Traeth Bednal

The beach at Traeth Bednal stretches out quietly along the Gwynedd coast, a couple of miles from Pwllheli, and it's the sort of place that rewards visitors who bother to find it rather than heading for the busier shores nearby. Sand, shingle, and rock pools make up the shore - nothing dramatic, but honest and real. Low tide reveals plenty to explore, especially for families with kids keen on hunting for crabs and sea stars amongst the stones.

It's not a destination beach that'll take your breath away. You won't find the postcard-perfect arc of sand or crashing waves that drive tourists mad. What you get instead is space, relative quiet, and the genuine feel of the Welsh coast without the crowds. Walkers heading along the coastal path find it a decent stopping point. An hour here is enough unless you're serious about rock pooling or just need to sit and think for a bit.

Stay at one of the nearby glamping spots - Tyn Ddol Camping and Glamping sits just 3.3 miles away and has strong reviews, while Glampio Coed Glamping is only 4.8 miles if you want something fancier. Treheli Farm, the furthest at 5.7 miles, rounds out the trio if you're comparing options. From any of these, Traeth Bednal works as part of a broader coastal walk or a morning escape before heading into Pwllheli for lunch and shops. It's free to access and worth the detour if you're already in the area, though I wouldn't plan a trip around it alone.