Rotherslade Bay
A picturesque, secluded sandy cove in Gower, perfect for family fun, bodyboarding, and scenic coastal walks with a charming cafe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ideal for sun, surf, and fewer crowds.
Rotherslade Bay
Best Time
Ideal for sun, surf, and fewer crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque, secluded sandy cove in Gower, perfect for family fun, bodyboarding, and scenic coastal walks with a charming cafe.
"This place is heaven on earth in the summer, a beautiful setting for walks and beach days."
🎯 Navigate with Care
Use SA3 4QW for sat-nav to avoid incorrect directions. Roadside parking is limited.
☕ Grab & Go Goodies
The cafe is at the top of the stairs; get your drinks/snacks before heading down to the sand.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rotherslade Bay Cove
A beautiful, secluded sandy beach with gentle waves perfect for bodyboarding and enjoying the coastal scenery.
Donkey Rock
Rotherslade Bay
Famous rock formation offering a thrilling spot for adventurous jumpers and a unique photo opportunity.
Surfside Cafe
Overlooking Rotherslade Bay
Enjoy ice cream and coffee with stunning bay views after a day of beach activities or coastal walks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Best Time for Sun & Surf
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Navigate with Care
Use SA3 4QW for sat-nav to avoid incorrect directions. Roadside parking is limited.
☕ Grab & Go Goodies
The cafe is at the top of the stairs; get your drinks/snacks before heading down to the sand.
🌊 Bodyboarding Fun
Waves here are great for bodyboarding, especially for beginners and families.
🚶♀️ Coastal Path Walks
Explore scenic walks east or west towards Langland Bay from the beach.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Navigate with Care
Use SA3 4QW for sat-nav to avoid incorrect directions. Roadside parking is limited.
☕ Grab & Go Goodies
The cafe is at the top of the stairs; get your drinks/snacks before heading down to the sand.
🌊 Bodyboarding Fun
Waves here are great for bodyboarding, especially for beginners and families.
🚶♀️ Coastal Path Walks
Explore scenic walks east or west towards Langland Bay from the beach.
🧗♀️ Unique Rock Climbing
Experienced climbers can tackle routes like 'Jellyfish Sting' on the bay's rocks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Rotherslade Bay is cherished as a lovely, secluded cove beach with a beautiful sandy bay perfect for families and bodyboarding. Visitors appreciate the scenic coastal walks, the convenience of the Surfside Cafe with its stunning views, and the unique Donkey Rock.
"Lovely beach cove. Ice cream and coffee shops overlooking sandy bay, waves for body boards looked good. Coast path walks, left and right of the beach."
Tony Evans
"📌 has now been amended and shows the correct location (2025)
There is a small amount of road side parking on the hill leading down towards the beach on Rotherslade Road. 🚗
☕ Café at the top of the beach but at the top of the stairs so worth getting anything you need to take to the sand before you go down. The cafe area has tables and benches to enjoy the view.
Stairs to get down to the sand. 🏖️
No cycling in this area 🚳
Beautiful setting for either a walk along the Cliff walk coastal path to the East or West towards Langland Bay.
Lifeguard on duty at the beach when I was there in July 2025."
Aaron Clarke
"In the summer, this place is heaven on earth!"
Rahim Mastafa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The best way to navigate to Rotherslade Bay is by using the postcode SA3 4QW, as Google Maps can sometimes provide incorrect directions. Limited roadside parking is available on Rotherslade Road.
Yes, there is a small amount of roadside parking on the hill leading down towards the beach on Rotherslade Road. Arrive early, especially during peak season, as it can fill up quickly.
No, cycling is not permitted in the Rotherslade Bay area.
Access to the sandy bay is via a set of stairs. Be prepared to carry any beach gear down.
Yes, Rotherslade Bay is located next to Langland Bay. You can enjoy beautiful coastal path walks connecting the two.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Rotherslade Bay is a public beach and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. Enjoy the natural beauty freely.
As a natural beach, Rotherslade Bay is accessible at all times. However, facilities like the Surfside Cafe have specific operating hours, typically during daylight and early evening.
No, there is no entry fee to access Rotherslade Bay. It's a free public beach for everyone to enjoy.
While generally open, cycling is not permitted in the immediate area. Always be mindful of the natural environment and any posted signage.
The summer months, particularly July, are popular due to lifeguards being on duty. Weekday evenings offer a more tranquil experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, bodyboarding, sunbathing, and exploring the rock pools. The coastal path offers excellent walking opportunities.
Yes, it's a lovely cove beach with gentle waves suitable for families. Lifeguards are present in summer, adding an extra layer of safety.
Lifeguards are typically on duty during the summer season, especially in July. Always check local information for current lifeguard presence.
The rocky areas around the bay can be great for rock pooling, especially during low tide. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear.
Donkey Rock is a distinctive rock formation that adventurous visitors often jump from. It's a popular spot for photos and a bit of a thrill.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Surfside Cafe is located at the top of the beach, offering ice cream, coffee, and other refreshments with great views. +1
Surfside Cafe offers popular beachside treats like hot chocolate, coffee, and likely chips, perfect for a post-swim snack. 
Absolutely! Rotherslade Bay is a public beach, so feel free to bring a picnic to enjoy on the sand. Remember to take all your rubbish with you.
The Surfside Cafe provides a fantastic vantage point overlooking the bay, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy a bite with a view.
While Surfside Cafe is right on the beach, the nearby Mumbles area offers a wider selection of pubs and restaurants if you're looking for more dining options.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the cove's beauty from the cliff path, the sandy beach itself, or the iconic Donkey Rock. The Surfside Cafe also offers scenic views.
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, offers beautiful light for photography. Midday can be bright but still offers stunning coastal vistas.
Yes, Donkey Rock is a popular spot for action shots, but always be mindful of the safety and privacy of others.
The unique rock formations, the contrast of the sandy beach with the cliffs, and the potential for dramatic wave shots offer great photographic potential.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details or wildlife. A polarizing filter can enhance the sea and sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Make sure to visit the Surfside Cafe for treats with a view, and consider exploring the nearby Mumbles Pier for added family fun. Remember that access is via stairs, so pack accordingly for little ones and beach gear.
+1🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers
Wear sturdy shoes, as some paths can be uneven. The area is also known for its unique rock formations, including the famous Donkey Rock, which adds to the natural appeal for explorers.
+1🏄♀️ Surfers & Water Sports Enthusiasts
For more advanced surfers, nearby beaches might offer more challenging breaks, but Rotherslade remains a pleasant option for a relaxed session or for those learning the ropes. The presence of lifeguards in summer is also a plus for water sports.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Coastal Walks & Exploration
Many visitors enjoy walking from Mumbles to Rotherslade Bay, a scenic route that showcases the beauty of the coastline. The path is generally well-maintained, though some sections might be uneven. Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water, especially on warmer days. The opportunity to see diverse marine life and enjoy panoramic ocean vistas makes these walks a highlight for many.
+1For those interested in a bit of adventure, the cliffs around Rotherslade Bay offer climbing opportunities. Routes like 'Jellyfish Sting' provide a challenge for experienced climbers, adding another dimension to the bay's appeal beyond its sandy shores.
Family Fun & Safety
The Surfside Cafe is a convenient spot for families to grab snacks and drinks, with a view of the bay. This means you can easily refuel without straying far from the beach. The accessibility via stairs is manageable for most families, though carrying younger children or extensive gear might require a bit of effort.
Beyond the beach itself, the nearby Mumbles area offers attractions like Mumbles Pier and Oyster Castle, providing additional entertainment options for a full day out with the family.
The Surfside Cafe Experience
Visitors often praise the cafe for its stunning views over the sandy bay. It's the perfect place to relax with a treat, watch the waves, and soak in the coastal atmosphere. The cafe's location means you can enjoy refreshments with a picturesque backdrop, enhancing the overall Rotherslade Bay experience.
+1While the cafe is a highlight, remember that it's situated at the top of the beach access stairs. It's advisable to purchase any drinks or snacks you plan to take down to the sand before descending.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit