12 best things to do in the Gower Peninsula

At the top of your list of things to do in Gower should be a trip to the beach.  The Gower Peninsula was designated as a Heritage Coast in 1973 and is home to some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches.

Without exception, the Gower beaches are stunning.  With miles of golden sand and striking limestone cliffs, it’s no surprise they have won numerous awards.

Whether you are looking to build sandcastles, surf the waves or just enjoy a scenic walk, there is a beach in Gower for everyone.  From the expansive Rhossili Bay to more secluded spots, like Blue Pool Bay, the beaches in Gower are undoubtedly one of the top attractions in Gower.

Arguably the most breathtaking of all the Gower Peninsular beaches,  Rhossili Bay is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring this corner of South Wales.  Frequently hailed as one of the best beaches in Britain, Rhossili is an award-winning beach and attracts visitors from across the globe.  It has earned a host of accolades, including  being named Britain’s Best Beach, the 3rd best beach in Europe and even ranking as the 9th best beach in the world.

Stretching over three miles, this award-winning beach offers plenty of space for everyone, even during the busiest summer months.  Upon arrival, be sure to take in the jaw-dropping views from the clifftop viewpoint.  Expect to be blown away by the expansive stretch of golden sands and dramatic coastline.

Although the path down to the beach is steep, the rewards are well worth it.  Pack everything you need, as there are no facilities directly on the beach.  Some visitors may find this path very challenging, especially on the return journey.

One of the most thrilling things to do in the Gower Peninsula is a hike out to the iconic Worm’s Head, a narrow, serpent-shaped tidal island at the end of the headland at Rhossili Bay.  This unique geological feature is a highlight of the area, attracting hikers, adventures, and nature enthusiasts alike.

The key challenge of hiking to Worm’s Head lies in timing your trip perfectly with the tides.  The causeway to Worm’s Head is only accessible for about two and a half hour’s either side of low tide.  Miss this window and you’ll risk being stranded by the incoming water.  Check the tide timetable in advance and allow plenty of time for your return journey.

Reaching Worm’s Head is an adventure in itself.  The hike begins with a clamber across rocks and a mussel-covered causeway, before climbing up to traverse the aptly named Devil’s Bridge.

Once you reach Worm’s Head, the views are breathtaking.  The island is also a fantastic spot for wildlife enthusiasts,  and you have a good chance of spotting marine wildlife, such as seals and marine birds.  We’ve done the hike several times and the experience is undeniably exhilarating, but certainly not for everyone.

No trip to the Gower Peninsula is complete without a visit to the charming seaside town of Mumbles, one of the most popular Gower Peninsula attractions.  This picturesque Victorian town exudes a traditional seaside charm and offers something for everyone, making it a top choice for places to visit in the Gower.

One of the best things to do in Mumbles is a walk to the iconic Mumbles Pier.  From here, you can take in stunning coastal views, visit the lifeboat station, try fishing, or enjoy the retro fun of the amusement arcade.  After your walk, treat yourself to coffee or ice cream at seafront cafes like the Beach Hut Café or Verdi’s, both of which offer stunning views over Swansea Bay.

Another highlight of Mumbles is Oystermouth Castle, one of the most fascinating places to visit in the Gower Peninsula. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the town, this medieval castle is a fun place for families and offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich history.

Alternatively, if you’re visiting Mumbles at low tide, take a walk across the beach to the Mumbles Lighthouse.  Climb up onto the island for a closer look at this iconic landmark and enjoy breathtaking views of Swansea Bay and beyond.

If you’re feeling active, hire a bike and cycle along the traffic-free promenade that connects Mumbles to Swansea.  This safe and scenic route is perfect for families and offers beautiful views of the coastline. Our bike ride along the promenade was one of the most enjoyable family-friendly activities in the Gower Peninsula.

With its rich history, family-friendly attractions, and scenic beauty, Mumbles is packed with things to do and makes for a perfect day out in the Gower. Whether you’re exploring the Mumbles Pier, visiting Oystermouth Castle, or enjoying a leisurely bike ride, this charming seaside town is a must-visit during your trip to the Gower Peninsula.

Discover more:  Our favourite 5 things to do in Mumbles, Gower

Wales is famous for its castles and the Gower Peninsular is no exception.  For history-enthusiasts and travellers looking for a change from the beach, the castles are some of the best Gower Peninsula attractions.

As well as Oystermouth Castle in Mumbles, another of our favourite castles in the Gower Peninsula is Pennard Castle.

Pennard Castle has a dramatic location overlooking the breathtaking Three Cliffs Bay.  While only the ruins of the gatehouse remain today, the site offers some of the most spectacular views in the Gower.  You can visit from the clifftop or walk up from the beach.

If you’re looking for hidden gems in the Gower Peninsula, don’t miss the chance to visit the mysterious Culver Hole.

Tucked into the cliffs near Port Eynon, this ancient cave is steeped in legend and history, making it one of the more unique places to visit in the Gower Peninsula.

Reaching Culver Hole is an adventure in itself.  The cave can be accessed from the beach, but only during mid or low tide, so timing your visit is essential.  At other times, the journey involves a more challenging scramble down the cliffs.

Culver Hole is believed to have originated as a medieval dovecote during the Middle Ages.  Over time, it gained a reputation as a smugglers’ hideaway, where contraband was secretly stored.  According to local legend, Culver Hole once featured a secret tunnel connecting it to a nearby salt house, adding to its allure as a site of intrigue and mystery.

After exploring the fascinating Culver Hole, unwind with a visit to The Ship Inn in the heart of Port Eynon.

One of the best beaches in the Gower Peninsula is the breathtaking Three Cliffs Bay, renowned for its wide expanse of golden sands, charming rockpools, and calm waters.  This picturesque spot is a favourite for families, photographers, rock-climbers, nature-lovers, and anyone seeking the perfect coastal escape.

Part of the charm of visiting Three Cliffs Bay is the adventure of getting there.  To reach the beach, you’ll follow a scenic trail through woodlands, then crossing the river via stepping stones, which the kids love.

If you’re up for more exploration after reaching the bay, take a hike up to the historic Pennard Castle.  Perched on the cliffs above, this iconic ruin offers panoramic views over Three Cliffs Bay and the surrounding coastline.

For nature lovers and hikers, walking in the Gower Peninsula is a must.  With its stunning landscapes and diverse trails, scenic coastal walks in Gower offer some of the most rewarding experiences in the region.

The Wales Coast Path provides endless opportunities to explore the natural beauty of Gower and the Swansea Bay area. This iconic route encircles the Gower Peninsula, allowing walkers to enjoy breathtaking views, rugged cliffs, and unspoiled beaches along the way.

One of the most popular Gower Peninsula walks is the trail between Langland Bay and Caswell Bay.  Though relatively short, this section of the path has dramatic coastline views and wildlife.  Keep an eye out for seals or porpoises in the sea below.

Discover more:   walks along the Wales Coast Path

If you’re a nature lover, one of the best things to do in Gower is a visit to the Nature Reserve at Oxwich Bay.  This stunning area is a haven for wildlife and plant life, offering a unique blend of sand dunes, marshland, beach, and forest.  The diverse habitats make it an ideal spot for birdwatching and nature walks.  Don’t forget to stop by the bird hide, which offers an excellent view of the marshland and its resident birdlife.

After exploring the Oxwich Bay Nature Reserve, head to Oxwich Bay Beach, one of the most popular family-friendly beaches in Gower.  This wide sandy beach is great for sandcastles, beach games, and sunbathing, making it perfect for a relaxing day out.

If you’re looking for adventure, Oxwich Bay is also one of the best destinations for watersports in the Gower Peninsular.  Oxwich Watersports offers a wide range of water activities suitable for all ages and abilities.  From kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) to coasteering and windsurfing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the water.

Read more about Oxwich Bay.

Despite the steep hills in the Gower Peninsula, there are still plenty of family-friendly bike routes for cyclists of all levels.  Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride along the coast or a more scenic inland trail, the Gower Peninsula offers a variety of traffic-free cycle routes to explore.

One of the best cycle routes in the Gower is the easy ride from Mumbles Pier to Swansea. This traffic-free cycle route follows the Swansea Bay promenade along the coast, so is easy to navigate.

Another fantastic bike route in the Gower Peninsula is the trail through the disused railway line at Clyne Valley Country Park.  Starting at Blackpill (located halfway between Mumbles and Swansea), this traffic-free cycle path takes you inland to Gowerton.  Along the way, cyclists can take a well-earned break at the old Railway Inn.

For families looking to enjoy the great outdoors, family-friendly cycling in the Gower is definitely one of the best things to do in the Gower Peninsula.

Whether it’s a rainy day or a sunny one, the Gower Heritage Centre is one of the best family attractions in Gower.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly attraction in Gower, the Gower Heritage Centre is a must-visit.  Located just outside Oxwich at Parkmill, this local crafts centre offers a fun and educational experience for all ages.

Set in a working 12th-century water-powered mill, the Gower Heritage Centre provides an immersive glimpse into the region’s history.  Visitors can take a guided tour of the mill, where they’ll see a flour-making display in action. The centre also features a 19th-century sawmill and a variety of vintage farm equipment.

For families with young children, the Gower Heritage Centre offers plenty of fun activities.  There’s a soft play area and a sandpit for younger children to enjoy, as well as the chance to meet the ducks and chicks.  The centre also offers a programme of craft activities and events, providing opportunities for children to get creative during their visit.

On a sunny day, you can relax and unwind with a drink in the tea garden.

Whether you’re into surfing, kayaking, or adventurous activities like coasteering, the Gower Peninsula is a watersports haven.

With its stunning beaches and rugged coastline, it’s no surprise that the Gower Peninsula is a top destination for water sports enthusiasts.  From surfing to kayaking, the area offers a variety of watersports in Gower, making it a must-visit for adrenaline lovers and outdoor adventurers.

The best places for surfing in Gower include Llangennith, at the far end of Rhossili, and Langland Bay.  These beaches are both renowned for their excellent surf conditions.

Another popular beach for watersports in Gower is Caswell Bay, where you can enjoy a variety of activities such as kayaking, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding.

If you’re craving even more excitement, the Gower Peninsular offers adventurous sports such as coasteering and gorge-climbing, perfect for adrenaline junkies!