Traeth Abersoch Beach

Two miles of golden sand facing out toward Cardigan Bay - that's what you get at Traeth Abersoch, and it's properly good. The beach shelves gently, making it safe for paddling, and when the wind picks up from the right direction, you've got decent waves for a surf. The town of Pwllheli sits just inland, so you're not entirely cut off from cafés and shops.

It's family-friendly enough. Kids will spend hours digging, paddling, and chasing the tide out. The promenade behind the beach means you can grab an ice cream without trekking too far, and there's parking close by if you're not staying local. Fair warning though - in high summer this place gets rammed with day-trippers. Come out of season, or early morning, if you want space to breathe.

Walkers should explore the coastal path heading north - it's cracking stuff with views back across the bay. Low tide reveals rockpools to investigate, which keeps younger visitors busy for a solid hour.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Tal-y-Fan or NightSky Glamping, you're within easy driving distance, though Gimblet Rock Holiday Park is a bit further out. The beach itself is free, obviously - just pay for parking at the seafront car park. Allow a full afternoon if you're not in a rush. Winter swells make it interesting for experienced swimmers and surfers, but summer is the safe bet for families.