Rhossili Bay Beach on the Gower Peninsula, seen from a clifftop above the beach (Image: Getty Images)
It has been called the “supermodel of British beaches” and is consistently ranked among Europe’s finest. And now Rhossili beach has been awarded a score of 9.26 out of 10 by outdoor travel experts who said it was the best for winter walks.
The beach, stretching for several miles, offers wide expanses of sand, perfect surfing waves, and surrounding cliffs ideal for walks with breathtaking views.
The most recent accolade was bestowed by GO Outdoors, who evaluated and ranked the best beaches for a winter walk based on factors such as average rainfall, temperature, daylight hours, and popularity. Rhossili comfortably outscored the second-placed beach.
Regularly named among Europe’s best, Rhossili Bay also frequently features in annual lists of the UK’s and even the world’s top beaches. It strikes the perfect balance between remote and accessible: while it’s easy to reach, you’re unlikely to encounter the large crowds found at more popular beaches.
Travel expert Simon Calder has praised the beach, situated at the western tip of the Gower peninsula, as “pristine” and “world class”. It has also earned the title of “the supermodel of British beaches” and has been named the UK’s “most dog-friendly beach”, reports .
The wreck of the Helvetia on Rhossili beach can be seen at low tide (Image: Getty Images)
Rhossili, with its perfect blend of sand and waves, is an all-year-round destination. Its vast stretches of flat golden sands make it ideal for walkers and families, while the shallow waves ensure safety for paddling.
However, the Atlantic swell also attracts surfers who can often be seen a little distance off-shore, yet the waters remain calm and safe for swimming and paddling.
An old shipwreck adds to the beach’s charm. The remains of Helvetia, which ran aground in 1887 while carrying 500 tonnes of timber, protrude from the otherwise flat sand.
Framing the beach are green cliffs that extend to Worm’s Head, another iconic landmark within walking distance. Here, you may come across cows, sheep, and wild horses sharing the paths.
Adding to its appeal, Rhossili boasts one of the UK’s most unique accommodations. A National Trust-owned house perched above the sand offers guests some of the most breathtaking views in Britain.
A lovely sunny day at Whitesands bay in Pembrokeshire. The sky is clear and a little hazy and the sea is bright blue (Image: Getty Images)
The wider Gower peninsula is recognised as an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Rhossili Bay has not only been hailed as one of the world’s best beaches but it has consistently mesmerised globetrotters worldwide. In 2017, it earned the title of being in the top ten global beaches, the sole European contender amidst exotic locations in Thailand, Hawaii, and Brazil.
Fast forward to 2024, and Lonely Planet celebrates it as part of their elite 100 best beaches list. TripAdvisor users were similarly enchanted in 2013, crowning Rhossili the world’s 10th best beach in the world, with reviews gushing about its “unbelievably beautiful” vistas and advice to “spend as much time there as you can”.
Global travel giants Big 7 endorsed this Welsh gem’s allure by including it in their 50 best beaches on Earth in 2023.
Nestled at the tip of the Gower Peninsula, Rhossili remains an accessible retreat by car, retaining a sense of seclusion amidst nature’s splendour. A convenient car park serves as a gateway to wanderlust-inducing trails leading to Worm’s Head or the expansive Rhossili Beach.
Despite its popularity on balmy summer days, the vast shoreline ensures a serene experience for all beachgoers.
Where to stay when visiting Rhossili
Perched on the precipice overlooking Rhossili Bay and Worm’s Head, The Worms Head Hotel boasts breath-taking views, earning a solid 4.1 out of 5 stars from 949 Google reviewers. Standard double rooms start at £160.
Those looking for a more home-like setting may find solace in Airbnb offerings within Rhossili or the wider Gower area. However, for those seeking unparalleled luxury, The Old Rectory sits as Rhossilis crown jewel.
The white speck in the distance is the incredible National Trust property that you can rent (Image: Getty)
Owned by the National Trust, this secluded sanctuary is only a stones throw away from the famed sand and surf, offering four bedrooms that sleep seven guests for those unforgettable coastal escapes.
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 stunning view as the sun sets over the beach – simply heavenly!
However, such luxury comes at a price. Due to its unique appeal, availability is scarce, with a three-night stay starting from approximately £1,500 (and that’s during the autumn season, not peak times).
Despite its diminutive size and secluded location, the village of Rhossili, situated right above the beach, offers a variety of charming dining options. These include The Lookout, The View and the Worms Head Hotel itself.