A Family Vanlife Guide to Gower Peninsula (10 nights)

Gower Peninsula, Wales

Wild beaches, tidal pools, coastal hikes and secluded coves — a two‑week staycation on the gorgeous Gower Peninsula, South Wales.

Route Overview
Detailed Itinerary

Golden beaches, family hikes, rockpool discoveries and plenty of sandy shoreline to explore.

Quick Planning Overview

Trip style: Family vanlife • Beach exploring • Wild swimming • Coastal hikes
Duration: ~14 nights
Start/Finish: South Wales loop
Best time to go: Summer months
Main regions: Gower Peninsula, South Wales
Van friendly? Yes — relaxed campsites
Booking style: Flexible & exploratory
Water focus: Tidal pools, sandy beaches, cliff leaps

Best For

  • Families who love nature
  • Beach and rockpool explorers
  • Wild swimming and coastal hikes
  • Those seeking unspoilt Welsh scenery

Places of Interest

Where we stayed:

  • Eastern Slade Farm – 4 nights
  • Hillend Campsite (Llangennith) – (6 nights )

Why We Chose The Gower

We had planned to go abroad, but with changing travel restrictions we made a backup plan — and the Gower was more than worth it. Its wild, unspoilt beaches and tidal pools offered endless adventure right here at home.

Detailed Itinerary

Days 1–4 — Eastern Slade Farm

Where we stayed: Eastern Slade Farm campsite

This was the start of our Gower adventure — a back to basics site with an ultra‑relaxed, field‑style vibe near Oxwich.

  • A simple pitch with beautiful views
  • Community feel with fellow travellers
  • A short walk (10 minutes) to Slade Bay

This was a great slow start, and from here we felt completely immersed in the landscape.

Day 2 — Oxwich Bay

Despite a van alternator issue delaying us for a few hours, we walked to Oxwich Bay while waiting — a stunning 2.5‑mile beach that’s perfect for exploring rockpools and spotting colourful marine life.

This beach is great for:

  • family walks
  • shallow swims
  • discovering starfish
  • easy access eateries

Day 5 — Three Cliffs Bay, Pennard Cliffs & Pobbles Bay

One of the highlights of the trip.

We parked at the National Trust car park at Pennard and followed the coastal path down through dunes to Pobbles Bay. At low tide you can walk out around the coastal cliffs to Three Cliffs Bay, or wade through the (shallow) cave into its turquoise plunge pool.

📍 Recommended lunch stop: @thelookoutthreecliffs (a lovely local spot with views across the bay).

Days 5-10 — Hillend Campsite & Llangennith Beach

Where we stayed: Hillend Campsite

This was a large, well‑equipped campsite with walkable access (5 minutes) to Llangennith Beach, one of the UK’s great long sandy beaches — perfect for:

  • sandy walks
  • open water dips
  • surfboard play
  • shell collecting

Llangennith is also known as one of the surfing capitals of the Gower.

Mini Highlights Around the Peninsula

Blue Pool

A gorgeous little tidal pool ideal for calm dips or jumping off rocks. It’s only accessible at low tide, and the surrounding coastal path and sandy beach make for a lovely wander.

Tip:

  • Park at Broughton Farm caravan park (£5)
  • Grab a crepe from @gowercrepes
  • Walk along the coastal path and back via the sand
  • Double‑check tide times — the pool disappears at high tide

Worm’s Head

Hands‑down one of the peninsula’s most memorable hikes. The causeway to the tidal island of Worm’s Head is exposed ~2.5 hours either side of low tide, and the return walk is ~4.5 miles across rugged terrain. It’s stunning — but essential you:

  • check tide times
  • leave plenty of time to return!

We even squeezed in a spontaneous dip before the tide crept in.

Rhossili Sunflowers & The Bay Bistro

Towards the end of summer, we found a gorgeous sunflower field near Rhossili, backed by sweeping coastal views — £2 entry and gorgeous photo opps. Nearby The Bay Bistro was an excellent breakfast stop with ocean views.

Swim & Water Highlights

  • Slade Bay coastal walks and dips
  • Oxwich Bay sandy beach and rockpool wonderland
  • Three Cliffs Bay plunge pool exploration
  • Blue Pool tidal swims at low tide
  • Worm’s Head water play

The mix of sandy beaches, tidal pools, and rugged coastline made the Gower feel like a playground for water lovers.

Family Travel Notes

  • Some stops require checking tide times (e.g., Worm’s Head, Blue Pool)
  • Many beaches are better at low tide — plan around tides if possible
  • The peninsula is surprisingly diverse; one day’s beach walk feels totally different from the next
  • Wild livestock and beach freedom added a “real nature” feel

Would We Visit Again?

Absolutely yes — it’s one of our favourite UK escapes. The Gower feels unspoilt, wild and endlessly interesting if you love coastline exploration.