Watch House

Perched on the clifftops above Three Cliffs Bay, this weathered stone watchtower offers one of the most dramatic coastal views in Wales. Built centuries ago to spot smugglers and enemy ships, the Watch House now serves as a perfect vantage point for photographers and walkers tackling the Gower Peninsula. The structure itself is fairly modest - essentially four walls and not much else - but the panorama from here takes in the full sweep of Three Cliffs Bay's golden sands and the distinctive limestone arches that give the beach its name.

Families staying at Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park can easily walk here in about twenty minutes, though the path does get a bit muddy after rain. The approach from Penmaen village is gentler if you're bringing the grandparents. Peak summer sees crowds gathering for sunset shots, but visit on a crisp winter morning and you'll likely have the place to yourself. Photography enthusiasts rate this spot highly - the elevated position means you can capture both the bay and the Pennard Castle ruins in a single frame.

Allow an hour for the round trip from the nearest car park, longer if you're combining it with a beach visit below. The climb back up is proper steep, so factor that in if mobility's an issue.