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The beautiful Gower Peninsula was the United Kingdom's first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Located in Swansea, the peninsula is famous for its stunning coastal scenery, wide sandy beaches and medieval castles.

This article covers the rural areas of Swansea. It has been given the title 'Gower' as the Gower Peninsula constitutes the largest portion of Swansea's rural area and is the district of most interest to tourists. However, the article also includes the highland areas of Pontardulais and Mawr. On the peninsula itself, the article covers all points west of Bishopston, Pwll Du Bay, Fairwood Common and Upper Killay. Detailed information of the urban area east of this line is documented in the Swansea article. The Gower Peninsula is about 29 km long by 8 km wide and, in many ways, represents a microcosm of the very best of British countryside. There are wide sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, historic woodlands, salt marshes and open moors, all of which are interspersed with picturesque villages, country inns, castles, ancient churches and neolithic burial chambers. It is a land immersed in the mists of Celtic legends and secrets of smugglers tales. The peninsula is also home to an abundance of wildlife, with perhaps the wild Gower ponies that roam the moors being the most famous and well loved. For recreation, Oxwich is the most popular bay for swimming and boating, while Llangennith is a surfers paradise and attracts boarders from all over the UK. Rhossili is a dramatic bay, and the sunset over the headland is one of the most photographed evening scenes in Europe. The districts of Mawr and Pontardulais are sparsely populated areas of Swansea's hinterland and offer wonderful opportunities for hillside walking and river-side recreation activities.

Historically, Gower convered an area of land under the jurisdiction of the Lords of Gower. It extended as far east as the River Tawe, and so it included what is now Swansea City Centre. This area corresponds very closely to the modern boundaries of the City and County of Swansea. However, nowadays "Gower" would be mostly understood to referring to the peninsula only. The Gower "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty" is an invention of post Second World War planning laws covering England and Wales, and represents a level of protection one step lower than offered by that of a "National Park".

Due to strict zoning laws, the rural areas of Swansea have not succumbed to urban sprawl. However, there are a few traditional villages in the area:

Llangennith ]] - a quintessential British coastal village with hens clucking around the village green, a stone church, a traditional pub and sheep strolling down the road towards a magnificent surfing beach; several B&Bs. Very popular with surfers in the summer, and has a large camping area for families and youngsters alike.

Llanmadoc and Cheriton - two adjoining villages on north Gower - some lovely stone houses, a few B&Bs and a pub.

Llanrhidian - a hill-side village running down to the marshes of the Loughor Estuary - some lovely stone houses and a pub.

Oxwich - nestled in the curve of Oxwich Bay and with its thatched rooved cottages and castle, Oxwich is perhaps the Gower's most picturesque village. The village has a wonderful Saxon church, a couple of shops and a hotel.

Port Eynon - a quaint village clustered around the sandy beach of Port Eynon Bay. There are a few shops and B&Bs, a pub and youth hostel.

Reynoldston - an inland village surrounded by wild moorland with a good pub and accommodation.

Rhossili - located on a ridge offering spectacular views over Rhossili Bay and Worms Head - the village boasts a pub, cafe, shop and great National Trust gift shop.

Rhossili Bay and Worm's Head. Famous for is breathtaking view at sunset, and the vista is widely considered to be one of Europe's most spectacular coastal scenes. An excellent National Trust gift shop marks the beginning of the cliff top path, while the picturesque village of Rhossili provides an ideal setting for enjoying cream teas in the summer or for relaxing and taking a contemplative stroll at any time of the year. In addition, the conditions at Rhossili are excellent for handgliding and surfing; historians may also be interested to note that there is evidence of a stone-age settlement here. Visitors may also note a distinct lack of trees. The last real tree was at Ash Tree Farm, though this disappeared sometime during the early 70's. The fierce westerly gales and trees are not a good match. The nearest trees to Rhossili are Middleton, the village just prior to Rhossili.
Three Cliffs Bay. A great place to take a stroll through woods and watch the wild ponies galloping on the beach. The ruins of Pennard Castle guard the area from a hill to the left . Note, however that the strong undercurrent at this bay make it unsuitable for swimming. The beach is entered from a path across from Shepard's village store and cafe.
Oxwich Bay. Overlooked by Penrice castle, the pristine waters of the bay are surrounded by extensive dunes and woodlands and protected by a small Saxon church on the headland. Oxwich was named the most beautiful beach in the UK and one of the most beautiful in the world by The Travel Magazine in 2007 .
Caswell Bay. Sandy beach popular with families, holiday makers and surfers. Has Blue Flag status.
Langland Bay. A beach locatd on the south Gower costed distinctive for the beach huts behind the sandy beach

Arthur's Stone. Cefn Bryn. A neolithic burial chamber or cromlech dating from 2500BCE. The name is derived from a legend that the stone was thrown onto Cefn Bryn by the mythical King Arthur.
Landimor Castle. Minor ruins
Loughor Castle. Located on north Gower - minor ruins
Oxwich Castle. A fortified Tudor mansion in south Gower
Pennard Castle. Ruins offering spectacular views over Three Cliffs Bay.
Weobley Castle. Located in north Gower, this is one of Swansea's best preserved castles and offers commanding views over the Loughor Estuary to Carmarthenshire. There is an admission charge.

Gower Heritage Centre, +44 1792 371206. Parkmill. - a rural life museum based around a working water mill. The museum also boasts one of the world's smallest cinemas - La Charrette - a 23 seat former railway carriage. There is also a gift shop and cafe on site.

Gower Golf Club, Cefn Goleu, Three Crosses, Swansea, +44 1792 872480. 18 hole course set on rolling countryside
Langland Bay Golf Club, +44 1792 361721. Mumbles. 18 hole links course set on moorland overlooking Caswell Bay and Langland Bay

Gower Surf School. Level 4 BSA approved. Offers classes in surfing at various Gower locations. Open all year,
Gower and Swansea surf school, +44 7891123267. Offers surfing lessons around Gower and Swansea 7 days a week all year around. Equipment is provided
Welsh Surfing Federation Surf School, +44 1792 386526. The Barn, The Croft, Llangennith.

Pony Trekking, +44 1792 371636. At Parc-le-Breos House, Penmaen.
Rhossili and Borfa Activity Centres, +44 1792 401548. Middleton, Rhossili. - offers domitory accommodation in Port Eynon and training in the following activities: abseiling, caving, climbing, coasteering, cycling and mountain-biking, kayaking and trekking.
Mountain Boarding, +44 7856 152540. At brd Mountain Boarding Centre, Weobley Castle, Llanrhidian, Swansea, SA3 1HB. Offers lessons for beginners and improvers. Discounts available for group bookings. The boarding centre is open for prior bookings only.
RIPNROCK, +44 7815 784122. All Day - Every Day. Outdoor Activities on the Gower Peninsular. Coasteering, Rock Climbing, Gorge Walking, Surfing, Team Building, Canyoning and Abseiling. Activities for all groups and all ages. From £25pp.

Barn Studios, +44 1792 386678. Cheriton. A converted farm located in north Gower offering residential and day courses in pottery and painting.

Gower Folk Festival. Live performances and workshops at various venues across the peninsular. 12-14 June 2015.
Gower Festival. Classical and folk music, recitals, dance and jazz performed at the historic churches that dot the peninsula.1–12 July 2015.
Gower Bike Ride. Wales's biggest bike ride organised by the British Heart Foundation. 5 July 2015.

Lliw Reservoirs, near the village of Felindre. These small reservoirs are surrounded by recreational footpaths.
Oxwich Bay, a picturesque four and a half hour walk as recommended in Times Walks

A less well known destination in Swansea is the Lliw Uplands which contains some of the best mountain scenery in Wales:

City Centre - Llangyfelach - Felindre - Garnswllt - Ammanford From the city centre, head towards the road junction at Dyfatty lights. Take the second left turning onto Llangyfelach road which will take you to the M4 Motorway (Junction 46). Head straight across the roundabouts on Junction 46. This will take you into the rural area of the Lliw Uplands. From here, much of the road consists of a narrow country lane. Follow this lane though the village of Felindre then on over Mynydd-y-Bettws with stunning views of the Lliw Lalley. The road takes you past Penlle'r Castell - the highest point in Swansea. It then descends into the farming village of Garnswllt and continues to Ammanford.

Fruit and vegetables from the peninsula's arable farms.
National Trust store, Rhossili. has a good selection of handicrafts and gifts, many with local flavour.
Local Produce. Gower Wildflower and Local Produce Centre, Blackhills Lane, Fairwood Common, opposite Swansea Airport. Sells an assortment of produce from local farms such as Gower wild flowers and Gower salt-marsh lamb.
PJ's Surf Shop. Surfwear, boards and accessories to buy plus surf rental available. Located in the centre of Llangennith next to the church
Mumbles Local Produce Market, Oystermouth Square, Mumbles, in the car park near the junction of Oystermouth Road and Newton Road. Held on the second Saturday of every month from 9am to 1pm.

King Arthur's Hotel, Reynolston, +44 1792 390775. Great lunches/dinners in a wonderful traditional country hotel.
The Gower Inn, Parkmill, +44 1792 233116. A lovely old inn serving traditional pub food as well as some more innovative dishes.
Britannia Inn, Llanmadoc, +44 1792 386624. A lovely traditional inn near the North Gower Coast, specializing in wholesome meals made with local produce.
The King's Head, Llangennith. Good range of bar meals, including several decent vegetarian options. Good quality versions of typical pub food e.g. curry, pies, lasagne. As the only pub in Llangennith it is often quite busy with a good atmosphere. Friendly staff
Sea Garden Chinese Restaurant and Bar, Gowerton Road, Penclawdd, Swansea, SA4 3RB, +44 1792 872886. An authentic Chinese restaurant with wonderful views of the salt marshes of the Loughor Estuary

Fairyhill Hotel and Restaurant, Reynoldston, +44 1792 390139. An award winning restaurant serving dishes cooked with local produce
Langland's Brasserie, Brynfield Road, Langland., +44 1792 363699. A fine modern British restaurant located with a fantastic view overlooking Langland Bay

Shepard's Village Store, Parkmill. The store has an attached conservatory style cafe - good coffee and food.
Compass, +44 1792 391145. Main Rhossili road at Reynolston. While the cafe itself lacks charm, the food and coffee are good and the service quick and friendly - hearty breakfasts are a specialty.
The Bay near the entrance to the parking lot at Rhosilli. This cafe offers great views over Rhossli Bay from the lounge and garden - good food and coffee.

The people of South Gower are traditionally English speaking and cannot speak Welsh. However, North Gower and the district of Mawr has a high percentage of Welsh speakers.

The area dialling code for Gower is the same as Swansea - 01792. From overseas, dial +44 1792 XXX-XXX