Eating Out in Gower

Gower has a good choice of restuarants to offer. We have chosen just a few to give you an idea of the quality and choice there is locally in Gower. The majority of the restaurants use locally sourced fresh Gower ingredients wherever possible.

Very popular at the moment is the local saltmarsh lamb which is produced on the North side of Gower. The lamb graze the salt marshes of Llanrhidian and Penclawdd feeding on the grasses and herbs that grow there. The unique environment where the sheep graze gives the meat its distinctive and very special flavour that is so sought after, by connoisseurs of fine meat and is applauded by top chefs and restaurateurs alike. For more information go to www.gowersaltmarshlamb.co.uk

Just click on the links on the left of the page to visit just some of the local Gower restaurants.

Castles of Gower

If you have never visited Gower before you will be surprised at how many castles we have in such a small area. Obviously we have our own Norman Castle ruins here at Penrice and then there is Oxwich Castle which is open to the public and Weobley Castle a 15th century fortified manor house over on the North side of Gower near Llanrhidian overlooking the salt marshes and Loughor. Pennard Castle's situation is dramatic and beautiful. It is perched on the edge of the valley of the Pennard Pill, with a sheer drop below to the north and west. From it there is a sweeping view out towards Three Cliffs Bay, and across the valley to Penmaen Burrows. It was a perfect position for a castle, except for one thing which cannot have been foreseen when it was built: it was vulnerable to sand blow. By the end of the 14th century sand encroachment had led to its abandonment. Or why not visit Oystermouth Castle in Mumbles standing on a small hill with a magnificent view over Swansea Bay in the resort town of Mumbles,the earliest stone building of the castle, the keep, dates from the 12th century. All are open to the public except Penrice which is only open to Penrice Cottage visitors.
Further afield is Kidwelly Castle which is west of Llanelli and well worth a visit. Kidwelly is a mighty and imposing monument of Norman power. It is also a beautiful example of castle development, as the castle was dramatically altered on a number of occasions to conform to the latest thinking in military science.

Things to See & Do

A good day out for children of all ages can be had at the Wetlands Centre in Loughor on the way to Llanelli. Set in a 450 acre mosaic of lakes, pool and lagoons created on the scenic Burry Inlet, Llanelli Wetland Centre is home to many hundreds of wild and resident species. Explore the site by bicycle or, in the warmer months, take a jungle explorer-style tour by canoe. Water vole city and the Millennium discovery centre are also unmissable attractions. For more information go to www.wwt.org.uk

Another really good day out is at the St Fagan Museum of Welsh Life just outside Cardiff. Its free entry for everybody but make sure you allow yourself the whole day as there is so much to see and do there for children and adults of all ages.Set in a mixture of beautiful open grounds and ancient woodland, the Museum has re-erected over 40 buildings that include Iron Age roundhouses, farms and a school-room to show you how Welsh families have lived, worked and played through the ages. Meet friendly craftspeople such as the Clogmaker and Blacksmith and have a go at throwing a pot on the wheel of St Fagans Pottery. For more information click here.

Dan-yr-Ogof Caves

Heading up the Swansea valley be sure not to miss the show caves at Dan-yr-Ogof The caves are truly breathtaking. be sure to go to the Cathederal cave and the bone cave. There is also a dinosaur park and an Iron Age village, farm and play area so something for all of the family. Aprox 45mins in the car.

For up to date information on what's going on in the area go to

www.visitswanseabay.com/events

Shopping in the village of Mumbles

The pretty seaside resort of Mumbles near Gower is an ideal place to visit to do a bit of shopping. If you are looking for local produce you can find butchers, fishmongers and green grocers. But if you are looking for that designer dress or something from one of the galleries you should have plenty to choose from in one of the many unique shops scattered along Newton Road. When you need to take a break then why not visit one of the little coffee shops or better still have an iceream at Verdi's or Joes Ice Cream Parlour.Then walk off the calories along the front down to Mumbles Pier at the end. Or for a bit of culture then why not wander up to Oystermouth Castle and take in the fantastic view. Plenty to see and do anytime of year.

Penrice Estate makes the News

Well known writer Jan Etherington recently wrote a lovely article in the travel section of the Telegraph Newspaper about where to stay and things to do in Gower in which Penrice cottages was recommended. To see the article click here.