Gower National Landscape, Wales
About
Gower National Landscape, a 186-square-kilometer peninsula near Swansea in South Wales, is the UK’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), recognized in 1956 for its stunning limestone coastline and diverse natural habitats. The peninsula features a striking variety of landscapes, from the fragile dunes and salt marshes in the north to the dramatic limestone cliffs and sandy beaches of the south. Inland, rolling hills like Cefn Bryn and Rhossili Down blend with traditional small fields, wooded valleys, and open commons, creating a rich tapestry of natural beauty.
Renowned for its breathtaking coastline and beaches, including the vast Rhossili Bay and secluded Pwll Du, Gower is a beloved destination for walkers and surfers alike. As part of Wales’s National Landscapes, the Gower Partnership collaborates with various stakeholders to protect its landscapes, wildlife, and dark skies.
Efforts to preserve Gower’s night skies began in earnest in 2017, with annual monitoring informing initiatives like local lighting retrofitting and national dark sky mapping. Swansea Council has replaced all 1,641 streetlights on Gower with dark sky-compliant LED lanterns, ensuring minimal light pollution. The 2021 Gower Placemaking Guide mandates dark sky-friendly lighting in new developments, while a Wales-wide partnership funded by the Welsh Government supports further lighting upgrades. Public engagement has flourished through a dark sky education program, which hosted multiple events in 2024, attracting over 800 participants. Letters of support from Members of Parliament, Members of the Senedd, environmental organizations, and local councils have boosted awareness of these efforts.
Gower’s appeal extends beyond its natural features, drawing visitors with its cultural heritage and accessibility via the M4 motorway, train network, and public bus services. The peninsula boasts a network of over 400 kilometers of public rights of way, including footpaths and bridleways historically used for village travel, now repurposed for recreation like walking, cycling, and horse riding.
The Wales Coast Path, which opened in 2012, highlights Gower with a scenic 62-kilometer-long section stretching from Mumbles to Crofty, offering an unparalleled experience of its unique landscapes and coastlines.
Area
186 sq km
Designated
2024
Category
International Dark Sky Community
Address
Gower National Landscape
Swansea, Wales, UK
Google Maps
Website
https://www.swansea.gov.uk/gowernationallandscape
Contact
Documents
Application
Announcement
Annual Reports
Weather
Click here to find ideal environmental conditions for enjoying dark skies near Gower National Landscape (51.60, -4.171).