Rhyl Sands

Three miles of golden sand stretching out towards the Irish Sea - that's what you get at Rhyl Sands. The beach itself is properly wide, especially at low tide, which means you've got room to breathe even when it's busy. There's a promenade running alongside with amusement arcades, fish and chip shops, and the sort of seaside attractions that feel authentically Welsh rather than generic theme park fare.

Families do well here. Kids can spend hours digging, building sandcastles, and paddling without too much fuss about rip tides in the shallower sections. The sand is fine enough to work with, not the pebbly rubbish you find on some North Wales beaches. Dog owners appreciate it too - there are designated areas where you can let them off the lead depending on the season.

Walkers might find the length of the beach a bit repetitive on its own, but combine it with a stroll into Rhyl town centre or head west towards the smaller coves near Prestatyn and you've got a proper coastal walk. The promenade is flat and easy going, good for all fitness levels.

It's free to access, obviously - you just turn up. The best time to visit is mid-May through early September when the weather's reliable and the water's just about swimmable. Winter brings storm-watching crowds, which has its own appeal if you're into that sort of thing.

Stay at The Beach Caravan Park just 6 miles away or push on to Bron-y-Wendon further inland. Rhyl Sands works as your main beach stop on a North Wales coastal loop, though it's not dramatically different from Prestatyn or Towyn beaches nearby.