Culver Hole

Scrambling down the rocky coastline near Rhossili, you'll find what looks like a medieval fortress built into the cliff face itself. Culver Hole is actually a man-made cave system, carved directly into the limestone with an impressive stone facade that's sparked centuries of debate about its true purpose. Some reckon it was a medieval dovecote, others insist it was a smuggler's hideout - the jury's still out.

Walkers tackling the Gower Peninsula will stumble across this curiosity during coastal rambles, though it's not signposted and takes a bit of local knowledge to locate. The structure itself is fascinating - proper stonework that's clearly taken considerable effort to construct in such a remote spot. Kids might find it exciting for about twenty minutes, but it's really one for history enthusiasts and those who enjoy a good mystery.

Getting there involves a decent coastal walk from Rhossili, so allow a couple of hours if you're making a proper expedition of it. Best visited during low tide when you can explore the base safely. The site ties in well with stays at nearby Gower Holiday Village or Oxwich Camping Park - both are perfectly placed for exploring this wild stretch of coastline. Just don't expect any facilities or explanatory boards; this one's very much a stumble-upon-it-yourself affair.