19 of the best things to do in the Gower Peninsula

The unofficial capital of the Gower Peninsula, Swansea remains the best base from which to explore the south coast of Wales. There’s plenty to distract in the city (Swansea is a fantastic destination in its own right), from the enchanting ruins of Oystermouth Castle to the fun and games at the Victorian Mumbles Pier. Swansea is the centre of Dylan Thomas world, and the city is full of homages to the most famous of all Welsh wordsmiths. The Dylan Thomas Centre is an absolute must for any lover of literature.

There’s no better way to engage with everything that makes the Gower so special than by embarking on one of the many walks the region offers. One such stroll covers the eight-mile stretch of ambling countryside between Llanrhidian and Cheriton, a route that passes beaches, churches, castles and more. Weobley Castle is the standout, a 14th-century stunner that affords those lucky enough to venture here incredible views across the Llanrhidian salt marshes. Much of the Gower is covered by the Wales Coast Path, so there’s no shortage of hiking options.

Getting a case of the rumbly tummy is no bad thing on the Gower Peninsula; quality food is everywhere. Okay, not literally everywhere, but each passing village comes with a charming pub that will rustle up classic pub grub in a heartbeat. Beach House in Oxwich offers something altogether finer, innovative cooking that pushes the envelope and accentuates flavours. Booking ahead is an absolute must, but it is totally worth it.

You’ll not struggle to find adventure on the Gower. Surfing is the king of extreme sports in these parts, and the Gower is known for offering some of the best breaks in the UK. Those looking for consistency should check out the beaches at Oxwich, Rhossili and Caswell, while beginners can pick up kit, tips and lessons from Gower Surfing, with options available all over the peninsula.

Concocting beverages made from local ingredients is all the rage in the Gower. Gin lovers should seek out Gower Gin (the Rhossili blend, with sea buckthorn and gorse flowers, is particularly tasty), a family-run distillery based in Port Eynon. More of a beer lover? Gower Brewery has been brewing the good stuff for more than a decade, with the awards to show for it. Both make excellent souvenirs to take home but are best enjoyed in the humble surroundings of an old pub. The Ship Inn is the place to go for the latter, an old pub in Port Eynon.

The Gower Peninsula is famous for its beaches, and relaxing on the sands is an absolute must in these parts. Rhossili Bay gets most of the attention, and rightly so, but there is something about the rugged majesty of Three Cliffs Bay that almost always turns heads and drops jaws. As popular with rock climbers as it is with sun worshippers, Three Cliffs is 10 miles west of Swansea.

You’re in prime position for epic beach sunsets at The Old Rectory, the only building on Rhossili Bay. All that stands between this boxy white house and the beach is a mini grassy cliff and a few sheep. Dating back to the 1800s, it served as a base for WWII radar workers and a filming location for ‘Torchwood’ before becoming a holiday cottage. It has a big kitchen for cooking feasts and proper hygge wood-burning stoves. Evenings can be spent in the garden, watching the tide come in under those pinky skies. Those looking for an altogether more traditional hotel experience should consider Culver House Hotel in Port Eynon.