Llŷn Peninsula AONB

The Llŷn Peninsula feels like stepping off the map altogether. This stretch of Gwynedd coastline juts out into the Irish Sea with a particular stubbornness, and once you're out here, you understand why locals guard it fiercely. It's an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is the planning department's way of saying they've basically frozen it in time.

What you actually get is 22 miles of proper coastal walking, quiet villages that haven't been carpet-bombed with gift shops, and beaches that genuinely feel undiscovered. The peninsula wraps around itself with cliffs at Mynydd Nefyn, golden sand at Porth Neigwl, and farmland that rolls right down to the water. No theme parks, no funicular railways, no crowds three-deep with selfie sticks.

Walkers will have a field day here - the coastal path is excellent without being relentlessly strenuous. Families with younger kids might find it a bit thin on specific attractions (there's not much to do on a rainy Tuesday), but that's rather the point. History types should know St Beuno's Church at Clynnog Fawr is medieval and genuinely atmospheric.

Base yourself at one of the camping spots near Pwllheli - Treheli Farm has a stellar 5.0 rating and sits just 4.6 miles away, while Glampio Coed and Tyn Ddol are both solid options closer to town. You can walk straight from your pitch onto the peninsula proper. Allow at least two or three days to do it justice. Best visited outside July and August when the roads aren't rammed.