Ceibwr Beach

The drive down to Ceibwr from Cardigan winds through proper rural Pembrokeshire - narrow lanes, stone walls, the occasional startled sheep. When you finally reach the beach itself, you understand why people bother with the journey. It's a proper cove, enclosed by cliffs on either side, with dark sand that's surprisingly clean and a decent swell when conditions are right.

The beach works best for families with older kids or keen walkers. The approach involves a steep scramble down to the sand - not technical, but it needs effort and decent footwear. Once you're down, there's room to spread out even on busy days, and the enclosed feel means it doesn't get overrun like some of the tourist hotspots further east along the coast.

Surfers know this place well. The waves here are consistent enough to make it worth the trek, and you'll spot a regular crew year-round. If you're just after a swim or a paddle, the water's cold but cleaner than most Cardigan Bay beaches - the cove setup means less sediment stirring about.

Allow a good two hours minimum if you're bringing the family, longer if you want a proper walk and a sit-down with a flask. The car park sits right above the beach, which is convenient. There's nothing in the way of facilities - no ice cream van, no loos - so come prepared.

Staying at Cardigan Bay Holiday Park puts you just 2.8 miles away, making this an easy morning trip between bigger plans. It's worth the detour if you want somewhere that feels less packaged than the honeypot beaches.