Picture this: a sunny September day, a stroll along a coastal path and paddle in the sea, finished with a pint and pub grub. Fifteen miles of sandy coastlines, seaside towns, winding lanes, and an outstanding food scene to the west of Dylan Thomas’ ugly lovely town, Gower is arguably one of the most underrated holiday places in not only Wales but the whole of the UK, reckons Eve Davies.
AWARD-WINNING BEACHES
Famed as an area of outstanding natural beauty, Gower is home to three Blue Flag beaches in Port Eynon, Langland Bay, and Caswell Bay; one Green Coast Awarded Bay, Bracelet Bay; and Rhossili, which Tripadvisor has deemed one of the world’s top 10 beaches.
PORT EYNON
Port Eynon is the perfect village for a family trip. Campsites and B&Bs, pubs and fish and chip shops in the area accommodate all kinds of visitors. Joined to Horton Beach and backed by dunes, Port Eynon Beach is a one-mile-long sandy stretch with lifeguards on duty during the summer months, making it a safe place for water sports providing swimmers are aware of the rocky shore. Flanked by coastal paths leading to Oxwich Bay and Rhossili Bay, the village is a great base for hikers. Steeped in history around piracy and smuggling, Port Eynon also draws in curious explorers.
LANGLAND
Lined by green and white beach huts, Langland Bay is picturesque. It is a favourite amongst beachgoers on a hot day and surfers’ favourite when the waves pick up, so you’re sure to find it buzzing with energy. Langland is home to one of the country’s best seafront restaurants, Langlands Brasserie, where you can enjoy local seafood, fine wine, or a coffee and custard slice. Alternatively, you can get active at Langland’s tennis courts or golf courses. Langland is linked to its sister bay, Caswell, via a hilly but moderately easy coastal path, offering breathtaking views of the Bristol Channel. On a clear day, you can see the North Devon coastline.
CASWELL
Caswell Bay is another local favourite where flocks of people descend on a sunny day. With a modular changing places unit and beachfront car park, the beach is easily accessible. Thanks to Caswell’s large swells, Gower Surf Academy is located on the bay, making it a Welsh surfing paradise.
BRACELET BAY
Around the corner from Mumbles, Bracelet Bay is a small pebble and sand beach surrounded by limestone cliffs. The bay offers spectacular sunrise views overlooking Mumbles Lighthouse.
RHOSSILI
Rhossili Bay encompasses three miles of undulating sand, one of Wales’ best beer gardens, and the infamous Worm’s Head. The Atlantic swell makes it a great spot for surfing, while the rugged clifftops make it a hiker’s heaven, and its golden sands attract sand-castle builders and beach bathers. If you catch the right time of year, Rhossili also showcases picture-perfect fields of human-height sunflowers (take note Instagrammers).
MUMBLES
Mumbles is bursting with character and charm. With streets lined by luxury boutiques, quality restaurants, Victorian architecture, and one of the world’s best ice cream parlours, it is easy to see why it is such a well-loved seaside town. Crazy golf, arcade games, land train rides, and art gallery visits are just a few Mumbles activities. Not to forget the incredible foodie scene: seek out an independent business like the Gower Seafood Hut or the high-end Môr, and you’re sure to find a delicious bite to eat at Mumbles.
Looking for a bit of peace?
Quieter, more secluded spots on the Gower Peninsula include Pobbles Bay, Pwlldu Beach, Llanmaddoc Beach, Slade Bay, and Tor Bay, which are accessible via clifftop or country treks, making them ideal locations for an introverted day out.
words EVE DAVIES
