Porth Ceiriad

The drive down to Porth Ceiriad from Pwllheli takes you past caravan parks and holiday cottages, and then suddenly the lane narrows to something barely wider than a farm track. Worth persisting - this beach on the Llŷn Peninsula feels genuinely removed from the usual holiday crowds, even in summer.

It's a small cove with a pebbly shore that slopes gently into relatively clear water. The beach is backed by low cliffs and accessed via a decent footpath from the car park - nothing strenuous, though it's a bit of a squeeze if you're laden with beach bags. High tide covers most of the sand, so timing matters if you want somewhere to sit comfortably. Low tide gives you more room and better rock pooling for kids.

The appeal here is peace, more than anything else. It's sheltered from most winds, which makes it pleasant for a long soak if the weather's obliging. The water's cold, obviously - this is Wales - but swimmers and paddleboarders do use it year-round.

If you're staying at NightSky Glamping nearby, it's absolutely worth the 15-minute drive. Families will find the low angle of entry manageable, though the beach itself is small enough that you'll know everyone there by lunchtime. Walkers heading out along the Llŷn coastal path sometimes pause here. It's not the sort of place to build a whole day around, but as a quiet escape from Pwllheli's busier stretches, it does the job.