Carmarthen

There's something properly Welsh about standing on the seven miles of golden sand at Pendine beach, watching the tide retreat across what was once the world's most famous motor racing circuit. Malcolm Campbell and Amy Johnson both chased land speed records here in the 1920s, their cars thundering along the hard-packed sand that still bears the ghost of their ambition.

Carmarthen sits about fifteen minutes inland, Wales' oldest town and a market hub that's been trading since Roman times. The weekly market still draws folk from across Carmarthenshire, though the real draw for many is Pendine's spectacular coastline. Those seven miles of sand stretch endlessly when the tide's out - proper bucket-and-spade territory that feels wonderfully unspoilt compared to some of the more touristy Welsh beaches.

Getting here couldn't be easier. The A40 runs straight through Carmarthen from the M4, making it a straightforward drive from Cardiff or Swansea. Regular trains connect to the mainline at Swansea too, though you'll want a car to properly explore the surrounding countryside.

This corner of Carmarthenshire feels delightfully unhurried. Rolling green hills dotted with sheep farms stretch inland, while the coast offers that rare combination of dramatic clifftops and safe sandy beaches. Dylan Thomas country lies just to the west - his writing shed in Laugharne is worth the short detour.

Staying at one of the holiday parks near Pendine puts you right on the doorstep of this magnificent stretch of coast, with Carmarthen's shops and restaurants just a quick drive away. Perfect base for exploring both the seaside and the gentle Welsh countryside that rolls away inland.