Morfa Harlech

Four miles of pristine sand stretch along this magnificent sweep of coastline, backed by the dramatic peaks of Snowdonia. The beach runs from Harlech down towards Llandanwg, offering some of the finest coastal walking in North Wales with views that'll stop you dead in your tracks.

Families absolutely love it here. The sand is proper sand - none of that pebbly nonsense - and there's bags of space for the kids to run wild. Low tide reveals rock pools perfect for crab hunting, though the incoming waves can pack a punch so keep an eye on little ones. Dog walkers get a good deal too, with plenty of room for four-legged friends to stretch their legs.

What sets Morfa Harlech apart from other Welsh beaches is the backdrop. Harlech Castle looms majestically above the southern end, while Snowdon and the surrounding mountains create a theatrical backdrop that changes with the light. Photography enthusiasts should time their visit for late afternoon when the mountains catch the golden hour.

From the nearby holiday parks around Porthmadog, it's an easy drive down the coast. Haven Greenacres and the other caravan sites between Harlech and Porthmadog make decent bases for exploring this stretch of coast. The beach is free to access year-round, though parking near Harlech village can get tight in summer. Worth allowing half a day minimum - longer if you're planning the full coastal walk.