Gower – Britain’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Explore its amazing landscapes and coastline; it’s just a short ride from Swansea by bus or bike

Much of the Gower Peninsula is in the ownership or management of the National Trust who have a Visitor Centre in Rhossili providing information, souvenirs and gifts.

Plan your journey to the locations below with the Traveline Cymru Journey Planner

Buses in Gower

The Gower Explorer bus network is one of the most comprehensive in a rural area. Two main routes from Swansea to Rhossili and Llanrhidian have roughly hourly weekday services and Sunday services in high summer.

The smaller villages are served by less frequent connecting buses on weekdays and no service on Sundays.

Plan Your Journey

Walking in Gower

There are numerous walks in all parts of Gower and information on many can be obtained by using the This is Gower App

The National Trust has a series of interesting walks in the Peninsula, check them out here

The Gower Way long distance footpath was created by the Gower Society in association with Swansea Ramblers. It goes from Rhossili on the western tip of Gower to Penlle’r Castell in the ancient Lordship of Gower north of Swansea

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Cycling in Gower

Cycling in much of the peninsula is a challenge that only experienced and confident cyclists can tackle in safety. However there are some routes and quiet country lanes suitable for the less confident and family cyclists. We include four such routes, some of which we recommended cycles are brought by car to the start to avoid difficult main roads.
Photo © Wheelrights

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LET US INTRODUCE YOU TO SOME OF THE FASCINATING PLACES

AND ACTIVITIES GOWER HAS TO OFFER

Plan your journey to the locations below with the Traveline Cymru Journey Planner

World class Bays and Beaches

  • Rhossili and Worm’s Head

    • Rhossili terminus (centre of village), 114, 118, 119
    • Cycle parking available
    This bay is a world famous location, with its 4 kilometres of sandy beach, iconic Worm’s Head (check tides before heading there) and lots of interesting history, and a Visitor Centre.

  • Three Cliffs Bay

    • Parkmill Shepherd’s (1.5 kms), 114, 117, 118
    • Pennard Cliffs (1.25 kms), 14, 114
    This iconic bay has been recipient of several awards for its outstanding scenery and location. Situated 1 km from the main road and reached by waymarked footpaths, getting there is well worth the effort.

  • Port Eynon Bay

    • Port Eynon terminus (near beach), 115, 117, 118
    The delightful village of Port Eynon has a sandy, family-friendly beach which is easily accessible. It has an historic church, a lifeboat station and remains of an old salt house.

  • Oxwich Bay

    • Oxwich Cross, 114, 117 (near beach)
    Nestled at the end of fabulous sandy beach, Oxwich is also noted for its fine National Nature Reserve, an historic church and a castle.

  • Mewslade Bay

    • Pitton crossroads (0.5 km), 114, 118, 119
    This real gem is a short distance from the main road, its secluded beach sitting among towering cliffs and is reached by footpath from Pitton.

  • Pwll Du Bay

    • Pyle Corner, Bishopston (1 km) 14, 114
    This is a wild and secluded, pebbly ‘raised beach’ which is well worth the rather challenging footpath walk from Bishopston.

Gower’s fascinating Heritage and History

  • Gower Heritage Centre

    • Parkmill Shepherd’s (0.25 km), 114, 117, 118
    • Cycle Parking Nearby
    A rural life museum based around a working 12th century water-mill, with craft shops and activities, adventure playground, an animal farm, home to La Charrette Wales' smallest cinema and much more.
    Visit Website

  • The Vile at Rhossili

    • Rhossili terminus (adjacent), 114, 118, 119
    • Cycle parking near by
    The Vile, a medieval strip field system near Rhossili village (comes from how the word 'field' is pronounced in the old Gower dialect) and is one of only a few remaining historical strip fields in Britain with its land still farmed using the old medieval methods. Photo (c) Copyright National Trust
    Visit Website

  • Oxwich Castle

    • Oxwich Cross (0.25 kms) 114, 117
    Not a real castle but a grand Tudor house resembling a castle and built on the site of former fortifications by the Mansel family in the 16th century. It is open to the public on five days a week from early spring (admission fee)
    Visit Website

  • Pennard Castle

    • Pennard Post Office (0.25 kms) 14, 114
    Pennard Castle is a ruin near the village of the same name, built in the early 12th C as a timber fortification following the Norman invasion. Its walls were rebuilt in stone in the 14th C. It was abandoned and fell into ruin due to encroaching sand dunes.
    Visit Website

  • Weobley Castle

    • Weobley Castle (adjacent) 115, 116
    One of a few surviving fortified manor houses in Wales, Weobley was home to the de la Bere family until the 15th C, with unspoilt views over north Gower marshlands and mudflats. Open to the public daily from early spring (charged)
    Visit Website

  • Llanmadoc Church

    • Llanmadoc Green (0.25 kms), 115, 116
    The delightful St Madoc’s Church was reputedly founded in the 6th C (from around which time is a crude pillar cross and boundary marker on an internal wall) and the present building dates from the 13th C.

  • Oxwich Church

    • Oxwich Cross (0.25 kms) 114, 117
    The ancient church of St Illtyd’s, hidden from view in the woodland beyond the hotel, originated in the 6th C and extended with a tower in the 14th C. The east window and figures of a knight and lady in the north wall are from same period

  • Port Eynon Church

    • Port Eynon terminus (adjacent), 115, 117, 118
    St Cattwg’s church founded in the 6th C though the present building dates from the 12th C. Interesting features include a holy water stoup in the porch (said to have been gifted by a grateful Spanish sea captain in gratitude to his rescuers).

  • Rhossili Church

    • Rhossili terminus (adjacent), 114, 118, 119
    St Mary’s was founded later than others in the 12th century by Anglo-Norman settlers. An interesting feature is the memorial to Petty Officer, Edgar Evans, a native of Rhossili, who perished with Captain Scott in the Antarctic in 1912.

  • Llanrhidian Church

    • Llanrhidian Cross (0.5 km), 115, 116, 119
    St Rhidian & St Illtyd’s was founded in the 6th C and the present building dates from the 13th C. A feature is a stone block (‘Parson’s Bed’) atop the west tower, a fire beacon warning of enemies approaching by land or sea.
    Visit Website

  • The Legend of King Arthur

    • Cefn Bryn summit request stop (0.5 kms), 115, 119
    The legendary Arthur’s Stone can be found near the summit of Cefn Bryn. Said to have got there when the legendary monarch found the stone in his shoe and threw it across the Loughor Estuary!

The Natural Wonders of Gower

  • Oxwich National Nature Reserve

    • Oxwich Cross (0.25 km), 114, 117
    One of the most important reserves in Wales, this is a great place to see wild orchids in late May and June. In the reserve and the surrounding ash woodlands are more than 600 species of plants. Its birdlife is impressive and the freshwater lakes provide wintering habitat for wildfowl.

  • Llanrhidian Marshes

    • Crofty (east end), 116
    • Llanrhidian Cross (west end), 115, 116, 119
    Owned by the National Trust, Llanrhidian Marsh is outstanding for its landscape and wildlife, is one of the best examples of a salt marsh in Britain and of international importance for its huge population of wintering wildfowl and waders. It is home to sheep, cattle and horses which can be seen grazing.

  • Whiteford National Nature Reserve

    • Llanmadoc Britannia Inn (0.5 km), 115, 116
    Owned by the National Trust, Whiteford Burrows is outstanding for its landscape beauty and wildlife. It is one of the best dune systems in Britain with an excellent series of dune habitats. Whiteford Sands lie to the east of the Burrows, with the dilapidated cast iron lighthouse at its northern end. There are views across the estuary towards Pembrey Sands and Burry Port.

Action and Adventure

In addition to its natural beauty, Gower is a great place for adventurous activities, particularly along its wild and wonderful coastline.

 

  • Perriswood Archery & Falconry

    • Nicholaston Court (0.25 kms), 114, 117, 118
    Perriswood is situated in the heart of Gower overlooking the stunning Oxwich Bay and provides a range of activities that can be enjoyed by all; archery sessions available daily and display and experience days with birds of prey.
    Visit Website

  • Gower Coast Adventures

    • Oxwich Cross (close to beach), 114, 117
    Experience fantastic wildlife encounters on the round trip from Oxwich Bay to Worms Head, hugging the coastline taking in the stunning scenery from a unique perspective.
    Visit Website

  • Clyne Farm Activity Centre

    • Owls Lodge, 14, 37 (inclined walk up Westport Avenue - approx 15mins)
    Clyne Farm Centre is set within 80 acres of scenic woodland and pasture overlooking Swansea Bay for adventure weekends or short breaks; adventure at Challenge Valley - the muddiest assault course in the world; or horse riding.
    Visit Website

  • Dryad Bushcraft

    Dryad offers a range of specialist Bushcraft and Survival Courses in Gower, designed to teach skills and techniques in a safe and enjoyable way. These activities are not in fixed locations. Once you know the location, check with Traveline Cymru for information how to get there on the bus.
    Visit Website

  • Gower Tours

    See the natural beauty of coast and countryside and history and heritage of Gower with escorted tours from local experts; pick-ups at Swansea Train and Bus Stations amongst others.
    Visit Website

  • Gower Unearthed

    Gower Unearthed aims to rediscover and recapture Gower's history and focuses on the relationship between people and the natural environment, documenting and delivering what is uncovered in a fresh and accessible way. These activities are not in fixed locations. Once you know the location, check with Traveline Cymru for information how to get there on the bus.
    Visit Website

  • Rip n Rock

    Rip n Rock is an outdoor adventure sports provider. We offer activities on Gower and in South Wales. Coasteering canyoning surfing climbing abseiling &more. These activities are not in fixed locations. Once you know the location, check with Traveline Cymru for information how to get there on the bus.
    Visit Website

Gower Surfing & Watersports

A number of operators provide surf hire and/or surfing lessons at points around the coast and these places are available for individual surfing without pre-booking.

Gower Surf Academy Caswell Bay year-round & Rhossili in summer
PJ’s Surf Shop Llangennith
Hot Dog Surf Shop Kittle
Oxwich Watersports, Oxwich Bay

  • Surfing at Caswell Bay

    • Caswell Bay (adjacent to beach), 2C weekdays, 3A Sundays
    Surfing at Caswell Bay

  • Surfing at Rhossili

    • Rhossili terminus (close to beach), 114, 118, 119
    Surfing at Rhossili

  • Surfing at Llangennith

    • Llangennith terminus (2 km), 115, 116
    Surfing at Llangennith

  • Gower Kite Riders

    • Llangennith terminus (1.5 km), 115, 116
    Kitesurfing at Broughton Beach
    Visit Website

  • Stand Up Paddle

    Stand up paddle boarding is an easy, accessible and versatile water sport that offers people a fantastic way to experience the water and available in Gower. These activities are not in fixed locations. Once you know the location, check with Traveline Cymru for information how to get there on the bus.
    Visit Website

Canoeing, Climbing, Coasteering and more!

Adventure companies offer adventures in Gower:

Adventure Britain
Gower Adventures
Hawk Adventures

Flying Lessons at Swansea Airport
Swansea Airport main entrance (0.25 km)

Two companies provide flying lessons:
Cambrian Flying Club
Gower Flight Centre

Places to Stay

Accommodation in Gower

Links to Hotels
Links to Bed & Breakfasts Links to Self Catering
Links to Camping
Links to Adventure Centres

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