Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, my family and I have been looking for ways to explore our own country a bit more than what we usually do. Yesterday, we decided to drive to Rhossili in Swansea to see a gorgeous coastline and a sunflower field. The scenery was absolutely outstanding... if you're ever in South Wales definitely head to Rhossili for a fun (and cheap) day out. We only went for the day, but a stay-cation would be a great option too.
We drove for about an hour and a half from our home just outside of Cardiff. The route was extremely easy to follow; motorway most of the way there and then a few small lanes once you're about half an hour out. For reference, the following image shows the distance from Cardiff, the capital of Wales, to Rhossili. If you are visiting Cardiff and haven't rented a car, I suggest renting a car for the day as using public transport would take over two hours due to its rural location. Use the postcode SA3 1PR.
The National Trust has a car which should be more than accommodating to all the cars visiting; it is a small village so can easily feel crowded. A backlog is easily formed if you arrive at a busy time, but the car park is actually relatively large. All-day parking costs £5, unless you are a National Trust member. Luckily, as the car in front of us pulled out of their space, they gave us their parking permit so we didn't have to purchase another ticket...ideal.
As soon as you arrive you can see the blue glistening sea. When walking along the 3-mile long coastline you'll see some amazing rock formations, Rhosilli beach, and the 'Worms Head Peninsula'. You can walk over to the worms head peninsula if you're there at low tide, which I think would be so much fun. Make sure to check the crossing times to ensure you don't get stuck on the island as the peninsula becomes an island at high tide!
Next, we headed back towards the car park and stopped off at the famous sunflower fields! Sunflower fields are always a summer favourite for people in the UK; walking amongst the almost six-foot sunflowers is just an amazing experience. Robert Morgan, of Gower Fresh Christmas Trees, planted the sunflowers this year after the National Trust decided to skip the sunflowers, due to the ongoing pandemic. It's free to visit the sunflower fields but they do have a donations box if you so wish. You can pick your own sunflower for £1.50, but there is a specific field for this. All they ask is that you be respectful and take your litter with you. As always there are a small number of people who ruin it for everyone else so if you do see any litter please pop it in the bins provided near the entrance of the fields.
Once we explored the sunflower fields, we headed to the main hub of the village and stopped for ice cream. There's a number of different shops and cafes to choose from, although they do get busy.. of course, the lines were longer due to social distancing.
Next, we headed down to to the beach. There are a number of steps down to the beach. The beach itself was so vast that it felt like there was hardly anyone else there. You can surf and do a number of other water sports here, but I think you need to bring your own equipment. If you want to rent equipment I suggest looking at the Gower Surf School in nearby Caswell Bay. The walk back up can be quite challenging, but there is a bench halfway up to take a break.
In terms of social distancing and the pandemic, Rhosilli is a great place. With such a large area to explore you can easily be a number of meters away from other visitors. The only time you will encounter a small space is at the cafes and shops; however, they do have specific social distancing signs and seats set out.
All in all, I highly recommend you visiting Rhosilli bay and the sunflower fields. The coast is absolutely breathtaking... combined with the warm weather, I felt like I was abroad! Plus it's a cheap day out; petrol and a parking permit are the only essential costs.
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-Alicia
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