Lapis House Guidebook
Mumbles and the Surrounding Areas
Mumbles is the gateway to the Gower Peninsula, which was the first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to be recognised in the UK, and is surrounded by beautiful beaches, and over seventy square miles of countryside to explore.
It is a lovely area situated just four miles west of Swansea and easily accessible via the M4 and just off the Mumbles Road.
Whilst staying at Lapis House you will have easy access to Mumbles itself, to the Gower Peninsula and its beaches, the many coastal paths, country walks, cycling paths, sailing, watersports, golf courses and much more.
Mumbles itself is a former fishing community and a Victorian seaside village. The heart of Mumbles village is just a short stroll from our home along the coastal promenade.
In Mumbles village you are spoilt for choice as there are numerous bars, restaurants and takeaways, plus a combination of independent local shops, supermarkets and boutiques.
The Area and Local Amenities
Mumbles is the gateway to the Gower Peninsula, which was the first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to be recognised in the UK, and is surrounded by beautiful beaches, and over seventy square miles of countryside to explore.
It is a lovely area situated just four miles west of Swansea and easily accessible via the M4 and just off the Mumbles Road.
Whilst staying at Lapis House you will have easy access to Mumbles itself, to the Gower Peninsula and its beaches, the many coastal paths, country walks, cycling paths, sailing, watersports, golf courses and much more.
Mumbles itself is a former fishing community and a Victorian seaside village. The heart of Mumbles village is just a short stroll from our home along the coastal promenade.
In Mumbles village you are spoilt for choice as there are numerous bars, restaurants and takeaways, plus a combination of independent local shops, supermarkets and boutiques.
You can also visit Oystermouth Castle. This 12th century site has stunning views over Swansea Bay and holds various events throughout the year.
On Mumbles Pier you can also find a Victorian Grade II listed cast-iron pier.
Blackpill Lido is around a mile by road or a 15-minute walk along the promenade towards Swansea.
Caswell Bay and Langland Bay are both nearby. They are beautiful beaches and popular areas for surfing, and from both of these bays you have access to other areas of the coastal path, beach and seaside walks, plus many other beautiful beaches. The Langland Brasserie has wonderful views over Langland Bay and is a lovely place to stop for coffee, lunch or dinner.
Rhossili Bay (which lies at the western end of Gower) has three miles of golden sands, with incredible views of Worms Head and Rhossili Down, and is supported by the National Trust. This is a great place to walk. The Welsh Coastal Path is surrounded by walking paths and historic sites. Parking is free if you are a National Trust member, or if not, the £5 parking fee is a useful contribution towards the maintenance of this beautiful location.
Oxwich Bay on the south Gower coast has a stunning, long, gently sloping beach, that is perfect for a family picnic and paddling in the sea. It is a popular beach and further along than some of the others, so an early morning or early evening trip can be ideal if you do not mind paying the parking charges.
If you are looking to travel further, there are over twenty beaches to explore in the Gower- some with sand stretching as far as the eye can see, others consisting of sand dunes, nature reserves and secluded coves, hidden amongst limestone cliffs.
On weekends you can watch a number of both professional and local rugby matches, and Swansea City play at the Liberty Stadium, which is about five miles away
Outdoor Sports
Tennis
There are a number of tennis courts around Swansea. Mumbles and Langland have public tennis courts run by Swansea Council.
TIP: You can find out more at: www.swansea.gov.uk/tennis
Golf
There are a variety of golf courses suitable for all levels at Langland Bay, Clyne, Fairwood Park and Pennard. All are within around 1.5 to 5 miles.
TIP: Langland Bay and Pennard are a links courses, Clyne is a heathland course, Fairwood Park is a parkland course, contact details are:
Langland Golf Club: 01792 361721 www.langlandbaygolfclub.com/contact-us
Clyne Golf Club: 01792 401989 www.clynegolfclub.com/contactus
Fairwood Park Golf Club: 01792 299194 www.fairwoodpark.wales
Pennard Golf Club: 01792 233131 www.pennardgolfclub.com/contact_us
Sailing and Yachting
Mumbles Yacht Club hosts weekday, weekend and evening sailing with instructors available throughout the year. Mumbles Amateur Rowing Club is also active in the area. Both offer lessons to all levels.
Yacht and boat hire are available.
TIP: Timings vary throughout they year. It is best to check what is available before you visit.
Mumbles Yacht Club: 01792 369321 www.mumblesyachtclub.co.uk
Mumbles Amateur Rowing Club: 01792 369258
Water Sports
Mumbles and the Gower is popular for all types of water sports.
Swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, surfing, windsurfing, wake boarding, kite surfing, canoeing and some of the most popular.
TIP: You might like to consider researching local facilities for these ahead of your stay.
Horse Riding
There is also local horse-riding available nearby at Clyne Farm.
TIP: Speak to them to find out what is available during your stay. They can be reached at Clyne Farm: www.clynefarm/horses 01792 403333
Skating and Footgolf
Blackpill has a skate park and footgolf.
Fishing
Popular locations include the promenade opposite our house, Mumbles Pier, Swansea Bay along with other locations in Mumbles and around the Gower
TIP: Check the tide times: https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/coast-and-sea/tide-tables/11/508
Places to eat and drink
There are several wonderful places to eat and drink nearby.
Opposite our house is Ripples ice cream parlour. There is seating area with great views of the beach outside and a park area facing our house and the sea.
A few minutes’ walk along the promenade is Mumbles village is Joe’s Ice-cream Parlour (whose vanilla ice cream is considered the best for miles around!).
TIP: Try it!
Verdi’s Coffee Shop is also nearby and is the perfect place to stop and watch the world go by. They also offer meals and can be found at www.verdis-cafe.co.uk.
TIP: If Verdi’s is busy it is worth travelling to Limeslade, the next bay along and trying Castellamare’s coffee shop and restaurant.
The Pilot, a privately owned traditional pub, with its own micro-brewery on site in the back of the pub. The Pilot is one of the last traditional freehold pubs in the area.
TIP: Jo runs the Pilot. Richard makes the beer on site at the back. It is worth asking which of the beers are available before your order. Their webpage is: www.thepilotofmumbles.co.uk
Castellamare, is one of our favourite restaurants. An exceptional restaurant situated at Limeslade/Bracelet Bay with stunning views overlooking the coastline. It is about a two mile walk from Lapis House, but if you feel that is too far for you, it will take about six minutes by or taxi.
TIP: Castellamare is a family-owned Italian restaurant. It is extremely popular with locals. Book ahead and try the pasta. Many are based on family recipes
Phone number: 01792 369408. Webpage: www.castellamare.co.uk
TIP: Book Ahead - Many of these attractions are popular, particular in summer months. Whilst most, if not all will try to accommodate you, we would recommend that you book ahead, particularly during lockdown where some of these facilities may be closed or have limited availability.
If you walk in the opposite direction, towards Swansea, in a few minutes you can find the West Cross Inn, with their beer gardens situated on the promenade.
A leisurely 15-minute walk further along the flat footpath you can cross the road and find the Woodman Pub, Clyne Gardens, and the Junction Café alongside Blackpill Lido and Clyne Valley County Park. From here you can enjoy a purpose-built walking and cycling route through beautiful woodland, until you come to the Railway Inn at Killay.
Further Afield
Swansea has several large shopping centres, with ample parking nearby, and all the usual stores you would expect to find in any large town.
Further away again is the Laugharne Boathouse which has been left as he last visited it, his writing desk and personal belongings in situ. Laugharne is a lovely place with cafes, pubs and is near Llansteffan Castle and its beach. The Boathouse is where Dylan Thomas spent his last 4 years with his family and is a very popular attraction. Please contact them in advance to see if it is open when you would like to visit. They can be reached at www.dylanthomasboathouse.com 01994 427420.
131 místní doporučují
The Mumbles
The Area and Local Amenities
Mumbles is the gateway to the Gower Peninsula, which was the first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to be recognised in the UK, and is surrounded by beautiful beaches, and over seventy square miles of countryside to explore.
It is a lovely area situated just four miles west of Swansea and easily accessible via the M4 and just off the Mumbles Road.
Whilst staying at Lapis House you will have easy access to Mumbles itself, to the Gower Peninsula and its beaches, the many coastal paths, country walks, cycling paths, sailing, watersports, golf courses and much more.
Mumbles itself is a former fishing community and a Victorian seaside village. The heart of Mumbles village is just a short stroll from our home along the coastal promenade.
In Mumbles village you are spoilt for choice as there are numerous bars, restaurants and takeaways, plus a combination of independent local shops, supermarkets and boutiques.
You can also visit Oystermouth Castle. This 12th century site has stunning views over Swansea Bay and holds various events throughout the year.
On Mumbles Pier you can also find a Victorian Grade II listed cast-iron pier.
Blackpill Lido is around a mile by road or a 15-minute walk along the promenade towards Swansea.
Caswell Bay and Langland Bay are both nearby. They are beautiful beaches and popular areas for surfing, and from both of these bays you have access to other areas of the coastal path, beach and seaside walks, plus many other beautiful beaches. The Langland Brasserie has wonderful views over Langland Bay and is a lovely place to stop for coffee, lunch or dinner.
Rhossili Bay (which lies at the western end of Gower) has three miles of golden sands, with incredible views of Worms Head and Rhossili Down, and is supported by the National Trust. This is a great place to walk. The Welsh Coastal Path is surrounded by walking paths and historic sites. Parking is free if you are a National Trust member, or if not, the £5 parking fee is a useful contribution towards the maintenance of this beautiful location.
Oxwich Bay on the south Gower coast has a stunning, long, gently sloping beach, that is perfect for a family picnic and paddling in the sea. It is a popular beach and further along than some of the others, so an early morning or early evening trip can be ideal if you do not mind paying the parking charges.
If you are looking to travel further, there are over twenty beaches to explore in the Gower- some with sand stretching as far as the eye can see, others consisting of sand dunes, nature reserves and secluded coves, hidden amongst limestone cliffs.
On weekends you can watch a number of both professional and local rugby matches, and Swansea City play at the Liberty Stadium, which is about five miles away
Outdoor Sports
Tennis
There are a number of tennis courts around Swansea. Mumbles and Langland have public tennis courts run by Swansea Council.
TIP: You can find out more at: www.swansea.gov.uk/tennis
Golf
There are a variety of golf courses suitable for all levels at Langland Bay, Clyne, Fairwood Park and Pennard. All are within around 1.5 to 5 miles.
TIP: Langland Bay and Pennard are a links courses, Clyne is a heathland course, Fairwood Park is a parkland course, contact details are:
Langland Golf Club: 01792 361721 www.langlandbaygolfclub.com/contact-us
Clyne Golf Club: 01792 401989 www.clynegolfclub.com/contactus
Fairwood Park Golf Club: 01792 299194 www.fairwoodpark.wales
Pennard Golf Club: 01792 233131 www.pennardgolfclub.com/contact_us
Sailing and Yachting
Mumbles Yacht Club hosts weekday, weekend and evening sailing with instructors available throughout the year. Mumbles Amateur Rowing Club is also active in the area. Both offer lessons to all levels.
Yacht and boat hire are available.
TIP: Timings vary throughout they year. It is best to check what is available before you visit.
Mumbles Yacht Club: 01792 369321 www.mumblesyachtclub.co.uk
Mumbles Amateur Rowing Club: 01792 369258
Water Sports
Mumbles and the Gower is popular for all types of water sports.
Swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, surfing, windsurfing, wake boarding, kite surfing, canoeing and some of the most popular.
TIP: You might like to consider researching local facilities for these ahead of your stay.
Horse Riding
There is also local horse-riding available nearby at Clyne Farm.
TIP: Speak to them to find out what is available during your stay. They can be reached at Clyne Farm: www.clynefarm/horses 01792 403333
Skating and Footgolf
Blackpill has a skate park and footgolf.
Fishing
Popular locations include the promenade opposite our house, Mumbles Pier, Swansea Bay along with other locations in Mumbles and around the Gower
TIP: Check the tide times: https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/coast-and-sea/tide-tables/11/508
Places to eat and drink
There are several wonderful places to eat and drink nearby.
Opposite our house is Ripples ice cream parlour. There is seating area with great views of the beach outside and a park area facing our house and the sea.
A few minutes’ walk along the promenade is Mumbles village is Joe’s Ice-cream Parlour (whose vanilla ice cream is considered the best for miles around!).
TIP: Try it!
Verdi’s Coffee Shop is also nearby and is the perfect place to stop and watch the world go by. They also offer meals and can be found at www.verdis-cafe.co.uk.
TIP: If Verdi’s is busy it is worth travelling to Limeslade, the next bay along and trying Castellamare’s coffee shop and restaurant.
The Pilot, a privately owned traditional pub, with its own micro-brewery on site in the back of the pub. The Pilot is one of the last traditional freehold pubs in the area.
TIP: Jo runs the Pilot. Richard makes the beer on site at the back. It is worth asking which of the beers are available before your order. Their webpage is: www.thepilotofmumbles.co.uk
Castellamare, is one of our favourite restaurants. An exceptional restaurant situated at Limeslade/Bracelet Bay with stunning views overlooking the coastline. It is about a two mile walk from Lapis House, but if you feel that is too far for you, it will take about six minutes by or taxi.
TIP: Castellamare is a family-owned Italian restaurant. It is extremely popular with locals. Book ahead and try the pasta. Many are based on family recipes
Phone number: 01792 369408. Webpage: www.castellamare.co.uk
TIP: Book Ahead - Many of these attractions are popular, particular in summer months. Whilst most, if not all will try to accommodate you, we would recommend that you book ahead, particularly during lockdown where some of these facilities may be closed or have limited availability.
If you walk in the opposite direction, towards Swansea, in a few minutes you can find the West Cross Inn, with their beer gardens situated on the promenade.
A leisurely 15-minute walk further along the flat footpath you can cross the road and find the Woodman Pub, Clyne Gardens, and the Junction Café alongside Blackpill Lido and Clyne Valley County Park. From here you can enjoy a purpose-built walking and cycling route through beautiful woodland, until you come to the Railway Inn at Killay.
Further Afield
Swansea has several large shopping centres, with ample parking nearby, and all the usual stores you would expect to find in any large town.
Further away again is the Laugharne Boathouse which has been left as he last visited it, his writing desk and personal belongings in situ. Laugharne is a lovely place with cafes, pubs and is near Llansteffan Castle and its beach. The Boathouse is where Dylan Thomas spent his last 4 years with his family and is a very popular attraction. Please contact them in advance to see if it is open when you would like to visit. They can be reached at www.dylanthomasboathouse.com 01994 427420.
If you walk in the opposite direction, towards Swansea, in a few minutes you can find:
• the West Cross Inn, with their beer gardens situated on the promenade;
• Dick Barton’s famous Fish and Chips
West Cross
If you walk in the opposite direction, towards Swansea, in a few minutes you can find:
• the West Cross Inn, with their beer gardens situated on the promenade;
• Dick Barton’s famous Fish and Chips
Sightseeing
You might like to look out for some of these on your travels...
On Mumbles Pier you can also find a Victorian Grade II listed cast-iron pier.
94 místní doporučují
Mumbles Pier
Mumbles RoadOn Mumbles Pier you can also find a Victorian Grade II listed cast-iron pier.
You can also visit Oystermouth Castle. This 12th century site has stunning views over Swansea Bay and holds various events throughout the year.
76 místní doporučují
Hrad Oystermouth
Castle AvenueYou can also visit Oystermouth Castle. This 12th century site has stunning views over Swansea Bay and holds various events throughout the year.
If you are looking to travel further, there are over twenty beaches to explore in the Gower- some with sand stretching as far as the eye can see, others consisting of sand dunes, nature reserves and secluded coves, hidden amongst limestone cliffs.
115 místní doporučují
Gower
If you are looking to travel further, there are over twenty beaches to explore in the Gower- some with sand stretching as far as the eye can see, others consisting of sand dunes, nature reserves and secluded coves, hidden amongst limestone cliffs.
A leisurely 15-minute walk further along the promenade to Blackpill, you can cross the road and find Clyne Gardens
64 místní doporučují
Clyne zahrady
A leisurely 15-minute walk further along the promenade to Blackpill, you can cross the road and find Clyne Gardens
Family Favourites
Blackpill Lido is around a mile by road or a 15-minute walk along the promenade towards Swansea.
Lido station
Blackpill Lido is around a mile by road or a 15-minute walk along the promenade towards Swansea.
If you would like a different destination, Blackpill is around a mile by road or is a leisurely 15-minute walk along the flat coastal footpath towards Swansea, where you will find:
• the Woodman Inn;
• Clyne Gardens;
• the Junction Café alongside Blackpill Lido; and
• Clyne Valley County Park. From there you can enjoy a purpose-built walking and cycling route through beautiful woodland, to the Railway Inn in Killay.
Black Pill
If you would like a different destination, Blackpill is around a mile by road or is a leisurely 15-minute walk along the flat coastal footpath towards Swansea, where you will find:
• the Woodman Inn;
• Clyne Gardens;
• the Junction Café alongside Blackpill Lido; and
• Clyne Valley County Park. From there you can enjoy a purpose-built walking and cycling route through beautiful woodland, to the Railway Inn in Killay.
Beaches and Bays
There are over twenty beaches in Mumbles and the Gower, here are some of our favourites...
Caswell Bay is nearby. A beautiful beach and popular area with access for surfing, and with access to other areas of the coastal path, beach and seaside walks, plus many other beautiful beaches.
89 místní doporučují
Caswell Beach
Caswell Bay is nearby. A beautiful beach and popular area with access for surfing, and with access to other areas of the coastal path, beach and seaside walks, plus many other beautiful beaches.
Langland Bay is nearby. A beautiful beach and popular area for surfing, you have access to other areas of the coastal path, beach and seaside walks, plus many other beautiful beaches.
The Langland Brasserie has wonderful views over Langland Bay and is a lovely place to stop for coffee, lunch or dinner.
91 místní doporučují
Langland Bay
54 Langland Bay RdLangland Bay is nearby. A beautiful beach and popular area for surfing, you have access to other areas of the coastal path, beach and seaside walks, plus many other beautiful beaches.
The Langland Brasserie has wonderful views over Langland Bay and is a lovely place to stop for coffee, lunch or dinner.
Rhossili Bay (which lies at the western end of Gower) has three miles of golden sands, with incredible views of Worms Head and Rhossili Down, and is supported by the National Trust. This is a great place to walk. The Welsh Coastal Path is surrounded by walking paths and historic sites. Parking is free if you are a National Trust member, or if not, the £5 parking fee is a useful contribution towards the maintenance of this beautiful location.
59 místní doporučují
Rhossili Bay
Rhossili Bay (which lies at the western end of Gower) has three miles of golden sands, with incredible views of Worms Head and Rhossili Down, and is supported by the National Trust. This is a great place to walk. The Welsh Coastal Path is surrounded by walking paths and historic sites. Parking is free if you are a National Trust member, or if not, the £5 parking fee is a useful contribution towards the maintenance of this beautiful location.
Oxwich Bay on the south Gower coast has a stunning, long, gently sloping beach, that is perfect for a family picnic and paddling in the sea. It is a popular beach and further along than some of the others, so an early morning or early evening trip can be ideal if you do not mind paying the parking charges.
33 místní doporučují
Oxwich Bay
Oxwich Bay on the south Gower coast has a stunning, long, gently sloping beach, that is perfect for a family picnic and paddling in the sea. It is a popular beach and further along than some of the others, so an early morning or early evening trip can be ideal if you do not mind paying the parking charges.
Sport
The home of Swansea City football club and The Ospreys rugby union is about five miles away
25 místní doporučují
Liberty Stadium
The home of Swansea City football club and The Ospreys rugby union is about five miles away
Challenging 18-hole heathland members' golf course on common land within around 1.5 miles.
Book ahead.
9 místní doporučují
Clyne Golf Club
118-120 Owls Lodge LnChallenging 18-hole heathland members' golf course on common land within around 1.5 miles.
Book ahead.
18-hole links members' golf course with stunning seaside views over Langland Bay, within around 1.5 miles.
Book ahead.
13 místní doporučují
Langland Bay Golf Club
Langland Bay Road18-hole links members' golf course with stunning seaside views over Langland Bay, within around 1.5 miles.
Book ahead.
18-hole woodland members' golf course within a beautiful rural landscape within around 6 miles.
Book ahead.
Fairwood Park Golf Club
Blackhills Lane18-hole woodland members' golf course within a beautiful rural landscape within around 6 miles.
Book ahead.
Challenging 18-hole links members' golf course within around 5 miles.
Book ahead.
18 místní doporučují
Pennard Golf Club
2 Southgate RdChallenging 18-hole links members' golf course within around 5 miles.
Book ahead.
City/town information
Swansea has several large shopping centres, with ample parking nearby, and all the usual stores you would expect to find in any large town.
78 místní doporučují
Swansea
Swansea has several large shopping centres, with ample parking nearby, and all the usual stores you would expect to find in any large town.
Further away again is the Laugharne Boathouse with stunning views of the Tâf estuary. This is the final resting place of Dylan Thomas, where he lived with his family and wrote many of his major pieces. It has been left as he last visited it, his writing desk and personal belongings in situ. Laugharne is a lovely place with cafes, pubs and is near Llansteffan Castle and its beach. You can walk up to the boathouse, but if you would like to see if it is open, you can check opening times at www.dylanthomasboathouse.com 01994 427420. You can reach Laugharne by car in around an hour. As the boathouse is very popular, local roads can get busy, so you may like to plan a visit as part of a day out.
61 místní doporučují
Laugharne
Further away again is the Laugharne Boathouse with stunning views of the Tâf estuary. This is the final resting place of Dylan Thomas, where he lived with his family and wrote many of his major pieces. It has been left as he last visited it, his writing desk and personal belongings in situ. Laugharne is a lovely place with cafes, pubs and is near Llansteffan Castle and its beach. You can walk up to the boathouse, but if you would like to see if it is open, you can check opening times at www.dylanthomasboathouse.com 01994 427420. You can reach Laugharne by car in around an hour. As the boathouse is very popular, local roads can get busy, so you may like to plan a visit as part of a day out.
Food scene
Castellamare, is one of our favourite restaurants. An exceptional restaurant situated at Limeslade/Bracelet Bay with stunning views overlooking the coastline. It is about a two mile walk from Lapis House, but if you feel that is too far for you, it will take about six minutes by or taxi.
TIP: Castellmare is a family-owned Italian restaurant. It is extremely popular with locals. Book ahead and try the pasta. Many are based on family recipes
Phone number: 01792 369408. Webpage: www.castellamare.co.uk
44 místní doporučují
Castellamare
Mumbles RoadCastellamare, is one of our favourite restaurants. An exceptional restaurant situated at Limeslade/Bracelet Bay with stunning views overlooking the coastline. It is about a two mile walk from Lapis House, but if you feel that is too far for you, it will take about six minutes by or taxi.
TIP: Castellmare is a family-owned Italian restaurant. It is extremely popular with locals. Book ahead and try the pasta. Many are based on family recipes
Phone number: 01792 369408. Webpage: www.castellamare.co.uk
Verdi’s Coffee Shop is also nearby and is the perfect place to stop and watch the world go by. They also offer meals and can be found at www.verdis-cafe.co.uk.
TIP: If Verdi’s is busy it is worth travelling to Limeslade, the next bay along and trying Castellamare’s coffee shop and restaurant.
57 místní doporučují
Verdi's
Mumbles RoadVerdi’s Coffee Shop is also nearby and is the perfect place to stop and watch the world go by. They also offer meals and can be found at www.verdis-cafe.co.uk.
TIP: If Verdi’s is busy it is worth travelling to Limeslade, the next bay along and trying Castellamare’s coffee shop and restaurant.
A few minutes’ walk along the promenade is Mumbles village Joe’s Ice-cream Parlour vanilla ice cream is renowned across the world.
65 místní doporučují
Joe's Ice Cream Parlour
526 Mumbles RdA few minutes’ walk along the promenade is Mumbles village Joe’s Ice-cream Parlour vanilla ice cream is renowned across the world.
Opposite our house is Ripples ice cream parlour. There is seating area with great views of the beach outside and a park area facing our house and the sea.
Ripples
93 Mumbles RdOpposite our house is Ripples ice cream parlour. There is seating area with great views of the beach outside and a park area facing our house and the sea.
Fortes cafe in Limeslade is a hidden gem. Just across from Castellamare, you can usually pull outside long enough for one of your party to order an ice cream.
15 místní doporučují
Forte's
1 Mumbles RdFortes cafe in Limeslade is a hidden gem. Just across from Castellamare, you can usually pull outside long enough for one of your party to order an ice cream.