The best photography locations on the Gower Peninsula
Designated as Britain’s first area of outstanding natural beauty in 1956, the Gower is a magnificent stretch of coastline on the South Coast of Wales.
Hidden amongst the across the peninsulas rugged cliffs are over 25 beaches, sweeping panoramic vistas and a plethora of historic landmarks ranging from cast iron lighthouses to ruined castles.
This little slice of Wales has arguably some of the finest coastal views in the UK and is a haven for any landscape photographer or anyone looking to up their Instagram game.
In the blog post below I have listed my favourite photography locations on the peninsula which are worthy of your time.
Oh, in case you’re wondering my association with the Gower, I was born and raised in Swansea and have been exploring the Gower for the majority of my 30 years, so its safe to say I know the region pretty well!
Three Cliffs Bay
With its iconic three peak adorning postcards across the peninsula, Three Cliffs Bay is a spectacular location no matter the season.
This beach is one of the most popular spots on the peninsula and for good reason. If the weather forecast looks promising then I would recommend heading down here for sunset or sunrise with the former being the preferred choice.
The most sought after shot and the one that gets the most attention is from the dune covered headland which separates Three Cliffs from the neighbouring Pobbles bay. This spot is a great location for sunset and is best reached by parking in the village of Southgate and walking around or across the golf course.
Another great location is from the other side of the bay just below Three Cliffs Holiday park. This view also makes for a great spot for sunrise especially if you can time it with high tide.
For a detailed guide to Three Cliffs Bay including where to park and how to reach it, check out my blog post below;
The view from the dunes which overlook the beach
The view from the Headland above the Cliffs
The view from below Three Cliffs Bay Holiday park
Pennard Castle
Technically this spot is part of Three cliffs bay but I felt it warranted a section to itself.
As dramatic as it is beautiful, this 12th-century ruin is one of six castles here on the Gower.
Perched on the clifftop, Pennard castle looms over the winding Pennard pill and offers sweeping views towards Three Cliffs Bay. The view from the castle walls is my favourite view on the Gower and is best when combined with a visit to the iconic Three Cliffs Bay.
Free parking is available in the villages of Pennard and Southgate and from both, you can stroll across the golf course to reach the ruins. If you’re lucky you might even have some company in the form of cows and horses which frequently graze the Gower’s common land.
Like Three Cliffs, Pennard Castle is a great location for both astrophotography and sunset and If you get your angles and timings right you can often get the sun poking through the castle ruins.
Pennard castle at sunset
The milky way high above Pennard castle
Rhossili & Worms Head
Words simply can not do this incredible location justice as its dramatic coastal cliffs, and panoramic views are breath taking no matter which direction you look.
Located on the southwestern tip of the Gower Peninsula, Rhossili Bay is made up of three miles of sandy shoreline. The beach is regularly voted as one of the best in Europe and has managed to make it into the top 10 beaches in the World.
You are spoilt for choice when it come for coastal views and walks, alongside Rhossili downs situated above the beach you also have the crown jewel of the Gower, Worms head.
The Worm is a sea-serpent shaped tidal island situated several hundred yards off the headland. Only accessible at low tide the Worm marks the most westerly tip of Gower, and should be a must do walk for the adventurous amongst you.
Rhossili is undoubtedly the best place on the Gower to watch the sunset as you can see the sun drop directly below the horizon alongside the majestic worms head. For all the information on the area check out my detailed guide below.
The view From Rhossili Down
The old Coastguard station which sits on the headland
Langland Bay
Situated just outside the seaside village of Mumbles, Langland bay is the most accessible location on this list with both the beach and surrounding cliff path being wheelchair friendly.
A large car park situated 10m from the beach which makes the Langland the perfect quick stop if you’re short on time. The beach is ideal for both sunrise and sunset.
As well as photographing the iconic green and white huts which line its shoreline, make sure you take a stroll out to Langland point which is a great place to watch the sunset.
Pwll Du
Pwll Du at high tide
A hidden gem on the Gower coastline, this remote little sand and shingle beach is as beautiful as they come and is perfect for escaping the crowds.
Pwll du, which translates from Welsh into black pool, is a beautiful pebbled cove which sits at the bottom of Bishopston Valley.
Free parking is available near Bishopston Post Office. From here head down Pwll du lane for a mile until you reach a large wooden swing gate, pass through the gate and the beach will come into view as you come around the corner.
You can also reach this beach by taking a two mile walk through the Bishopston valley from the Beaufort pub in Kittle. A full description of this walk can be found here.
The Great Tor
The view over Tor & Oxwich Bay from the Great Tor. Little tor can be seen directly beneath the sun
Another hidden gem on the Gower coastline. Tor bay is a sheltered sandy beach at the eastern end of Oxwich Bay. At low tide it becomes part of the huge stretch of sand that connects, Pobbles, Three Cliffs, Tor bay, Crawley and Oxwich bay.
The nearest parking for Tor Bay is it at Penmaen. Here you will find two small car parks, one on the south side of the road, and the other just across the cattle grid on the north side of the road.
I’d recommend heading up to the Great Tor, which is the rocky headland which separates Tor bay from Three Cliffs Bay. Its a great location for sunset as the sun drops behind the horizon in line with the vast sweeping sand of Oxwich.
Another reason which makes this spot so great is the fact that you can see Three Cliffs bay from the Tor, and if continue walking eastwards around the cliff top for 10 minutes until you can reach its shoreline.
The Great Tor
Blue Pool Bay
Blue pool bay is a secluded charming bay tucked away not he north west tip of the Gower. Its remoteness and lack of access make this one of the quietest beaches on the Peninsula.
The main feature of the bay is a large natural circular rock pool at the western end of the beach. which is deep enough to jump into from the rocks above. At low tide the pool is uncovered and is separated from the sea by the beach. At the west end of the bay is a natural rock arch, called the Blue Pool Arch or 3 Chimneys.
Free parking is available at Broughton caravan site . To reach the beach follow signs through the caravan site before taking a left across the cliff path towards Blue pool. Reaching the shore requires navigating steep and unstable terrain at the eastern end of the beach.
On route you’ll also have great views of Broughton beach and if you continue walking around the headland you’ll be able to view the 3 mile shores of Llangennith and Rhossili from the north.
Whiteford Lighthouse
Situated on the North Western Tip of the Gower Peninsula, Whiteford lighthouse is the only wave-swept cast-iron lighthouse left in Britain. The 13m tall decommissioned lighthouse which was built back in 1865 can be found at the northern tip of the beach and is only accessible at Low Tide.
The base of the lighthouse is surrounded by plenty of rockpools which make for a great reflection image.
The lighthouse is only accessible at low tide and is reached by 2.5 mile walk (one hour) walk from Cwm Ivy coffee shop . On route you’ll pass through the delightful Whiteford nature reserve which is haven for birds and wildlife including wild horses.
A word of warning , aim to reach the lighthouse around an hour before low tide to give yourself plenty of time and prevent being swept out into the deadly Loughor estuary.
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Mumbles Lighthouse and Pier
Mumbles lighthouse from Bracelet bay
Fun Fact, the village of Mumbles, derives from the French word mamelles, meaning 'breasts' and originally refers only to the two islands which are situated off the headland, one of which houses the lighthouse.
There is a large pay and display car park right next to the pier which will easily allow you to reach the small beach in front of the lighthouse. Another option is to park behind the adjacent Bracelet bay, and to snap the lighthouse from its shores.
Kilvey Hill
Technically its not part of the Gower but it the view from the summit warrants visit. Although the views are terrific the surrounding area isn’t the most pleasing on the eye, the spot is frequently used as a hang out for youngsters and is covered in litter.
The summit can reached by a number of routes, with the quickest and easiest being from the South West. On street parking is available near Danybeacon road and from here you ascend via the lane. It should take around 15-20 minutes to reach the top which is marked by a large electrical pylon.
Culver Hole
Hidden in a rocky cleft near Port Eynon Beach, ancient Culver Hole cave is sealed behind a 60ft stone wall dotted with mismatched windows.
Believed to have been built in the 13th century to house pigeons the Indiana Jones-esq structure holds a bounty of smuggling stories. According to local legend, it was used by powerful local brigand John Lucas as a storehouse with tales of a secret tunnel – big enough to ride a horse through.
For a detailed guide on how to reach culver hole and where to park, check out my blog post below
Swansea Bay
Although its not the first place you think, Swansea Bay is actually a great spot to catch a sunrise from. The sheer size of the beach means you can access it from a number of spots, with the Marina and the Secret Bar being the easiest locations.
Arthurs Stone
Referred as the "backbone of Gower", Cefn Bryn is a 5-mile-long ancient ridge that traverse the peninsula.
On the the tail of the ridge sits one of Wales’ most famous prehistoric monuments, Arthurs Stone. The 25-ton capstone sits majestically on top of Cefyn Bryn Common. Free parking is available on the road side and the monolith can be reached via a short 5 minute walk across the common.
Fall Bay
A long, shallow beach tucked away in the coastline to the south of Rhossili. Its often overlooked for its neighbour but is always worthy of a visit. The beach can be reached from the National Trust car park at Rhossili via footpaths across several fields or by walking out to Worms Head and continuing around the coast.
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For more travel, & photography inspiration around Wales check out my in-depth guides to each of my favourite regions below.