The Gower Peninsula was the first area in the UK to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it deserves the title. It juts out west from Swansea, a compact stretch of dramatic cliffs, wide sand beaches, and green farmland that rivals Pembrokeshire and the Lleyn Peninsula for coastal scenery — in a much smaller area.
Rhossili is the highlight. The long sweep of Rhossili Bay, backed by the ridge of Rhossili Down, is one of the finest beaches in Britain. At low tide you can walk out to Worms Head, a tidal island at the western tip — check the tide tables at the National Trust hut on the cliff top before setting out, because the causeway floods quickly.
Other good beaches include Three Cliffs Bay (a short walk from Southgate), Oxwich Bay, and the quieter coves of the north coast. Getting there requires a bus from Swansea or your own transport; the peninsula is not large, but public transport is limited.