The Jubilee Weekend (Part II: Rhossili Bay)

Monday was a Bank Holiday (see fun phrases below), so Brett and I decided to go to a beach for the day.  We were deciding between Mumbles and Rhossili, but decided we had to go see the iconic Rhossili Bay, and it was beautiful.  The Bay is found within an area designated as the first “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the United Kingdom.”

Rhossili Bay

The only small hiccup in the day was the bus ride there.  According to Google maps it should take 40 minutes to get there from the bus station... and somehow it took 2 hours on the incredibly full bus (luckily we had seats!).  At one point I heard an older Welsh lady explain to someone that we had gotten on the scenic bus route that took us around the countryside.  We did see quite a few beautiful landscapes, but it was quite a long ride nonetheless. Lesson: Ask around before getting on a bus!

Once we did arrive, we grabbed a quick pizza bread for lunch and then took a walk around the cliffs.  There were sheep grazing all around.  I am still surprised every time I see animals that are not fenced in whether it be on the sides of the road or on the cliffs at Rhossili. 

Sheep at Rhossili Bay

At the southern end of the Bay is the small island called the Worm's Head, which we did not walk out to.  I am told it takes quite a long time, and we were content seeing it from a close distance.  
Also, I have read that at low tide, it is possible to see the remains of a few shipwrecks. 

Cliffs at Rhossili Bay with Worm's Head in the distance

The weather was beautiful for us.  The sun came and went behind the clouds, but there was no rain, so it was quite enjoyable just walking around the area.  We grabbed some ice cream and sat overlooking the beach for quite a while before we left.  It was a simple and beautiful day!! I would highly recommend Rhossili to anyone, especially on a nice day!

Fun Phrases:

“Bank Holiday” British bank holidays are public holidays.  The name Bank Holiday comes from the time when banks were shut and so no trading could take place. There is currently a total of 8 permanent bank and public holidays in England, Wales and Scotland and 10 in Northern Ireland. In Wales they include New Years Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, May Day, Spring Bank Holiday (last Monday in May), Summer Bank Holiday (last Monday in August), Christmas Day, and Boxing Day/St. Stephen's Day (December 26).  Even though banks are still closed on these days many shops today now remain open.