Local area: Things to do & places to go
Local Beaches
Three Cliffs Bay
Gower can boast some of the best beaches in the country. Three Cliffs Bay itself having won numerous awards (see link to awards section).Three Cliffs Bay has it all! Dramatic and varying geology, its sandy bay, sand dunes, rock pools and caves to explore.
Katherine Jenkins visited our site in 2008 and said in an interview with ITV ,“Three Cliffs is so intimate and cosy.It gives me the feeling of being hugged.This view has everything-it has the sea,it has the cliffs,it has the marshes.I spent so many days here with the family….it is so lovely to be back.”
To reach the beach requires a 5 minute walk downhill but 25 minutes uphill to get back !But its worth it for the sandy beach,small caves to explore and a small stream(Pennard Pill).Always bathe to the right of the point at which the stream enters the sea to avoid dangerous currents as this is where the sea currents tend to be.
Oxwich Bay
This bay is very accessible with a paying carpark next to the beach.However,it does get busy because of its accessability.Numerous watersports are available at Oxwich such as waterski lessons ,kayaking,sailing,dingy rides etc.
Rhosilli Bay
There is a downhill walk from a carpark (charged) to this long sandy beach – it stretches for some 3 miles! Rhossilli is popular with surfers and surfing lessons are available at this bay.
Port Eynon Beach
This sandy beach also has a lifeguard station on the beach plus some souvenier shops & food outlet, public WC’s along with a carpark (charged) alongside the beach.
Brandy Cove & Pwll Du
These two small pebble bays to the east of Three Cliffs Bay are close to one another.They are secluded and less accessible than most of the other bays but are intimate small coves which can be found at the foot of the deeply wooded Bishopston Valley.
Castles
History in Gower
Gower is steeped in History. It has been inhabited since prehistoric times with stone age man having left his mark throughout the peninsular in the form of cave dwellings to burial chambers. The Roman Retreat saw the rise of great saints of the Celtic Church, St David, St Teilo and St Illtyd. The normans contributed by building castles. Then the Industrial Revolution brought extensive quarrying and farming and today Tourism in this the first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Castles
Pennard Castle
This castle can be seen across the valley from our campsite ! It is situated high above Three Cliffs Bay – the remains have revealed a communal hall. Free viewing.
Penrice Castle
This castle also dates from the 13th century. It was the seat of the Mansel dynasty. Free viewing.
Oxwich Castle
Built in the 16th century to replace the abandoned Penrice castle. With walls over 60 feet high, there are views over Oxwich Bay towards Pwll Du Head. Admission charge.
Oystermouth Castle
Located in Mumbles and established in 1100 , this castle has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. Most of the remains date from the 13th century. Outdoor productions of Shakespere take place in the grounds during the summer months. Open daily easter – end of september. Admission charge.
Woebly Castle
This castle is in excellent repair and also has a small exhibition centre. Open daily all year. Admission charge.
Gower Bone Caves
Bacon Hole
Located at Hunts Bay – remains of prehistoric animals and Iron Age Man found here can be seen at Swansea Museum
Cathole
This is found close to Giants Grave in Park Woods and is an important inland bone cave.
Paviland Cave
Probably the most famous of Gower’s bone caves. The ‘Red Lady of Paviland’ was a man found along with 800 stone implements and animal bones.
Burial Chambers of Gower
Arthur’s Stone
Located on Cefn Bryn near the village of Reynoldston, this 25 ton stone roofs this neolithic tomb. This is probably one of Gowers most impressive monuments.
Sewyn’s Howes
This consists of two small poorly preserved tombs which it is said are the burial site of Swey who was the viking king that gave his name to Swansea.
Giants Grave
A chambered long barrow of excellent repair. The remains of 24 people were found inside when it was origionally excavated.
Eating Out
Gower, Mumbles and Swansea all provide an abundance of choice of wonderful restaurants and cosy pubs at which to enjoy wide selections of delicious food whatever your budget. Here are some of the local Gower restaurants and pubs.
Local Restaurants
Maes-Yr-Haf
Parkmill, Gower. Tel : 01792 371000
www.maes-yr-haf.com
Modern European menu gained ‘Best Meal Out’ award in the Swansea Bay Tourist Awards ceremony 2008.They provide superb sunday lunch £14.95 for 2 courses or £17.95 for a 3 course meal.Wonderful lunch and A la Carte menus are also available(av £28). This restaurant only takes 10 minutes to walk to from our site-a room is available to change footwear etc before going into the restaurant.
Fairyhill Restaurant.
Reynoldston,Gower.
Tel : 01792 390139
www.fairyhill.net
Award wining restaurant and celebrated wine cellar
(an average price £40 for 3 courses).
Welcome To Town Country Bistro
Llanrhidian,Gower.
Tel : 01792 390015
www.thewelcometotown.co.uk
(averages £25 per person
Mumbai Indian Restaurant
Blackpill,Swansea.(just behind Woodman Pub)
Tel : 01792 402402
Superb authentic indian cuisine in smartly decorated restaurant.Friendly staff,ample free parking,take away service also available.
Local Pubs with bar meals
The Beaufort Arms
Kittle,gower.SA3 3JS
Tel : 01792 234521
King Arthur Hotel
Reynoldston,Gower.SA3 1AD
Tel : 01792 390775
www.kingarthuerhotel.co.uk
Britannia Inn
Llanmadoc,Gower.
Tel : 01792 386624
www.britanniainngower.co.uk
h3. The Gower Inn
Parkmill,Gower. SA3 2EQ
Tel : 01792 233116
Days Out & Activities
Gower Heritage Centre,Parkmill,Gower SA32EH The 800 year old water powered corn and saw mill is the centre of attraction.The centre also has a craft centre,work shops, tearooms,“throw a pot” at the pottery workshop,numerous small animals(eg goats,rabbits,ducks),feature events eg Folk Festival or Ghost Nights plus childrens play area. Tel 01792371206 www.gowerheritagecentre.co.uk
LC2 Swansea’s brand new family friendly waterpark,climbing wall & gymnasium Tel 01792466500 www.thelcswansea.com
Perriswood Archery & Falconary Centre,Nicholaston,Gower SA3 2HN. Tel 01792371661 www.perriswoodarchery.co.uk
Parc-le-Breos Ponytrekking Centre,Parkmill,Gower SA3 2HA Tel 01792371636 www.parclebreos.co.uk
ponytrekking for a day or half day along Gower’s beautiful heritage coastline for both experienced riders or the beginner.
Copley Stables,Bishopston,Gower Tel 01792234428
Welsh Surfing Federation Surfschool,Gower Tel 01792386426(Mike Steadman) www.wsfsurfschool.co.uk
Gower Surfing Development,Caswell,Swansea SA3 4XX Tel 01792360376 www.goersurfing.com
Watersports For All,Oxwich,Gower Tel 01792234502 www.watersports4all.com (Dingy,waterski,kayaking,sailing,motoryachts)
Dynamic Rock Adventures,Swansea SA6 5EJTel 01792845655 (indoor climbing wall)
Dryad Bushcraft,Swansea
Survival courses,wilderness adventures and guided walks Tel 01792547213 www.dryadbushcraft.co.uk
Clyne Farm Activity Centre,Mayals,Swansea
Outdoor activities,adventure course & riding lessons
Tel 01792403333
Wales National Pool,sketty Lane,Swansea Tel 01792513513
Playzone,Swansea SA7 9FY
The biggest indoor play area and entertainment zone in south wales and includes soft ball play,laser shooting plus much more. Tel 01792775200 www.theplayzone.co.uk
Vue Cinema, Swansea SA1 3LZ Tel 08712240240
Odeon Cinema, Swansea SA1 2BA Tel 08712244007
The Chocolate Factory ( See how chocolate is made in a real working factory and have a go yourself) Tel 01792561617 www.thechocolatefactory.com
Golf,Climbing,Cycling & Fishing
Golf
Gower is the First Designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Britain. You can play golf here at some of the most picturesque golf courses in Britain.The following are some of the golf courses all within 5 miles of our site :
Pennard Golf Club – 18 hole links course Tel 01792233131 www.pennardgolfclub.com
Clyne Golf Course – 18 hole moorland course Tel 01792401989 www.clynegolfclub.com
Langland Bay Golf Course – 18 hole parkland course Tel 01792361721 www.langlandbaygolfclub.com
Fairwood Park Golf Club – this 18 hole championship course has twice hosted the Welsh PGA Championships Tel 01792297849 www.FairwoodPark.com
Gowerton Golf Range – Driving Range (9 hole) Tel 01792875188
Cycling
Routes suitable and safe for all the family run along the seafront from Swansea to Mumbles and also through Clyne Country Park. Many of the cycle routes are part of the National Cycle Network (Route numbers 4 and 43) and linked with the Celtic Trail.Other routes are the North Gower Cycle Route. (Details on www.swansea.gov.uk and a free cycle route map of Swansea and Gower can be viewed and downloaded.) Useful websites for information on cycling are :
www.the-gower.com/activities/cycling
www.welcometogower.co.uk
www.visitswanseabay.com and click cycling
Bike Hire
www.SwanseaBayLeisure.com or Tel:07851482573
- for quality bike rental delivered to your door,B&B,or campsite.Guided tours.Free return travel from your accomodation.Full or half day hikes can be booked.
Action Bikes,St Davids Square,Swansea Tel 01792464640
Swansea Cycles Tel 01792410710
Fishing
Gower’s coastline is well known for its abundance of fishing opportunities – Three Cliffs, Oxwich, Mumbles & Llangenech all offering different opportunities.Over 25 different species of fish common to shore fishing can be found along Gower’s coastline. Along with all the usual fish,Gower can boast that Red Mullet, Trigger Fish, Small Blue Sharks and even a Thresher have all been caught along its coastline. Popular fishing locations on Gower include Mumbles Head, Tutt Head, Pwlldu Head with the stretch of coastline from Port Eynon to Worms Head being regarded as one of the best rough ground bass venues in Britain.
*Gower is also regarded as offering some of the best rock fishing for bass in the UK.
*Fly fishing for bass is popular at Worms Head and Bury Holms.
*Coarse Fishing to catch bream, perch, carp etc is also popular with an abundance of ponds and lakes on Gower.
Useful Websites :
www.gowerfishing.co.uk
www.visitswanseabay.com and click on fishing
Supplies :
Mainwearings,Sketty,Swansea SA2 OOH Tel 01792202245
Country Stores, Gowerton, Swansea SA4 3EH Tel 01792875050
Climbing
The rugged limestone coastline of Gower attracts many climbers year after year with Three Cliffs Bay being the most popular location for the enthusiast having challenges such as Scavenger and Arch Slab. There are also indoor climbing walls at LC2 and Dynamic Rock Adventures Ltd.
Useful Websites :
www.the-gower.com
www.chetwynd.info/guides/Gower.htm
www.uk-active.com
www.thelcswansea.com
www.dynamicrock.co.uk
Museums & Places of Interest
National Waterfront Museum, Swansea SA1 3RD
Free entry – open daily. Depicts Wales’s story of industry & innovation.
Tel 01792638950 www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/swansea
Swansea Museum (Free entry) Tel 01792653763
The Egypt Centre, Swansea University,Swansea
With 3500 items in its collection, it gives a fascinating view of Ancient Egypt and is one of the largest Egyptology collections outside London. Free entry – open Tuesday to Saturday
Tel 01792295960
Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea. (free entry) Tel 01792463980
Glyn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea Free entry – open daily (excludes Monday & Bank Holidays).
Tel 01792516900
National Showcaves of Wales,Brecon Beacon, Nr Swansea
The most breathtaking showcaves complex in northern europe. Step back in time – also includes dinosaur park.
Tel 01639730801 www.showcaves.co.uk
Aberdulais Falls, Neath, Swansea
A National Trust site of spectacular waterfalls.
Tel 01639636674
Big Pit Museum
(National Coal Mining Museum of Wales), Blaenafon. NP49XP
Tel 01495790311 Free entry – open daily.
Travel Information
Traveline Cymru –
Bus Information Telephone 0870 608 2 608
(The bus stop nearest our site is called Penmaen Church – bus number 18 from Swansea Quadrant Bus Station).Then you will have to walk aprox 500 yards down the lane to us.
National Express Coaches -
Telephone 0870 580 80 80
National Rail Enquiries –
Telephone 08457 48 49 50
(Swansea Central is our nearest train station.From here run frequent bus services to the main Quadrant bus station to get the no. 18 bus to Penmaen church).)
Local Taxi Numbers
Paul Finch Tel: 01792230098/07984455338 Local Taxi with most reasonable prices
Oyster Cabs – Oystermouth/Mumbles
Tel : 01792 36 77 77
Killay Cabs – Killay
Tel : 01792 299 299
Useful Emergency Numbers
Local Doctor
Gower Group Medical Practice- has 2 surgeries.One at Scurlage and one at Pennard. Telephone 01792390413
NHS Direct
Telephone 0845 850 1362
Morriston Hospital A & E
(with xray facility) For Morriston Hospital take J46 off the M4.On this junction take the A48 signed Swansea and turn into Pant Lasau Road(immediatley on roundabout).Go over the cattle grid and then go straight through the next roundabout.The A & E is the 2nd turning on the right.
Singleton Hospital
small A & E unit but without xray facility.This hospital is located on Sketty Lane just off the A4067 next to Swansea University.
Coastguard
Telephone 01792 366534
Vet
Mr Richard Beynon BVSc Cert VA MRCVS can be found in Upper Killay (aprox 3 miles from Three Cliffs Bay).
Gower Vetinary Surgery
68 Edgemoor Close
Upper Killay
Swansea
SA2 7HJ
Telephone 01792 299111
www.gowervets.co.uk