Traeth Penrallt

The beach at Penrallt rolls out in that generous North Welsh way - a proper stretch of sand backed by low cliffs and the kind of light that changes every twenty minutes. It's the sort of place locals know and visitors tend to miss, tucked away near Pwllheli but feeling altogether quieter than the town's busier stretches.

You get good firm sand for walking, rock pools when the tide's out, and enough space that even on decent weather days you won't feel hemmed in. The cliffs behind add a bit of drama without being dramatic enough to tire the knees. Kids will find plenty to do for an hour or two - shells, stones, the usual seaside rummaging. Families after something less heaving than Abersoch beach will appreciate this.

It's free to access, obviously. Timing matters though. Low tide opens up more beach and the pools. Come early or late in the day and you'll likely have the place largely to yourself. Summer weekends? Busier, but still manageable.

If you're staying at Tyn Ddol or Glampio Coed - both about twenty minutes away - this makes a solid morning or afternoon. Close enough that you're not burning petrol, far enough that it doesn't feel like everyone from the campsite will be here. For walkers combining it with other Llyn Peninsula spots, it's worth the detour. Not the most dramatic Welsh beach you'll see, but solid and genuine, which counts for rather a lot.