Dale Beach

The beach at Dale sits tucked into Pembrokeshire's southwestern coastline, about half an hour south of Haverfordwest. It's a proper working village beach - the sort where locals actually swim and fishermen still have a presence - rather than a manicured tourist strip.

What you get here is a wide, sandy bay with enough room to spread out even during summer weekends. The beach itself slopes gently, making it decent for families with younger kids who need gradual entry into the water. There's a small seafront with a handful of houses and a shop or two, but nothing jarring. The walking is good too - you can head east along the coastal path towards Little Haven or west towards the cliffs without fighting through crowds of ice-cream stands.

It works best for people after a low-key seaside day rather than attractions and amusements. If your kids need arcades and amusement parks, they'll be disappointed. Walkers rate it highly for the approach walks and the quieter mood compared to beaches nearer to Tenby. Swimmers will find it reliable - south-facing, relatively sheltered.

If you're based at Point Farm Campsite or Beachside Glamping Dale, both within spitting distance, this becomes your obvious choice for morning swims and evening strolls. For longer stays, combine it with walks along the coast path or day trips to the Preseli Hills inland. The beach itself demands maybe two to three hours unless you're here for a full lazy day. Summer brings crowds, but even then it doesn't feel rammed like some Welsh beaches do.