Narberth

Sunday morning brings proper quiet to this small Pembrokeshire market town, where independent shops line the streets and locals pop out for newspapers. Narberth sits in the heart of west Wales countryside, a working town that's managed to keep its character despite being surrounded by some of the county's biggest tourist draws.

Colby Walled Garden makes for a lovely afternoon, especially when the restoration work on the Victorian walls really shows its worth. The gardens feel properly established now, not like some of the more recent heritage projects. From here, it's an easy drive down to Amroth Beach - one of those proper family beaches where the Pembrokeshire Coast Path officially starts. The endmarker at the Pembrokeshire Coast Path tells the whole story if you're planning the full 186-mile walk.

Wisemans Bridge Beach runs into Amroth, creating miles of sand that work well for families. Both beaches get busy in summer, but midweek in shoulder season they're near empty. The coastal path from here gives cracking views back towards Tenby.

Getting here means the A40 from Haverfordwest or a more scenic route through Whitland. The town sits roughly halfway between Tenby and Haverfordwest, making it a sensible base for exploring both directions along the coast.

Staying at one of the nearby parks like Folly Farm Holiday Park or Sunnyvale Holiday Park Saundersfoot puts you within easy reach of the main Pembrokeshire attractions without paying Tenby accommodation prices. The area around The Cwms offers decent walking, and you're close enough to Saundersfoot and Tenby for day trips but far enough out to avoid the summer crowds.