Wig Bach

The beach at Wig Bach sits just outside Pwllheli on the Llyn Peninsula, a proper stretch of sand that doesn't pull in the day-tripper crowds you'd find further east. What you get is a fairly sheltered cove with decent golden sand, backed by low cliffs and a scattering of beach huts that give it an old-school Welsh seaside feel. It's the kind of place where families can actually let kids run about without losing sight of them, and the water's generally calmer than the more exposed spots along this coast.

The walk down is straightforward enough - no major hikes or scrambles - which makes it good for young families or anyone who doesn't fancy a battle with uneven terrain. Rock pools dot the shore when the tide's out, so children will find plenty to poke about in. Swimming's decent in summer, though the water stays pretty cold year-round; the beach faces northeast, so it catches some sun but rarely gets properly scorching.

Stay at one of the nearby glamping spots - Glampio Coed is only a couple of miles away, Treheli Farm even closer - and you've got a solid base for exploring the peninsula. Wig Bach won't eat up your whole day, but it's exactly what a beach should be: unpretentious, uncrowded, and easy to reach from wherever you're sleeping. Go when the tide's out for the best of it, and don't expect facilities - bring what you need.