Gower Surge

Last time I went to Swansea, I drove to a house in The Mumbles for a stag do and didn’t emerge until the next afternoon for an invigorating, if somewhat hungover, surf at Caswell Bay before heading home.

On this visit, I took the family on an action-packed weekend and made sure we got out and about to see the area thoroughly this time. We were staying at The Marriott, a large hotel situated on the Marina, which made for a splendid and nautical view from our room.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and the food was superb, including Welsh scallops, and locally farmed mussels and fresh fish.

Our hotel was a few minutes’ walk into Swansea, where some areas are certainly better than others. We made for a tropical wildlife centre called Plantasia, located in a rather down-at-heel shopping centre.

On first impressions we weren’t expecting much. However, once inside, it opened up Tardis-like into a mini Eden Project with three climate zones.

We virtually had the place to ourselves, meaning we could get really lost in the experience, which was good value for money and a great way to spend the afternoon.

After a hearty breakfast with plenty of choice, we headed out early to Clyne Farm Activity Centre where we sampled their indoor climbing and archery located in a rather chilly barn, but with a very helpful and friendly instructor called Matt.

It was a great challenge for the kids and they really enjoyed the experience, with our youngest, Monty, tackling the wall as if he was Spiderman and our eldest son Archie beating us comprehensively with his longbow skills.

We rounded off with a jaunt along the headland on ponies with stunning views over Swansea Bay.

In need of warming up after our busy morning, we dropped down to The Mumbles for a delicious lunch of cauliflower soup and Welsh rarebit at The Front Room café.

As the heavens opened we decided this would be a good opportunity to visit the Gower Heritage Centre, a ramshackle labyrinth of buildings leading from one collection of exhibits to another.

One minute you were in a 17th century working water mill, the next a Second World War bunker, then a Victorian classroom. Its slightly shabby, disorganised layout and its lack of order between the exhibits, all added to the charm.

The kids loved racing around the different rooms and stumbling on the odd exhibits.

Later my wife enjoyed a cream tea and I sampled the local cider – a great time was had by all. After a long and tiring day, we headed to the King Arthur Hotel in an idyllic village in the heart of the Gower.

We arrived at this lovely old-fashioned inn to a warm cosy atmosphere and roaring log fire. Our rooms were in an annexe away from the bustle of the bar and of a very high standard, spacious and clean.

Our evening meal was very tasty in parts, with huge portions, all home cooked, using good fresh ingredients as well as locally-caught fish. However, the combinations sometimes went awry, like the delicate sea bass fillet ‘special’ with a mass of anchovies on top in the guise of a salsa verde, which completely overpowered it.

Nevertheless, it is obviously a very popular eatery. We couldn’t leave The Gower without a trip to Rhossilli Bay and Worm’s Head, which we ventured to the following morning.

The bay with its huge expanse of white sand, was stunning in the morning sunshine. We then crossed the headland to walk over to Worm’s Head before the tide cut off access.

However, we didn’t actually make it right across as the kids were having such a great time hunting for crabs in the rock pools. As we walked back the showers started, creating the most amazing rainbows and leaving us with a beautiful memory of our stay in The Gower.

The Caves were guests of Visit Swansea Bay, the tourism department of the City and County of Swansea: www.visitswanseabay.com
 

Accommodation
* Marriott Hotel – visitswanseabay.com/swanseamarriotthotel; £47.50 - £62 per person, per night (typical rate, two people sharing a twin/double room)
*  King Arthur Hotel – visitswanseabay.com/kingarthurhotel; £37.50 – £52.50 per person, per night (typical rate, two people sharing a twin/double room)
 

Eating Out
www.verdis-cafe.co.uk
The first night they ate at the Marriott and the second night at the King Arthur.

Attractions
 

* Plantasia – visitswanseabay.com/plantasia
* Clyne Farm – visitswanseabay.com/clynefarmcentre
* Gower Heritage Centre - visitswanseabay.com/gowerheritagecentre
* LC Water Park and Leisure Complex – visitswanseabay.com/LCswansea
*  National Waterfront Museum – visitswanseabay.com/nationalwaterfrontmuseum