We’ve got an extra special blog feature today. The big boss himself, Matt Sims, is sharing one of his favourite UK destinations. This lesser known, beautiful stretch of coast caught his eye during his recent trip. I’ll let him take over…
Our first trip to the Gower Peninsula
Surprisingly close to us in Bristol is an often-overlooked hidden gem. Being born in Bristol, I would always traditionally head to Devon or Cornwall for our family holidays. But there is an alternative. The Gower Peninsula is renowned as a fantastic holiday destination for families, couples and individual travellers alike. With vast stretches of coastline, beautiful beaches, lakes rivers and moorland, large parts resemble Cornwall, but it’s a far quieter destination, which makes it a genuine escape from daily life. But don’t think for a minute there’s nothing to do in Gower beyond building sandcastles (though there’s plenty of scope for that!).
Three Cliffs Bay and Nicholaston Farm are our campsite destinations of choice. Both have great facilities and are within easy walking distance to all the beautiful beaches. Three Cliffs Bay particularly, has spectacular views across the ever-changing beach below and, because it’s not ideal for swimming across the full bay, it’s never uncomfortably crowded. It’s a great point for short walks across the dunes, the golf course and heath inland, and for one of the team it’s proved the perfect start and end point for a coastal path trek to Rhossili Bay – and back! But be warned: the trip there and back was 32 miles (and 9 hours at a fair pace!) and it nearly broke even him. One way suits most people, and there are regular bus or taxi options to make the return.
Things to do in the Gower: visit UK’s award-winning beaches
Along the coastal path or a short drive west, you’ll reach Oxwich Bay, which is a family favourite, has restaurants and campsites in and around it, and even has a motorhome-friendly car park. It really is a long, beautiful stretch of sand (with dunes and a nature reserve backing it) that’s perfect for an early morning or late even stroll with the dog before the families have descended or after they’ve gone home for tea.
There really are too many small, secluded bays to mention, but for the intrepid explorer who isn’t afraid of a hike through gorse and the odd rocky descent, there are some absolute gems to stumble across.
Here’s a few of Matt’s holiday snaps
If it’s award-winning beaches you’re after, then Rhossili Bay is a must, being the only European beach to make Suitcase’s top 10 beaches in the world list for 2017. . Not a single beach in Spain, France or Greece made it to the list that includes Miami’s South Beach and Honokalani Beach in Hawaii. Comprised of three miles of golden sand, the beach encompasses Worms Head, one of Gower’s most famous landmarks, and lies within the first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK, and it’s as popular with the surfers as it is with sunbathers.
Although remote, the bay is easily accessible, with a National Trust car park at the top that also caters for motorhome parking.
From the same car park, Mewslade Beach is a short walk, though it’s only visible at low tide, and is well worth a visit, with the rocks on the beach having been be described by our very own Matt as an ‘almost lunar landscape with cliff faces of Cathedral proportions.’
Need a day away from the sea? No Problem
Away from the sand, The Mumbles is a hugely popular day trip, whether you’re looking for a tea and cake, a good evening meal or a spot of souvenir shopping. Situated on the edge of Swansea, you’ll have the best of both worlds with the seascape to admire as well as easy access to metropolis if the clouds are leaking and you need a good film or some indoor entertainment. As you’d expect from a large town, there’s no shortage of shopping opportunities or entertainment with its beautiful parks, museums (including a waterfront museum) and great array of restaurants, both family-suited chains, and bijou family-run one offs.
No need to stop at The Gower Peninsula!
Head further west along the welsh coast and you will discover Pembrokeshire, with an array of beaches and coastal paths to explore. But that’s for another article!
We have last-minute summer availabilities
Enquire through the website here. Or you can get in touch with our team today!
+44 (0)117 290 9000
team@motorhomeholidaycompany.com
A370, Hewish, Bristol, BS24 6RT
Motorhome Holiday Company; your (Gower) adventure starts here.