The Gower Peninsula in South Wales was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1956. It was the first place to be assigned this title in the UK. Thankfully, little has changed since that time and you can still appreciate the extreme contrast in topographical makeup from the sprawling, wildlife estuary in North Gower, over the wild moor of Cefn Bryn to the sloping fields, dramatic limestone cliffs and long sandy beaches of South Gower. In fact there are probably not many places where you can see so many natural features squeezed into such a small area.
As a result, the Gower Peninsula is a very popular holiday destination and attracts a large number of visitors every year. They come from all over the world for beach and walking holidays and also the fabulous water-sports.
This website brings you details of holiday accommodation within Gower, including Self-Catering, Bed & Breakfast, Caravan & Campsites and Hotels. It also provides background information on Gower villages, the breathtaking beaches and scenery and a wide array of sports and activities to take part in when you get here.
SURFING
Every visitor to Swansea City should take a trip to one of the many beaches around its coast. And a must for any trip to the beach is surfing!
Dont worry if you have never tried it before or dont have your own board or wetsuit. There are many surf schools out there that will provide all the equipment you need as well as some professional tuition and guidence. Most importantly, they will make sure you have fun.
EATING
Apart from enjoying a fine, hand crafted luxury Fairtrade coffee or freshly filled panini at HOLBROOK'S Coffee House there are a number of seriously good restaurants located around the Swansea area. This guide to Swansea and the Gower could literaly go on for ever as there is so much to see and do but we aim to mention only a few of the best.
ITALIAN
GALLINIS Italian Restaurant
Writing purely from experience, you will not find a better Italian restaurant this side of Europe. A family run business owned and operated by Angelina and Gesseppe. The food is clearly made with passion and the views across Swansea marina makes it the perfect night out.
Gallinis
Fishmarket Quay, 3, Trawler Rd
Maritime Quarter
SA1 1XA
[Map]
01792 456285
Spanish
La BRASERIA is possibly one of the finest restaurants I have ever been to. Not only in terms of food and drink but also because of its unbeatable ambiance and atmosphere. The food is often simple but always cooked to perfection and there is a huge wine selection to choose from. A night at the Bras is like a night on holiday. I promiss you will not be disapointed and that you will forget your still in the UK let alone Swansea.
ICE CREAM
JOE'S ice cream has become one of the biggest tourist attractions in South Wales. Created by an Italian who moved to Swansea in 1922, JOE'S catch phrase says it all. "Any thing else is jsut ice cream"
85 Saint Helens Road
Swansea
SA1 4BQ
01792 653880
524 Mumbles road
Mumbles, Swansea
The Plazza, Parc Tawe
Swansea
The MILL
The Mill is a contemporary bar which offers comfort and quality. For those that like to sit and back enjoy a quality larger or wine, The Mill is the place for you. The atmosphere is always relaxed and it is some what of a hidden secret in the way that it offers some of the finest food in Swansea.
The Mill offers a wide and varied menu at astonishingly good prices which could easily stand up against any of the restaurants in Swansea. Many people have still not discovered the place but those that have can be seen returning again and again for the delights that are on offer at this special place.
Brynymor Road
Brynmill
Swansea
SA1 4JJ
[map]
Tel: 01792456597
CAMPING
If you are thinking of coming to Swansea and the Gower then I have no doubt that you will already have read or heard about Llangennith beach located on the northern tip of the Gower. An area of outstanding natural beauty and one of the best spots in the country for watersports, Llangennith also offers one of the best camp sites in Wales, if not Europe.
Hillend campsite is located literaly right next to Llangennith beach and offers some excellent facilities. These include an brand new shower block, seperate fields for familys, etc, an on site shop for all your camping needs and best of all, Eddy's Cafe and restaurant.
However, it has to be said that many of the staff at Hillend campsite seem to be on a constant power trip and can often ruin the happy feeling of the place as a whole.
The price can also put a dampner on your trip but if you are willing to spend a few pounds, this is a goo dplace to do it.