Gower AONB

The Gower Peninsula is basically South Wales' answer to the Cornish coast - all dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and proper wild beaches that actually feel remote despite being practically on Swansea's doorstep. It's an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is the official way of saying the planners decided to keep it from being carpeted with caravans and chip shops.

You get rugged clifftop walks along the southern edge, where the sandstone drops sheer to the sea and the views stretch for miles on clear days. Rhossili Bay is the showstopper - a three-mile sweep of sand with Worm's Head jutting out at the western end (accessible at low tide if you fancy it). Three Cliffs Bay lives up to its name and rewards the scramble down through the dunes. Inland, there's softer terrain, marshes where birdwatchers lose entire mornings, and little fishing villages that haven't changed much in decades.

Historically minded walkers will appreciate the Bronze Age cairns and the castle remains dotted about. Families with energetic kids will genuinely struggle to tire them out here. Beach combers find shells and sea glass. Photographers come back year after year.

It's free to access - the land is a mix of National Trust, council-owned and private bits, but there's no entrance charge. Allow at least half a day, though you could spend three days without covering it properly. The weather turns on a sixpence, so go prepared. Stay at Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park or Nicholaston Farm if you want to be right in the thick of it, or base yourself slightly further out at one of the other parks and make it a day trip from Swansea.