Hidden cafes on Gower Island: A cosy place that can be reached only on foot

By Tychyna TetianaJan 7, 2024 12:50 PMNews
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Hidden cafes on Gower Island: A cosy place that can be reached only on foot
View of the cafe on the beach. Source: walesonline.co.uk Richard Swingler

Gower in Wales is an amazing corner of nature, rich in beautiful landscapes and its wonderful beaches, including Rhossili, Langland and Oxwich. They attract lovers of surfing, beach holidays and just picturesque walks by the sea.

The Gower is also known for its fascinating natural attractions, including numerous beautiful hiking trails and panoramic views of the Welsh coast. Some cosy cafes are located only within walking distance and are a small community, walesonline writes.

Where is the beach with a cosy cafe?

Rotherslade, a small beach hidden around the corner from Langland Beach, may be the place you've been looking for. The Langland Bay parking lot is within walking distance, but to get to Rotherslade, you will have to walk. It's a tranquil place, usually quieter and more secluded than its busier neighbours.

Hidden cafes on Gower Island: A cosy place that can be reached only on foot
Rotherslade Beach. Source: walesonline.co.uk Richard Swingler

This Blue Flag and Seaside award-winning beach is considered one of the best and safest beaches in the UK, but there are no lifeguards. Here you will not find noisy companies with souvenirs, only basic amenities.

People come here to enjoy the views and be alone with nature. Surrounded by rocks, the bay looks like a "natural amphitheatre", and it is here that you can enjoy solitude and picturesque views. In recent years, Rotherslade has undergone major changes, replacing concrete structures with landscaped terraces and stairs, making it even more attractive. On the beach, you will find areas of pebbles, but once you pass by, you can relax on the golden sand, enjoying the sound of the waves.

Here you can visit the Surfside Cafe, which offers a breathtaking view of the bay and where you can enjoy a conversation with friends while listening to the surf. It is a place where you can enjoy the peace, beauty and nature that gives you tranquility.

Hidden cafes on Gower Island: A cosy place that can be reached only on foot
The cafe overlooks the bay. Source: walesonline.co.uk Richard Swingler

What is known about cafes on the Gower Peninsula

There are three cafes here called Surfside, owned by Nigel Calcutt. The best view of the sea is near the cafe on Rotherslade Beach. From the porch of the cafe, you can see the golden sand beach and the stunning bay.

According to the owner, all of his cafes are great at different times of the day, but he considers Legland to be the best.

Hidden cafes on Gower Island: A cosy place that can be reached only on foot
In winter, pensioners and dog owners visit the cafe. Source: walesonline.co.uk Richard Swingler

"I used to be in Caswell when the sun was going down and it looked incredible, all orange, whereas in the morning, Langland sees full rays of sunlight and everyone has to wear sunglasses even in winter. Rotherslade Cafe is like a community," he notes.

According to him, these small, cosy cafes are not like the establishments on big beaches.

"It's a real small community. Some people come to us every day. Some sit together and do a crossword puzzle at high tide. Many of our customers are pensioners: maybe they are alone at home, and heating the whole house is expensive, so they come here, drink a cup of coffee and sit by the fire, warm up and chat," he said.

Hidden cafes on Gower Island: A cosy place that can be reached only on foot
The sunsets here are incredible. Source: walesonline.co.uk Richard Swingler

In winter, it's very comfortable here as there's a fireplace in the cafe and the atmosphere is completely different than in summer. The main visitors are dog walkers, pensioners, and swimmers.

The most popular dish on Surfside's menu is the egg roll with bacon and coffee, which is popular with people from other cities.

The owner noted that visitors are known by their first names, and several weddings have been held here.

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