Aberwrystwyth promenade

The seafront at Aberystwyth stretches for a proper couple of miles, and it's the sort of place where you can burn an entire morning without realising it. The Victorian promenade runs alongside a sandy beach, backed by a cluster of amusement arcades, chip shops, and ice-cream stalls that wouldn't look out of place in a 1970s postcard. That's partly the charm.

Walkers will find the prom itself flat and easy-going, perfect for families with little ones or anyone who doesn't fancy tackling the cliffs above. The water's cold even in summer, but paddlers come anyway. There's a pier at the north end - fair warning, you'll pay a couple of quid to walk out on it, though the view back towards Cardigan Bay is worth the pocket change.

The real character emerges when you venture beyond the commercial bit. Head south and the crowds thin out. You get genuine seaside atmosphere without the worst of the gift shops. The prom connects neatly with walking routes up to the castle ruins and along the coastal paths, so it works well as either a standalone wander or the starting point for something more ambitious.

If you're staying at Aberystwyth Holiday Village or Clarach Bay Holiday Village, you're a short walk away. Come out of season and it's windswept and honest. Summer weekends pull families and groups of teenagers. It's free to wander the promenade itself, though obviously you'll spend money if you want chips or a go on the rides. Allow at least ninety minutes to really explore it properly.