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Park Wood, near Swansea
What's here
Welcome
Park Wood is on Gower, just nine miles from Swansea, and was once a medieval deer park of the de Breos, Lords of Gower.
It has several nationally important archaeological sites including a Neolithic burial chamber, caves and lime kilns.
Archaeologists have discovered the remains of up to 40 men, women and children in Long Cairn.
Cathole Cave is a natural feature in the limestone and its entrance is over 15 metres high.
The lime kiln was built in the mid 19th century to produce lime for improving the land and for use in mortar.
Park Wood is made up of majestic oak, ash and conifer trees and has some of the oldest plantations in South Wales (the oak, ash and sycamore were planted in 1851).
We have been removing small areas of mixed conifers and thinning out some broadleaved trees to allow more light to reach the woodland floor and allow more plants and flowers to grow.
The woodland is home to buzzards, woodpeckers, nuthatch, lesser and greater horseshoe bats and a wealth of other wildlife.
Visiting Park Wood
There is a welcome panel in the car park with a map and information about what to see.
Follow the wide gravelled forest road to reach the archaeological features – each one has an information panel nearby.
The picnic area is at the car park entrance and there is a bench along the forest road.
The network of footpaths leads through the woodland and further afield if you would like a longer walk.
Gower Way
The Gower Way goes through Park Wood – look out for the waymarkers.
This long distance route runs 35 miles (56 kilometres) from Rhossili at the extreme south-west of the Gower Peninsula, through to Penlle'r Castell in upland Mawr.
For more information go to the Long Distance Walkers Association website.
Gower Heritage Centre
The Gower Heritage Centre is located on the A4118, ½ mile from Park Wood.
This rural life museum is based around a working 12th century watermill and has a tea room.
For more information go to the Gower Heritage Centre website.
Closures and diversions
Sometimes we need to close or divert trails for your safety whilst we undertake maintenance work or other operations.
We may have to close a site in extreme weather, such as high winds or snow and ice, due to the risk of injury to visitors or staff.
Please always follow any instructions on site and any temporary diversion signs.
How to get here
Location
Park Wood is 9 miles west of Swansea.
It is in the county of Swansea.
Directions
Take the A4118 from Swansea towards Gower and Port Enyon.
Go through the village of Parkmill and after ⅓ mile turn right, following the brown and white signs to Parc Le Breos.
Continue along this minor road for ½ mile and the car park is on the left.
Ordnance Survey map
Park Wood is on Ordnance Survey (OS) map 164.
The OS grid reference is SS 538 896.
Public transport
The nearest mainline railway station is in Gowerton.
For details of public transport visit the Traveline Cymru website.
Parking
Car parking is free of charge.
Overnight parking is not permitted.
Contact details
There are no staff at this location.
Contact our customer team for general enquiries during office hours, Monday to Friday.
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