Why visit Swansea and the Gower?
Wales’ best beaches
A big claim, yes, but when you’re camping in the Gower – or anywhere else near Swansea – you’ll be close to 20 of Wales’ most spectacular stretches of sand. Start at Three Cliffs Bay and Rhossili for views that cause jaws to drop, then visit under-the-radar bays like Mewslade, Tor and Pobbles. Or seek out a secluded stretch of seaside by searching for Gower campsites near the beach.
Swansea city
“An ugly lovely town” is what Welsh poet Dylan Thomas called Swansea. Decide whether or not you can see what he means as you meander through the mix of old and new streets towards the glass-clad National Waterfront Museum. Next, investigate the city’s creative side at the well-preserved building housing the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery before munching on traditional Welsh laverbread baked with north Gower seaweed from the indoor market.
The Mumbles
Go east from our Swansea campsites towards the Mumbles’ 120 shops, restaurants and pubs, much of which are independently owned. Fan of freshly caught seafood? Don’t miss the Oyster Festival in autumn. If you’re strolling around this seaside village during the warmer months, there’s always fish ‘n’ chips to feast on – ideally eaten while ambling along the pier or while trying to spot Hollywood actress Catherine Zeta Jones’ house.
Top things to do in Swansea
Need a break from the beach? Here’s what else to do in Swansea:
* Cheer on the Jacks, the local football club, at the Liberty stadium
* Experience the party atmosphere on Wine Street, a nightlife hotspot
* Go surfing at Oxwich Bay or Llangennith (and watch out for the seals)
* Wait for low tide to wiggle your way along the Worm’s Head islands just off Rhossili
* Stroll along the seafront while soaking up the Swansea Bay views
Unexplored Swansea
Pretty parklands
Swansea’s surrounded by inland scenery that’s worth a wander too. Put Penllergare Valley Woods on your list for peaceful ambles amid trees, then check out the exotic plants – including the curiously named American skunk cabbage – at Clyne Gardens. For wilder nature, lope up to the 186-metre-high Llanmadoc Hill before returning to your Gower camping site.
Gower hikes
To really understand why this peninsula was picked as the UK’s first-ever Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, set aside five days to walk the whole way around the 39-mile coastline. There’s also the Gower Way, a 56-kilometre trail that takes you through some of the least-visited parts of the peninsula. As well as enough time trekking alongside the sea to satisfy those coastal cravings, you can expect lush green landscapes galore.
Kid-friendly days out
Once your young travellers have had their fill of family-friendly beaches like Caswell and Langland while camping in the Gower, let them whizz down the tubes and practise surfing on the artificial wave at LC Waterpark. Dry off, then meet and greet the birds of prey at the Perriswood Archery & Falconry Centre before braving the mountain-boarding experiences at BRD Gravity.
Here’s how
Now you’ve decided to head off on a Gower camping trip it’s time to pick where to pitch up. Some of our most popular sites are near Oxwich Bay and Port Eynon, but if you’d rather search by feature than location, we’ve got everything from adults-only and dog-friendly spots to places that permit campfires.
Sociable sort of person? Opt for a Gower campsite with a bar or clubhouse to chat with other travellers over a pint of Welsh ale.
Here are some more top options to browse as well:
* Campsites in the Gower with electric hook-ups
* Camping in the Gower on electric pitches
* Gower campsites with an indoor pool nearby
Once you’ve gone all the way around the Gower, continue west to Pembrokeshire for yet more brilliant beaches and fishing villages (St Davids and Tenby are your best bets) or try Gwynedd in north Wales to see Snowdonia National Park’s mighty mountain scenery and the Isle of Anglesey’s cute coves.
A novice at settling in under the stars? Get to grips with it all in our camping guides. Whether you’re looking to buy your first tent or are dipping your toes into the world of motorhoming, we’ve got you covered.
