Three Cliffs Bay

Walking down the clifftop path, you spot the limestone pinnacles jutting from golden sand long before you reach the beach itself. Three Cliffs Bay lives up to its reputation as one of Wales' most photographed coastlines - those distinctive white rock towers standing guard over a sweeping arc of sand and dunes. The beach stretches for nearly a mile when the tide's out, backed by salt marshes and the ruins of Pennard Castle perched on the eastern headland.

Getting down involves a proper walk, either via the steep sandy track from the car park or the longer coastal path route. Families with young children might find the descent a bit of a slog, especially on the way back up. But older kids will love scrambling around the rock pools and exploring the cave systems at low tide.

Surf conditions can be excellent when the swell's right, though the currents need respect. Dog walkers rate it highly - plenty of space for a good run when it's not peak summer madness.

Timing matters here. Visit at low tide for maximum beach exploration, and avoid weekends in July and August unless you fancy sharing the space with half of Swansea. The walk takes about twenty minutes each way from the nearest parking.

With Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park right on the doorstep and Oxwich Camping Park just down the coast, this makes a cracking day out from any Gower Peninsula base.