Traeth y Gaerglwyd

Rocky coves and dark sand stretch along this remote stretch of Cardigan Bay coastline, where the River Teifi meets the sea in dramatic fashion. Traeth y Gaerglwyd feels properly wild - the kind of beach where you'll have whole sections to yourself, even in summer. The shoreline here is more rugged than your typical Welsh seaside spot, with interesting rock formations and pools that kids love exploring at low tide.

Walkers get the best deal here. The coastal path offers cracking views back towards New Quay and forward to Mwnt, though the descent to the beach itself requires a bit of scrambling. Families with very young children might find the access challenging, but older kids who don't mind a proper walk will think it's an adventure.

Timing matters with this one. High tide can make parts of the beach disappear entirely, so check before you set off. The currents can be strong too - this isn't really a swimming beach unless you're a confident swimmer.

From the nearby holiday parks around Llandysul, it's a decent drive but worth it for the sense of having discovered somewhere genuinely off the beaten track. Camp at Erwan is closest if you're planning to make this your base for coastal exploration. Just don't expect facilities - bring everything you need.