Gower Peninsula
Rhossili Bay
A three-mile sweep of golden sand at the western tip of Gower — consistently voted one of the finest beaches in Wales and the UK. Wild Atlantic surf, dramatic headland walks, and the legendary Worm's Head tidal island await.
About the Beach
Wild, Iconic and Unmissable
Rhossili Bay is Gower's most celebrated beach — three miles of unbroken golden sand backed by Rhossili Down, the highest point on the peninsula. The beach faces due west, catching the full force of Atlantic swell, which makes it one of the most reliable surfing spots in Wales. At the far northern end the sands join seamlessly with Llangennith at low tide.
On the shoreline you can still spot the remains of the Helvetia, a Norwegian sailing ship that ran aground in 1887. The partly buried hull makes for a striking foreground on a sunset photograph.
Worm's Head
The Tidal Island at the End of Gower
Worm's Head (from the Viking wurm, meaning dragon) is a narrow tidal island forming the westernmost point of the Gower Peninsula. It is accessible via a rocky causeway for approximately 2.5 hours either side of low tide — giving a five-hour window to make the return trip.
- Always check the tide timetable displayed at the National Coastwatch Institute (NCI) lookout before attempting to cross.
- Report your intentions to the Coastwatch Centre in case you get cut off.
- Access to the Outer Head is restricted from 1 February to 31 July to protect nesting seabirds.
- Grey seals are frequently spotted on the rocks below the outer headland.
Nearby
What's Close By
- Greenways of Gower: approximately 20-minute drive — a great base for exploring all of south Gower.
- Llangennith Beach: joins Rhossili at low tide to the north; well-known surf spot.
- Mewslade & Fall Bay: a 3.5-mile circular walk from Rhossili via the coastal path.
- Rhossili Down: the highest point on Gower — panoramic views from the summit.
- Port Eynon: approximately 20-minute drive east along the south Gower coast.
How far is Rhossili Bay from Greenways of Gower?
Greenways of Gower is approximately a 20-minute drive from Rhossili Bay, heading west via the B4247 through Reynoldston and Rhossili village.
How far is Rhossili Bay from Green Meadow?
Green Meadow is approximately a 20-minute drive from Rhossili Bay, following the same westward route from Oxwich Green via Reynoldston.
How far is Rhossili Bay from Whiteford Bay?
Whiteford Bay park on north Gower is approximately 35–40 minutes by car from Rhossili Bay, crossing the peninsula via Llanrhidian and the B4295.
There is no RNLI lifeguard patrol at Rhossili Bay. Do not swim in heavy surf due to strong undertows. Always check tide times before heading to Worm's Head — people are cut off by the tide every year.
Stay Close to Rhossili Bay
Greenways of Gower is a family-friendly holiday park set above Oxwich Bay — a great base for day trips to Rhossili, Llangennith, Three Cliffs and all of south Gower's finest beaches.