Disover the peninsula: our Gower highlights
Britain’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Gower Peninsula is a place where dramatic cliffs meet sweeping beaches, ancient woodland and wild landscapes.
Living and working on the Gower means we never take our surroundings for granted. Whether it’s an early morning walk before service, watching the tide roll in after lunch or discovering a quiet stretch of coastline on a day off, these are the places our team return to time and again.
OXWICH BAY NATURE RESERVE
- Distance from Beach House: On our doorstep
- Best for: Wildlife, peaceful walks and experiencing the landscape that inspires our menus
We’re fortunate to call Oxwich Bay Nature Reserve home. While many visitors are drawn to the sweeping sands of Oxwich Beach just beyond our windows, a short walk inland reveals an equally remarkable landscape of dunes, woodland and marsh, rich in wildlife throughout the year.
In late spring and early summer, the dunes come alive with wild orchids and colourful wildflowers. Crushed shells carried inland from the beach create the chalky soil they thrive in, while the abundance of plant life supports an array of butterflies and insects, including the nationally recognised small blue butterfly, as well as rarer species such as the beachcomber beetle and hairy dragonfly.
During breaks in service, you’ll often find Chef Director Hywel Griffith exploring the dunes with his beloved dog, Loki. It’s one of his favourite places to unwind, and one that continues to inspire the connection between Beach House, its landscape and the changing seasons. We particularly love visiting early in the morning, when the light is soft, the beach is at its quietest, and the reserve feels wonderfully peaceful.
THREE CLIFFS BAY & PENNARD CASTLE
- Distance from Beach House: Approx. 10 minutes by car
- Best for: Coastal walks, photography and some of the Gower’s most iconic views
Just along the coast from Beach House, Three Cliffs Bay is one of the Gower’s most iconic landscapes. Its sweeping sandy beach, dramatic limestone cliffs, sand dunes and rock pools make it one of the most photographed spots on the peninsula.
Sitting above Three Cliffs Bay, the ruins of Pennard Castle offer one of the most dramatic viewpoints on the Gower. Built in the early 12th century, the castle now stands surrounded by dunes and overlooking this stretch of coastline. For those looking to make an afternoon of their visit to the Gower, the bay can be reached by car or enjoyed as part of a longer coastal walk before returning to Beach House for dinner.
CEFN BRYN
- Distance from Beach House: Approx. 15 minutes by car
- Best for: Sweeping views across the Gower Peninsula, countryside walks and watching the landscape change with the seasons
One of our team’s favourite places on the Gower. Rising high above the heart of the Gower peninsula, Cefn Bryn offers some of the most breathtaking views across this special corner of Wales. The ancient ridgeway stretches between Reynoldston and Penmaen, with panoramic views across beaches, countryside and coastline.
For those looking to experience the Gower beyond the shoreline, a walk along Cefn Bryn is a wonderful way to see the landscape that inspires so much of what we do at Beach House. On a clear day, you can see from the Bristol Channel across to the surrounding coastline, making it one of our favourite places to pause and take in the view.
RHOSSILI BAY & WORM’S HEAD
- Distance from Beach House: Approx. 35 minutes by car
- Best for: Dramatic coastal views, sunset walks and experiencing one of Wales’ most iconic landscapes
Nearby, the views from Rhossili are unparalleled and the beach richly deserves the many accolades it has received, frequently being named in the list of top 10 beaches in the world. You really get the best of the Gower coast path in one go here, looking out to 3 miles of sandy beach, with Gower’s most iconic landmark “Worms Head” in the distance. The waters around Worm’s Head are also home to an abundance of marine life, and on quieter days you may spot seals resting on the rocks or dolphins passing offshore.
A walk across Rhossili Downs offers some of the best views on the peninsula, particularly at sunset when the coastline takes on a completely different character.
AFTER EXPLORING THE GOWER
After a day discovering the landscapes, beaches and viewpoints that make the Gower so special, return to Beach House for a dining experience shaped by the very surroundings you have explored.
Overlooking Oxwich Bay, our Michelin-starred kitchen celebrates the seasons, the coastline and the exceptional Welsh producers who supply our menus.
From seafood caught along the coast to locally sourced ingredients from across Wales, every dish tells the story of the place we call home.
FAQs
The Gower Peninsula offers a wonderful mix of coastal walks, beautiful beaches, wildlife, historic landmarks and local food experiences. Visitors can explore some of Wales’ most iconic landscapes, from the sweeping sands of Rhossili Bay and the dramatic cliffs of Three Cliffs Bay to the dunes and nature reserve surrounding Oxwich Bay.
For those looking to experience the Gower at a slower pace, a day might include a coastal walk, a visit to a viewpoint or historic site, followed by lunch or dinner at one of the peninsula’s local restaurants.
The Gower Peninsula is home to some of Wales’ most celebrated beaches, each with its own character. Rhossili Bay is known for its dramatic views and iconic Worm’s Head landmark, while Three Cliffs Bay is loved for its limestone cliffs, dunes and coastal walks.
Closer to Beach House, Oxwich Beach offers a beautiful stretch of golden sand backed by dunes, woodland and nature reserve, making it the perfect place for a peaceful walk before or after dining with us.
Absolutely. As Britain’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Gower Peninsula is celebrated for its unspoilt coastline, diverse landscapes and rich wildlife. From beaches and coastal paths to countryside walks and historic sites, there is something to discover throughout the year.
Whether you’re visiting for a day trip or a longer stay, the Gower offers the perfect combination of natural beauty, outdoor experiences and exceptional local food.
The Gower’s food scene is shaped by its coastline, countryside and the exceptional producers who call South Wales home. From fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients to restaurants celebrating local Welsh produce, there are many wonderful places to eat across the peninsula.
Overlooking Oxwich Bay, Beach House offers Michelin-starred dining inspired by the landscape around it, with menus shaped by the seasons and the finest ingredients from across Wales.
