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The Gower Peninsula is a beautiful and diverse area in South West Wales, and the first place in the UK to be designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
It has something for everyone, whether you are looking for stunning beaches, scenic walks, historic castles, or wildlife encounters.
Here are some interesting facts about the Gower Peninsula that you might want to know before you visit:
The Gower Peninsula has over 50 beaches, each with its own character and charm. Some of the most famous ones are Rhossili Bay, which has been voted one of the best beaches in the world, Three Cliffs Bay, which has a dramatic landscape of cliffs, sand dunes, and a river, and Oxwich Bay, which has a long sandy beach and a nature reserve.
The Gower Peninsula has a rich history and culture, dating back to the Paleolithic era. You can find evidence of ancient human activity in the many caves, such as Paviland Cave, where the oldest ceremonial burial in Western Europe was discovered, and Minchin Hole Cave, where Neolithic and Bronze Age artefacts were found. You can also visit the ruins of medieval castles, such as Oxwich Castle and Penrice Castle, or the churches and chapels that dot the landscape, such as St. Illtyd’s Church and St. Cattwg’s Church.
The Gower Peninsula is a haven for wildlife and nature lovers, with a variety of habitats and species. You can explore the salt marshes, woodlands, lakes, and cliffs that are part of the Oxwich National Nature Reserve, where you can spot rare birds, plants, and insects. You can also see some mammals, such as otters, badgers, and bats, or enjoy the sight of seals, dolphins, and porpoises in the sea. You can also taste the local produce, such as the Gower salt marsh lamb, which has a distinctive flavour from grazing on the salty grasses.
The Gower Peninsula has a vibrant and friendly community, with many villages and towns that offer a warm welcome to visitors. You can find local shops, pubs, and restaurants that serve traditional Welsh dishes and ales, or join in the events and activities that take place throughout the year, such as concerts, fairs, quizzes, and dances. You can also learn more about the local heritage and folklore, such as the legend of the Worm’s Head, a rocky promontory that resembles a sea serpent, or the ghost stories that haunt the well in the graveyard of St. Illtyd’s Church.