Rhossili Bay and Worm’s Head are two of the most popular and beautiful natural attractions in South Wales. These stunning destinations offer breathtaking views of the Welsh coastline and are a must-visit for any traveler looking to explore the natural beauty of the Gower Peninsula.
The golden sand beach of Rhossili Bay, which is often voted the best beach in the UK, is backed by sand dunes and dramatic cliffs offering visitors a selection of natural activities to enjoy.
Whether you’re interested in hiking, bird-watching, or simply taking in the stunning views, Rhossili Bay and Worm’s Head are sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.
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Where Is Rossili And How Do I Get There?
Rhossili Bay is located on the south western tip of the Gower Peninsula in South Wales. The Gower, as it is locally known, was declared the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and its coastal path forms part of the longer Wales Coastal Path.
BY TRAIN
The nearest train station to the Gower is Swansea. It has numerous connections to London, From Swansea, take a bus or taxi to reach Rhossili.
BY BUS
To reach Rhossili on public transport take the 118 bus from Swansea city centre, which runs Monday to Saturday. Check the Swansea to Rhossili bus timetable here.
BY CAR
By car you can use postcode SA3 1PP in your SatNav. From Swansea the drive will take 40 minutes to an hour dependent on traffic. The route involves driving along small country lanes so take care and be patient!
At the village of Rhossili, on the edge of the bay, there is a large National Trust car park which is pay and display. Parking costs £6 for a full day or £3 for 2 hours. National Trust members park for free. There are good facilities here including toilets and selection of pubs and eateries.
There is another location for parking at St Mary’s Church, further back from the bay which costs £5 for the day and has a donation box (cash only).
If you’re looking to rent a car, Rental Cars is a good option for finding the best deals in the UK.
Rhossili Map
Things To Do At Rhossili
Rhossili Bay and Beach
Explore the three miles of golden sand beach and enjoy views of Worm’s Head at Rhossili beach. This wide sandy beach is perfect for beach games or relaxing in the sun. Cool off with a dip in the sea, although be aware there is no lifeguard on duty here. At low tide it’s a long walk from the head of the beach to the water so be sure to pace yourself rather than making a run for it!
Access to the beach is via a steep path next to the View Cafe.
Stroll Along the Clifftops
A must for any visitor to Rhossili is a walk along the clifftops above the bay. There is an old coastguard station at the end of the headland which has information about tide times and access to Worm’s Head.
A walk out to the end of the headland is around 1 mile long and takes about 25 minutes if you stick to the path. The gravel path is suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs however it’s possible to branch off the track to enjoy cliffside views and get closer to the wild ponies that often frequent the area.
If you want to extend your cliffside walk you could carry on around the headland to Fall Bay. This secluded bay is a fabulous spot to enjoy a dip in the sea, away from the crowds that gather on Rhossili Beach. This is one of my favourite beaches on the Gower and the place where Nick and I got engaged.
To return to the car park from Fall Bay there is a more direct route across the grassy fields which is marked by footpath signs.
Explore Worm’s Head
Worm’s Head is a tidal island located at the end of Rhossili headland. The island is accessible via a slippery, rocky causeway which can be traversed 2.5 hours either side of low tide. There is therefore a 5 hour window in which to complete this walk.
The hike is around 4.5 miles and takes at least 2 hours to complete. This hike is considered strenuous due to the uneven nature of the terrain but doesn’t involve much elevation gain. A head for heights is required when crossing over the Devil’s Bridge and scrambling up onto the very end of the Worm.
Birdwatching is great on Worm’s Head with plenty of seabirds nesting around the cliffs and keep your eyes peeled for seals in the waters around the outer headland.
The tide times can be found online and are also displayed on a sign at the old coastguard station on the headland. If you’re attempting this hike alone I recommend reporting to the Coastwatch centre so people are aware of your intentions.
Try Coasteering
The thrill seekers out there should try their hand at coasteering. Coasteering is everything you were told not to do as a kid! Traversing around the coastline you will enjoy cliff jumping, scrambling and cave exploration whilst enjoying the amazing scenery of the Gower Peninsula.
To take part in coasteering at Rhossili contact Gower Activity Centres or RipnRock Coasteering. A half day adventure will cost £70.
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Hike to Llangenith via the Rhossili Downs
Those seeking even greater views of the peninsula should hike up Rhossili Down to the Beacon. When conditions are right you will see paragliders enjoying flights in the thermals before landing on the beach below.
The Beacon stands at 193m, making it the highest point on the Gower and can be reached by walking less than 1 mile along a footpath starting behind St Mary’s Church in Rhossili village. To extend the walk you can continue along the dunes towards Hillend Caravan Site in Llangennith. There is a cafe here so is a good place to stop for snacks and a drink.
To make a loop of the walk, continue through the caravan site and dunes and onto the beach. From here its an easy stroll back along the beach to return to the start. The purple heather on the downs is great to see at the tail end of summer.
For more hikes around the Gower see this guide.
Take a Surfing Lesson
The long expanse of Rhossili beach is a popular beach for learning to surf. Most of the surfing outfitters base themselves at the Hillend Caravan Site car park in Llangennith rather than in Rhossili itself. During the summer months watersport lovers can don a wetsuit and try their hand at surfing. The waves here are mostly perfect for beginners.
More experienced surfers can head to the northern end of the beach to escape the holiday makers and beginner lessons.
Visit the Helvetia shipwreck
Rhossili beach is also home to a Norwegian Barque shipwreck that ran aground in stormy weather in 1887. Most of the wreck is buried beneath the sand but sections of the hull can be seen protruding from the beach, with differing tides occasionally revealing more of the wooden skeleton.
To see the wreck, follow the footpath down from the car park onto the beach and you’ll see the mast poking up from the sand.
See the Famed Sunflowers of Rhossili
Every summer from mid July to late September, visitors flock to Rhossili to see the sunflowers in full bloom. In the fields of Rhossili there are around 400,00 sunflowers which are open for visits from 9.30am to dusk.
In certain sections you can pick your own sunflowers to take home or get those perfect Insta shots at the sunflower arch and cute swings. Families can also enjoy the Gruffalo trail where you can find wooden animal sculptures amongst the flowers.
Parking is available at the National Trust car park and then its a 20 minute walk down to the fields. Entry to the fields is £3.50. Cash is recommended as phone signal required for the card reader isn’t always available at Rhossili.
Watch the sunset
As the western-most tip on the Gower, Rhossili is a great place to watch a beautiful sunset. I’ll often head down to Rhossili to enjoy a sunset stroll along the beach or wander along the clifftops to watch golden hour colours develop behind Worm’s Head.
The Worm’s Head Hotel also has a bar which is open in the evenings for visitors who wish to enjoy sunset with a drink in hand. Whichever way you like to experience sunset, there are numerous vantage points to enjoy at Rhossili Bay.
Places to Eat in Rhossili
The Worm’s Head Hotel is a historic pub in Rhossili serving traditional pub grub and the best views in the Gower. The hotel is open for lunch and evening meals.
The View Cafe, Bar and Kitchen is the place to go for great coffee, homemade cakes and meals made from locally sourced ingredients. They’re open daily until 3.30pm through the week and 4.30pm on the weekends.
For the best ice cream in South Wales don’t miss Joe’s Ice Cream, located next to the Lookout Cafe. They also have an ice cream parlour in the Mumbles if you’re visiting that area on a trip to Swansea.
Places to Stay in Rhossili
For epic views it doesn’t get any better than The Worm’s Head Hotel. If you want to wake up looking out over Worm’s Head and Rhossili Bay then book yourself in for a night at the Worm’s Head Hotel.
If you want an entire bungalow with views overlooking Rhossili Bay during your visit then try Caemor. The bungalow has all the facilities you’d expect and is a stones throw from the beach and places to eat.
Those who prefer camping trips should head to neighbouring Llangennith where Hillend Campsite. This is a top choice for those looking to try surfing.
Final Thoughts On Visiting Rhossili
Rhossili is a village, bay and beach on the western most tip on the Gower Peninsula in Wales. The beach is often voted the best beach in the UK and is perfect for relaxing or enjoying water sports, whilst the headland offers easy coastal walks with spectacular views.
A visit to Rhossili promises a mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. Whether you’re an avid hiker, beach lover, or simply seeking a tranquil escape, Rhossili has something to offer for every visitor.
