Pembrokeshire Coast

Britain’s only coastal national park, Pembrokeshire combines craggy cliffs, pretty harbours and spectacular sea stacks jutting out of the ocean. It’s a walker’s wonderland, so lace up your boots and explore 600 miles of public footpath. Summer crowds might have scarpered, but abundant wildlife remains – so watch out for seabirds, sharks and seals in the surf.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

Make a pilgrimage to St Govan’s Chapel (above), a centuries-old church chiselled into the cliffs at St Govan’s Head. Accessed by a set of stone stairs, legend has it the number of steps changes between ascending and descending, so be sure to keep count (visitpembrokeshire.com). A wee way away – one-and-a-half miles via Broadhaven Beach – Bosherston is best known for its freshwater lily ponds. Comprising three flooded limestone valleys, this wildlife haven is home to booming bitterns, bats and otters that feast on perch, pike and eels (nationaltrust.org.uk). To swim while the water’s still warm(ish), set a course for Barafundle Bay (top right). Backed by pine trees and tussocky dunes, this sweep of golden sand is often voted Britain’s most beautiful beach (visitwales.com).

WHERE TO EAT

Tucked away in Tenby, Plantagenet House is a cosy, candlelit restaurant specialising in seafood. Sample sea bass, halibut or hake cooked with cockles or push the boat out and order a whole local lobster (plantagenettenby.co.uk). For award-winning street food, go to Cafe Môr in Angle. The short but tantalising menu includes crab rolls smothered in Welsh sea black butter and its veggie Green Green Grass Burger, made with seaweed (beachfood.co.uk).