Days Out on The Gower Peninsula
The Mumbles, Castles, Beaches, Gardens, History and Walking
It is easy see why the Gower was named Britain's first Area of Outstanding Beauty. See award winning beaches, stunning cliff top views and The Mumbles fishing village.
The Gower Peninsula was named Britain’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956, and it not difficult to see why. The peninsula, which is about 16 miles long and 7 miles wide, stretches from the centre of Swansea to the award-winning beach at Rhossili. This small space is home to wildlife estuaries, wild moors, limestone cliffs and quiet sandy beaches.
Walking and water sports enthusiasts are well catered for and being near Swansea ensures good transport links and provides plenty of wet weather alternatives.
The highlights of the Gower Peninsula include:
The Mumbles
The fishing village of The Mumbles, which lies just down the coast from Swansea, has a wide selection of small shops, pubs and restaurants. Enjoy the view over Swansea Bay as you dine in Verdi’s ice cream parlour and licensed restaurant, drink in the pubs along the Mumbles Mile or browse in the craft and gift shops along Newton Road. Clyne Gardens and Oystermouth Castle are nearby and if you need to find a pub go to the local Methodist Church , which is home to the Tourist Information Office
Worms Head
Walk from Rhossili down a natural causeway to two rocky islets jutting in to the sea. Enjoy sensational views across Rhossili beach to the Carmarthenshire coast, but be aware that access to Worm’s Head is cut off at high tide. Check the tide times at Rhossili Visitors Centre before setting off.
Clyne Gardens
A garden lovers paradise, enjoy 50 acres of woodland gardens, with a wild flower meadow, viewing tower , bog garden, and internationally acclaimed collections. The annual highlight of the year is in May when the ‘Clyne in Bloom’ displays attract visitors from all over the world.
Beaches
The south side of the Gower Peninsula boasts an array of award winning beaches, which are usually far quieter than the beaches at more commercialised resorts. The best beaches are to be found at Bracelet Bay, Caswell Bay, Langland Bay, Port Eynon Bay, Oxwich, Three Cliffs and Rhossili, where the wreck of the Helvetia which ran aground in 1887 can be seen.
Gower Heritage Centre
A working 12th century water-mill hosts a rural life museum with craft shops, craft activities, play areas and an animal farm.
Oystermouth Castle
A well maintained 12th century castle on a hill overlooking Swansea Bay and the Mumbles. Founded by William de Londres of Ogmore Castle , the castle became chief residence of the Lords of Gower and had an interesting and varied history until it was given to Swansea Corporation in 1929.
Swansea Bay Tourist Information
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