shops? You won’t be short of good places to eat with fresh seafood being particularly tasty.

Plus, when the tide is out, there’s a small stretch of beach that’s the ideal place to watch the waves roll by. When the sky is clear, you can sometimes see as far as North Devon too.

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