Gower Peninsula

Whiteford Sands

A wild, two-mile expanse of sand on the Loughor Estuary — no facilities, no crowds and the remarkable sight of the Whiteford Lighthouse standing offshore: the only wave-washed cast-iron lighthouse in the UK.

Plan Your Visit

About the Beach

Wild North Gower at Its Best

Whiteford Sands is two miles of unspoilt beach at the northern tip of the Gower Peninsula, where the estuary meets the open sea. It's the kind of place where you can walk for an hour and see almost no one. The beach forms the northern boundary of the Whiteford Burrows National Nature Reserve and is managed by the National Trust.

The iconic Whiteford Lighthouse — built in 1865 and a Grade II listed structure — stands offshore in the estuary, visible from the beach at all states of tide. It's the only remaining wave-washed cast-iron lighthouse in the UK and a remarkable sight against the open estuary sky.

North Gower — accessed via Whiteford Burrows from Cwm Ivy or the Whiteford Sands car park near Llanmadoc
Small car park near Cwm Ivy — National Trust. No facilities at the car park.
No facilities on the beach; nearest at Llanmadoc village
No food on the beach; Britannia Inn at Llanmadoc (walking distance)
No RNLI lifeguard patrol; estuary currents can be strong — caution required
Dogs welcome year-round — excellent for long beach walks
Beach approach via dune and woodland paths — not suitable for wheelchairs
Excellent birdwatching — waders and wildfowl on the estuary; look for the offshore lighthouse

Nearby

What's Close By

  • Whiteford Burrows: the National Trust dune and pine woodland nature reserve connects directly to the beach — explore on arrival.
  • Broughton Bay: accessible along the coast south — wild dunes and sunset views.
  • Blue Pool Bay: a short coastal walk south — the tidal rock pool is a highlight.
  • Llanmadoc village: a short drive or walk — Britannia Inn and community shop.
How far is Whiteford Sands from Whiteford Bay?

Whiteford Bay park is the nearest of the three parks — the beach is reachable via the Whiteford Burrows path in approximately 20–25 minutes on foot, or a short drive to the Cwm Ivy car park.

How far is Whiteford Sands from Greenways of Gower?

Greenways of Gower is approximately a 30–35 minute drive from Whiteford Sands, heading north via Reynoldston and the B4295.

How far is Whiteford Sands from Green Meadow?

Green Meadow is approximately a 30–35 minute drive from Whiteford Sands, following the same northward route from Oxwich Green.

Whiteford Sands has no lifeguard patrol and no beach facilities. Estuary currents can be strong — caution is advised, especially with young children. There is no mobile signal in this area.

Holiday on the Gower Peninsula

Premier Leisure Parks operates three parks across the Gower — Greenways of Gower, Green Meadow and Whiteford Bay — giving you a brilliant base to explore beaches like this one and many more.

View Our Parks Explore All Gower Beaches