Watwick Bay

The beach at Watwick Bay reveals itself gradually as you walk down from the car park - first the smell of salt and seaweed, then the curve of golden sand appearing between the dunes. It's a proper Pembrokeshire affair: tucked away enough that it doesn't pull the crowds, but exposed enough that the Atlantic wind reminds you you're on the Welsh coast.

The bay itself is modest in scale, which is exactly why it works. You get a decent stretch of sand at low tide, rockpools that actually have things in them, and enough shelter from the dunes to make a summer afternoon genuinely pleasant rather than an exercise in hanging on to your picnic. The rocks at either end are worth exploring if the tide's out, though watch your footing - they're slippery.

This is one for families who don't mind a five-minute walk with the kids and their buckets, or walkers doing the coastal path who want to drop down for a proper beach break. You won't find beach bars or lifeguards here, which feels right for somewhere this quiet. Bring your own supplies from Haverfordwest, fifteen minutes inland, or you'll go thirsty.

Staying nearby? Point Farm Campsite sits practically on your doorstep at less than a mile away, which makes basing yourself here sensible if you're planning multiple beach days. The other sites - Beachside Glamping Dale, Little Haven further out - give you flexibility without straying far from this stretch of coast. Watwick Bay doesn't demand a full day, but as a morning swim plus lunch sort of stop, it beats the busier alternatives along this coast.