Foxhole Bay

The walk down to Foxhole Bay from the Swansea clifftop is steeper than you'd expect, and worth every laboured breath. This tucked-away stretch of beach sits just west of Swansea's main sprawl, accessible if you know where to look and don't mind a proper scramble down the path.

What you get is a cove with real character - golden sand when the tide's out, rockpools that keep children absorbed for hours, and cliffs that rise dramatically behind. The geology here is genuinely interesting; you'll spot bands of different coloured rock strata if you look up from your sandcastle. It's quieter than Swansea's main beaches, which means you can actually hear the waves rather than competing with ice-cream vans and screaming crowds.

This is walkers' territory primarily, though families with decent footwear and patience will find it rewarding. The coastal path connection means you can chain it together with other Gower Peninsula walks, making it more useful than a standalone trip. Nicholaston Farm Caravan & Camp Site sits just two miles away, so it's a natural day out if you're based there for a holiday.

Go at low tide if you want the full beach experience - high water cuts access considerably. It's free to visit and open whenever the weather cooperates. Plan two to three hours if you're combining it with a proper walk, or an hour if you just want to claim you've found it. Best visited outside school holidays when Swansea's families have returned inland.