Dazzling Natural Beauty in Gower

The Gower peninsula has long been acknowledged for its natural beauty, awarded the status of being the UK’s first-ever designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty back in 1956. Its unspoiled beaches, dramatic cliffs and wild open spaces were recognised as very special landscapes and have since been a magnet for visitors to share this unique place that we at Bayview Oxwich are proud to call home.

But this beauty goes a lot further than the landscape. The Gower peninsula (and Wales as a whole) is also blessed when it comes to dark skyscapes. With its secluded beaches and rural commons it is devoid of the modern ‘light’ intrusions that obscure the magic of our heavens.

And 2024 has been a bonanza year for Nature to put on a show in the skies, with the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) making some spectacular displays visible from the bedroom windows here at Bayview Oxwich. This dazzling natural phenomenon, usually seen in more Northern latitudes has been spreading to more southern latitudes and we thank our lucky stars that is has been putting on such a colourful extravaganza here at 51 degrees north, 4 degrees west as the image shows.

The Gower peninsula is considered to have some of the best spots in the UK for star-gazing. So even if the Northern Lights aren’t strutting their stuff, there are great opportunities to marvel at the heavens and listen to the waves. Here are five of the best:

• Oxwich
  A 5-minute walk from Bayview, you’ll find a secluded sweep of sandy beach, which is easily accessible 

• Port Eynon
  Another long, curved sandy bay a 10-min drive from Bayview Oxwich. Easy parking. Gorgeous for sky-watching

• Three Cliffs Bay
  Visible from Bayview Oxwich, the iconic limestone cliffs offer a dramatic backdrop to wonder at the stars. Walk along the bay or drive 10-mins from Bayview Oxwich to park at Parkmill

• Rhossili Bay
  A 15-min drive from Bayview Oxwich, you can find the spectacular tidal island of Worm's Head and the Atlantic-facing sweep of Rhossili Bay. A magical setting to stargaze

• Cefn Bryn
  A 10-minute drive from Bayview Oxwich and with easy parking, you might walk to the ancient megalith of Arthur’s Stone, steeped with legend. Great location with 360 views from the heights of Gower’s spine and uninterrupted skyscape

The best times to look skyward and see Nature at its finest, is when there’s a new moon, with little moonlight to obscure the stars. A low tide is best too.

A few pointers to get the best from your dark sky experience and to keep you safe:

Keep you safe:

• Carry a torch

• Wear sensible footwear

• Put on warm clothing

• Take your binoculars

• Keep your phone on hand

• Check the tides

• Keep safe on the coast path

• Take care on the rocks

But if you’d rather stay in the luxury of our holiday rentals properties here at Bayview Oxwich, you can sit on the covered balcony of one of our contemporary cottages or on the terrace of our exquisite apartments and not move a foot, yet see the vast expanse of starry skies.

Please call Wanda and the Team here at Bayview Oxwich to discuss which of our properties might suit you and your family best and to help with your booking. We look forward to you staying with us and sharing our wonderful skies!