Tourism down Port Eynon - a visit

It is often claimed that Port Eynon's coastline is dramatically changing due to sand dredging, but while this invariably alters the aesthetic appeal of the beach; can this be seen to affect tourism?

On Bank Holiday Monday (May Day) I chose to visit Port Eynon with the aim of seeing whether the area still attracts tourists, and also, what the people visiting there generally think of Port Eynon as a resort.

On first impression, Port Eynon is bustling; it takes almost half an hour to reach the carpark from the main road, which isn't helped by the fact that a rather full Gower Explorer bus is attempting to get up the single-lane hill. When I finally park, after paying £3 for the privilege, the beach - although containing hardly any sand - is pretty full, however it is clear to see that the numerous families occupying the bay are huddling on a small section of sand, their towels only inches apart.

Short video of Port Eynon on Bank Holiday Monday highlighting the rocky coastline:

I was fortunate enough to meet the Tugwell family from Bargoed, who last came to Port Eynon in 1992. While they say that they think Port Eynon still has its appeal, namely in the form of the pubs and inns that surround the village, they are quick to point out how the coastline has changed since they were last here. Mrs Tugwell claimed that it has 'altered dramatically' since their last visit, and that they remember having a picnic on the sand at the point by the Salt House, which is now almost entirely exposed rock.

"The last time we were here, the children were only small and wanted to play in the rock pools, I remember us struggling to find a spot near to the rocks as most of the bay was covered in sand. Now, it is the complete opposite."

Mrs Tugwell's words paint a stark picture of how the coastline down Port Eynon is changing, and how while there remain debate surrounding the visual changes of Port Eynon, few arguments consider the implications that the demise of sand can have on tourism. While Mrs Tugwell says that she will more than likely be returning as there are still beautiful beaches such as Rhossili and Llangennith, whether they remain that way is to be contested.