Name: Rhosili and South Gower Coast
Rating: 5.0

Rhosili and South Gower Coast

Rhosili, Swansea SA3 1PR, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Rhosili and South Gower Coast breathtaking Rhosili bay, with its three mile long sandy beach, is overlooked by the Old Rectory, the most popular National Trust holiday cottage. Visible on the beach at low tide are the remains of the Helvetia, a ship wrecked in 1887. From the top of Rhosili Down, the highest point on Gower, views of the peninsula can be seen as well as across the sea to West Wales, Lundy Island and the north Devon coast.

From the National Trust shop in Rhosili there is a level walk along the grassy cliff top to the Old Coastguard Lookout. If the tide is out, the adventurous can cross the rocky causeway to the tidal island of Worms Head, where grey seals can be seen lazing on the rocks below. Gower's landscape has been shaped by farming since the Stone Age.

The Vile, at Rhosili, is an example of a Medieval open field strip system. With many archaeological features at Rhosili and along the south Gower coast, including Neolithic burial chambers, bronze age cairns and Iron Age forts, it is an ideal place to discover these remnants of our ancestors. If you’re looking for the best place to visit with family and kids, this is a perfect choice for a fun and relaxing day out.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Beach: The sandy beach at Rhosili Bay stretches for three miles, and at low tide you can see the 1887 wreck of the Helvetia.
The Vile: This example of medieval strip farming has been preserved for its archaeological value and for wildlife.
Visiting Rhosili and South Gower Coast: Visit the beach of Rhosili, a 3 mile stretch of sand with expansive views of the coastline, or head further afield along the South Gower Coast. A perfect spot for a day at the beach, you can walk, swim, surf or even fly a kite. Wait until low tide for a rare sight. As the sea retreats, you may spot the remains of the Helvetia, shipwrecked in 1887, lying in the sand.
Breathtaking Rhosili bay, with its three mile long sandy beach, is overlooked by the Old Rectory, the most popular National Trust holiday cottage. Visible on the beach at low tide are the remains of the Helvetia, a ship wrecked in 1887.
From the top of Rhosili Down, the highest point on Gower, views of the peninsula can be seen as well as across the sea to West Wales, Lundy Island and the north Devon coast. From the National Trust shop in Rhosili there is a level walk along the grassy cliff top to the Old Coastguard Lookout.
If the tide is out, the adventurous can cross the rocky causeway to the tidal island of Worms Head, where grey seals can be seen lazing on the rocks below. Gower's landscape has been shaped by farming since the Stone Age. The Vile, at Rhosili, is an example of a Medieval open field strip system. With many archaeological features at Rhosili and along the south Gower coast, including Neolithic burial chambers, bronze age cairns and Iron Age forts, it is an ideal place to discover these remnants of our ancestors.

Facilities

Parking: National Trust car park at Rhosili. Fees apply (National Trust members park for free).
Toilet: Toilets are located between car park and National Trust shop.
Dogs allowed: Welcome on leads, please be aware of livestock.

What to see

Top trails:

Rhosili headland walk: This walk across the headland takes in views across Rhosili Bay and out to Worm’s Head before leading you back through the Vile, the remnants of an ancient landscape.
Bishopston Valley walk: A challenging walk through a hidden valley. Discover a secret world of limestone caves, underground rivers and ancient woodland and emerge from beneath the canopy onto one of Gower's most beautiful but secluded beaches. Those with keen eyes may be able to find trees such as the wild service tree.
Rhosili Ranger Run: This varied 10km trail run follows the Wales Coast Path alongside Rhosili Down and back over the golden, three-mile stretch of the beach, with the second half looping out towards the dramatic headland at Worms Head.
Circular walk around the Vile, Rhosili: Take your time on this circular walk by the Gower coast. The Vile is an example of medieval strip farming, restored to be full of wild flowers and pollinators. Wander its individually named fields and see how we're farming them in a wildlife-friendly way, with new hay meadows and traditional crops.
Rhosili Down, Hillend and beach walk: Walk to the highest point on Gower, take in the views and meander through ancient landscapes before descending onto a three-mile-long sandy beach.
Southgate, Hunts Bay and Pwll Du circular walk: A beautiful but challenging walk along the South Gower coast, passing over clifftops and down through wooded valleys. Enjoy stupendous views, discover rare and fascinating flora, and root around an Iron Age hillfort.
Southgate to Three Cliffs Bay walk: On this short walking trail, you'll enjoy spectacular views over Gower and South Pembrokeshire. Take some time out with a picnic on one of Gower's most iconic beaches, with a view of Pennard Castle ruins.
Rhosili serpents, seascapes and shipwrecks walk: Follow this gentle circular walk past the National Trust shop, along a cliff path with views of one of the best beaches in Wales. On the route you’ll see the Helvetia shipwreck (at low tide), an Iron Age fort, and the tidal island of Worm’s Head.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Coastline: Dawn - Dusk
Time may vary please check here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/rhosili-and-south-gower-coast#place-opening-times

Address: Rhosili, Swansea SA3 1PR, UK

Post Code: SA3 1PR

Council: Swansea

County: West Glamorgan

By road: From Swansea (J42) take the A483 to Swansea. Continue on to the A4067. At Black Pill, turn on to the B4436. Turn right to keep on the B4436 at Pennard before turning left on to the A4118. At Scurlage, take the B4247 to Rhosili. From Swansea (J47) Take the A483 and then take the A484, Turn left to Gowerton. At lights, take the B4295 to Llanrhidian. Then take the B4271 and follow signs for Reynoldston. Continue to A4118 and turn right. At Scurlage, take the B4247 to Rhossili.
On foot: Rhosili is situated right on the Wales Coast Path and at the end of the Gower Way.
By train: Alight at Swansea and walk or catch a bus to the bus station. Bus routes are indicated below.
By bus: There are regular services from Swansea to Rhosili. (Monday-Saturday, Sunday (summer service only). Services 118/119 (NAT) and 114 (Sundays First Cymru). Additional services connect quieter parts of Gower with the 118 and 116 (Swansea-North Gower service.
Cycling: Take the National Cycleway Route 04 to Upper Killay from Swansea or Gowerton. From there, switch to the A4118 to Scurlage, Take the B4247 to Rhosili. Please note that Gower’s roads can be busy and are not suitable for family cycling.
Parking: National Trust car park at Rhosili. Fees apply (National Trust members park for free).