I decided to write this post off the back of a recent trip to the Gower. If you’ve never been, it’s a fabulous place for a holiday and I highly recommend it. However, parking is a bit of an issue there, especially when visiting certain beaches. Google searches for this topic weren’t particularly useful hence I thought I would share my findings.
The Gower Peninsula, near Swansea, South Wales, is an area of “outstanding beauty”, and also a fantastic place for a staycation. The Gower’s large, golden sand beaches are amongst the best in the UK. The seawater quality in this area is rated as “excellent”, which is great for those who enjoy swimming. One downside of the Gower, however, is the narrow, hilly roads and lack of parking. Some of the Gower beaches offer better parking options than others. Access to some of the beaches, for example, is limited to those who are able to find a space in one of the few laybys that are within walking distance. In peak season, in particular, it is useful to know which beaches have the best parking.
| Beach | Large car park? | Cost | Easy beach access? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oxwich Bay, SA3 1LS | Yes | £5 / day | Yes |
| Rhossili Bay, SA3 1PR | Yes | £3+ | No |
| Port Eynon Bay, SA3 1NN | Yes | £5 / day | Yes |
Oxwich Bay, car park postcode: SA3 1LS
An enormous golden sand beach equipt with a small shop, toilets and even a Michelin star restaurant. There is a large car park at the very foot of the beach which costs £5 / day to park. This is the best beach for the ease of access for elderly or disabled people, those with pushchairs, etc.
Rhossili Bay, car park postcode: SA3 1PR
Voted the UK’s best beach in 2010. There is a large National Trust run car park from which you can immediately start a walk along the cliffs coastal path. Whilst the car park is free for NT members, it costs £3+ for everyone else. Access to the beach itself is via the beach path which is not too steep and is only a 5-minute walk.
Port Eynon Bay, car park postcode: SA3 1NN
Another large golden sand beach, although not as big as Oxwich Bay. It has a car park (373 spaces) with easy access to the beach. Again, the cost to park is £5 per day during the summer months.