ENJoin free
Home›United Kingdom›Gower›Beaches›Rhossili

RhossiliGower, United Kingdom

Set on Wales's Gower Peninsula, Rhossili features a 2.8-mile wide sandy beach backed by dunes, offering panoramic views and iconic surf.

TypeSandy beach backed with dunes SandSandy Length2.8 miles (4.5 km) Best forSurfing, walking, scenic views Nearest townRhossili village
© Eirian Evans  / CC BY-SA 2.0

Located on the southwestern tip of the Gower Peninsula in Wales, Rhossili sits within the UK's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You can reach this coastal destination by traveling to the small village, which serves as a gateway to panoramic headland views and a network of scenic walking paths.

The highlight of the area is Rhossili Bay, a 2.8-mile (4.5 km) wide sandy beach backed by sweeping sand dunes. Waves roll in along the entire stretch of the bay, attracting surfers particularly toward the Llangennith end, while tidal islands mark both the northern and southern edges of the bay.

Rising directly behind the beach is Rhossili Down, home to the Gower Peninsula's highest point, the Beacon, at 193 meters. The landscape combines dramatic coastal cliffs, prehistoric remains, and vibrant fields of sunflowers planted annually on 'The Vile' by the National Trust.

Rhossili caters well to avid surfers, casual walkers, sightseers, and history enthusiasts. Surfers flock to its exposed sands, while hikers explore the surrounding downs, cliff paths, and remote coves, making it a versatile stop for travelers seeking natural coastal scenery.

01 Highlights & things to do

What makes this stretch of coast worth the trip — from the water to the walks, wildlife and the views.

Surf
Rhossili Bay Surfing
Catch waves along the 2.8-mile sandy beach, a popular spot for surfers along its entire stretch and particularly at the Llangennith end.
Nature
Worm's Head Exploration
Visit the southern end of the bay to see Outer Head and Inner Head, two tidal islands accessible on foot exclusively during low tide.
Walk
Rhossili Down Coastal Walk
Hike up Rhossili Down to reach the Beacon, the highest point on the Gower Peninsula at 193 meters, surrounded by prehistoric remains.
View
The Vile Sunflower Fields
Walk through fields where the National Trust plants around 400,000 sunflowers, which bloom vividly during late July and early August.
Walk
Fall Bay Hike
Follow a remote path from the village hall over fields and stiles to reach Fall Bay, an uncrowded surf beach accessible at lower tides.
Highlight
St Mary the Virgin Church
Step inside this Norman church to see a memorial dedicated to Edgar Evans, who perished on Captain Scott's Terra Nova Expedition.

Compiled from Wikipedia · conditions vary with weather, tides and the season.

Beach map & the area

The free OpenStreetMap layer below shows the beach and its surroundings — the coastline, access roads, nearby towns and where to park. Zoom in for detail, or open it live in a full map.

51.568561111111 · -4.2869
Open live OSM map › Open in Google Maps ›

Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL, free).

02 Best time to visit & the water

SeasonWhenGood to know
Summerlate July and early AugustAround 400,000 sunflowers bloom on 'The Vile', making it a popular time for visitors and photography.

Conditions vary with weather, tides & season · Last updated: 2026-09-12

03 Nearby & around

Other beaches, coves, towns and sights within easy reach — worth stringing together into a coastal day.

Rhossili BayFall BayMewslade BayWorm's HeadBurry HolmsRhossili DownThe WarrenThe VileMiddleton

Good to know

  • Worm's Head tidal islands and Burry Holms can only be accessed during low tide.
  • Fall Bay has no visible beach at high tide and requires a walk across fields, stiles, and a steep final descent.
  • Visitors to the National Trust sunflower fields at 'The Vile' are advised not to pick the flowers.
  • At very low tide, you can walk between Fall Bay and Mewslade Bay.