Gower Peninsula

This article covers the rural areas of Swansea. It has been given the title 'Gower' as the Gower Peninsula constitutes the largest portion of Swansea's rural area and is the district of most interest to tourists. However, the article also includes the highland areas of Pontarddulais and Mawr. On the peninsula itself, the article covers all points west of Bishopston, Pwll Du Bay, Fairwood Common and Upper Killay. Detailed information of the urban area east of this line is documented in the Swansea article.
The Gower Peninsula is about 29 km long by 8 km wide and, in many ways, represents a microcosm of the very best of British countryside. There are wide sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, historic woodlands, salt marshes and open moors, all of which are interspersed with picturesque villages, country inns, castles, ancient churches and neolithic burial chambers. It is a land immersed in the mists of Celtic legends and secrets of smugglers tales. The peninsula is also home to an abundance of wildlife, with perhaps the wild Gower ponies that roam the moors being the most famous and well-loved. For recreation, Oxwich is the most popular bay for swimming and boating, while Llangennith is a surfers paradise and attracts boarders from all over the UK. Rhossili is a dramatic bay, and the sunset over the headland is one of the most photographed evening scenes in Europe.
The districts of Mawr and Pontarddulais are sparsely populated areas of Swansea's hinterland and offer wonderful opportunities for hillside walking and river-side recreation activities.

History

Historically, Gower covered an area of land under the jurisdiction of the Lords of Gower. It extended as far east as the River Tawe, and so it included what is now Swansea City Centre. This area corresponds very closely to the modern boundaries of the City and County of Swansea. However, nowadays "Gower" would be mostly understood to referring to the peninsula only.
The Gower "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty" (AONB) is an invention of post Second World War planning laws covering England and Wales, and represents a level of protection one step lower than offered by that of a "National Park".

• The Gower Peninsula is located in South Wales (Map of Gower) a 10-minute drive from the city of Swansea.
• Gower Explorer buses departing from Swansea's Quadrant Bus Station cover the entire peninsula. Traveline information.

By bus

Most of the villages and popular bays are connected by public transport. The Gower peninsula itself is served by the Gower Explorer branded bus services from the Quadrant Bus Station in Swansea city centre. The Lliw uplands to the north of the county of Swansea are served by Lliw Link branded bus services from the Quadrant Bus Station. (The Quadrant bus station is a good 10-15 minute walk from Swansea railway station, but there are frequent buses to the Quadrant Bus Station from the bus stop outside the railway station.)

On foot

There are some very well-established hiking routes on the Gower. The tourist office in Swansea city center offers good information.

Villages

Due to strict zoning laws, the rural areas of Swansea have not succumbed to urban sprawl. However, there are a few traditional villages in the area:

• Llangennith (Llangenydd) - a quintessential British coastal village with hens clucking around the village green, a stone church, a traditional pub and sheep strolling down the road towards a magnificent surfing beach; several B&Bs. Very popular with surfers in the summer, and has a large camping area for families and youngsters alike.
• Llanmadoc and Cheriton - two adjoining villages on north Gower - some lovely stone houses, a few B&Bs and a pub.
• Llanrhidian - a hill-side village running down to the marshes of the Loughor Estuary - some lovely stone houses and a pub.
• Oxwich - nestled in the curve of Oxwich Bay and with its thatched rooved cottages and castle, Oxwich is perhaps the Gower's most picturesque village. The village has a wonderful Saxon church, a couple of shops and a hotel.
• Port Eynon - a quaint village clustered around the sandy beach of Port Eynon Bay. There are a few shops and B&Bs, a pub and youth hostel.
• Reynoldston - an inland village surrounded by wild moorland with a good pub and accommodation.
• Rhossili - on a ridge offering spectacular views over Rhossili Bay and Worms Head - the village boasts a pub, cafe, shop and great National Trust gift shop.

Places of natural beauty

• Rhossili Bay and Worm's Head. Famous for is breathtaking view at sunset, and the vista is widely considered to be one of Europe's most spectacular coastal scenes. An excellent National Trust gift shop marks the beginning of the cliff top path, while the picturesque village of Rhossili provides an ideal setting for enjoying cream teas in the summer or for relaxing and taking a contemplative stroll at any time of the year. In addition, the conditions at Rhossili are excellent for handgliding and surfing; historians may also be interested to note that there is evidence of a stone-age settlement here. Visitors may also note a distinct lack of trees. The last real tree was at Ash Tree Farm, though this disappeared sometime during the early 1970s. The fierce westerly gales and trees are not a good match. The nearest trees to Rhossili are Middleton, the village just prior to Rhossili.
• Three Cliffs Bay. A great place to take a stroll through woods and watch the wild ponies galloping on the beach. The ruins of Pennard Castle guard the area from a hill to the left (when facing the sea). Note, however that the strong undercurrent at this bay make it unsuitable for swimming. The beach is entered from a path across from Shepard's village store and cafe.
• Oxwich Bay. Overlooked by Penrice castle, the pristine waters of the bay are surrounded by extensive dunes and woodlands and protected by a small Saxon church on the headland. Oxwich was named the most beautiful beach in the UK and one of the most beautiful in the world by The Travel Magazine in 2007.
• Caswell Bay. Sandy beach popular with families, holiday makers and surfers. Has Blue Flag status.
• Langland Bay. A beach on the south Gower costed distinctive for the beach huts behind the sandy beach

Castles and other antiquities

• (King) Arthur's Stone

  address: Cefn Bryn
  A neolithic burial chamber or cromlech dating from 2500BCE. The name is derived from a legend that the stone was thrown onto Cefn Bryn by the mythical King Arthur.

• Landimor CastleMinor ruins

• Loughor CastleOn north Gower - minor ruins.

• Oxwich Castle

  phone: +44 1792 390359
  address: Oxwich, SA3 1ND
  A fortified Tudor mansion in south Gower.

• Pennard CastleRuins offering spectacular views over Three Cliffs Bay.

• Weobley CastleLocated in north Gower, this is one of Swansea's best preserved castles and offers commanding views over the Loughor Estuary to Carmarthenshire. There is an admission charge.

Museums

• Gower Heritage Centre

  phone: +44 1792 371206
  address: Old Coastguard Cottage, Rhossili, Parkmill, SA3 2EH
  A rural life museum based around a working water mill. The museum also boasts one of the world's smallest cinemas - La Charrette - a 23-seat former railway carriage. There is also a gift shop and cafe on site.

Golf

• Gower Golf Club

  phone: +44 1792 872480
  address: Cefn Goleu, Gowerton, Three Crosses, SA4 3HS
  18-hole course set on rolling countryside.

• Langland Bay Golf Club

  phone: +44 1792 361721
  address: Langland Bay Rd, The Mumbles, SA3 4QR
  Mumbles. 18-hole links course set on moorland overlooking Caswell Bay and Langland Bay.

Surfing

• Gower Surf SchoolLevel 4 BSA approved. Offers classes in surfing at various Gower locations. Open all year.

• Gower and Swansea surf schoolOffers surfing lessons around Gower and Swansea 7 days a week all year around. Equipment is provided

• Welsh Surfing Federation Surf SchoolThe Barn, The Croft, Llangennith.

Outdoor activities

• Pony TrekkingAt Parc-le-Breos House, Penmaen.

• Rhossili and Borfa Activity Centres

  address: Middleton, Rhossili
  Offers domitory accommodation in Port Eynon and training in the following activities: abseiling, caving, climbing, coasteering, cycling and mountain-biking, kayaking and trekking.

• Mountain Boarding

  address: At brd Mountain Boarding Centre, Weobley Castle, Llanrhidian, Swansea, SA3 1HB
  Offers lessons for beginners and improvers. Discounts available for group bookings. The boarding centre is open for prior bookings only.

• Ripnrock

  phone: +44 7815 784122
  Outdoor activities on the Gower Peninsula. Coasteering, rock climbing, gorge walking, surfing, team building, canyoning and abseiling. Activities for all groups and all ages.

Art

Events

• Gower Folk FestivalLive performances and workshops at Weobley Castle. Camping facilities are available on site. Ticket sales are limited (350 – 400). Second weekend in June: 8-10 June 2018.

• Gower FestivalClassical and folk music, recitals, dance and jazz performed at the historic churches that dot the peninsula. July 2-14, 2018

• Swansea Bike RideWales's biggest bike ride organised by the British Heart Foundation. 12-mile, 28-mile or 46-mile routes through the Gower Peninsula to fight against heart disease. Mid-July.

Walks

• Lliw Reservoirs, near the village of Felindre. These small reservoirs are surrounded by recreational footpaths.
• Oxwich Bay, a picturesque four and a half hour walk as recommended in Times Walks

Driving

A less well-known destination in Swansea is the Lliw Uplands which contains some of the best mountain scenery in Wales:

• City Centre - Llangyfelach - Felindre - Garnswllt - Ammanford

From the city centre, head towards the road junction at Dyfatty lights. Take the second left turning onto Llangyfelach road (B4489) which will take you to the M4 Motorway (Junction 46). Head straight across the roundabouts on Junction 46. This will take you into the rural area of the Lliw Uplands. From here, much of the road consists of a narrow country lane. Follow this lane though the village of Felindre then on over Mynydd-y-Bettws with stunning views of the Lliw Lalley. The road takes you past Penlle'r Castell - the highest point in Swansea. It then descends into the farming village of Garnswllt and continues to Ammanford.

• Fruit and vegetables from the peninsula's arable farms.

• National Trust store

  address: Rhossili
  has a good selection of handicrafts and gifts, many with local flavour.

• Local ProduceGower Wildflower and Local Produce Centre, Blackhills Lane, Fairwood Common, opposite Swansea Airport. Sells an assortment of produce from local farms such as Gower wild flowers and Gower salt-marsh lamb.

• PJ's Surf ShopSurfwear, boards and accessories to buy plus surf rental available. Located in the centre of Llangennith next to the church.

• Mumbles Local Produce Market, Oystermouth Square, Mumbles, in the car park near the junction of Oystermouth Road and Newton Road. Held on the second Saturday of every month from 9am to 1pm.

Mid-range

• King Arthur's Hotel

  phone: +44 1792 390775
  address: Reynolston
  Great lunches/dinners in a wonderful traditional country hotel.

• The Gower Inn

  address: Parkmill
  A lovely old inn serving traditional pub food as well as some more innovative dishes.

• Britannia Inn

  address: Llanmadoc
  A lovely traditional inn near the North Gower Coast, specializing in wholesome meals made with local produce.

• The King's Head

  address: Llangennith
  Good range of bar meals, including several decent vegetarian options. Good quality versions of typical pub food e.g. curry, pies, lasagne. As the only pub in Llangennith it is often quite busy with a good atmosphere. Friendly staff

• Rake And Riddle

  phone: +44 1792 872886
  address: Gowerton Road, Penclawdd, Swansea, SA4 3RB

Splurge

• Fairyhill Hotel and Restaurant

  phone: +44 1792 390139
  address: Reynoldston
  An award-winning restaurant serving dishes cooked with local produce

• Langland's Brasserie

  address: Brynfield Road, Langland.
  A fine modern British restaurant with a fantastic view overlooking Langland Bay

Coffee

• CompassMain Rhossili road at Reynolston. While the cafe itself lacks charm, the food and coffee are good and the service quick and friendly - hearty breakfasts are a specialty.

• Dandelion Cafe

  address: 65 Southgate Rd, Southgate, Pennard
  Excellent coffee, including dandelion root coffee, healthy meals. Outdoor seating. Organizes book clubs and meditation meetings

• The Bay Bistro and Coffee House

  phone: +44 1792 390519
  address: Rossili
  Simple international cuisine. Excellent coffee, pastries. Stunning views over Rhossili Bay. .

Camping

• Bank Farm Leisure ParkHorton. Ocean views, within walking distance of beach.

• Beach Walk Parc

  phone: +44 1792 390337
  Oxwich Bay. Quiet campsite near beach.

• Llagadranta Farm

  phone: +44 1792 386202
  Llanmadoc.

• Nicholaston Farm Caravan & CampingNicholaston Farm, Penmaen. Great sea views and access to beaches via pleasant 10-minute walk through woods and dunes. Cafe and shop on site.

• Pitton Cross Caravan & Camping ParkPitton Cross, Rhossili.

Youth hostels

• Rhossili Bunkhouse

  phone: +44 1792 391509
  address: Middleton, Rhossili, SA3 1PL
  Rhossili Bunkhouse is within easy walking distance of three beaches. It is great for groups of friends or families. Opened in 2007, the Bunkhouse is run by the Trustees of Rhossili Village Hall for the benefit of the community. Open: Feb-Dec.

• Port Eynon Youth Hostel

  phone: +44 845 371 9135
  address: Old Lifeboat House, Port Eynon
  Former lifeboat station on sandy beach; self catering, but has a licensed lounge serving alcohol. Extra charge for parking (daytime) in high season.

• Gower BunkhouseBorfa House, Port Eynon. Pre-booked groups only. Open: Fri-Sat nights and school vacation times.

Holiday Cottages

• Gower Holiday Village

  phone: +44 1792 390431
  address: Scurlage, Nr. Port Eynon, Gower, SA3 1AY
  Offers a number of bungalows. Includes an indoor heated swimming pool.

• Hill House Holiday Cottage

  phone: +44 1792 391333
  address: Llanrhidian, Swansea, SA3 1ER
  Tranquil village location with rural and estuary views. Sleeps 9 + cot in four bedrooms. Good for large family holidays. Pets welcome.

• Blackheath Cottage, Reynoldston

  phone: +44 1234 823645
  Cosy stone cottage in heart of Gower.

Budget

Mid-range

• Culver House

  address: Port Eynon
  A twelve-room guest house right at the edge of the dunes.

• Parc-le-Breos House

  address: Penmaen
  A converted 19th-century farm house in own grounds.

• Oxwich Bay Hotel

  address: Oxwich
  A modern hotel in a fantastic location, but with rather shabby decor and facilities.

• Britannia Inn

  address: Llanmadoc
  A lovely traditional inn near the North Gower Coast. The inn mostly functions as a pub-cum-restaurant, but it also has a few cozy and pleasantly furnished rooms. A wonderful place to relax and enjoy country hospitality.

• Bryngwyn Holiday Home

  address: Llanrhidian
  Very well renovated holiday home offering self catering in Llanrhidian village. Sleeps six to eight.

• Number 38 The Gower

  phone: +44 121 744-3301
  address: Gower Holiday Village, Scurlage Nr Port Eynon, SA3 1AY
  Self-catering bungalow, sleeps 6, pets welcome, free WiFi, Pool, indoor outdoor play areas, shop,pub and fish & chip shop with walking distance.

Splurge

• Oldwalls Resort

  address: Llanrhidian
  An exclusive resort on the North Gower Coast, offering full recreational facilities, heli-pad, wooded areas and gardens. The resort is within walking distance of beaches and villages. The high security walls make it the perfect place for celebrities and others who want to avoid the public eye.

The people of South Gower are traditionally English speaking and cannot speak Welsh. However, North Gower and the district of Mawr has a high percentage of Welsh-speakers.

The area dialling code for Gower is the same as Swansea - 01792. From overseas, dial +44 1792 XXX-XXX