Fishguard Cannons

Two cast-iron cannons sit on the clifftop at Fishguard, pointing out toward the Irish Sea like sentries from another era. They're a tangible reminder of 1797, when the French landed nearby and locals - famously, a group of women in their finest dresses - persuaded them to surrender without a shot fired. It's one of those peculiar British moments that feels too good to be true.

The cannons themselves are modest enough: weathered, mounted on simple stone bases, commanding views across the bay toward Dinas Head. The real draw is the scenery and the sense of standing in a spot where something genuinely odd happened. History buffs will feel the pull immediately. Families with older children might enjoy the short walk and the story, though there's not much to do once you've looked at the guns - ten minutes maximum.

It's free to visit and accessible year-round. The cliffpath walk from Fishguard town centre takes about 20 minutes at an easy pace. Best visited on a clear day when you can actually see across to the water; misty days render the whole affair rather pointless.

If you're staying at Fishguard Bay Resort or The Hide Pembrokeshire just down the road, it's worth an afternoon detour rather than a destination in itself. Combine it with the coastal path walk toward Goodwick for proper value. The cannons work better as a story to tell afterwards than as a standalone attraction, but that story's a good one.