Benllech

The sea appears suddenly as you crest the hill. One moment you're driving through typical Anglesey farmland, the next you're looking down at a sweep of golden sand that stretches for nearly a mile. That's Benllech for you - no fanfare, just a proper seaside village that gets on with things.

The beach is the main draw, obviously. Safe bathing, decent facilities, and enough space that it never feels crowded even in August. Families pitch up for the day while dog walkers claim the quieter northern end. The coastal path runs right behind the dunes if you fancy a leg-stretch towards Red Wharf Bay.

Further afield, you're well placed for some of Anglesey's best bits. Beaumaris Castle sits just 15 minutes south - Edward I's attempt at the perfect fortress, though he never quite finished the job. Worth the detour for the views across the Menai Strait alone. Newborough Beach, meanwhile, offers wilder scenery on the island's southwest tip, backed by pine forest and with Snowdonia filling the horizon.

The whole coastline here falls within the Anglesey AONB, so you're guaranteed cracking walks and unspoilt countryside. Red Wharf Bay makes for a lovely afternoon out, especially if you time it for low tide when you can walk for miles across the sand.

Getting here is straightforward enough - A55 to the Britannia Bridge, then the A5025 north. The village has a couple of shops and a pub, but you'll want Bangor (20 minutes) for proper supplies. Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense - you get the seaside on your doorstep plus easy access to the rest of Anglesey's attractions.