Saint Mary's Church Pennard

The ruins of Saint Mary's Church sit on a windswept headland near Pennard, a few miles west of Swansea, and the first thing that strikes you is how exposed everything feels. This is what remains of a medieval parish church - mostly walls now, with a handful of arched windows still standing and enough stonework to give you a real sense of its former scale. You're looking at a building that was gradually abandoned as sand dunes crept inland during the 15th and 16th centuries, eventually swallowing the settlement entirely.

It's a proper spot for history types and anyone drawn to the melancholy of forgotten places. The walk to get there winds through Pennard Burrows, past rough grass and coastal scrub, and takes about 20 minutes from the car park. The church itself won't keep you long - half an hour tops - but the setting more than makes up for it. You get decent views across the bay, and there's something rather moving about standing among the ruins with just the wind and the sound of the sea.

Families with young walkers might find the approach bit gritty underfoot, though teenagers will likely appreciate the slightly eerie atmosphere. It's free to visit and accessible year-round, though winter storms can make the path muddy. If you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Nicholaston Farm is closest at under three miles - it's a worthwhile half-day detour. Combine it with a proper beach day at Oxwich Bay, just a short drive away.