We were disappointed at the generally poor quality of caravan sites in the Gower – especially since the area is regarded as the jewel in the crown of the South Wales coastline. I must start by saying that we have actually only stayed at one site so far – Three Cliffs. So comments on the others are based on a run through of the sites.

Three Cliffs Caravan site (see here) is set in a prime location overlooking Three Cliffs Bay. It gets full marks for location. You would be hard pushed to find a more beautiful location, and it is a photographers paradise. In fact, photographers can be a bit of a problem as they visit the site in droves at times. This is private property, so the site owners charge them for the privilege, and I have been told that the money is then donated to charity. Access for caravans is reasonable, with only a short stretch of narrow road to the site once you turn off the main road.The beach is accessed via two paths that I could see, one from the site which is steep and a bit tricky, the second back through the entrance and then by turning left after about 100 yards. This also is not an easy path if you have any difficulty walking. It is worth the effort as the beach and coast are stunning. Remember that the tide comes in rapidly (this is the second highest tidal range in the world), and it is easy to get cut off along all of the coastline. Pitches are on grass and reasonably flat in most places. Staff are friendly and helpful. There is a small shop on site: the nearest store seems to be in Scurlage. The only slightly negative comment on the site is that the showers are not wonderful – sufficient, but could do with improving. 9/10 in my book.

Bank Farm Caravan Park. Umm? Not my cup of tea. VERY popular, but a bit like Butlins-on-sea. This obviously has a regular customer base. A very large site of both statics and tourers. Seems to have every conceivable amenity. Vans appear to be tightly packed in. Easy access (as long as you take note of the route in – noted below). This seems to be a family orientated site with everything the kids would want. I freely admit that our preference is for a quieter location where we can chill, so in that I am prejudiced. If a comprehensive child catering site is what you are looking for, and you don’t mind crowds, plus a good beach only 10 to 15 minutes walk down the hill, then this may be for you. Sorry, I like somewhere like Freshwater East, where the rabbits come up to the caravan as you are sipping on a glass of wine and reading a book. Sounds as if I have arrived in the “Grumpy Old Men” category! Just not for me.

There are a couple of other sites also in Horton – I don’t have the names at hand, but will add them later. As you drive past the Bank Farm turn off there is a second site a short distance on the left. Again, not for us. Packed like sardines (especially the statics!).To me a caravan site is about getting away from crowds. The way the tourers are parked reminded me of the tightly packed terraces of the Welsh valleys. Ugh! Driving further down into Horton (which is a nightmarishly narrow and winding road) there are a couple of other sites which seem to be more acceptable – smaller, more space, closer to the beach. However, remember, this is a particularly popular resort. If you are looking for peace and quite, avoid Horton.

Kennexton Farm, Llangennith (http://www.gowercamping.co.uk/ ). – Even though this site has it’s down sides, I was impressed by the friendly welcome and level of helpfulness. This is a good site in the making. Toilets and shower block are of a very good standard; lots of room on the pitches. Family & dog friendly. Enough space to accommodate peace seekers and lots of lively kids. Road access is good – a little bumpy on the entrance, but the impression is that the owners are working hard to improve all aspects of the site. This is one we would consider. Down side, it is not on the coast, but all of the Gower beaches are within a short car journey. This is one to watch for next year, and I don’t doubt that we will be booking in here.

Pitton Cross ( http://www.pittoncross.co.uk/index.cfm );- This could be the prime site on the Gower, after Three Cliffs, but needs a considerable investment in order to bring it to the highest standards. A comprehensive shop on site, friendly welcome. There road around the site needs to be tarmacadamed and pitches need to be improved. Toilets and showers are not up to the standard that we are coming to expect. Undoubtedly improvements are ongoing, albeit slowly. Great location for touring the Gower, and a wide variety of activities within easy reach. At the moment not for us, top prices for a poor site.

These are my personal views, and I acknowledge that I may be seeking something quite different from other peoples tastes with regard to a caravan holiday. More site comments as we visit them.

One general point for all caravan owners heading for the Gower from the M4 if you are using a GPS – if you are told to leave the M4 at junction 47, the GPS will take you down through Gowerton and Llanrhidian. Turn left onto the B4271 at Llanrhidian, after about a mile and a half take a sharp right over the common for Reynoldston. Over the hill, and as you approach the village of Reynoldston take the first hard left, then follow until join the A4118. Two major problem roads with the GPS. The GPS will tell you to stay on the B4295 towards Fairyhill. DO NOT TAKE THIS ROAD. Divert to Reynoldston. This is a narrow, winding and dangerous road, difficult with a car – crazy with a caravan. The other point is that the GPS will try and take you through Reynoldston, Although this is possible with some difficulty, this is a narrow winding road with passing points, and a bus route to boot! Forget it, turn left before you get into Reynoldston and avoid the problems.