Gower beach makes Lonely Planet’s world’s best 100 list 2024

Forgive us here at Bayview, Oxwich for giving a shout out (again!) to yet another award that has been bestowed on one of Gower’s most iconic beaches – Rhossili Bay. But our view is that you can never have too much of a good thing!

This latest award is from travel ‘bible’ Lonely Planet which has released a book listing what they deem to be the top 100 beaches in the world. The list, including locations from all over the globe from Barbados to Brazil and from Australia to Hawaii, and containing just four in the whole of the UK, puts Rhossili Bay up there with the best of the best.

We’re not surprised; though perhaps we take what’s on our doorstep a little too much for granted and it sometimes takes a new perspective through someone else’s eyes for us to see again what’s right in front of our own.

This 3-mile stretch of Atlantic facing beach is completely unspoiled, located as it is in the UK’s first-ever Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Framed by the iconic tidal island of Worm’s Head at one end and the magical and mystical tidal island of Burry Holms to the other, Lonely Planet’s The Mirror described it as a “wonderfully secluded pocket of Wales that retains a special soul-stirring energy, framed by blonde dunes and Rhossili Down’s heather-scented slopes."

The popular surfing beach has become used to such accolades including a 2021 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award; and being named among the best beaches in the UK in 2023 by both Condé Nast Traveller and The Times. That’s without it constantly being feted for the best sunset or the best place to have a picnic and even, according to The Times, ‘The UK’s No.1 dog-friendly beach’."

Rhossili Bay is not just for summer, but a beach for all seasons. That’s why many of our Bayview Guests come throughout the year to walk the beach (with or without their 4-legged animals who are welcome all year!) and take in its many moods: the mystery; of its shipwrecks; the visiting birds. And of course the wold-famous surf!

If you haven’t visited Rhossili Bay yet, make 2024 the year you do. Bayview, Oxwich is just a 15-min drive away so we’d love you to make your base here in one of our luxury holiday rental cottages, apartments or our exclusive retreat.

Please contact Wanda and the Team at Bayview who’ll be happy to give you all the information you need. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Imagery: © Hawlfraint y Goron / Crown Copyright, www.nb-design.com