Marloes Sands

The walk down to Marloes Sands takes longer than you'd expect, and that's rather the point. This red sandstone beach tucked into Pembrokeshire's southwestern corner feels deliberately remote - a proper reward for the trek from the car park near the village. The cliffs are the real story here: towering rust-red walls that glow almost orange when the light hits them right, especially in late afternoon. Low tide reveals a wide, firm beach scattered with rock pools and the occasional bit of wreckage poking through the sand. It's the sort of place where you can walk for ages without seeing another soul, which won't appeal to everyone but will absolutely make the day for coastal walkers and photographers.

Families with young kids should know it's a bit of a schlep and there's nowhere to grab supplies once you've left the village - bring everything you need. The beach itself is safe enough once you're down there, though the descent isn't for the very small or unsteady on their feet. History buffs will find this coast rewarding; the wrecks and the sheer geological drama tell a proper story about what the sea can do. Allow at least two hours, longer if you're exploring the rocks and pools properly.

Stay at Beachside Glamping Dale just 1.4 miles away and you've got an almost ridiculously good base for this stretch of coast. Point Farm Campsite is even closer at 2.2 miles if you're after something more traditional. Either way, you're positioned perfectly for exploring Marloes and the surrounding beaches without the tourist crush of more famous spots.