Trafalgar Beacon

Standing on high ground above Burry Port, this beacon marks one of Britain's most significant naval victories - and it's a proper windswept spot to contemplate how news of Trafalgar was relayed across the country in 1805. The beacon itself is modest: a stone structure that once carried fire signals across the Welsh coast, part of a network that lit up when Nelson's triumph reached home. You're looking at working history here, not a museum piece.

It's the walk that makes it worthwhile. The approach from Burry Port gives you the Carmarthenshire coastline in full view - the Loughor Estuary stretches out grey and wide, and on clear days you can see right across to Gower. The beacon sits alone, exposed, which is exactly why it was built there. History enthusiasts will appreciate the strategic thinking; walkers will just enjoy the wind in their face and the views.

There's no visitor infrastructure to speak of, and admission is free - it's just there, accessible whenever you fancy the trek. Allow twenty minutes each way from town unless you're stopping to soak in the vista. Bring decent boots if it's been wet. It works well as a half-day walk from any of the caravan parks dotted around the area, especially Pembrey Country Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite or Gateway Resort, both within five miles. Combine it with a ramble along the estuary paths and you've got a solid afternoon sorted. Kids might find the beacon itself a bit underwhelming on its own, but the coastal walk and the scramble up there will keep them entertained.