The Gower Peninsula is an ancient landscape that has preserved much of its history for the visitor to explore today. As well as Norman Castles, there are also the later fortified manors. Most of these are open to the public during summer months (for a small entrance fee) but those that remain closed throughout the year - like Penrice Castle - are still worth visiting, if only to admire their magnificent structures from the outside.
Medieval history is perhaps best represented on the penisula by its numerous Churches - some of which are truly awe-inspiring in their sylvan settings. Several of Gower's Churches are open to the public whilst others can be privately viewed.
Gower's more ancient history manifests itself in the form of megalithic and Neolithic monuments, such as North Gower's secretive standing stones and the impressive prehistoric burial constructions of Arthur's Stone, Giant's Grave and the Sweyne Howes .
Less noticeable, but equally worth a visit, are the numerous hill fort remains which occupy many of the larger hill tops on the Gower Peninsula. Whilst all that can be traced of these early Gower monuments are earthen mounds and ditches, these sites also afford some of the grander vistas available in the area.
