The Gower Peninsula

Gower remains a popular all year round resort. The Gower Peninsula is officially designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) with wide open beaches that contrast with rugged shorelines. Natural and unspoiled are obvious adjectives when describing this area to visitors new and old.

The Gower Peninsula is 19 miles x 8 miles. Therefore all areas are easily accessible within a short time scale. The natural geology and general aspect only serve to enhance the physical beauty. Swansea is situated at the gateway to the Gower.


Beaches

Whiteford Sands

Whiteford Sands run north from Llanmadoc to Whiteford Point where there is a disused lighthouse. The beach and the adjacent dunes are part of the National Nature Reserve. It is dangerous to bathe due to estuary tides and there are information boards available.

Llangennith

Situated at the northern end of Rhossili Bay, this is a popular beach with many people. It is famous for both its surf and large tidal ranges. At low tide it is possible to cross to the island of Burry Holms where there are remains of a monastic settlement associated with St. Cenydd.

Accommodation: Camping, Caravans and Bed & Breakfast. AccessDrive through the village of Llangennith, past the Kings Head Pub until you reach a mini roundabout, turn left and continue for approximately half a mile until you reach Hillend Campsite where you will find parking facilities. Parking: Fixed price for all day parking. Access is restricted between 2200 and 0600. No overnight parking is permitted.

Camping facilities available on location. Basic provisions are available from Hillend campsite shop, open April - October (0900 - 1800) There is no shop in the main village, although fresh home grown fruit and vegetables are widely available during the summer months The Kings Head pub serves hot and cold foods all day including breakfast. Swimming, surfing, canoeing, surf canoe, fishing, sand yachting, hang-gliding

Rhossili Bay

A superb beach with excellent bathing and spectacular scenery. A village situated on a 200ft high cliff along which you can take an invigorating walk out to the famous Worms Head, accessible 2.5 hours either side of low tide. Swimming, surfing, canoeing, hang-gliding, fishing, National Trust shop and information board.

Fall Bay

Fall bay is a shady secluded beach which is covered at high tide. Access is either via cliff path from the village of Mewslade or by weaving through the farm tracks, starting in the main car park.

Mewslade Bay

Mewslade is a sandy secluded beach, adjacent to Fall Bay, set amongst outstanding cliff scenery. Access is easiest via a farm car park set back approximately one mile from Rhossili Village.

Port Eynon

One of the most popular bays in Gower. A large expanse of sandy beach provides plenty of room for everyone. The close proximity of the village and launching facilities make it a popular destination for most watersport enthusiasts. Swimming, windsurfing, canoeing, boating, boat slip, youth hostel and information board.

Oxwich Bay

Oxwich is a popular bay with a long stretch of sandy beach, usually sheltered from the prevailing westerly winds. Most of the beach, dunes, marshland and woods are a nature reserve. Swimming, fishing, windsurfing, canoeing, sailing, boating and boat slip.

Three Cliffs Bay

The most photographed beach on the Gower, located at the mouth of a river estuary and overlooked by the ruins of Pennard Castle. Swimming (can be dangerous due to tidal stream).

Pwll-Du Bay

A large sandy secluded beach backed by a high bank of pebbles. Behind the beach is the popular and scenic Bishopston Valley. It is rumoured that U-Boats visited this area to repleish their water supplies during the war. Swimming, fishing.

Brandy Cove

A sandy cove with rocks and pebbles. As the name implies it was once used for smuggling.

Caswell Bay

A very attractive bay with Bishops Wood Nature Reserve in Caswell Valley which provides an interesting contrast to the large sandy beach. Swimming, surfing, windsurfing, fishing, canoeing, local nature reserve, deckchair hire, information board. Langland BayA popular sandy beach that is fringed by beach huts. Facilities include public tennis courts and parking close to the beach. Swimming, surfing, fishing, golf, tennis, information board.

Swansea Bay

A wide expanse of sand stretching from the Maritime Quarter to Mumbles Head, used mainly for recreational purposes rather than bathing. Windsurfing, fishing, canoeing, water-skiing and boat slip at Mumbles, information boards.

Clothing

Medium weight throughout the year, although light weight maybe more suitable for summer months. Summers can be especially warm although some rainfall can be expected. There are usually coastal breezes that slightly reduce temperatures during these periods.

Extreme Weather

Winters are not usually extreme and cold snaps do not last for long periods of time. The close proximity of sea water tends to reduce the impact of snow settling during cold weather.

Water Temperature

Gower like the rest of Britain benefits from the Gulf Stream effect that circulates through the Atlantic Ocean and it is possible to bathe and swim in the sea comfortably during the summer months. The water temperature is highest during July and August. For those who enjoy water sports and wear wetsuits the following should apply:

Nov-Apr: 5mm suits with gloves, hat and boots. May-Jul: 4mm suits
Jul-Aug: 2mm suits Sept-Nov: 4mm suits with boots