Explore Llanrhidian Village

The village of Llanrhidian is located on the northern coast of the Gower peninsula overlooking the Loughor estuary and Burry inlet. The village nestles on the side of a limestone escarpment that leads down to the salt marsh. There are spectacular panoramic estuary views from various locations within the village. Moreover, the centre of the village is located at the foot of the escarpment and is a designated conservation area. 

Llanrhidian village conservation area

Llanrhidian’s Key Features

  • Conservation Area
  • Virtually no through traffic
  • tranquil with rural views
  • 14th century church
  • Shop & two pubs
  • Wales coast path

 The surrounding landscape is primarily agricultural in nature. Llanrhidian is the parochial centre of the local area that encompasses a number of hamlets and remote farms. Notably he 2001 census reveals that the parish had 207 households and a population of 537.

Located within the conservation area are some of the oldest buildings in the village. These include the Norman church dedicated to Saint Rhidian and Saint Illtyd, the welcome to Town public house and the water mill. Their origins can be traced back to medieval times.  Records show that milling at Nether Mill (rebuilt 1803) was carried out as early as 1323. The woollen mill at Staffel Haegr is thought to have started operating in 1820.

 
The Wales Coast Footpath

The Gower section of the coast footpath runs through the village. It wends its way along the lane that runs alongside Hill House In the first instance it leads to the fortified Norman manor house known as Weobley castle. It’s a 1.6 km (1 mile) walk through the woods and fields between the hill and the salt marsh. 

The Welcome to Town Llanrhidian
The Dolphin Inn Llanrhidian
Nether Mill Llanrhidian
Weobley Castle Gower
St Rhydians and St Illtyds church Llanrhidian

The History of Llanrhidian

Archaeological evidence shows that Lanrhidian was first settled in the prehistoric period and there is documentary evidence that shows a well established Christian settlement during the early medieval period. The first church was established by St Rhidian in the 6th century, and later dedicated to St Illtyd. Part of the present building dates from the 13th century and the chancel and the tower are thought to have been added in the 14th century. The unusual massive construction of the tower, which includes at its top a base for a beacon fire, suggests construction at a time when defence was paramount. Some of the place names in the locality are Viking in origin and the tower was probably first built as a refuge from marauding Norsemen. During the 19th and early 20th century the nave was rebuilt (1855-185) and the chancel was refurbished (1899-1901).

An ancient carved stone known as the Leper stone can be found inside the church’s porch. It was found near the tower in 1865 and moved to its present location in 1910. There is some conjecture about its origins and some believe that it may be of Viking origin and possibly a “Hog’s Back” tomb covering. It dates to the 9th or 10th century and it is most probably a lintel from the original pre-Norman church.

The Leper stone Llanrhidian Church

Set into the church’s gate post are two memorial plaques from the lost village of Llanelen which are perhaps best left untouched given their reputation for being cursed. The story goes that in the 17th century the villagers went to the aid of seven surviving sailors stranded when their vessel foundered on Gower coast. Unfortunately the sailors were infected with plague which spread and wiped out the entire village population.

 
The Wales Coast Footpath

The Gower section of the coast footpath runs through the lower part of the village. It follows the route of the marsh road from Crofty. It enters the village at Parry’s Cross and wends its way along an unnamed lane around Hill House and westward towards Stafel Haggar. In the first instance it leads to the fortified Norman manor house known as Weobley castle. It’s a 1.6 km (1 mile) walk from Hill House through the woods and fields between the hill and the salt marsh. 

You can read more of what Llanrhidian has to offer in our posts on Local Amenities, Dining Out and thins you might find in the church.

Our other explorer pages give you detailed information on the Accommodation and facilities atHill House, the Gower peninsula and Swansea Bay & Mumbles.


Gower Beach Guide smartphone App

Don’t forget to install our free App on your phone before visiting the Gower peninsula.

It will help you get the most out of your holiday as it gives you detailed information on all of Gower’s bays, beaches and coves.

It is free to download and use and available for Android or iPhone. Also, there are no annoying advert or in-App purchases.

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  • For iPhone and Android .
  • Details over thirty unique locations
  • Road and footpath directions
  • Car parking, refreshment and toilet facilities
  • Tide table and lifeguard patrols
  • Duration of dog walking restrictions
  • …. and much more

Use thes buttons (or above icons) to view the App

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