Growing up in an increasingly digitised world has increased the importance of self care breaks and digital detoxes. When I want to unplug myself from technology and social media, I take myself to the Gower Peninsula, South Wales. Having been there every summer since I was born, there is no better sanctuary than the beautiful miles of beaches available. From a surfer’s haven at Llangennith, to tucked away bays such as Mewslade, the Gower has a beach for everyone, and its landscape makes it obvious why it became the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. As soon as you drive onto the Gower it feels as if life moves at a slower pace, there’s no rowdy hustle and bustle (aside from the campsite queues in peak summer) and everyone seems so content to be out there, enjoying the rejuvenating sea air from a long, sandy beach or out on the Worm’s Head with vast views out to North Devon and Pembrokeshire. The Gower is a water sportsman’sparadise, but there is no shortage of non-water-based, more relaxing activities; the ramblers among us can enjoy gentle walks around the coastline or up onto the moorland at Cefyn Bryn. The lovely town of Mumbles plays host to several cute coffee shops for a caffeine refuel, and if you’re lucky enough to visit the Gower in August, the Gower Show displays the finest local produce and crafts. All these activities are easy to enjoy sans phone or social media and help to recharge minds without the pressure of renting a specialised digital detox cabin. The Gower Peninsula remains my favourite place in the world for good reason and if you’re looking for a place to leave social media behind and live in the moment, look no further.

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words by: Molly James

Featured image courtesy of Michael Hamments via Unsplash. No changes have been made to this image. Image license found here.