Nestled on the southern coast of Wales, the Gower Peninsula is a gem that enchants visitors with its pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, and captivating scenery.
With multiple Blue Flag and Seaside Award titles to their names, beaches of the Gower are some of the finest on offer in the UK. With Swansea city nearby, many of these beaches are accessible by public transport but at the same time they offer opportunities for peace and seclusion.
There are beaches with ample facilities, perfect for family visits and there are beaches only accessible by foot, suitable for those who enjoy coastal walks. Throughout the summer many beaches offer the safety of lifeguards whilst other beaches provide the perfect conditions for watersports such as surfing and SUPping.
With 25 beaches to choose from on the Gower it’s difficult to know where to start, so in this article I’ll delve into each beach’s unique features, recreational opportunities, and why they are a must-visit for beach lovers.
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Top 10 Gower Peninsula Beaches
1. Rhossili Bay: A Breathtaking Vastness
- Parking: National Trust Car Park, Rhossili. £6 all day
- Facilities: Toilets in car park and several cafes/restaurants in Rhossili
- Dog friendly: Year round
Rhossili Bay stands proudly as one of the Gower Peninsula’s most iconic landscapes, boasting an expansive three-mile stretch of golden sands. Consistently voted as one of the best beaches in Europe, this is no-doubt the Gower’s star attraction.
With the striking tidal island of Worms Head at its western end, this bay offers views and photo opportunities galore. A walk along the clifftops to the end of the peninsula provides a gentle stroll with unparalleled views, whilst the more energetic can venture onto the causeway and onto Worms Head itself.
On the beach there is ample room to relax, take a stroll, play beach games on the sand or explore the shipwreck (The Helvetia). The dunes behind the beach offer a delightful walk to nearby Llangennith and provide an ideal launch pad for willing and able paragliders.
Whether you’re an avid hiker, beachcomber, or simply seeking a place to relax and unwind, Rhossili Bay and beach is a haven for all.
2. Three Cliffs Bay: A Natural Wonder
- Parking: Parkmill or Southgate. Both pay and display.
- Facilities: None
- Dog friendly: Year round
Three Cliffs Bay is a testament to nature’s artistry, where three limestone cliffs dramatically adorn the shoreline, forming a mesmerising backdrop to the golden sands below. A winding river meanders its way along the beach which simply adds to the majesty, especially when viewed from the clifftops above.
Although there’s no debating Rhossili’s pristine beauty, Three Cliffs’ rugged and raw nature make it my personal favourite beach in the Gower.
Typical access to the beach is via a one mile walk through the woods and dunes from Parkmill, although there is another longer option along the clifftops from Southgate or a shorter option from Three Cliff’s Bay Holiday Park.
With the tidal river cutting down the length of the valley and splitting the beach into two sections, some careful planning about how and when you’ll access the beach is required. Stepping stones allow for a river crossing most of the time but at high tide even these becomes submerged.
The easiest option for first time visits is from Parkmill. If the tide and water levels are right, from Parkmill it is possible to kayak or paddle board along the river to the sea, which means you can simply float from the car park to the beach! (Well almost!).
Walks up onto the dunes and around to the three cliffs themselves are magical at sunset and Pennard Castle with its long reaching views at the back end of the valley is worth exploring. When the tide is out it’s also possible to walk through the natural arch under one of the three cliffs.
There are no facilities at the beach so pack everything you need for the day before you set off.
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3. Oxwich Bay: The Playground of Watersports
- Parking: Behind the beach. £6 all day
- Facilities: Toilets and two places to eat
- Dog friendly: Year round
Oxwich Bay is a beach lover’s paradise, perfect for families and swimmers alike. Parking backs right up to the beach making access very easy and the calm waves make having a dip or a long swim an easy affair.
At Oxwich there is a diverse range of water activities on offer. From kayaking and paddle boarding to windsurfing and sailing, adventure-seekers will find their nirvana here.
The beach is fringed by lush woodlands and rocky cliffs which makes a short walk to the western end, well-worth the effort. At the western you can also find Oxwich Bay Hotel and along the shoreline there is the Michelin starred Oxwich Beach House, which prides itself on using fresh, local ingredients.
This is the beach we used to visit as a family when I was young and it’s just as popular today. Because of the easy access, lifeguards on duty and facilities on offer, this Gower beach does get busy in the summer months, so arrive early to secure a parking space.
4. Llangennith Beach: Surfers’ Paradise
- Parking: Behind the beach. Pay and display.
- Facilities: Toilets and places to eat near the car park
- Dog friendly: Year round
Although really just an extension of Rhossili Beach, Llangennith should be classed as a beach in its own right. Where the Rhossili end attracts tourists and sightseers, the Llangennith end attracts surfers and thrill seekers.
Llangennith Beach attracts surfers from far and wide, thanks to its consistent and powerful waves. This beach is perfect for experienced surfers, but beginners can also take lessons and catch their first waves with surf schools located at the beach and behind the dunes.
The beach is accessed via a 200m walk through the dunes from the car park. The cafe is a further 200m away from the beach so its worth bringing your own snacks and drinks if you’re planning to spend the day here.
At the northern end of the beach the tidal island of Bury Holms is worth investigating but be sure to keep an eye on the tides so you don’t get stranded.
The nearby village of Llangennith offers cozy accommodations and a friendly atmosphere and Hillend campsite is about as close as you can get to camping on the beach.
5. Langland Bay: Where Serenity Meets Elegance
- Parking: Behind the beach. Pay and display.
- Facilities: Toilets and places to eat
- Dog friendly: Between October and April
Langland Bay exudes elegance with its stylish green and white beach huts and gentle waves lapping along the shore. This Blue Flag beach is a compact beach that provides everything you need for a day by the sea.
There are a whole host of facilities to keep you fed and watered during your visit although parking is very limited. Arrive early to bag a spot or alternatively catch the bus from Swansea city itself.
The accessibility and proximity to Swansea makes Langland a popular choice with families of all ages. For those wanting to stretch their legs, Mumbles Lighthouse is just over a mile away along the coastal path offering additional opportunities for enjoying the coastal ambiance.
6. Pwll Du Bay: A Hidden Gem
- Parking: Bishopston
- Facilities: None
- Dog friendly: Year round
Pwll Du Bay, meaning Black Pool, remains a well-kept secret, tucked away from the crowds and accessible only by a scenic coastal walk. The secluded beach is a sanctuary for those seeking solitude and breathtaking landscapes.
Unlike most of the other beaches on this list, at high tide Pwll Du is mostly a pebble beach. However, as the tides retreat the sand appears and walking to the water becomes a much easier affair.
The are no facilities here and access to the beach is via a walk from Bishopston.
7. Blue Pool Bay: Nature’s Plunge Pool
- Parking: Broughton Caravan Park. Free in winter, £6 in summer.
- Facilities: None
- Dog friendly: Year round
At the western edge of the Gower and north facing, Blue Pool Bay attracts few visitors compared to its neighbours to the south. Access to this secluded bay is only possible via a coastal walk along the cliffs or through the dunes from Broughton.
A steep sandy path leads down to the bay where a small scramble across the rocks is required to make the final descent onto the beach. The reward for your efforts is a perfectly formed cove with golden sandy beaches and a natural plunge pool nestled amongst the rocks. Mother nature at her finest!
At low tide it’s possible to walk to the far end of the beach and even around the rocky peninsula, but obviously be cautious of the being cut off from incoming tides. There’s a natural hole in the rocks here which is fun to explore.
At high tide access to the beach is cut off, unless you’re happy to jump straight from the rocks and into the sea. However, I wouldn’t recommend it as the rip tides here can be lethal. To enjoy the beach at its best, arrive a couple hours either side of low tide.
8. Caswell Bay: A Charming Family Escape
- Parking: Behind the beach
- Facilities: Toilets and beach cafe next to the beach
- Dog friendly: October to April
Caswell Bay is a favourite among families in South Wales for its safe and welcoming atmosphere. The crescent-shaped Blue Flag beach, embraced by verdant cliffs, creates a sheltered haven perfect for swimming and building sandcastles.
This was the beach of choice for my friends and I during our teenage years, due to its close proximity to Swansea and the facilities available. Public transport is available to Caswell from Swansea and there is a car park around 400m from the beach.
Throughout the summer a lifeguard watches over the waters which is also a popular with surfers, SUPpers and kayakers. Cafes and amenities nearby ensure you have everything you need for a delightful day at the beach.
9. Fall Bay: The Special One
- Parking: Rhossili National Trust Car Park. £6 all day
- Facilities: None
- Dog friendly: Year round
Why the special one I hear you ask? Well, ok it’s only special for me because this is where Nick and I got engaged, so I am slightly biased with this one! However, this rock and sand beach is a little Gower gem that receives very few visitors.
Most people travelling to this western end of the peninsula have their sights set on Fall Bay’s more famous neighbour, Rhossili. But if you’re looking for seclusion, then this is the Gower beach for you.
To visit this beach, a small walk from either Rhossili or Middleton is required. Access to the beach is via a steep path from the clifftops which may not be suitable for children.
Visit Fall Bay at low tide if you want to enjoy the sand as the beach is submerged at high tide. At very low tide it’s possible to walk around the headland to Mewslade Bay to the east.
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10. Port Eynon Bay: Where History and Adventure Collide
- Parking: Behind the beach. Pay and display.
- Facilities: Toilets and cafes/restaurants next to the beach
- Dog friendly: October to April
Port Eynon Bay combines a captivating beach with historical significance. Learn about the sinking of the pleasure boat Prince Ivanhoe and the successful efforts to rescue all who were onboard, adding a touch of mystery to the area.
For the beach lovers, Port Eynon is another Blue Flag Beach that is popular with families. The beach is backed by a large car park, toilets, shops and multiple places to eat. There is also a lifeguard on duty throughout the summer months.
The beach is an excellent spot for swimming and sunbathing, while the village of Port Eynon itself provides a taste of local charm.
For those looking for a rugged, coastal hike it doesn’t get much better than the walk from Port Eynon to Rhossili. This 12km walk will take a large portion of the day but the views are definitely worth the effort. If you don’t fancy the full hike be sure to take a short walk up to Port Eynon Point for epic views over the limestone cliffs.
Read more about hikes in the Gower in this guide.
Final Thoughts On The Best Beaches In The Gower
The Gower Peninsula stands as a coastal paradise, beckoning travellers with its remarkable beaches and captivating landscapes. From the vastness of Rhossili Bay to the hidden gem of Pwll Du Bay, each beach has its own charm and unique offerings.
Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, the Gower Peninsula’s best beaches are ready to welcome you with open arms. So, pack your sunscreen and swimsuit, and embark on a journey to discover the very best beaches on the Gower Peninsula!
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