Tenby

Pastel-painted houses tumble down clifftops to three pristine beaches, making this one of Wales' most photographed seaside towns. Medieval walls still ring the old town centre, creating a proper fortress feel that's been drawing visitors since Victorian times.

Castle Beach sits right beneath the town walls - a golden crescent that's sheltered from Atlantic winds. North Beach stretches for miles, perfect for long walks when the tide's out. South Beach gets busy in summer but stay late for spectacular sunsets over Caldey Island.

The cobbled streets hide some cracking independent shops and galleries. Families with young ones should head to The Dinosaur Park Tenby for animatronic beasts and adventure trails. Heatherton Leisure Park offers go-karting, crazy golf and indoor play areas when the weather turns.

Great Wedlock Farm & Deer Park makes for a lovely afternoon out - red deer roam freely across 60 acres, and the farm trail teaches kids about Welsh countryside life. The deer are most active early morning and late afternoon.

Tenby sits bang in the middle of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, so serious walkers can tackle cliff-top routes in both directions. Saundersfoot lies three miles north - another proper bucket-and-spade resort with a working harbour.

Getting here's straightforward by car via the A477, though summer traffic can be murder. The nearest train station is actually in Saundersfoot, with buses running every 30 minutes into Tenby town centre.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks gives you the best of both worlds - easy access to Tenby's attractions and beaches, plus space for kids to run wild. Many parks sit just inland, meaning you'll dodge the seafront crowds while staying within striking distance of everything that matters.