Where there’s a will, there’s a wave – A full schedule of events to help you make the most of Glorious Gower in 2020, whatever the weather!
Keen to make ‘shore’ life’s a beach in 2020? Head to the coast this year, whatever the weather, and one thing’s for certain, you’ll never be bored. If it’s fun you’re after then look no further than the glorious Gower peninsula, where a year-round calendar of exciting events awaits.
Aside from its more obvious features, the true beauty of our beloved British seaside lies in its versatility as an entertainment venue - and nowhere is this more evident than along this stunning stretch of sea and sand.
Be it summer or winter, rain or shine, there’s something on the horizon for everyone this year thanks to a varied programme of events scheduled to take place across the region’s key coastal sites - including Mumbles, Rhossili, Worms Head and more – throughout 2020.
Here’s our run down of what’s taking place and when - so you can start planning and stop missing out:
Worms Head 10k (2nd February)
A tick in the box not only for fitness fanatics, but for the rest of the family too. Open to anyone who feels capable of competing, The Worms Head 10k offers first timers and experienced athletes alike the chance to kick off the 2020 outdoor season in
style.
With safe, closed roads throughout, an incredible finish line atmosphere and, of course, the chance to take in that glorious Gower coastline, The Worms Head 10k has something for everyone – from fun runners in fancy dress, to fitness fanatics looking to set the pace for the year ahead.
Mumbles Duathlon (21st March)
A course for all abilities with two different distances to choose from, the Mumbles Duathlon has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to compete against yourself, attend as part of a team, or simply soak up the sights of this iconic Welsh seafront, its close proximity to the many hostelries so famously based in Mumbles makes it an ideal Spring day out.
Gower Walking Festival (30th May - June 7th)
An ideal chance to embrace the arrival of summer 2020, the Gower Walking Festival offers seasoned visitors and first-time tourers alike the chance to find out something they most likely never knew before. Many walks include an expert guide offering a wealth of historical and cultural knowledge, and cover routes from the hills north of Swansea to the most westerly point on Worms Head.
A varied programme with activities for children and families, the 2019 Festival took in some 50 miles of coastline. So, whether it’s Caswell Bay, Fall Bay, Three Cliffs Bay, Mumbles, Mewslade or another local beauty spot you’re keen on - you’ll go far to beat the Gower Walking Festival as a prime time to do so.
Breca Swim Run (13th -14th June)
A chance to experience the Gower peninsula like never before, the Breca Swim Run gives visitors the chance to race against the tide and swim on to the iconic ‘dragon’s back’ at Worm’s Head, before exploring its limestone cliffs, ancient woodlands, white sandy beaches and secret bays. Trail running on Gower's spectacular and challenging coastal path, combined with multiple ocean swims, makes Breca Gower an unforgettable experience.
One for the more serious fitness fanatic, its summer billing also offers the rest of the family ideal chance to experience the event’s breath-taking surroundings at their own pace too.
Gower Festival (29th June - 11th July)
Every July, at a different venue each evening, an array of internationally acclaimed musicians descends on the Gower to soak up the superb acoustics and warm embracing atmosphere of its ancient churches. What better way could there be to spend a balmy summer evening than combine a stroll to King Arthur’s Stone with some poetry and jazz at the nearby King Arthur Hotel? Imagine a stroll along Rhossili Bay followed by an afternoon concert with a string quartet at St Mary’s Church just along the coast. Both of these events and a whole lot more are lined up for the 2020 Gower Festival, with full programme details now available online.
Love Trails (2nd - 5th July)
Image Credit: Love Trails Festival
Billed as the globe’s debut running and music festival combined, where better to experience a world first could there be than on the glorious Gower? Love Trails offers trail running adventures, beach excursions, wellness and adventure activities, talks, heavenly food and laid-back music sounds by day, and a cherry-picked selection of DJs and live acts under the stars at night.
Running courses range from 3km to more than 40km and take in a wide variety of coastline from Worm’s Head to Rhossili Bay, while other activities include sea kayaking at Oxwich Bay, rock climbing at Three Cliffs Bay and more.
Beach Sculpture Festival (23rd - 27th July)
With workshops in 2019 having taken place at beaches including Oxwich Bay, Caswell Bay, Port Eynon Beach and more, the Gower’s annual Beach Sculpture Festival is the perfect way to while away the summer holidays.
Programmed events have historically been free of charge, so the Festival really is a perfect opportunity for the all the family to have some fee-free fun.
Gower Show (2nd August)
Staged on the Penrice Estate overlooking Oxwich Bay, the Gower Show offers all the very best anyone would expect from the Great British agricultural show. As well as the best in regional livestock – including horses, cattle, sheep, pigs and more – visitors can also sample the best in horticultural, home baking and artistic local produce too.
A smattering of display rings and white tents pitched overlooking Oxwich Bay have also been known to take in honeybees, dog shows, craft stalls (including our own stand!), falconry displays and more – which all makes for a positively delectable summer’s afternoon, we think you’ll agree!
Santa Run at Rhossili (December)
One for all the family, starting outside the National Trust shop at Rhossili you can run, jog or stroll the scenic 2k route out towards the Worms Head before returning for a Christmassy treat.
It’s also free to enter, and a great way to blow off the cobwebs after a Christmas night out!
