Gelliswick Beach

Gelliswick Beach sits just outside Milford Haven and offers exactly what you want from a Pembrokeshire cove - golden sand, decent swimming, and enough space so you're not wedged shoulder-to-shoulder with half of South Wales. The beach itself curves gently, backed by low cliffs and dunes that trap the wind on blustery days. Rock pools dot the lower shore at low tide, which keeps younger kids occupied for a solid hour.

It's proper accessible too. The car park sits right above the beach with a straightforward walk down, so you won't spend your day hauling toddlers over rough terrain. The sand firms up nicely for beach games and the bay's sheltered enough for a decent swim most days. High tide covers the rocks, so plan your visit around the tide tables if you want to explore them properly.

Families will get the most from this one, especially those with primary school age children. Walkers on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path pass through regularly, so it works well as a break point if you're covering longer stretches. The beach is free, naturally, though parking will set you back a few quid during summer.

Stay at one of the nearby campsites - Eco Escape or Little Welsh Wood are both within a couple of miles - and you've got a straightforward evening stroll down for a sunset walk. It's not dramatic coastline like Mwnt or Barafundle, but it doesn't pretend to be. For a half-day beach potter with the family while based on the peninsula, it hits the spot.