Renowned for its breathtaking beauty, it has been hailed as the “supermodel of British beaches” and consistently ranks among the top beaches in Europe.
And now Rhossili has now earned a prestigious rating of 9.26 out of 10 from outdoor travel experts who have named it the best beach for a winter walk. This picturesque sandy bay, which stretches for several miles, boasts expansive sand dunes, ideal surfing waves, and dramatic surrounding cliffs that offer scenic walks and awe-inspiring views.
Located at the western tip of the Gower peninsula, Rhossili outshone other Welsh beaches Whitesands and Marloes Sands, both in Pembrokeshire. GO Outdoors, a team of outdoor enthusiasts, meticulously evaluated the best beaches for winter walks, taking into account rainfall, temperature, daylight hours, and popularity.
Rhossili Bay consistently earns international recognition, frequently featuring in annual lists of the best beaches in Europe, the UK, and globally. It strikes the perfect balance between seclusion and accessibility, offering easy access without the crowds often found at more popular beaches, reports Wales Online.
Esteemed travel expert Simon Calder has previously praised the beach, describing it as “pristine” and “world-class.”
Rhossili has also been praised as “the supermodel of British beaches” and has received the accolade of the UK’s “most dog-friendly beach”. Rhossili, with its ideal blend of sandy beaches and gentle waves, is a year-round destination.
Its vast stretches of golden sands make it an excellent spot for walkers and families, while the shallow waves are perfect for paddling. However, due to the Atlantic swell, it’s also a favourite among surfers who can often be seen floating a little way off-shore, yet it remains calm and safe enough for swimming and paddling.
An old shipwreck adds to the beach’s charm. The remnants of Helvetia, which was carrying 500 tonnes of timber when it ran aground in 1887, protrude from the otherwise flat sand.
Framing the beach are verdant cliffs, ideal for walking and extending all the way to Worm’s Head, another iconic landmark just a short stroll away. Here, you’re likely to cross paths with cows, sheep, and wild horses.
If that’s not enticing enough, Rhossili also boasts one of the UK’s most unique accommodations. A National Trust-owned house perched above the sand offers what could arguably be one of Britain’s most breathtaking views to its guests.
The wider Gower peninsula is recognised as an area of outstanding natural beauty.
In 2017, Rhossili Bay was crowned as one of the top 10 beaches globally, the sole European beach to earn this distinction, joining ranks with exotic locations in Thailand, Hawaii, and Brazil. It was also listed among Lonely Planet’s top 100 beaches worldwide.
TripAdvisor users had previously voted it the 10th best beach on the planet in 2013, describing it as “unbelievably beautiful” and advising visitors to “spend as much time there as you can”. In 2023, the global travel authority Big 7 included it in its compilation of the 50 best beaches worldwide.
Rhossili is readily accessible by car yet retains a sense of seclusion due to its position at the Gower peninsula’s tip. There’s a car park that serves as a starting point for leisurely strolls to Worm’s Head or Rhossili beach, which can become quite packed during sunny summer spells.
Nevertheless, the expansive nature of the beach means it rarely feels overcrowded, no matter the number of visitors.
Accommodation options in Rhossili
Perched cliffside, The Worms Head Hotel offers stunning views over both Rhossili Bay beach and Worms Head, boasting a 4.1 out of 5-star rating from 949 Google reviews. A standard double room here starts at £160.
Airbnb also provides various lodging choices in Rhossili and throughout Gower. However, the Old Rectory stands out as the premier accommodation in Rhossili; this National Trust-owned property is just a stone’s throw from the renowned beach, featuring four bedrooms and accommodating up to seven guests.
Constructed in the 1800s and once serving as a base for radar workers during World War II, this property boasts light-filled rooms and a spacious kitchen, making it an ideal spot for family or friend gatherings. Picture yourself lounging in the front garden, basking in the view of the sunset over the beach – simply heavenly!
However, such luxury comes at a price. Due to its unique appeal, availability is scarce and a three-night stay starts from approximately £1,500 (and that’s during autumn, not peak season).
Despite Rhossili’s diminutive size and secluded location, the village perched right above the beach offers a plethora of charming dining options. These include The Lookout, The View, and the Worms Head Hotel itself.