Beautiful Welsh beach adored by a famous poet is perfect for winter walks, even in the rain

An award-winning beach in South Wales, praised for its “beautiful and unspoilt” scenery, has been named one of the best places to visit during the colder months.

This hidden gem, found on the Gower Peninsula, stretches for three miles of golden sand and is a favourite spot for surfers.

The beach has earned a Tripadvisor award and was listed by Contours Walking Holidays as one of the top UK beaches for winter walks.

Photo © Gordon Hatton (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Rhossili Bay sits at the far western edge of the Gower and is especially popular with surfers thanks to its large, rolling waves.

The area is surrounded by breathtaking views, and walkers can follow the cliff path westward towards Worm’s Head, a striking tidal island.

Worm’s Head can only be reached at low tide and was once described by poet Dylan Thomas, who famously got stuck there after the tide came in – as the “very promontory of depression”.

If you’re driving to Rhossili Bay, there’s a car park about 400 metres from the sea, as well as a 24-hour public toilet nearby.

The beach can also be reached by public transport. It’s dog-friendly, but visitors should note that there are no lifeguards on duty.

After a stroll along the sands, visitors can stop at one of the local cafés or pop into the visitor centre, which is housed in an old coastguard cottage overlooking the bay.

Photo © Mr Eugene Birchall (cc-by-sa/2.0)

At the southern end of the beach lies The Vile, a patch of farmland divided into narrow strips that date back centuries.

There’s also a Victorian coastguard lookout at the end of The Vile, now run by volunteers who keep watch over the coastline.

Rhossili Bay recently received a Travellers’ Choice 2025 award, with one reviewer calling it the “best beach in the UK”. They wrote: “Even in the rain it’s beautiful. The drive can be tricky, especially if you’re not used to it, so make sure to follow your satnav.”

Another visitor said: “Winter is the perfect time for a walking holiday along these amazing beaches. It’s probably even better than summer if you want to avoid the crowds.”

Remember - LeaveNoTrace!

As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!

Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.

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