Nine miles west of Swansea, Nicholaston House is an ideal base for exploring Gower. In 1956 this peninsula was declared Britain's first Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty, for it contains picturesque villages, ancient churches, castles, caves, prehistoic remains, scenic cliff walks and some of the finest beaches in the country. From the House you can walk along the old red sandstone ridge of Cefn Bryn to take in splendid views in every direction, or along the clifftop to look out over ruined Pennard castle and Three Cliffs Bay, or go down onto the beach.

A short distance away, behind the Gower Heritage Centre, Green Cwm has a megalithic tomb, while in the secluded Ilston valley stands a memorial to Wales's first Baptist church, from Puritan times.A short drive takes you to Rhossili where the mile-long limestone promontory of Worm's Head reaches out towards the sea, and three-mile long Rhossili bay extends to the tidal island of Burry Holms.

There is also mile upon mile of open moorland criss-crossed by well defined public pathways. A few yards separate the House from these open areas. Beaches are within walking distance of the House. Both the countryside and the beaches can be included in walks undertaken from the House.

Gower has facilities for archery and horseriding, with a good range of restaurants, pubs and cafes

Arthur's Stone

Gower Heritage Centre

Three Cliffs Bay

Worm's Head

Pictures courtesy of the Gower Society