A Guide to the Gower Peninsula
The Gower is a place that is very special to me. I’m lucky to call home and despite living here for 27 years it is a place that continues to amaze me.
Designated as the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956, the Gower is a thumb shaped peninsula located in the middle of Wales’ southern coastline.
Despite being a short drive from the urban chaos of Swansea, the peninsula feels like a completely different world.
The Gowers dramatic limestone coastline is lined with spectacular clifftop paths and has an array of breath-taking beaches of all shapes and sizes, from sweeping golden sanded vistas to secluded rocky coves.
Alongside being a walkers and beach goers dream, its also the heartland of Welsh surfing and has a whole host of adventurous activities to take part in.
Within this guide you’ll find blogs on the Gower Peninsulas must-visit locations, beaches, walks, photography spots, alongside the best places to watch the sunset and sunrise.
You’ll also find specific beach guides to Rhossili, Three Cliffs Bay, Blue Pool, and Tor Bay alongside individual hike guides to some my favourite walks on the peninsula.
Individual Beach Guides
Individual Hike Guides
Where to eat and drink on the Gower?
When is the best time to visit the Gower Peninsula?
As the main feature of this incredible peninsula is the beaches, it’s a place you will want to visit when the sun is out and the weather is good.
This can be hard to predict in Wales but ideally you will want to visit between late spring and early autumn. (April to October).
Personally I believe the best month to visit the Gower is in September.
The sea is at it’s warmest, the school holidays are over, the weather is usually a lot more stable and there’s a much more reasonable sunrise and sunset times.
I would avoid visiting during the Welsh school holidays as place can get extremely busy.
Winter here can be very dark, cold and gloomy so unless you’re into that or really like your surfing, then I would avoid visiting between November and March.
How long should I spend on the Gower Peninsula?
Ideally between 2-5 days depending on how much time you can put towards visiting.
You could easily spend a week or two exploring peninsula and not be disappointed.
However I would advise putting that extra time towards exploring other areas of South Wales such as the Brecon Beacons or Pembrokeshire.
A long weekend (60-72 hours) is a great amount of time if you want to visit some of the most iconic places on the peninsula.
Personally I would say 36-48 hours is the minimum amount of time you would want to spend here.
You can cram several sights into one day but the experience would be rushed and you wont be able to appreciate the true beauty of the peninsula.
How to get to and around the Gower Peninsula?
A car is obviously the most practical choice which offers the most freedom. It means you can go were you want, when you want.
That being said the public transport links to and around the Gower are very good.
Swansea Train Station is close to the city centre, with a wide range of passenger facilities, information and café. Taxis are readily available outside the station and Buses leave from main road stops outside the station.
Swansea bus station is located just in front of the quadrant shopping centre in in the centre of the city. From here you can catch numerous buses to and around the Gower
There are adventure buses which run multiple times a day and stop by all of the major sights including Three Cliffs Bay (Bus 117) and Rhossili (Bus 118)
A full bus timetable can be found here.
You can also easily cycle your way around the Gower. and it’s extremely popular with road cyclists.
The roads are generally quite good but can be narrow in places. Just make sure you wear the appropriate clothing and a helmet.
You can also make use of the Santander bikes which can be found all along Swansea Bay from the City Centre to the mumbles. These are self rental and can be used 24 hours day.
For more information check out this website.
Where to stay on the Gower Peninsula?
This depends on your budget, what’s available, and what type of property and experience you are looking for.
My first suggestion would be the village of Mumbles.
This is quintessential, vibrant seaside village is the gateway to the Gower and alongside having a a beautiful coastline, is full of fantastic places to eat and drink.
The village has great public transport links and some of my favourite spots, including Bracelet and Langland bay, are also within a short walking distance.
If you like camping then its hard to look further than Three Cliffs Bay Holiday park, this looks of the beach and has the best pitch views on the Peninsula.
If youre into surfing then check out Hillend holiday park.
This is located 200m behind the dunes at Llanegnnith, which is the best beach on the peninsula for surfing.
Aside from that there’s a huge amount of campsites, hotels, B&B’s, and unique stays dotted all around the peninsula, so the choice is yours.
Alternatively you can stay in the City of Swansea. This will have a far wider range of accommodation options alongside a more ‘exciting’ food and drink scene.
The peninsula is easily accessible from the city, with Rhossili being a 45-60 minute drive.
Mumbles Lighthouse and Bracelet bay
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For more travel, & photography inspiration around Wales check out my in-depth guides to each of my favourite regions below.
You can find more Welsh hiking inspiration in the following blogs