Oxwich Bay
Oxwich, Swansea, SA3 1LS
Category: Places to visit, Swansea Bay
One of Gower’s prettiest villages, Oxwich used to be a port exporting limestone and was a haven for smugglers. Today, it attracts holidaymakers and thrill seekers with its safe bathing, clean beaches, windsurfing and waterskiing. In fact, it regularly receives awards including the coveted EU blue flag. The village church of St Illtud is well worth a visit. Its ancient font is believed to have been brought to the village by St Illtud himself. Oxwich Castle is a grand Tudor manor built by Sir Rice Mansel in the 1520s and added to by his son, Sir Edward Mansel. The Elizabethan long gallery is of particular interest. For walkers, there are plenty of paths to explore in the area such as the one to Oxwich Point, which will give you great views of the Gower peninsula. If you’re a nature lover, close to the beach you’ll discover Oxwich Nature Reserve, home to many rare species of orchid. This salt and freshwater marsh area is bounded by ancient woodland and has a variety of birdlife. If you’re looking for a quieter beach, about a mile along the coast is Slade Sands.