Known and loved across all of Wales, this little village was named by the French, who, based on the formation of the two islets at the end of the promontory, decided to name it ‘mamelles’ – meaning ‘breasts’. Apart from the etymology of its name, though, Mumbles is known more famously for its spectacular coastal and upland scenery, and the ‘Mumbles Mile’ – the row of delightful little pubs along the seafront.

First farmed over 3,000 years ago, Mumbles is mystical spot, and is said to have had a forest on its shores, now submerged, on which have been found the teeth and bones of wolves, bears, hyenas, rhinocerous and even mammoth. Evidence has been found of inhabitants dating back to the Iron Age, right through to Roman times, so there’s plenty of history here to explore.

Like the surrounding towns and villages of the Gower Peninsula, Mumbles is a fertile feeding ground to many native and migratory wildfowl, and has two of its very own nature reserves. The first, Mumbles Hill Nature Reserve, extends north from Mumbles village to Bracelet Bay and Limeslade, and includes a wonderful range of habitats that include a maritime heath, limestone grassland, limestone scrub and limestone woodland. The second, Peel Wood Wildlife Trust Reserve, is a woodland retreat that nestles peacefully in the heart of Mumbles, and well worth a visit. 

The view from Mumbles Hill over Swansea Bay to Clyne and Singleton is spectacular, and there are various walks along the coast of the Gower peninsula that attract walking enthusiasts from all over. This peaceful little village is a beautiful place with plenty of holiday cottage accommodation to choose from, and has ease of access to the surrounding beaches from which you can surf, hang-glide, kayaking… In fact, whatever outdoor pursuit you enjoy, Mumbles and the surrounding area has it all.