The Gower and the Swansea Bay area is one of Wales’s coastal gems. It has dramatic coastlines, breathtaking scenery and fantastic places to eat. It’s also home to some of the best surfing in the UK.

There are lots of things to do in the Gower in Wales. There are fantastic restaurants, coastal walks, piers, castles and more in this beautiful part of Wales. It’s a perfect seaside staycation spot in the UK.

If you are thinking of visiting the Gower and the Swansea Bay area then this guide can help you to plan your Welsh seaside break.

Best things to do in the Gower Wales

The Gower Peninsula is a short drive from the Welsh city of Swansea, and is one of the most scenic parts of Wales.

It was actually designated as the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956. Today, it still remains as beautiful as ever.

Here you’ll find Gastropubs, sandy beaches, Victorian Piers, seafood and some incredible hikes.

Disclaimer: This content was created from a press trip with Visit Swansea Bay

Gower tour

If you are short on time when travelling around Wales, why not book a full-day tour of the Gower Peninsular?

You can let an expert guide show you around this incredible area and learn more about this gorgeous part of Wales.

Hike along the coastal path, visit a National Trust visitor centre and have lunch at Rhossili.

Gower Peninsula Beaches

The dramatic coastline of Gower, which compromises of limestone cliffs, award-winning beaches and surfing spots.

There are over 6 miles of award-winning Blue Flag Beaches in the Gower. You can also enjoy coastal walks and stunning clifftop views.

Even if the weather is unkind [which it often is in Wales], you can still take a stroll in the bracing sea air. Or find a cosy pub to stay dry in and sample local Welsh dishes?

Some of the most popular beaches include Llangennith, Oxwich Bay, Three Cliffs Bay beach and Rhosilli beach.

They all have their unique set of characteristics, features and facilities. Several are dog-friendly if you are looking to take your doggo for a seaside stroll.

Three Cliffs Bay Gower

Three Cliffs Bay beach is home to wild swells, sand dunes and salt marsh. It gets its name from its three limestone cliffs.

It’s a particularly photogenic part of Swansea Bay and many people come here to get those perfect Instagram shots.

Be warned beach fans, the sea is particularly wild here, so swimming is not generally advised. Why not pack a picnic and admire the scenery instead?

Oxwich Bay Gower

Oxwich Bay is a large sandy beach that is ideal for sunbathing, surfing and swimming. There are lots of facilities nearby, including the stunning Oxwich Bay Hotel. It’s also one of the easier beaches to get to in this area.

It’s also a fantastic beach for an evening stroll, you can also pop in for a cheeky glass of wine at the Oxwich Bay Hotel. Order a few drinks, sit outside and watch the sun go down.

Rhossili Bay

Rhossili Bay has been voted Wales’ Best Beach 2018 and it’s easy to see why. It’s 3 miles of sandy beach, it’s also dog-friendly and has the iconic landmark, Worms Head.

There’s also the opportunity to spot dolphins and seals if you are really lucky!

Remember to bring a decent camera and lens kit if you want to get some amazing wildlife shots. It’s also a fantastic place for hikers to traverse the Gower Peninsula.

Mumbles

West of Swansea bay is the headland Area known as the mumbles.

When I was growing up, Mumbles was most famous for the ‘Mumbles Mile’, a seafront pub crawl, consisting of 26 pubs [that was around a mile-ish].

Doing the so-called ‘mumbles mile’ was a rite of passage for the young people of Wales.

You would stumble from one traditional pub to the next supping cheap larger and hope you had enough money for a bag of chips at the end of the night to sober up.

Many of those pubs have now closed and these days Mumbles has moved away from being known as a rampant drinking spot to a more cultured, hipster seaside strip.

Things to do in Mumbles

Now there are art galleries, an artisan Mumbles brewery, boutique shops and high-end cafes. You can take a stroll along the seafront or have a delicious cream tea in a cafe.

If you are looking for art or unique gifts, then make sure to call into the Gower Gallery. Or why not purchase a traditional Lovespoon from the Lovespoon Gallery?

Mumbles Pier

One of the most recognisable spots in Mumble is Mumbles Pier, first built in 1898. It is one of Swansea Bay’s most iconic features from the Victorian era.

The Pier is currently partially closed for some much-needed refurbishment. The site is still partially open and you can visit the beach hut cafe, and amusement arcades.

Camping in the Gower

One of the best places for camping in the Gower is near Llangennith beach. This beautiful Welsh beach is a popular spot for both surfing and camping.

The Hill End campsite is located just behind the dunes of Llangennith beach and consists of several flat meadows next to sand dunes.

Hill End Campsite Llangennith

The campsite is an ideal overnight spot for keen surfers as the beach is only a short walk through the sand dunes. You will then reach a sandy beach with pretty consistent waves.

The campsite is well equipped with hot showers, toilets, shop and coffee shop and bistro.

The guys who run the site are fairly laid back but won’t tolerate large groups making a racket throughout the night. So if you are looking for all night camping piss up, this isn’t really the place for you.

Llangennith beach

If you want to have a drink or two and watch the sunset, head up to the sand dunes that border the beach and have a campfire and beers with your buddies.

There’s nothing quite like a campfire in the dunes, with a few cheeky wines to give you serious summer vibes.

Hill End is open from 1^st April to 31^st October and a tent with up to 3 adults costs approx £21.00 Sunday – Thursday and £26.00 Friday and Saturday.

Swansea Bay Coastal Walks

There are many gorgeous walks around the Gower area, you can join the Wales coastal path following the stunning coastline of the Gower Peninsula.

There’s the popular three cliff bay circular walk, the Oxwich point walk, or the Pennard Castle walk.

Some of my favourite walking routes include many Rhossili walks, including the route to Worm’s Head in Rhosilli.

Worms Head Circular walk

The Worm’s Head is 2 small and pretty islands off the headland of Rhossili. They are joined to the coast at low tide by a causeway. Walking out to Worms Head will give you incredible coastal views.

Make sure you have proper walking attire for this hike as the walk involves a bit of scrambling and is a bit rocky in parts.

Rhosilli tide times

The walk to Worm’s Head is possible only 2.5 hours either side of low tide. This means you have to plan your walk in advance and consult the tide timetables.

Make sure you check the Rhosilli tide times before you set off unless you want to be stranded there.

There’s also a cafe nearby selling hot coffee if you’ve had a rather bracing walk through the sea air!

Wales Coast Path Gower

The Gower Peninsula section of the Wales Coast Path has a series of Easy, moderate and difficult walks.

You can enjoy the unspoilt coastline, limestone cliffs, beautiful headlands and golden beaches when you walk the Gower Peninsula.

Several popular walks in the area include Oxwich to Pennard Cliffs, a fairly easy 5-mile walk.

Rhossili to Port Eynon a 7.5-mile coastal walk through the rugged surroundings and Langland Bay to Caswell Bay, a straightforward 2-mile circular route.

When embarking on any sort of hiking remember to always take proper gear with you.

A sturdy pair of hiking boots, plenty of water and take layers that can be added/removed as needed.

Also, be sure to stick to proper paths and take all rubbish with you, it’s important to preserve the natural beauty of these wild places.

Gower surfing

One of the best places for surfing in Wales is the Gower. One of my favourite surfing spots in the Gower is Llangennith. It’s a picturesque spot to surf in with consistent waves that rival Newquay in Cornwall.

There are several breaks around the area to explore with wind swells and groundswells in equal measure.

Be aware that it can get quite crowded in the surf, so pay extra attention and care, especially if you are a beginner.

Surf lessons Gower

If you are new to wave riding why not book a surf-lesson with Big Blue Adventures?

These guys are the outdoor specialist in Wales and offer a range of surf lesson options.

The surf lessons take place at either Rhossili Bay or Llangennith Beach and are around 2 hours long, including all equipment, experienced instructor and training on the beach.

You can begin your surf adventure from only £35.00 per person but be warned, once you catch that first wave, you’ll be hooked!

If you want to further develop your surfing in Wales, surf camps are also available for you to enjoy a full week of surf-lessons and become the queen of the waves!

Where to eat in the Gower

The Gower and the Swansea Bay area has a growing reputation for culinary excellence, including seafood and many traditional Welsh offerings such as cockles, lamb and laverbread.

Microbreweries are also popping up as they catch up with the growing real ale trend in the UK.

One of the most well know is Mumbles Brewery who brew ales with local flavours including ‘Mumbles Mile’ and ‘Mumbles Gold’.

There are also many traditional pubs, cafes, ice cream shops and fine dining restaurants to choose from in the Swansea Bay area, you are frankly spoiled for choice.

Worm’s Head Hotel

The Worm’s Head Hotel is a brilliant place to tuck into a proper pub lunch in their bar and restaurant and enjoy stunning views of Rhossili Bay.

They have traditional pub style menu featuring Welsh seafood specialities such as Penclawdd Cockles & Laverbread and Burry Port Mussels, alongside a daily specials board.

If visiting on a Sunday, you can also order a rather filling Sunday roast. Try and bag an outside table if the weather is dry for the fabulous sea views.

Verdi’s

If you are looking for classic seaside fayre then head straight to Verdi’s for lunch and ice cream.

This family-run establishment overlooks Swansea Bay and is a fab dining spot to watch the waves.

Choose from a wide range of menu options including pizza, pasta, salads, sandwiches and homemade focaccias.

The real treat here is the award-winning Italian Ice Cream. There are 30 different flavours to choose from, so why not pick your favourites and create your own sundae?

King Arther Hotel

The rather Instagrammable Kind Arther Hotel also houses a restaurant that serves delicious home cooked food and real ales.

Staff are on hand for menu recommendations and banter as you relax in the warming atmosphere.

You can order generous portions of typical pub grub that also includes locally caught fish and seasonal game.

Oxwich Bay

Dining at Oxwich Bay Hotel is an experience not to be missed. Dine in gorgeous surroundings in a beautifully decorated dining room with attentive waiting staff.

Dishes are contemporary and fresh and typical offerings include Pan Roasted Pheasant, Pan Fried Salmon and Goats Cheese & Vegetable Strudel.

Places to eat Gower

There are many more dining options in the Gower, try delicious Gower Beer Battered fish and home-made chips at the Kings Head Inn. Or perhaps feast on moreish salt and pepper calamari at the Gower Seafood Hut.

Sweet lovers should grab an ice cream from Joe’s Ice Cream or cakes at the Three Cliffs Coffee Shop.

Oxwich Bay Hotel

Oxwich Bay Hotel has the most perfect seaside location for an overnight stay.

There is a mix of accommodation available including static holiday homes, hotel rooms, cottage rooms and rather enchanting ‘secret garden’ accommodation.

Their ensuite bedrooms can also be upgraded to a luxury sea view room, for stunning views of the coast.

Gower Peninsular hotels

There is extensive outdoor seating overlooking Oxwich Bay, a contemporary restaurant and lots of snug corners to enjoy a cocktail or two. Residents and non-residents can also enjoy a memorable dining experience and feast on a range of freshly prepared dishes from a varied and enticing menu in their restaurant.

My favourite part of the stay was drinking prosecco on the outside terrace as the wind whipped around us. It was incredibly peaceful and serene sipping on fizz and watching the waves roll in.

I would really recommend the hotel for a romantic getaway with your loved one, start dropping hints for Valentine’s day immediately!

As well as cosy rooms and pleasant surroundings, Oxwich Bay Hotel also serves up an extensive breakfast.

Start your day the right way with their full Welsh breakfast that includes eggs, grilled bacon, laverbread, sausage, tomato and cockles.

Things to do near Swansea

There is a huge range of activities in The Gower and Swansea Bay and this selection should keep you busy for a long weekend.

If you have more time, why not head to Swansea, the beautiful waterfront city that has a lot to offer in terms of culture and cuisine.

Visit galleries, museums and restaurants including the Grape and Olive restaurant, a modern bar and eatery that offers 360-degree views of the marina.