Beaumaris Paddling Pool

The Beaumaris Paddling Pool sits right on Anglesey's coast, a proper little nature reserve that feels like a secret locals have been keeping to themselves. It's a tidal pool system - the sort of thing that transforms completely depending on when you visit. At low tide, you get rockpools teeming with starfish, anemones, and if you're lucky, small fish darting between the stones. At high tide, it becomes something altogether different: a sheltered swimming spot with clearer water, though you'll want to check conditions before diving in.

This works brilliantly for families with young kids who want to do some proper rock pooling without the crowds you'd find at more famous spots. Bring a net, a bucket, and patience. Older children and teenagers might find an hour's worth of interest; adults can easily spend longer just sitting by the water watching the light change. It's free, naturally, and you can show up whenever suits - though timing your visit around the tides makes all the difference.

It sits just outside Beaumaris town itself, so you can combine it with a wander around the castle or a fish and chips lunch. If you're staying at Kingsbridge Caravan Park or Wonderfully Wild, both less than two miles away, this becomes an easy add-on to your afternoon. The walk down takes five minutes from the car park. Bring a windproof - the Welsh coast has opinions about weather.