Rhossili Bay

Rhossili's three miles of sand face straight into the Atlantic, with Worm's Head at the southern end and Rhossili Down rising behind the dunes. The swell that draws surfers can make swimming lively, so pick a calm day with small waves. It is a long walk down steps from the village, where the car park, toilets and outdoor shower are, so pack light.

Directions

Photo: Keith Lawson 11 · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Latest reading · SwimScore 76/100 (Good swim) for a typical swimmer: air 13°C, wind 11 km/h, waves 0.9 m, UV 0. Updated 23 Sept, 22:00 UTC.

Know before you go

Best conditions: Calm days with little swell; low tide exposes the wreck of the Helvetia (1887).
Getting in: Reached by steps from Rhossili village near the car park; there is no wheelchair access this way. Part of the Gower Coast Path.
Parking & transport: Car park in Rhossili village, about 400 m from the bay (details on the National Trust site); the village is also served by public transport.
Water quality: Designated bathing water 'Rhossili': classified Excellent in 2025 (Welsh Government / Natural Resources Wales).
Watch for: Atlantic swell: the beach is popular for surfing
Worm's Head is a tidal island reachable only around low tide; check tide times and report to the Coastwatch Centre before crossing
Access to the Outer Head is restricted from 1 February to 31 July for nesting birds
Facilities: 24-hour public toilet with RADAR access · Baby change and outside shower · Dogs allowed on the beach all year