For a small village, Mumbles Wales has much to offer. From the arts and culture of Swansea to the beautiful beaches of Gower, this small village is waiting for you to explore its many treasures. Whether it’s a day trip or an extended vacation in Wales; Mumbles is a great place to start.
Many of my relatives live in Mumbles Swansea and I was lucky to spend a lovely week with them as my tour guides. They took us all over Mumbles Swansea, and I fell in love with the region and its locals.
Where Is Mumbles Swansea?
Mumbles is a small village in Swansea, Wales. It has a population of just over 16,000 residents and covers around 11 square miles.
Map of Mumbles Swansea
How To Get To Mumbles Swansea
Mumbles Swansea provides a short break or long holiday for those seeking to escape the bustle and noise of big city life. Swansea is just 3½ hours away from London, which is perfect if you want to visit this beautiful part of Wales.
Mumbles is only one hour from Cardiff and just over two hours from Manchester. The closest international airport to Mumbles Swansea is Cardiff Airport.
Swansea’s Mumbles can be reached by train, bus, or car, and most places to stay are within walking distance of the Mumbles train station.
The M4 is the road to follow if you want to travel by car/motorbike. You can access Mumbles from a number of different junctions, but for South Gower and Mumbles, choose junction 42, which will take you on Swansea Bay Road.
If you are traveling to Mumbles Swansea by train, the nearest train stations to Mumbles are Swansea railway station, which is located 4.9 miles away, or Gowerton railway station, which is located 7.8 miles away.
The Top Things To Do in Mumbles Swansea:
Mumbles is a quaint little village with plenty of history and beauty. Its close proximity to the ocean makes it one of Wales’ more popular destinations, but you might be surprised by what else there is to do in Mumbles!
The locals swear that every day spent here will teach you something new – so go ahead and tell your friends too!
Visit the Mumbles Lighthouse
John Smeaton built the Mumble’s lighthouse between 1795 and 1798, and it is considered one of the most iconic landmarks of Mumbles. It has an octagonal masonry tower and a cast-iron lantern, which can be seen from up to 14 miles out at sea, making it one of Wales’ most recognizable lighthouses.
The lighthouse is open for tours during the summer months, with opportunities to climb inside the building while viewing its history through video. This is the perfect spot for a picnic on one of Mumbles’ sunniest days or take an evening stroll to watch Mumbles’ spectacular sunset.
The Mumbles Lighthouse is reachable by foot, but make sure to check the tide times and plan your hike accordingly. Otherwise, you might end up stranded on this small island!
Take a Walk Along the Promenade in Mumbles
Mumbles Swansea has a beautiful promenade that families, couples, and pet owners alike frequent. It stretches for over two miles to Mumbles Lighthouse, providing excellent views of Mumbles Bay along the way.
This stretch of coastline also features its own nature reserve, The Mumbles Hill Local Nature Reserve, with an abundance of wildlife.
The Mumbles promenade is accessible and suitable for wheelchair users, strollers, and anyone else requiring accessibility. It is nice and flat to the pier and is a perfect way to spend an afternoon in Mumbles.
Explore Mumbles Market
The Mumbles market is a thriving hub for the locals. The Mumbles Market takes place 9 AM – 1 PM on the second Saturday of each month at The Dairy Carpark in Mumbles Swansea, selling delicious Welsh food and handmade crafts – make sure to stop by!
Visit the Best Beaches Near Mumbles Swansea
For an amazing beach experience, the Gower Peninsula (the region surrounding Mumbles) has everything: beaches for surfers and nature lovers alike.
Breathtaking views of sand from the horizon all around Gower’s coastline with no less than twenty beaches that range in size and seclusion–all hiding amongst fascinating limestone cliffs.
Langland Bay Beach
The most popular and beautiful of these is Langland Bay Beach, which has been voted one of the best beaches in Wales. It’s not hard to see why! The water here is safe for swimming as it runs into a mix of sand and rocks that are perfect for children (and adults) to splash around on.
If you are up for an adventure, you can walk along the coastline from Mumbles to Langland Bay Beach and take in the breathtaking scenery along the way. The walk will take one hour each way but you can reward yourself with a delicious meal at Langland’s Brasserie right on the beach.
And on the return home, you can choose to walk through the village of Mumbles or go back along the coastline.
Caswell Bay
If you’re looking for a more secluded beach, Caswell Bay is a perfect choice. You will have to walk about an hour from mumbles but there’s a beautiful coastal path that takes you past coves and cliffs–a great opportunity for wildlife spotting.
Caswell Bay Beach is a gently sloping and sandy beach located just past Langland Bay and is ideal for surfing. The two limestone cliffs form an ideal space for families to enjoy their time together while paddling through rock pools or laying out in the sun with some beers.
Facilities include ample parking as well as lifeguards during the summer months if you need assistance staying safe during your visit.
Three Cliffs Bay Beach
The Three Cliffs Bay Beach is the Mumbles equivalent of being on a deserted island. The rolling dunes and sand make for an incredible experience, with friendly wildlife like seals that love to pop up from time to time.
If you’re feeling adventurous, this beach offers plenty of opportunities for rock climbing or surfing–or just take in the natural beauty. It is a twenty-minute drive from Mumbles Swansea.
A company called Borrow Bay offers an eco-friendly alternative to buying holiday equipment by offering items for you to hire such as camping and beach gear.
Visit Oystermouth Castle
For a one-of-a-kind experience, try visiting the majestic Oystermouth Castle. This castle has been around since the 12th century when it was first built on top of a limestone ridge that overlooks Mumbles village.
This historic landmark has withstood many attacks from locals and is now open for tours run by volunteer guides from the Friends of Oystermouth Castle to discover the hidden histories of the Castle.
History buffs will love reliving old tales about how brave knights would charge through the gatehouse as they defended their mighty fortress against enemy forces who were looking to reclaim what once belonged to them, according to legend.
Tickets must be purchased in advance and are Standard £4, Concessions £3, and Children under 5 go free.
Shop at Local Boutiques in Mumbles
The village of Mumbles is a lovely way to spend a few hours strolling through the local boutiques, enjoying the fresh sea breeze, and taking in the scenery.
One of our favorite shops is Gower Gallery, where walls are lined with paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and other crafts. Gower Gallery is a place for all of your interior design needs.
They have homewares, accessories, and garden ornaments that are selected by their artist team, which changes regularly, so you’ll always be seeing something new every time you come in.
In addition to the latest trendy pieces, they also carry paintings, ceramics, and sculptures inspired by the scenery of Gower’s beautiful coastline.
Tres Chic Boutique offers unique gifts and accessories for house and home, skincare, baby products, and much more. It is a lovely shop to peruse. Gill Clement Jewellery has been handmade in their Mumbles studio since 1982.
Gill Clement is a renowned British jewelry designer. At her studio and shop in Mumbles, Gill’s experience as an artisan creates beautiful jewelry pieces that are recognized all over the world for their distinctiveness.
Visit the Mumbles Pier
The Mumbles Pier is an iconic landmark for Swansea Bay as it has been there since 1898–making it one of Gower’s most historical treasures. The Mumbles Pier is open every day of the year except Christmas Day.
So no matter what kind of weather you’re in for, there’s always something to do here at one of South Wales’s most famous landmarks!
There are arcade machines and bowling alleys for visitors, both young and old alike. You can also relax with a traditional afternoon tea in the Beach Hut Café or enjoy some ice cream from Verdi’s.
The Mumbles Pier is now privately owned and has undergone renovations to help improve its structure in recent years, including an overhaul of its railings as well as masonry work. The Mumbles Lighthouse is accessed via a flight of stairs from the pier.
Walk Along Gower’s Coastal Path
If you’re feeling active, then the Coastal Path is a great way to get some fresh air and explore Gower’s stunning coastline. The path spans twelve miles around the peninsula, with spectacular views of Swansea Bay and beyond.
You can walk from Mumbles to Rhossili along this scenic route which takes about four hours–but if you don’t feel like walking the whole way, then there are car parks at Limeslade Bay and Pwll Du, where you can park your vehicle before starting your journey.
Wherever you choose to start out on this path, be sure to bring plenty of water with you as well as a pair of sturdy shoes. You will also want to pack some snacks to munch on while you enjoy the scenery. I did the walk from Mumbles to Langland Bay, and it was an extraordinary walk.
There were a couple of areas with steep hills, and luckily I had my brother to help me push the double stroller up, but otherwise, it was a nice and easy stroll.
Let the Kids Play At One of Mumbles Parks
The Mumbles is well-known for having a lovely seaside atmosphere. It’s no wonder that the children here always love to play in the parks and green spaces.
There are several playgrounds throughout Mumbles, but our favorites include Southend Gardens, which is right off the promenade and the park just past Castellamare Restaurant. They are both lovely spots to visit on those sunny afternoons, and there is plenty of space for the kids to run around.
Eat Ice Cream in Mumbles
Joe’s Ice Cream Shop
Joe’s Ice Cream Shop is a great place to stop for ice cream in Mumbles, Swansea. The shop offers you delicious scoops of homemade Joe’s Ice Cream with your choice of mixings and toppings.
Their flavors include traditional favorites like Mint Choc Chip as well as more innovative treats such as Welsh Cake and Blood Orange sorbet.
Joe’s vanilla ice cream is a classic, loved by all generations throughout Swansea and surrounding areas. While some people enjoy it plain with nothing on top, others use sprinkles or sauces to enhance the taste of this delicious dessert.
Don’t be surprised to see a lineup at Joe’s Ice Cream shop on a hot summer’s day, as it is extremely popular and well-loved.
The Parlour
There are several ice cream parlors in Mumbles, but the parlor has something unique to offer. The Old School House was once a school for children, and now it’s home to The Parlour, which makes an ideal place to stop by after you’ve been exploring Mumbles and enjoying the pier.
You’ll find a range of ice cream flavors to choose from, which rotate daily so you can try something new every time if you want. The Parlour serves up some delicious treats all year round, so feel free to stop by at any time.
Verdi’s
Verdi’s is a well-known café in Mumbles Swansea that serves up some of the best ice cream around and specializes in gelato.
Many favor their traditional flavors, but you can also order more innovative ones, such as Hazelnut Basket, if you’re looking to try something new. The portions are generous, so you will probably want to share.
Enjoy a Pint at a Mumbles Pub
The ‘Mumbles Mile’ is a stretch of road notable for its concentration of pubs. It’s a great place to enjoy some of the finest ales and ciders in Mumbles and mingle with locals or other visitors from around the world.
The Pilot of Mumbles is a traditional English pub located in the Mumbles and offers a cozy, home-like atmosphere. The menu includes such munchies as sausage rolls, ham sandwiches, and baked potatoes with sour cream.
Their specialty drink is their ‘Pilot’ beer that comes from Banks’s Brewery–but you can also order other drinks like wine, lager, or cider.
Visit the Park Inn after exploring Oystermouth Castle for a refreshing drink or some delicious pub grub. The Park Inn is a family-owned pub that serves up mugs of traditional English beer as well as tasty munchies like fish and chips.
You can also enjoy some delicious dishes such as beef lasagna or steak pie if you don’t feel like munching on something light.
Ty Cwrw is a traditional Welsh pub located in Mumbles that serves up some of the best ales and ciders around. Be sure to check out their signature ‘Ty Cwrw’ beer which is brewed especially for this establishment –it has won awards as one of the finest beers in Wales!
Where To Eat In Mumbles Swansea
There are many restaurants in and around Mumbles Swansea where you can enjoy some delicious meals. Whether you feel like dining out or staying in, there’s a place for every budget.
From pubs to bistros–not to mention Indian, Chinese, Italian, and French cuisine, as well as traditional English favorites–you’ll find something that will tickle your palate.
If you’re looking for places to eat in Mumbles, then here are some of the best:
Langland Brasserie
A fine dining restaurant situated right on the beach in Langland Bay, the Brasserie is a must for any foodie. The menu features mains such as moules frites and Langland’s fish and chips, whereas desserts include tiramisu and rum baba, which are all made using fresh local ingredients whenever possible.
Their restaurant not only has a fantastic view, but they also serve some of the best main courses and desserts in Mumbles, Swansea. If you have children, the beach is in full view right in front of the terrace, so you can watch them play safely while you finish your meal or linger a little longer while you enjoy the views.
Johnnies Fish & Chip Shop
Johnnies is a traditional fish & chip shop that also serves up some of the best fish & chips I have ever had. We loved the food so much that we ate there three times in one week!
They offer take-away meals as well as fast food, which you can enjoy there or on the go. The portions are generous, so be sure to bring your appetite with you when dining here.
Gower Seafood Hut
Gower Seafood Hut is a popular restaurant that specializes in seafood. The fish is always fresh, the batter hot and crispy, and the aioli perfect. It’s quick, of excellent value, and served with friendliness.
Mediterranean Restaurant
If you are in the mood for Turkish food in Mumbles, make a reservation at Mediterranean Restaurant. They have a wide range of delicious dishes on their menu, like Karisik Kebab and Tavuk Kunadi. They are known for their quality and delicious food and repeat guests who come back for it again and again.
Bistro Pierre
Overlooking Swansea Bay, Bistro Pierre offers a stylish and relaxing bistro where you can enjoy incredible sea views as well as French-style food made by their chefs daily. A Mumbles restaurant with truly amazing views and great food.
Where To Stay In Mumbles Swansea
When it comes to places to stay, there are many options available for every price range. Whether you prefer a luxury hotel or want something more budget-friendly–or even camping if the weather is right–you’ll find what you need in Mumbles.
Here are some of the best places to stay in Mumbles Swansea:
The Coast House Hotel
The Coast House has just four rooms, ensuring personalized attention and quiet comfort for its guests. En-suite rooms or private bathrooms are available in the majority of the rooms, and all have panoramic views of the sea.
Patricks With Rooms
Patricks is a cozy bed and breakfast situated just meters from Mumbles Seafront. With wonderful views across Mumbles Bay, Patrick’s with Rooms features a restaurant, a fitness room, and luxury bedrooms with free Wi-Fi. Both Clyne and Langland Bay Golf Clubs are a 5-minute drive away.
Mumbles Carlton Hotel
The Mumbles Carlton Hotel is a popular family-owned hotel situated in the heart of Mumbles. The beautiful Swansea Bay is literally on your doorstep, and you can easily get to other attractions like Swansea City Centre or Gower Peninsula by car.
Norton House Hotel
Norton House Hotel is a Georgian manor house in Mumbles, 3 minutes from the beach and town center, with rooms and apartments that are both comfortable and affordable.
All accommodations include a TV, phone, and tea/coffee maker, as well as family rooms with an extra sofa bed. There is also a 2-bedroom apartment with its own kitchen and dining room.
Shoreline
The Shoreline Mumbles is a beautiful seaside B&B located on the edge of Swansea Bay, with spectacular views over the water. The hotel offers complimentary WiFi throughout the property, and four rooms overlook the sea.
The picturesque Mumbles seaside is less than a mile from the beautiful Victorian pier, Oystermouth Castle, and charming Mumbles village. Local bays include Bracelet, Limeslade, Langland, and Caswell.
Promenade View (Self-Catering Vacation Rental)
During my one-week stay in Mumbles Swansea, I was lucky enough to enjoy this lovely three-bedroom vacation rental right on the promenade.
Homefromhome.com is a fantastic resource offering many different self-catering accommodation options. The service was fantastic, and if we had any problems during our stay, they responded quickly to help solve them.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things To Do in Mumbles Swansea
Mumbles Swansea has much to offer. From the arts and culture to the beautiful beaches of Gower, this village is waiting for you to explore its many treasures. Whether it’s a day trip or an extended vacation in Wales, Mumbles is a great place to start your Welsh journey!
