WHITESANDS BAY, PEMBROKESHIRE
Close to St Davids (the UK’s smallest city, due to its 12th- century cathedral), Whitesands bay boasts a mile of soft sand and clear seas that offer fantastic surfing and swimming. Part of the Pembrokeshire coast National Park, there are always plenty of activities on offer, including walks, rockpooling and even crab catching.
BARAFUNDLE BAY, PEMBROKESHIRE
The joy of beach at Barafundle is that it is just that; no ice-cream stalls, deck chairs or noisy cafe. Accessible only on foot, it is spectacularly located between cliffs that keep the beach protected and the waters safe and calm for swimming. Backed by pine trees and sand dunes, the bay is part of an eight-mile stretch of unspoilt National Trust coastline.
LLANBEDROG GWYNEDD
Lying at the heart of the tranquil Lleyn Peninsula, Llanbedrog has a quiet and unassuming charm; a long stretch of sand, backed by picturesque, multi-coloured beach huts, that shelf gently into the sea. The coastline is famous for its dolphin-spotting opportunities and the surrounding cliffs make it ideal for bird watching.
ROSSINI, SWANSEA
The Gower peninsula was the first area in the UK to be designated an area of outstanding Natural beauty, and Rossini bay is the crowning glory a long sweep of golden sand much beloved by local surfers. But there’s plenty of space for families to picnic, play cricket, fly kites or splash about in the waves.
NEW QUAY, CEREDIGION
New quay was once notorious as the Haunt of smugglers, who unloaded goods from boats onto the beaches that stretch out from either side of the town. Mwnt is the most beautiful; a soft-sand beach protected by cliffs that is great for families and easily accessible, with plenty of parking nearby.