**Rhossili Landmark Devastated as Fire Sweeps Through Worm’s Head Hotel**
A longstanding family-run pub and hotel, the Worm’s Head Hotel, was left severely damaged after a ferocious blaze tore through the property in the early hours of Monday morning, sending shockwaves through the coastal Gower community.
Julian Short, owner of both the Worm’s Head Hotel and The Causeway, recounted the harrowing moment he awoke around midnight to find his beloved business engulfed in flames. With the fire alarms blaring and smoke rising from the rear of the property, there was little time to react before the inferno took hold. Mr Short believes the origin of the fire may have been “behind the hotel in the bin area,” but the exact cause remains undetermined.
South Wales Police, alongside fire investigators, swiftly launched an inquiry into the circumstances of the blaze. Authorities have stated there is currently no suspicion of foul play. Meanwhile, the Mid and West Wales Fire Service responded in force, with crews from multiple stations battling the extensive fire that had already spread through the hotel’s accommodation block and into the roof space.
Emergency services were first alerted just after 12:50am on Monday, 14 July. Firefighters utilised specialist equipment, including a turntable ladder and breathing apparatus, to tackle the flames. It took until approximately 5:30am before the fire was fully extinguished, with teams remaining on site to monitor potential hotspots. The last firefighting teams departed the scene by mid-morning, but the significant damage to the building was already evident.
In a statement released shortly after the event, the hotel management confirmed that all individuals were safely evacuated and accounted for, with no casualties reported. “Everyone’s safe. Thank you for your well wishes,” read the message, adding that the bar and hotel would remain closed until further notice while authorities continue their investigation.
The destruction has prompted an outpouring of sympathy from local residents, visitors and business owners alike. The King’s Head, a nearby family-run establishment, described the event as “truly heart-breaking for any family-run business,” offering their solidarity to the Shorts during such a distressing time. Many reflected on the timing of the tragedy, with the summer holiday season only just beginning—a crucial period for tourism and local trade in the region.
Other local businesses, such as Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park, have expressed their deep sorrow at the loss. Highlighting the Worm’s Head Hotel’s status as an “iconic Gower business”, they lamented the impact on the area’s hospitality and the family’s livelihood. “Hoping that they can reopen as soon as possible and we will be there when it reopens,” the holiday park’s spokesperson declared, echoing the sentiments of many who regard the hotel as a fixture of the Rhossili coastline.
Despite the significant loss, Julian Short remains determined to respond with resilience and optimism. “Where there’s a disappointment, there’s an opportunity. And we can redo this in a different way,” he commented, suggesting a commitment to not only rebuilding the hotel but also revitalising its role as a cornerstone of the local community.
Investigators from South Wales Police continue to examine the scene, reviewing evidence and seeking to understand how the fire began. Officers and fire service personnel remain in attendance at the site, ensuring public safety and maintaining the integrity of the investigation. The cause of the blaze, while suspected to have been accidental, remains officially unconfirmed for now.
As the future of the Worm’s Head Hotel hangs in the balance, support from the community is unwavering. Many hope to see the much-loved venue restored, so it can once again offer visitors the unparalleled views of Gower’s sunsets and the warm hospitality it has long been known for.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses and as the owners make decisions about rebuilding in the wake of this devastating fire. For now, the Rhossili community stands united in support of the Short family and their historic hotel, looking forward to brighter days ahead.