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Rhosili and South Gower Coast
Beautiful and breathtaking views on the Gower peninsula
Rhosili, Swansea, SA3 1PR
Important notice
The toilets are currently closed due to urgent maintenance. We are working closely with Swansea Council to open them as soon as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Opening times for 20 January 2025
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Charges apply 24 hours: for cars - up to 2hrs £4, over 2hrs £8. For motorhomes/minibuses, up to 2hrs £5, over 2hrs £10. For coaches, up to 2hrs £6, over 2hrs £12 Free to NT members, please scan your cards at the Pay & Display machines. Overnight parking and camping are not permitted in the car park or on the headland and are a breach of our byelaws.
Shop
Offering a delightful array of local souvenirs, artisan crafts, and National Trust branded merchandise.
Dogs allowed
Welcome on leads, please be aware of livestock
Toilet
Toilets - between car park and National Trust shop.
The car park at Rhosili has accessible toilets and a changing places facility. There's a short gravel footpath along the cliff top where you can take in the views. Access to Rhosili beach is via a steep path with steps.
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.
Parking: National Trust car park at Rhosili. Fee applies (National Trust members free)
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.
By bicycle
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.
Planning your visit
Article
Visiting the Gower with your dog
Come and explore the UK’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with your canine companion.
Podcast: My Dog Walk Saved Me
Introducing Christian Lewis, a man of determination who embarked on a six-year coastal journey from Rhosili around the UK. Along the way, he forged a profound bond with a rescue dog named 'Jet,' illustrating the enduring connection between humans and their loyal canine companions. This journey not only changed Christian's life but also showcased the remarkable bond that can develop between a man and his dog amidst the vast and captivating landscapes of the British coastline.
Highlights
Beach
The sandy beach at Rhosili Bay stretches for three miles, and at low tide you can see the 1887 wreck of the Helvetia.
Shop
A must-visit destination for those eager to discover locally crafted souvenirs and explore the rich heritage of the Gower Peninsula.
The Vile
This example of medieval strip farming has been preserved for its archaeological value and for wildlife.
Things to see and do
Article
Visiting Rhosili and South Gower Coast
A scenic spot for coastal walks, water sports and wildlife. With 3 miles of sandy beach there’s plenty of space for the whole family to play in the sand or fly a kite.
Top trails
Trail
Rhosili headland walk
Journey out along one of Wales's most famous cliffs with views of the golden sand of Rhosili and the rugged limestone rocks of the South Gower Coast.
Trail
Bishopston Valley walk
Discover caves, underground rivers and ancient woodland on this challenging walk through a hidden valley in Gower, Wales.
Trail
Rhosili Ranger Run
Feel the wind in your hair and sand beneath your feet as you enjoy this scenic running route around Rhosili.
Trail
Circular walk around the Vile, Rhosili
Explore the wildlife-rich fields of the Vile, an example of medieval strip farming now restored and farmed to create new habitats, backed by views of Rhosili Bay.
Trail
Rhosili Down, Hillend and beach walk
A challenging walk to the highest point on Gower and a descent onto a three-mile-long sandy beach. Burial chambers, radar stations and shipwrecks, are some of the highlights you will pass along the way.
Trail
Southgate, Hunts Bay and Pwll Du circular walk
Explore the clifftops and wooded valleys of the South Gower coast on this challenging walk, with highlights including an iron age fort and an abundance of rare plants.
Trail
Southgate to Three Cliffs Bay walk
Enjoy spectacular views over Gower and South Pembrokeshire on this walk from Southgate to Three Cliffs Bay.
Trail
Rhosili serpents, seascapes and shipwrecks walk
Follow this easy, circular walk at Rhosili, a haven for people who want to enjoy the coast – walking, surfing or just building sandcastles.
Shopping
Article
Eating and Shopping at Rhosili
Rhosili Bay, Gower, the site to one of our most unique shopping locations. With views across the 3 mile sandy beach, it’s a place like no other. With plenty of local treats and to enjoy or take back home. We also have plenty of choice for any last minute purchases to really make your day out the best it can be.
Places to stay
Rhossili 1 Coastguard Cottage
Dramatic sea views and cliff-top walks in all directions make this cottage a must-visit.
Rhossili Old Rectory
Just metres from the world-famous beach at Rhosili Bay, this cottage offers a unique stay on the Gower Peninsula.
South Pilton Green Farmhouse
A modern farmhouse perfectly placed for exploring the Gower Peninsula.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About 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.
History
Article
History of Rhosili and South Gower Coast
Rhosili and South Gower coast is an ancient landscape. Most visitors come to enjoy the beach and expansive views, yet beneath our feet lies an ancient land full of history and more discoveries still to be made.
Our work
Article
Our work at Rhosili
Find out how adopting ancient farming practices has helped wildlife on the Gower.
Support us
Volunteer with us
We’re often looking for new volunteers to join our team at Rhosili. Keep an eye here for volunteering opportunities at the National Trust.