The Old Rectory

The Old Rectory sits quietly in Gower, a Georgian building that's caught between being a proper historical landmark and someone's private home. From the outside it's a handsome structure - the kind of place that makes you slow down on the walk through the village to take a closer look at the stonework and proportions. Built in the 18th century, it represents the sort of solid, understated architecture that defined rural Wales during its more prosperous periods.

Truth is, you can't get inside, and that's a significant limitation. This isn't Penrice Castle or somewhere with guided tours and gift shops. It's the sort of landmark you admire from the lane, photograph if you're into that sort of thing, and move on. The real value here is as a waypoint during a ramble around Gower rather than a destination in itself.

History buffs and architecture enthusiasts will find the exterior worth a detour if they're already exploring the peninsula. Families with young children won't find much to occupy them - there's no visitor centre, no tea room, nothing interactive. Walkers heading towards the beaches and cliffs of Gower will stumble across it naturally enough.

Stay at Hillend Camping Park or Pitton Cross Caravan & Camping Park, both within spitting distance, and make The Old Rectory part of a larger loop taking in Gower's coastal paths and headlands. Don't plan your Gower holiday around seeing it, but don't miss it if you're passing through the village.