Swansea

The Gower Peninsula stretches out beyond Swansea's city limits like Wales's own miniature Cornwall, and this particular slice of coastline proves why it earned Britain's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty status back in 1956. Oxwich Bay Beach curves in a perfect golden arc between limestone headlands, its three miles of sand backed by dunes that give way to ancient woodland.

Castell Oxwich perches dramatically above the bay - this 16th-century manor house ruin tells tales of the Mansel family's rise and fall. The climb up from the beach rewards you with sweeping views across the Bristol Channel. Below, Oxwich Wood creeps almost to the water's edge, a rare sight along the Welsh coast.

St. Illtyd's sits tucked away in the village, its medieval stones weathered smooth by centuries of salt air. The church feels properly ancient, with that particular atmosphere you only find in places where people have worshipped for over a millennium.

For the best panoramic views, make the trek to Oxwich Point. It's a bit of a scramble over limestone rocks, but the vista stretches from the Mumbles in the east to Worms Head in the west on clear days.

Swansea city centre lies roughly 12 miles northeast, easily reached via the A4118. The contrast couldn't be sharper - from urban regeneration projects and Dylan Thomas connections to this timeless stretch of coast where the biggest decision is whether to explore the rock pools or simply sprawl on the sand.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense here. You're close enough to Swansea for city breaks yet surrounded by some of the finest coastal walking in Wales.