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This far-stretching headland of sandy beaches and geologically-rich environment was rightly named the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1956. A visit to the Gower Peninsula is surely one for your bucket list.

Celebrated poet Dylan Thomas, who lived in nearby Swansea for most of his life, described Gower as: “…a very beautiful peninsula, some miles from this blowsy town … as a matter of fact it is one of the loveliest sea-coast stretches in the whole of Britain”.

Benefiting from both the Bristol Channel and Atlantic Ocean lapping at its rocky shores while a fusion of salt marshes and sand dunes create a winning haven for wildlife to the north, Gower attracts many species of bat, bird and marine life – you might even spot a seal sunning on the slipway of the Mumbles lifeboat house.

No less than 188 sq km, this stunning AONB is a hit with thrill-seekers from surfers and paddlers to climbers and abseilers. Not only does Gower provide awesome waves but it also presents astonishing coastal views and inland panoramas of heathlands, woodlands and grasslands. Why not explore what the local activities centres have to offer or take a boat trip to get up close to Gower’s coves and caves from the water?

With more than 1000 archaeological sites from ancient caverns and Iron Age forts to medieval castles and a Neolithic burial tomb that is steeped in Arthurian legend, a step back in time to the historic Gower Peninsula is the ideal way to escape hectic, modern city-life.

Just a stone’s throw from Swansea by car, it is the perfect place to blow away the cobwebs. There are a full 19 miles along which you can walk the breath-taking Heritage Coast, from Mumbles towards Rhossili Bay, and take in highlights of the Wales Coast Path. Remember to chow down on a traditional Welsh breakfast, complete with local seaweed delicacy laver bread, beforehand – it will put hairs on your chest and prime you for a bracing stroll!

After all that sea air and a good blast of natural, cultural and historical wonders, you’ll be ready to cosy-up in your Gower holiday cottage.