Best in Gower!

Human recommendations for all the best things in Gower and Mumbles

recent posts

about

  • Where to watch the IRONMAN 26 athletes in Swansea

    Where to watch the IRONMAN 26 athletes in Swansea

    This weekend, IRONMAN 2026 comes to Swansea, with athletes completing a 1.2 mile open water swim, a 56 mile bike ride and a 13 mile run along the scenic roads of Swansea Bay. Taking in the Gower villages of Parkmill, Pennard and Southgate, the route has some great spectator spots along the way. Here are our favourites!

    *Note: For IRONMAN spectators, getting access to a good spot requires planning!  Several roads are closed on Sunday 12th July to give the triathletes a safe route – check the details before travelling.

    The Secret/ SALT by The Secret
    Coming in at number 1… The Secret is a fab spot for breakfast and spectating, with the IRONMAN 26 route passing it six times in total!  The only problem will be getting there: the best option will be to park in town (try the multi-storey alongside Tesco) and walk to The Secret. 

    If you can’t get a seat in the restaurant, frankly you’re in luck because SALT is our new favourite, a little chip cabin facing the sea which specialises in cones of loaded chips!  A perfect Swansea treat after you’ve cheered on the IronMan athletes.
    Walking directions to The Secret

    Fortes – Limeslade
    Past Mumbles, the IRONMAN 2026 course turns up Plunch Lane on the corner at Fortes ice cream parlour.  Fortes has been making its own ice-cream since 1936, with a retro feel and a menu of sundaes and milkshakes.

    Not much seating here but if you’ve got kids, there’s a little cove (Limeslade) for rock-pooling after you’ve spotted your IRONMAN contender! 
    Directions to Fortes

    West Cross Green
    The bike route travels down Fairwood road and then turns left onto Oystermouth Road again (A4067), making West Cross Green a good place to take a picnic and cheer!  It’s accessible on foot from the promenade or West Cross.

    There’s a small park with a zip wire, which is great if you have kids to entertain afterwards (especially if you are waiting for roads to reopen).
    Directions to Alderwood Play Area

    Three Cliffs Coffee Shop – Southgate
    The cyclists go around the roundabout right outside this coffee shop in Southgate, so it’s a great place for pics. The road will be closed, so arrive early! Upstairs seating gives you a view over the roundabout if there’s space. If not, there’s lots of standing space around the edges of the roundabout for spectators, and you’re steps away from the lovely clifftop walk.

    (Psst: TC can pack up your sandwiches or cake in cardboard boxes to take out onto the cliffs for a post-spectating snack. We know from experience that it’s SUPER tiring waiting for triathletes. You deserve a little cake.)
    Directions to TC Coffee Shop

    Shepherds – Parkmill
    The IRONMAN bike route will travel in front of Shepherds twice.  The road closure (from 7am) means that it may be difficult to access, unless you arrive early or you are on foot. Nearby parking is available outside Shepherds or at the Gower Heritage Centre, and sometimes in the field opposite Shepherds too.

    (On the plus side, there’s plenty to occupy you before or after the event – a lovely walk through the valley to Three Cliffs or kids’ activities at the Heritage Centre.)
    Directions to Shepherds

  • 3 of the best: Sandwiches in Swansea

    3 of the best: Sandwiches in Swansea

    SO… anyone else obsessed with sandwiches at the moment? At £6+ per sando, it’s a purchase we take seriously. Here’s our pick of the best sandwiches in Swansea … so far>

    Grandad Needs His Medicine (Sketty)
    Here’s the crunch: sandwiches are easy to make, especially if you have great bread and your favourite mayo.  If you’re paying for a sandwich, it has to be special. We’re thinking week-long-marinaded steak, posh cheese, secret-recipe pickles. Something surprising!  That’s what GNHM is good at.  

    Grandad Needs His Medicine is the sando pioneer that opened in Swansea in 2023. Beef Brisket, Sloppy Joe, Pork or Tofu Banh Mi … everything on this menu is outstanding.  For us, GHMN has set the new bar.
    Directions to GNHM

    A beef and pickle sandwich wrapped in foil.

    Stuart’s Artisan Bakery (Killay)
    Alert: Stuart’s famous focaccia sells out fast, so pick up your picnic pronto.  

    You can either get a big round of focaccia to slice and fill yourself, or choose one of the pre-filled mini focaccia. If you’re not eating at home then a personal size focaccia is worth it!  They’re filled with excellent quality ingredients and packed in their own little cardboard boxes, which make them perfect for a beach day.  
    Directions to Stuart’s

    Saint Hugo (Mumbles)

    Head here for a small selection of perfectly-formed sandwiches in excellent bread and wrapped in paper, including a vegan sandwich STUFFED with roast vegetables and good things – be sure to add a pastry for afters.

    Saint Hugo is in the heart of Mumbles so it’s ideal for picnic food to eat on the prom or one of our lovely local beaches. At the time of writing, Saint Hugo has the most affordable sandwich on our list (starting at £6)!
    Directions to Saint Hugo

  • 3 ice-creams to try in Mumbles

    If you’re on holiday in Mumbles, one of the most important things to tick off is this: tasting our famous local ice-cream. Since 1936, local families have been competing to make the very best. Which one wins your vote?

    Verdi’s

    The big, glass house is unmissable and a visit to Verdi’s is always a treat. It’s near the end of Mumbles prom, with a spacious outdoor seating area and an ice-cream counter which always has a long queue.  Choose from a huge range of ice-cream flavours or an Italian dessert from the glass cabinet.  Verdi’s makes picture-perfect ice-cream sundaes and dreamy milkshakes too.  

    Verdi’s is the youngest ice-cream vendor in Mumbles, opening in 1993 by the Moruzzi family. The question is: do you prefer Verdi’s Italian-style ice-cream, or the saltier taste of its longstanding competitor – Joe’s?  It’s an ongoing debate (ask anyone in Swansea for their opinion). You’re going to have to try both and find out.
    Directions to Verdi’s

    Joe’s

    The most famous ice-cream in Swansea, Joe’s has a branch in Mumbles which is always packed equally with locals and visitors.

    You can choose from different flavours but, in the interest of historical accuracy, you should really test the signature vanilla. It’s churned in the parlour because it was devised (in 1922) to be served fresh – with an exceptionally soft-whipped texture!  Wondering how best to eat your vanilla? We recommend a Chocolate Marshmallow Sundae.
    Directions to Joe’s

    Fortes

    Opened in 1936 by another Italian Joe, this sweet little ice-cream parlour wins ‘best location’.  Choose from the small range of ever-changing flavours (we like Bueno, or Blackberry) and take your cone up and over Mumbles hill (look for the steps rising up right beside Fortes) or around the coastal path (turn right on exit from Fortes and follow the road until it stops and becomes a footpath).  Both give you amazing views, especially if you’re lucky enough to spot a little basking seal!
    Directions to Forte’s



  • Coffee + a walk in Gower

    Coffee + a walk in Gower

    What shall we do this weekend? How about a new walk and a coffee stop?  Here are the best places we’ve found to combine a Swansea or Gower walk with coffee (and a takeaway cake, obvs).

    Horton + Cart on the Coast
    From a blue converted horse-box, Jodi serves coffee and cakes in paper bags. After years of experience operating the Three Cliffs Coffee Shop, Jodi has returned to one of her favourite beaches to serve coffee between swims. She’s sourced exceptionally good cakes to fuel your walking adventure.  Turn left from the cart to take the path to the beach: dogs are welcome.
    Check Cart on the Coast’s opening times

    Swansea Bay + Ripples
    If you are obsessed with free parking (hi, Mum), this one’s not far from a free car park in West Cross. Follow the road in front of Domino’s to the small car park, then cross at the crossing to join the seafront promenade. You’re just minutes from Ripples, a longstanding Mumbles favourite, where you can get a locally-made ice-cream or a takeaway hot chocolate, depending on the weather!  Take it on a wander along the seafront promenade, which stretches a long way in either direction. The kids could bring their scooters.

    Shepherd’s + Three Cliffs Bay
    If your legs are up to a longer walk then you can park at coffee shop Shepherd’s (or in the field which is sometimes open for parking, opposite) in Parkmill and walk the woodland valley to Three Cliffs Bay.  It’s one of Britain’s most famous beaches for good reason: go take your own pictures of the iconic peaks. Shepherd’s sells drinks and snacks to take for a beach day, as well as a café providing sandwiches and cake.  (NB: The field sometimes hosts pop-up catering stands like Gower Doughnuts – if you’re lucky!)
    Shepherd’s Menu

    Bracelet Bay + The Lighthouse
    You have a few options for coffee when you’re walking at Bracelet and Limeslade, which are the two stony beaches westerly of Mumbles lighthouse.  We love The Lighthouse, which also does a superb woodfired pizza … just in case you’re still nearby when lunch time rolls around!  Bracelet and Limeslade are both good for rockpooling and swimming, despite their rocky beaches.

  • Best brunch in Mumbles

    Best brunch in Mumbles

    Who knows the rules for brunch? Nobody, and that’s what makes it so delightful. You can start with pancakes and end with a cocktail, and nobody can say a word.

    What’s everyone in the mood for today? Whether you want a full cooked breakfast, a veggie sausage sandwich, an egg bagel or a French pastry, you can find it in Mumbles. Here’s our current list of the best brunch places in Mumbles.

    Mumbles Coffee
    Not a full brunch, but we’re squeezing in this little place because we’re in charge here. We’ve slurped our way through a lot of flat whites, and Mumbles Coffee takes our prize for best coffee. This local business was built on coffee, but also provides a range of interesting options if your ideal breakfast or brunch is light and snacky. Excellent sausage rolls or veggie rolls and a very good range of breakfast pastries and cakes. See if you can get a seat on the overhead balcony to people-watch – we once spotted Welsh TV meteorologist Sian Lloyd brunching here!

    Saint Hugo
    If you’re looking for brunch in Mumbles but you don’t want to sit in, and you’re forever in pursuit of the perfect pain, Saint Hugo is probably the one. It has incredibly delicious pastries and sandwiches but no china –  everything is packed to go. Maybe they don’t really want us to stay there and spoil the minimalist vibe?  Anyway, that’s not the worst idea in Mumbles, because there are quite possibly hundreds of benches – along the newly-renovated seafront path, outside the Ostreme Centre, or in the grounds of the pretty Oystermouth Castle (entry to grounds is free).  Saint Hugo’s pain au chocolat or pistachio croissant are both highly recommended, but just make sure you’re in a place where you can get messy, as the amazing pastry shatters into a thousand flakes with every bite. (Absolutely the best kind of mess.) 

    Bistrot Pierre
    Put on your best blouse for Bistrot Pierre, because the table service, atmosphere, and table settings are all “chef’s kiss”. White tablecloths + big windows = fancy French vibes. The menu is fairly minimal, but everything is made with care and breakfast is one of the best meals to sample here. Important Note: BP serves breakfast until 10:45 only, we know, how will Steve make it out of the door in time for that?!  If you can get ready quick enough then you will have the pleasure of choosing between French pastries, granola, yoghurt and cooked breakfast (including the full and full veggie, but also steak and eggs, because we’re in France remember).
    Bistrot Pierre Breakfast Menu

    Croeso
    Buttermilk pancakes with maple syrup and berries. Shakshuka, avo toast, or a classic bacon butty? While the menu is extensive and undeniably interesting, the quality at Croeso can be hit and miss. So go once – admire the vintage portraits and eclectic décor, DON’T SIT DOWNSTAIRS – go upstairs to get a chair (or sofa) with a generous view, definitely order one of their fun mocktails or cocktails, and see how it goes. We are hoping this place will make a turnaround so report back 😊
    Croeso Brunch Menu

    The Lighthouse
    Fill your soul with Mumbles’ best views at The Lighthouse. Obviously, Swansea’s iconic white lighthouse is the closest landmark, perched on a rocky outcrop jutting out into the bay.   But you can see the whole sweep of the Bay from here, although the outdoor seats (despite Perspex shielding) are exposed to the wind. Formerly called Castellamare and owned by an Italian family, this restaurant was bought out by the people who run The Secret on Swansea Bay. Choose a traditional breakfast (quality ingredients, reflected in the prices), Sausage Sandwich, or Eggs Benedict (especially if you’re on a quest to find Swansea’s best eggs benedict, like my brother). You can also just have toast, but if you are the person who orders this, please email to tell us whyyyy.
    The Lighthouse Breakfast Menu

    Banana Bread at Full of Graze, Mumbles

    Full of Graze
    It should be mentioned that this list is not in order, since that would mean Full of Graze is in the wrong position. Full of Graze has a changeable menu, with specials like egg and sausage brioche, but (we think) always keeps its signature banana bread, and that’s also what we think you should order. It comes topped with yoghurt, compote and honey and is much more than the sum of its parts. Just a short walk along the prom from the main shops in Mumbles, FoG is Mumbles’ gourmet brunch spot, and we promise you’ll find something interesting to order. Thank us later.
    Full of Graze Brunch Menu

    Fika
    This Swedish-inspired eaterie does one thing: bagels! (Confession: on our first visit, we did not know this… and wondered what the hummous would be served ON.)  If you like a bagel, and to be honest even if you don’t, then give Fika a try. For brunch, you get a bagel with nice things like egg, chorizo, bacon, or rosti. It’s up the Mumbles hill (signposted ‘top shops’), and we recommend a little browse in the bookshop afterwards.

    Tram’s (Child friendly)
    If your children are the adventurous types who’ll chow down on hummous and chilli-spiked eggs then, lucky you, take them to one of the delicious brunch spots above. But if they honestly just want chips and sausage, Tram’s is an easy solution. This Mumbles diner is always stuffed with students, grandparents and kids – all the people who love a big breakfast with sachets of brown sauce and a can of pop on the side. It’s a Swansea stalwart for a reason: Tram’s simply does it good.

    Boo’s
    Venture onto the back-streets of Mumbles and get brunch at Boo’s. The former-vegetarian café now offers dishes for meat-eaters so if that doesn’t mortally offend you, your whole dining party should be happy. Boo’s uses great ingredients (like Little Valley bread) and cooks hearty brunches with a changeable menu, which has included sausage baps, Miso mushroom toast, French toast, and Acai bowls. Even if you’re full, you should take a cake to go afterwards!
    Boo’s Menus on Instagram