Skomer Island

Getting to Skomer Island means a proper boat journey from Martin's Haven - about twenty minutes of Atlantic swell if you're unlucky, glassy calm if you're blessed. The island itself is raw and windswept, just over 700 acres of heathland and coastal cliffs that feel genuinely remote despite being off Pembrokeshire's coast.

What makes Skomer special is the wildlife. Puffins dominate from April to August, sitting on burrows right at your feet like they own the place (they do). You'll also see razorbills, guillemots, and if you're quiet enough, grey seals hauled up on the rocks below. The seabirds are the real draw - this is one of Britain's most important breeding colonies.

It's not a walk-around-for-hours type of visit. Most people allow three to four hours total, including the boat crossing. The paths are straightforward and well-marked, though the wind can be bracing. Families with young kids manage fine in decent weather, but toddlers might struggle with the exposed terrain and the length of the crossing.

Best time is late spring or early summer when the puffins are out and the wildflowers bloom. You'll need to book the boat in advance through the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. It's not cheap - the crossing costs roughly £10-15 - but there's something about standing on an island that's been protecting seabirds since 1959 that justifies it.

Stay at Beachside Glamping Dale or Point Farm Campsite nearby and you're well-placed for the journey to Martin's Haven. Both sit within easy reach of Haverfordwest.