Swansea – our cycle-friendly city by the sea
A lot has been happening recently in Swansea, our nearby city by the sea, including an ambitious multi-million-pound development in its Victorian village suburb of Mumbles, ensuring this beautiful place is accessible for the next century.
Over the last 2 years, at a cost of over £26 million, the 100 year old sea wall at Mumbles (showing signs of cracks and wear) has been replaced to protect against rising sea levels and climate change, The project is now complete with a new 1.2km wall providing additional leisure opportunities for pedestrians and cyclists, residents and visitors alike. It has been termed “magnificent” and “rivalling anything in the Mediterranean”. And we thought it was about time that we put Swansea and Mumbles in the spotlight!
At Bayview Oxwich, we’re just a 20-min drive from Mumbles and less than a 30-min drive from Swansea’s Marina – linked as they are by a 5-mile glorious promenade that is affectionately known as ‘The Prom’. And we really recommend a day out here on a bike!
The Prom is flat, well paved and easily accessible. As a cycle-friendly city, cycle hire services are available at various locations and bike hubs throughout the city. www.visitswanseabay.com/things-to-do/outdoors/cycling The city boasts being part of the Celtic Trail and the National Cycle Network (Route 4 hugs the bay) As you can imagine, it’s a popular route for families and serious cyclists, along the seafront, safe and traffic-free, with many great cafes along the way.
You might like to take a pit stop at The Secret Beach Bar and Kitchen www.thesecretswansea.co.uk towards the Swansea end on the Prom. Here you’ll find a contemporary mix of British cuisine and authentic Welsh cooking. It’s beautifully designed, has fantastic views across Swansea Bay, offering dining inside or out. It has a magical atmosphere in the sunshine but is just as lovely when it rains. And the staff are fantastically welcoming. And it’s also dog friendly.
In Mumbles you’ll find the much-famed Gower Sea Food Hut. Situated on the sea front near the park at Southend, the Hut is family-loved and specialises in locally sourced fish.
Staying in Mumbles, for ice-cream lovers you’ll be spoiled for choice with both Verdi’s www.verdis-cafe.co.uk and the much-loved brand, Joe’s Ice Cream www.joesicecream.com. Verdis is on the cycle route and has sweeping views out across the sea and offers a family-run Italian flavour. Joes’ is in Mumbles village itself, but worth a slight detour (about 1-min) to sample its signature vanilla ice cream. The family has been making ice cream since 1922 and no one yet knows the recipe!
We’d love you to make Bayview Oxwich your home from home while you explore all the best the Gower peninsula has to offer. Choose from one of our luxury collection of holiday rental properties including, exclusive retreats, contemporary or character cottages, exquisite apartments and simply stylish bungalows.
If we can help you make your choice for your family or group of friends, please contact the team at Bayview Oxwich who’ll be more than happy to talk you through.