It's a beach so perfect it's been called the "supermodel of British beaches" as well as being named among the very best beaches in Europe.
And now it's been given a rating of 9.26 out of 10 by outdoor travel experts and named the best in Wales for winter walks. It's a sandy bay several miles long, with wide stretches of sand to walk on, waves perfect for surfing and surrounding cliffs ideal for walks and the most incredible views.
It is, of course, Rhossili at the tip of the Gower, which was named ahead of Whitesands and Marloes Sands in Pembrokeshire as the best beach in the coutry for a winter walk by the outdoor experts at GO Outdoors, who rated and ranked Wales’ best winter beach walks by looking at factors such as the average rainfall, temperature, daylight hours, and popularity. Rhossili scored 9.26 out of 10, comfortably ahead of the second-placed beach.
Rhossili Bay is regularly being named among the best in Europe, as well as featuring repeatedly in annual lists of the best beaches in the UK and even the world. It's a perfect balance of remote and accessible: it's not at all difficult to get there but you are unlikely to have to force yourself through the huge crowds that you'll find at more popular beaches.
Travel expert Simon Calder has described the beach, at the western tip of the Gower peninsula, as "pristine" and "world class". It has also been described as "the supermodel of British beaches" and named the UK's "most dog-friendly beach".
With its perfect mix of sand and waves, Rhossili is perfect all-year round. Flat golden sands stretching for miles make it great for walkers and families, while shallow waves make it safe for paddling. That said, the nature of the Atlantic swell means it's also hugely popular with surfers, who you'll often see bobbing around a little distance off-shore, while still being calm and safe enough to swim and paddle in.
There's even an old shipwreck to explore. Protruding from the otherwise flat sand you will find the remains of Helvetia, which was carrying 500 tonnes of timber when it ran aground here in 1887. The beach is framed by green cliffs, also perfect for walking and which stretch all the way to Worm's Head, another iconic landmark just a short walk away, where you'll likely encounter cows, sheep and wild horses sharing the paths with you.
And if all that isn't enough, it also has one of the UK's most unique places to stay, with a National Trust-owned house perched above the sand providing what must be one of the most spectacular views in Britain to its guests. The wider Gower peninsual is a designated area of outstanding natural beauty.
In 2017, Rhossili Bay was named one of the best 10 beaches in the world, the only one in Europe to make the list, where it joined beaches in Thailand, Hawaii and Brazil. In 2024, it was named among Lonely Planet's 100 best beaches in the world, while TripAdvisor users voted it the world's 10th best beach in the world in 2013, calling it "unbelievably beautiful" and others urging people to "spend as much time there as you can". Global travel site Big 7 named it in its 50 best beaches on the planet in 2023.
Rhossili is easy to access by car but still feels remote given its location at the very end of the Gower peninsula. There is a car park from which to start easy walks to Worm's Head or Rhossili beach, though this can get very busy on warm summer days. Still, the beach is so big you're unlikely to ever feel crowded no matter how busy it gets.
Places to stay in Rhossili
The Worms Head Hotel is perched at the edge of a cliff looking down on both Rhossili Bay beach and Worms Head itself. It has 4.1 out of 5 stars from 949 users on Google. You can get a standard double room here from £160. There are also Airbnb options both in Rhossili and elsewhere in Gower. But the gold standard of places to stay in Rhossili is the Old Rectory, a National Trust-owned property standing in splendid isolation just metres from the world-famous beach. It has four bedrooms and can sleep seven people.
It was built in the 1800s and was once a base for radar workers during the Second World War. Its light-flooded rooms and large kitchen make it a perfect place to stay with family or friends — imagine sitting in the front garden soaking up that view as the sun sets over the beach. Divine!
It will cost you, though. Availability is limited due to its unique nature, and a three-night stay starts from around £1,500 (and that's in the autumn, not high season).
Places to eat in Rhossili
Despite its tiny size and remote location, the village at Rhossili, perched right above the beach, has lots of delightful places to eat, including The Lookout, The View and the Worms Head Hotel itself.
