Coastal

St Ives is a former fishing village on the north Cornish coast, which has been a popular tourist destination since Victorian times.  It is known for its four beaches - Porthmeor (for surfing), Porthgwidden, Harbour beach and Porthminster - cobbled streets, quaint houses, pavement cafes, pubs, working harbour and well established art scene. The Tate St Ives gallery on the seafront has rotating modern art exhibitions, focusing on British artists. Nearby is the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, situated in the artist’s former studio.

St Ives has been named the best seaside town in the UK, but also the most expensive.  It is extremely attractive, but can get very busy.  The town is named for Sanctus Ya, or St Ia, a female Irish, possibly Byzantine, saint to whom the church is dedicated.

Tenby perches on a rocky promontory between two sandy bays overlooking the Bristol Channel.  It is a picturesque walled town with cobbled streets, a 15th C Merchant’s House and an interesting history.  Famously, Henry Tudor sailed into exile from the town, returning later to defeat Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth and found a new dynasty as Henry VII.  It’s a popular resort.  As well as the usual beach stuff, cafes and so forth, there are boat trips to nearby islands, water sports and walking on offer along the coastal path.

The barely recognisable remains of one of the castles of Robert the Bruce - and possibly his birthplace - lie under and around a restored 19th century lighthouse, on a golf course, on a dramatic headland with views across to Ailsa Craig. The castle was probably 13th century and is believed to have been wrecked on Bruce's orders, to prevent the English using it. The lighthouse was built in 1873 to warn ships of the treacherous Bistro Rock. The light is now automated and in 2016 part of the lighthouse was converted into golf cafe and a luxurious two-bedroom apartment by the Trump Organisation. There's not much to see or do - unless you can afford to stay at the lighthouse or are playing golf - but it is a fascinating walk.  Park by the entrance to Turnberry Lighthouse and walk across the golf course. Also see the aviation memorial and the remains of RAF Turnberry's runways.

Ventnor developed as a seaside health resort in Victorian times and still retains some of that atmosphere. It was a favourite childhood place of Winston Churchill’s. The town is in a lovely location, built on a steep slope beneath St Boniface Down, has a good beach and, though a little flaky in parts, it also has a quirky character, some nice little shops, decent amenities and is deservedly popular. In the 19th century, Ventnor was referred to as the 'English Mediterranean' and its relatively sheltered location does actually create its own favourable microclimate, with more sunny days and fewer frosts than other places on the Island. It boasts its own botanic gardens on the site of the former Royal National Hospital for Diseases of the Chest.

Pembrokeshire’s Witches’ Cauldron (or Witch’s Cauldron?) is one of many sea caves in Wales and a noted attraction in Pembrokeshire. It is impossible to miss and can be found right on the Wales Coastal Path about a mile south from Ceibwr Bay. Pwll y Wrach (Witches’ Cauldron) is a collapsed sea cave. Only accessible via sea tunnels and often displaying bright emerald green water, it is dramatic and popular with experienced swimmers (who reach it from an adjacent rocky bay), as well as with canoeists. Naturally, it is alleged by some to be haunted, or the lair of an evil sea-witch who waits inside to consume anyone that trespasses on her property. Even if you are not experienced and brave enough to venture inside yourself, it is fun to sit and watch others doing it. The coastline here is particularly beautiful, and dramatic, so it is well worth the walk.

North east of Molygrove. There is limited roadside parking on the narrow road near Ceibwr Bay. Post code approximate.