With family living nearby, we have had many wonderful breaks in the Gower and have enjoyed it in all seasons. The coastline has a rugged, unspoilt beauty which wows us every time we visit. It’s pretty hard to beat! Here are our top sights in the Gower for a fun family holiday.
Rhossili
Rhossili has got to be one of my favourite beaches and even after travelling to more exotic destinations, it never fails to blow me away. Wonderful in all seasons, visit in autumn when the sun is low in the sky and the sunsets are spectacular or spend balmy summer days bodyboarding on the waves and admiring the wildflowers covering the cliffs. Even in the height of summer, Rhossili never feels crowded. Head a little further along the beach from the steps and you’ll have a wide open stretch of sand all to yourself, perfect for a game of cricket or kicking a ball around.
We love to combine a beach visit with a walk so the 3.5 mile Rhossili headland walk is perfect at the start of your day taking you out towards Worms Head and then back through farmland. The blanket of wildflowers was beautiful when we visited in July. If you catch the tide at the right time you can also venture over to Worms Head. We haven’t attempted it yet but certainly an adventure older children will enjoy, with lots of scrambling over rocky terrain.
After climbing back up the steps from the beach, the Bay Bistro does a delicious cream tea with views across the bay. Here you’ll also find Sam’s Surf Shack where you can hire bodyboards/surfboards and wetsuits.
If you don’t fancy the steps down on to Rhossili, you can also access this stretch of sandy beach from Llangennith. Park at Hillend Caravan Park (another great café on the site) which has direct access on to the beach.
Three Cliffs Bay
Another firm favourite of ours and a fabulous coastal walk. The kids love clambering down the dunes on to the sandy beach. You can park closer but we like to park at Southgate National Trust car park and then follow the stunning coastal trail on to the beach.
For another lovely walk on to Three Cliffs Bay, park at the Gower Heritage Centre. From here you can access the beach with a 1.5 mile walk through beautiful woodland and then along the stream with views of Pennard Castle on the hillside. Coco and the kids loved paddling in the water as we walked. As you reach the beach, you will need to cross the river on the stepping stones on the right or at low tide, you can paddle across. On the way back you can climb up to the castle but with a puppy in tow we didn’t do it this time. Families were having lots of fun running back down the steep dunes from the castle though.
Pembrey Country Park
Depending on where you are staying, Pembrey Country Park, which is just past Llanelli, is fantastic for a day out. Combining beautiful woodland with miles of golden sands, you can easily fill a whole day with activities. Our kids love the taboggan run and having a game of crazy golf. There is also a play area and mini train which younger kids will enjoy.
Mumbles
A lovely promenade for an afternoon’s wander with a hive of activity with kids on scooters, joggers and fisherman trying to catch some supper. Head down to the pier for a play in the amusements arcade or stop in the park overlooking the bay.
Joe’s or Verdi’s ice cream? A never-ending debate in our family. A family run café offering authentic Italian treats, we love a visit to Verdi’s and it’s in a prime location along the seafront. My personal favourite for ice cream has to be Joe’s though. The simple creamy blend with nuts and chocolate sauce is a classic! For the best fish and chips, head to Yallops which is just opposite the park and mini golf. The Copperfish fish and chip restaurant on the pier is also great if you want to sit down and has views across the sea to Mumbles Lighthouse.
Dolaucothi Gold Mines
For a break from the beach, head inland to the Dolaucothi Gold Mines for some educational fun. This National Trust property was a big hit with the whole family. Venturing through the mines with our great guide, we learnt all about the Roman and then Victorian efforts to make a fortune here. A spot of gold panning afterwards kept the kids entertained for a while.
LC Waterpark Swansea
If you need a rainy-day option, LC Waterpark Swansea is great fun for kids of all ages and entry prices are very reasonable. For the adventurous, they have a 30ft climbing wall, epic waterslides and a surf simulator. Little ones will love the 4-tier soft play area, waterslides and wave pool.
Right next-door you’ll find the National Waterfront Museum which is pretty cool to while away a few hours and entry is free. There are plenty of interactive exhibits to keep kids engaged whilst learning a bit about the industrial history of Wales.
St Fagans National Museum of History
Travelling from the South West, we have stopped a few times at St Fagans open air museum. Again, free to enter, it is great fun and breaks up the journey. The museum houses forty buildings from different times in history. Highlights for the kids include the old-fashioned fairground, Victorian school and bakery selling the best Bara Brith and Welshcakes. The volunteers working here are so passionate and really bring it to life telling stories to the children.
Carreg Cennen Castle
Taking the scenic route home through Brecon National Park, we stopped for a lovely walk around the ruins of Carreg Cennen Castle. The panoramic views from up here are pretty spectacular. Starting from the shop and café, we took the shorter trail around the bottom of the hill. Taking you through fields and then along a quiet country lane, Coco was able to go off the lead once we reached the beautiful woodland with a stream running alongside – so quiet and peaceful and a perfect spot to paddle in the water. Find the route details and map here.
There are longer routes which we have done before but this is a good one for children and puppies. We didn’t go into the castle ruins this time as some areas were closed due to social distancing but it’s a fun place for children to explore. The tearoom situated in the barn below the castle is worth a stop and has wonderful countryside views and a traditional feel with long tables and low beams. For more info on visiting the castle click here.
A short drive away on the outskirts of Llandeilo, we had lunch at The Plough Hotel and Restaurant. The outdoor seating with views of the rolling countryside is perfect on a warm, sunny day and the extensive menu is great for lunch and dinner. The kids meals also went down a treat with huge portions and a delicious cherry and chocolate brownie or ice cream for dessert. The afternoon tea menu looks amazing too so I’m sure we’ll be back for another treat. Dogs are allowed outside and at designated tables indoors which is also a bonus.
Fam Full of Wanderlust 