Looking for a bit of adventure on your next family break? Then a family holiday in Gower could be just for you!
Do you ever dream of adventure but worry that it’s not possible with kids in tow? Or maybe you’re desperate to show the kids some adventure but don’t want to jump on a plane in search of it. With award winning sandy beaches and beautiful unspoilt countryside, coupled with the adventure of smugglers coves and shipwrecks, the Gower Peninsula in South Wales is a perfect choice for a family holiday full of adventure.
I first visited Gower aged 10 on a school trip. A group of 30 inner London school kids exposed to the fresh air, beauty and adventure. With Mr Redmond (our slightly grumpy but super adventurous teacher) we walked for miles, explored caves, clambered over cliffs to discover smugglers hideouts, and ran free on the vast beaches.
Those fond memories stuck with me and so when I was 8 months pregnant with Baby DaisLikeThese, and didn’t want to travel too far for our summer holiday, we decided on a ‘staycation’ to Gower with our two boys and the dog. I could finally pass on and relive the fun and excitement through the boy’s eyes.
So, here are our top 5 family adventures on the Gower Peninsula
Discover a real shipwreck at Rhossili Bay
At Rhossili Bay you will not only find one of the UK’s top rated beaches, with over three miles of beautiful wide sandy beach framed by lush green hills, if you are patient with the tide you will also discover a real life shipwreck! The last remains of the wooden hull of the Helvetia, which wrecked in 1887, rise up out of the sand at low tide.
We parked at the National Trust car park and made the long walk down the footpath onto the beach – not massively easy when 8months pregnant (and even harder to get back!). But it was worth it, the beach was massive and we had plenty of space to play and explore.
On our first visit we had to leave before the the tide went far enough out but we vowed to return the next day at low tide. And we weren’t disappointed! Unfortunately the weather wasn’t as lovely the following day, but we wrapped up and it didn’t detract from the excitement and anticipation of the boys, which was a pleasure to watch.
Clamber over the causeway at low tide to Worms Head
Rhossili doesn’t only have a shipwreck, it also has an adventure island!
Only accessible at low tide is Worms Head, which you can get to over a causeway. So check the tide times at the coast guards office (we checked the day before which was helpful for planning) and head off on an adventure to discover sea birds and a natural blowhole.
Being 8 months pregnant, this was a bit too adventurous for me, but Mr DaisLikeThese and the boys set off for a boys morning out and from the look of the pictures, they had fun!
Scramble down the cliff side at low tide to discover a smugglers hideout at Culver Hole
One of my lasting memories from my trip as a 10year old girl all those years ago was of our visit to Culver Hole. Back then it was sold to us as a smugglers hideout and we were encourage to imagine and write about what life would have been like as a smuggler. I vividly remember a procession of us 30 kids a scrambling down a steep cliff path until we found Culver Hole!
For our adventure, we parked at Port Eynon and headed off on the footpath behind the Youth Hostel. It took a bit of finding (using our map, Google maps on my phone, and asking the local life guards!) but when we finally got there, it was so exciting!
The last climb down the rocks was too steep for me and my bump so I waited back a bit with the dog while the boys headed down. It was a true adventure, which hopefully the boys enjoyed as much as I did!
Adventure over the sand dunes to discover Three Cliffs Bay
The beauty of the beaches in the Gower is that they are not over developed. There are very few beaches with shops, cafes and ice cream vans, meaning they retain their natural beauty. None more so than at Three Cliffs Bay.
The lack of facilities does mean that parking and access to the beach are limited, but this becomes part of the adventure!
We visited on two different days and found parking spots near to the main road (the A4118) and made our way through country lanes and eventually sand dunes. There is also parking available at the Gower Heritage Centre.
The beach is truly a sight to behold and totally worth the walk!
Not only were there masses of beach to enjoy, there was also the the Pennard Pill stream making its way to the sea (which the boys enjoyed wading across, jumping over the stepping stones, and attempting to build dam), Pennard Castle over looking the bay, and rockpools and caves to discover.
Search for caves and go rock pooling
When we’re at the beach my boys love nothing more than taking their nets and clambering over the rocks to hunt for crabs and other creatures or searching out caves. The beaches of the Gower are perfect for both. We were spoilt for choice really but our two favourite spots had to be Mewslade Bay and Port Eynon.
Mewslade Bay is lovely secluded little beach. We enjoyed a nice walk down through the hills until we were literally climbing down rocks! It was quite a windy day so we had the bay to ourselves which was fabulous.
At Port Eynon, when the tide goes out there is a vast section of the beach that is covered with seaweed strewn rocks that have an abundance of pools to explore. The boys went from pool to pool, excitement at every one.
Despite my being heavily pregnant, we certainly had some amazing adventures on The Gower Peninsula and I was so pleased to be able to share it with the boys after all those years!
Travelling when preganant can sometimes be daunting, but can be made easier with a little planning. This post from Michelle at The Willow Tree gives some great tips if you’re taking on a holiday with little ones whilst pregnant.
Have you been on any family friendly adventures in Gower? What have I missed?
I grew up near the Gower, but I’ve never been to Mewslade! It’s a beautiful part of the world – lovely that you made the most of it.
Author
Mewslade is off the beaten track a bit. We parked in a farmers field near Middleton and walked from there. Probably explains why it was so quiet!!
Thanks so much for reading. x
My husband also grew up near to the Gower and for some reason it’s a place we have never been to visit. He always says how beautiful it is, and looks as if you had a great few days exploring the beaches x
Author
It’s funny how it seems to be quite an overlooked destination, considering how beautiful it is. My husband had never heard of it!
Thanks so much for reading. x
We do love the Gower Peninsula and always have fab holidays there. This is a fabulous round up of some of the wonderful things to do there. Thanks so much for linking up to #MondayEscapes
Author
I definitely want to go back for more fab holiday adventures – without being so heavily pregnant!
Thanks so much for reading. x
Can you believe this is the first time I hear about this peninsula (shame on me, I know)? Have to say it is a neat place full of natural beauty and interesting sites. Now, I have a new place to add to my bucket list! #MondayEscapes
Author
My husband had never heard of it either! So pleased to have let you in on the secret!
Thanks so much for reading. x
I remember you telling me about this! I love the pirate cove and seeing your greyhound and all the family having fab adventures. This is going on the list, not that much of Wales I haven’t explored at least a bit of, but this remains untouched! It totally looks like a postcard too – lovely lovely pics!
Author
Definitely pop it on your list – it is great.
Yep, Buddy had fun clambering over rocks with us!! The beaches all seemed to have dog friendly stretches too which was great, although he wasn’t allowed off lead to run that week because he had fresh stitches – we need to take him back to let him go wild!
Thanks so much for reading. x
What a great collection of recommendations. We love days by the coast and I’m particular excited to read about these ones as we are heading to this area of Wales in just over a week. I hope we get to see some of these lovely places. Good luck in the competition! #MondayEscapes
Author
Oooh, I’m jealous of your trip there next week!! Have an amazing time.
Thanks so much for reading. x
When I see pictures like this I want to add Wales onto my bucket list for our UK tour.
Author
Oh, definitely add it! Have an amazing time on your UK tour. Thanks for reading. x
What a beautiful scenery! I love the coastal shots and the rock formations. It’s nice that you’re able to bring your entire family for this trip!
Author
It really is a beautiful part of the world! Thanks for reading. x
I know first hand that adventures with kids are possible :). This looks about perfect. The more time outside, digging, and climbing over stuff, the better. And it is so beautiful.
Author
And they always sleep so much better after a day of fresh air and adventure!
Thanks for reading. x
This is probably the most diverse family holiday spot I’ve come across; sand-dunes, cliffs, caves, beach, it seems to have it all and you’re right that it can cover almost all ages and even bring about the adventurous side in kids. I think the fact that you mention that they aren’t yet fully developed with only a few shops is so great. Over commercialisation is really killing it these days and it’s nice to see places that put nature first. Thanks
Author
I agree about the over commercialisation – although a public bathroom would have been handy!
Thanks for reading. x
This is a great idea for a trip! I’ve never heard it before but I’ll have to add it to my Wales list. It’s always great to go somewhere with so many different things to do.
Author
Definitely add it to your list!
Thanks for reading x
Such a beautiful post and a booster for people like me who has not gone on a single adventure since I had a kid. But this one , my kid would definitely love. I wish there was something like this available in my hometown
Author
Oh, travelling with kids is so daunting, isn’t it? but my last trip I did two flights on my own with all three children. If I can survive, anyone can!!
I hope you manage to get on an adventure soon.
Thanks for reading. x
Wow! The views are stunning! The caves/holes are amazing. I didn’t know these existed. What a fun trip for the whole family. 🙂
Author
It really is stunning!
Thanks for reading. x
What a beautiful part of the world (I wouldn’t have picked Wales at first glance!) – and the kids looked like they had an absolute ball. Its a great way to spend a day 🙂
Author
Lots of people have said that about Wales, but it is a magnificent place.
Thanks for reading. x
What a neat place, would like to check this out, it reminds me a Duluth at home, with the beaches and caves and crevices all kinds of fun things to discover. I bet your children really enjoyed the adventure plus it gives your a change of scenery to get away.
Author
The kids had such fun, nothing like a bit of adventure!
Thanks for reading. x
The views are so beautiful! They all sound like fun activities for kids and adults alike! I don’t have children yet, but it’s interesting to know that there are options to travel and discover the world (be it close or far) with them! 🙂
Author
There are always possibilities for travelling with kids – the world is still your oyster! Any you will start to see things through a fresh pair of eyes too.
I love this, the world is your oyster! I may actually be looking forward to traveling with kids.. haha 🙂
What a fantastic staycation. My parents are from the UK and often used to regale me with memories of their trips to Wales. I did a few day trips myself when I was last in the UK. Being from New South Wales (Australia) it only seem right that I should visit the area my great state was named after 😀
Author
I love that your parents would tell you about their trips to Wales, just as I did with my kids! Great that you got to visit when you were in the UK.
Thanks so much for reading. x
Gower seems a great place to go around with the family. I love to go out with my family as well and we love adventures and explorations such as this. Great place
Author
It really is a fab place for family adventures.
Thanks for reading. x
I. Love the Gower, recently scattering mums ashes at Rhosilli she loved it there, very special..you seem to have missed out one thing on your tips and travels? JOES ice cream mumbles, we grew up on this lovely ice cream! We have lived in the Midlands for past 25yrS .. my children always without fail, say Dad can we go to JOES?? Gower not the same without it.
Author
What a beautiful place for your mums ashes to be scattered. I don’t blame her for loving it so much. We’re hoping to go back this Easter so I will definitely be checking out Joes Ice Cream – thanks so much for the tip!
Thanks for reading. x
I visited Gower as a child too and would love to take my kids there. The shipwreck and Culver Hole look perfect for kids and your shots of the beaches are beautiful!
Author
Thanks! The beaches are definitely beautiful! I hope you manage to visit with your kids one day 😊
Enjoyed your blog. Gower is fantastic and we are privileged to live just 20 minutes away. We love our days out walking there at all times of year. Always a tonic – only thing not guaranteed is the weather 😊
Have you checked out North Gower. It’s very different and feels wilder. There’s a great circular walk from Cwm Ivy car park (Llanmadoc) through Whiteford (pronouced Whitford) Nature Reserve to Whiteford lighthouse. The reserve has some newly built hides for birdwatching. It’s a lovely and varied walk with oak woods, pine forest, sand dunes and you can walk near the marshes along dykes. Weobley Castle is a short drive away. It’s small, but the owners sell Gower salt march lamb.