The Gower Peninsula was one of the first places designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Stretching out from Swansea in a similar aspect to Cornwall this gives it some of the great characteristics you would expect from the much larger England county, much visited by walkers, birdwatchers, sunbathers, climbers and surfers.
The peninsula is only 26km (15 miles) in length, and 180 km2 (70 square miles) in area, but hosts some of the best coastlines, woodland and beaches you will find anywhere in the UK.
As far as beaches go you have large well-known destinations like Rhossili but also if you take the coastal paths you will find some smaller remote bays that you can often have all to yourself.
If you want to explore towns then Mumbles is probably one of the first places to visit with its Victorian seafront, pier and a multitude of cafes and restaurants.
If you are more inclined to get away from the bustle of tourists then head to the top of Rhossili Down, the highest point on the Gower, you will see great views of the peninsula as well as across the sea to West Wales, Lundy Island and the north Devon coast.
The Gower is a great area if you are a dog owner as a significant number of beaches allow dogs all year round, with the 3 miles of Rhossili being the largest of them. Those that don’t offer all-year-round access have restrictions between May 1st and September 30th.
Want to take a break from the hassle of driving then take the Gower Explorer bus that links all the main beaches, walks and places you shouldn’t miss.
Start browsing around the area with our Swansea Bay & The Gower interactive maps.