For Thrillseekers
Llangennith beach, which is only five minutes drive away, is one of the best surfing beaches in Britain, attracting waves as big as 12ft in winter. If you are just beginning we recommend the Welsh Federation Surf School, located in Llangenith or Gower Surf School. You can buy or rent your equipment at PJ's Surf Shop, who provide a friendly and comprehensive service.
If there are a group of you, then you have to try coasteering. It is the most exciting outdoor activity you can imagine! Go scrambling over enormous rocks, climb cliffs over deep water, swim through sea caves and finish with jumping 20ft or more into the ocean. Coasteering Wales has all the equipment and instructors you need for the most amazing coasteering experience.
If that sounds like too much effort, you can take a boat trip with Gower Coast Adventures whose exhilarating and enthralling tours of the area are a unique experience.
Paragliders and handgliders can make use of the Rhossili Downs, for stunning views of our beautiful area.
A Beautiful Area
There is a fine network of footpaths and bridleways suitable for walking, mountain biking and horse riding throughout Gower and access from the bunkhouse could not be easier. Much emphasis has been placed on preserving Gower's natural habitats and there are several National Nature Reserves on the North and South sides of Gower, the nearest being a few minutes drive away at Whitford. The bay and estuary, especially during the winter months, is of significant importance in providing a rich habitat for wintering birds.
In addition to Llangennith, there are many safe and sandy beaches close to the Bunkhouse. Some, such as Port-Eynon, Horton and Oxwich are easily accessible, whilst others require more of a walk, taking you to the quieter coves and beaches. One of these is Mewslade Bay, a popular rock climbing location. Several of the local beaches even have life guard stations, to ensure that you remain completely safe.
Much of Gower's stunning coastline is owned by The National Trust, securing the future of these fragile parts of Gower for generations to come.
Rich in History
There are no less than three castles within easy reach of the bunkhouse: Pennard Castle, perched on the edge of the valley of the Pennard Pill with stunning views out towards Three Cliffs Bay and accross to Penmaem Burrows; the imposing Tudor mansion at Oxwich and the large and imposing remains of Weobley Castle.
Further to this, and much more ancient is the Parc Cwm cairn, a partly restored ancient tomb, built almost 6000 years ago!
We also have the Gower Heritage Centre, which is a rural life museum based around a working 12th century water mill. They offer a large range of activities, and have a comprehensive calendar of events, offering something for the whole family! Alternatively, if you would like to try your hand at some medieval skills, you can visit the Perriswood Archery and Falconry Centre.
Places to Eat
We have a number of pubs, cafés and restaurants within easy reach of the bunkhouse. These include the Kings Head in Llangennith, which is withing easy walking distance of the bunkhouse,The King Arthur Hotel in Reynoldston, The Greyhound Inn, Oldwalls, Llanrhidian, The Britania Inn, Llanmadoc and the Captain's Table in Port Eynon which serves fish and chips by the sea, and is a fifteen minute drive away. If you are a large group, we recommend booking a table in advance, as you don't want to miss out!
If you prefer to cook for yourself, we can provide a list of local food shops: as well as Gower's range of tiny local stores, there are a number of large chain shops within a half hour's car drive.
Retail Therapy
If you want to round off your holiday with a spot of shopping, you will find ample choice around the bunkhouse: the local town of Mumbles has a wonderful collection of small designer shops, and we are only fifteen miles away from reigonal shopping centre of Swansea
