Saundersfoot

Coal boats once crowded this sheltered harbour, their black cargo bound for distant ports. Today, Saundersfoot's mining past feels like ancient history as families spread towels across golden sands where Victorian tramways once rattled.

The main beach curves gracefully between rocky headlands, with shallow waters that warm nicely in summer. Proper bucket-and-spade territory. When the tide's out, you can walk around to Monkstone Beach - a quieter stretch that feels miles from the ice cream queues, though it's barely ten minutes on foot.

Saundersfoot wears its heritage lightly. Pop into the History of Coal Mining museum if drizzle threatens, or check out the Coastal Schooner display to understand how this sleepy resort once shipped fuel across Britain. The harbour still works, though pleasure boats have largely replaced working vessels.

Beyond the seafront, Trevayne Wood offers proper walking through ancient oak and ash. Norwegian Wood sounds exotic but it's actually a lovely nature reserve just inland, perfect for clearing your head after too much beach time.

Tenby lies just four miles east along the coast path - an easy cycle or drive for Georgian architecture and livelier nightlife. Westward, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path unfolds towards Caldey Island and beyond.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. You're close enough to nip into town for fish and chips or harbour views, yet removed from the summer crowds. Several parks dot the countryside around Saundersfoot, offering everything from basic touring pitches to glamping pods. The A40 brings you here from Carmarthen in about 45 minutes, while Pembroke Dock railway station connects to the national network.