Traeth Trearddur

The beach at Trearddur curves round the northwestern tip of Anglesey like a proper crescent, all golden sand and rockpools when the tide's out. It's the sort of place where you can spend an afternoon without seeing a postcard-worthy view and still feel like you've had a decent day - it doesn't try too hard, which is part of its charm. The water's cold enough to make you gasp, even in summer, but families with young kids will find the shallow end manageable and the beach shelves gently enough that you won't be wading out forever.

Walkers and rock-poolers get the most from Trearddur. When the tide retreats, the exposed rocks become this intricate maze of anemones and crabs - the kind of thing that'll keep children entertained for hours if they're inclined that way. The beach faces northwest, so it catches good swells when there's Atlantic weather coming in, and you'll often spot surfers here rather than the main tourist beaches around Holyhead.

There's no admission fee and no time limit - it's just a beach. Car parking's straightforward, though it fills up quickly on warm weekends. Allow an hour for a casual look around, longer if you're properly exploring the rockpools or planning a coastal walk. Being only 1.5 miles from Anglesey Outdoors and within easy reach of Silver Bay Holiday Park and Coastal Pods, it works well as a half-day addition to a broader park-based holiday. The weather can turn on you quickly up here, so check the forecast before you head out.