Rhossili & South Gower Coast

Rhossili sits at the western tip of the Gower, the first place in Britain designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where three miles of sand curve beneath Rhossili Down and the tidal island of Worm's Head stretches a mile out to sea. The beach never feels crowded, the surf draws swimmers and boarders, and at low water the ribs of the Helvetia, wrecked in 1887, still poke through the sand. The clifftop path from the village passes the medieval strip fields of the Vile, circled by a 1-mile waymarked walk, and the old coastguard lookout, where causeway tide times are posted. Dogs on leads are welcome on the Trust's cliffs and beaches all year. Reviewers love the wild ponies on the headland and the cafes and pub beside the National Trust car park. Tips from visitors: Worm's Head is only reachable for about two and a half hours either side of low tide, so check the times and tell the Coastwatch volunteers before crossing, wear grippy shoes for the sharp rocks, and note that the path down to the beach is steep and unsuitable for wheelchairs.