The Gower Peninsula is both beautiful and unspoilt, with many historic features including castles, medieval churches, iron-age fortifications, and prehistoric standing stones. Chosen for its classic coastline and outstanding natural environment, it is no wonder that Gower was designated the first Area of Natural Beauty, (AONB) in 1956.
Carmarthenshire is often known as the ‘Garden of Wales’, due to its rolling beautiful countryside and associated flora and fauna. From the verdant pastures of the Vale of Twyi to the mountains of ‘Wild Wales’ Carmarthenshire is green to its roots. Pembrey Country Park is set against the spectacular backdrop of the Gower Peninsula and overlooks the coastal scenery of Carmarthen Bay.
The countryside from Afan Valley to the Vale of Neath is renowned for its beauty and tranquillity. Such richness and diversity of waterfalls within a relatively small area has led to the region being known as 'Waterfall Country'. As well as the natural beauty of dramatic waterfalls, it boasts spectacular country and forest parks, meandering rivers and peaceful canals, a haven for walkers and bikers alike.
Parks & Gardens
Clyne Gardens, Swansea
There is also a selection of beautiful parks and gardens throughout the region, including Carmarthenshire's Aberglasney Gardens and the National Botanic Garden of Wales; Swansea's award winning Clyne Gardens, Brynmill, Singleton & Victoria Parks; Port Talbot's Margam Park;and Gnoll Country Park in Neath. All the parks offer a healthy environment with a programme of events to keep everyone entertained.
Visit the Leisure section for information on numerous outdoor activities, including horse-riding, walking, rock climbing, surfing, sailing, windsurfing and many more.
Blue flag winning beaches and marinas in Swansea Bay, 2011
Aberavon beach – Neath Port Talbot
Bracelet Bay – Gower, Swansea
Caswell Bay – Gower, Swansea
Langland Bay – Gower, Swansea
Port Eynon – Gower, Swansea
Cefn Sidan - Carmarthenshire
Swansea Marina - Swansea Waterfront
View Map of Swansea Bay
If you really enjoy the great outdoors, it's also worth taking time to head out to the Brecon Beacons…. just an hour’s drive from Swansea city centre.
Did you know?
- Swansea Bay has some of the cleanest waters in the UK, allowing you to enjoy surfing, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and all other water-based activities.
- Worm's Head at Rhossili, Gower, is a one-mile Peninsula reputed to be the seventh most photographed sunset in the world.
- Seven Swansea Bay parks;Singleton, Brynmill, Victoria, Clyne Gardens, Gelli Aur Country Park, Llyn Llech Owain Country Park, Gnoll Park and Castle Woods in Mumbles were awarded Green Flag status in 2011.
- Fforest Fawr Geopark in the Brecon Beacons National Park features a 3,000ft succession of sandstone, mudstone and siltstone strata that stretch back over a 150 million year period.
- The Gower Penisula was Britain's first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1956.
- Llandeilo town has been nominated as one of Britain's best market towns in 2011 by Countryfile magazine.
- Whiteford Burrows has been chosen by the Daily Telegraph as a top place to watch wildlife in July 2011.
River Teifi rapids, Carmarthenshire
