Porthclais Harbour

Porthclais is a fjord in miniature: a long narrow inlet that has served as St Davids' harbour since at least the age of the saints — tradition lands St David's own baptism here — with restored lime kilns at its head and small boats on moorings up the creek. At low tide a modest patch of sand and a great deal of rock pool appear at the head of the inlet.

Nobody comes for sandcastles; they come because this is the launch point for some of the best sea kayaking and coasteering water in Britain, and one of the loveliest short Coast Path sections anywhere — west to Porthlysgi and St Justinians, or east beneath purple sandstone cliffs to Caerfai. The National Trust car park, seasonal kiosk and toilets sit at the head of the creek. On a still evening it is as quietly perfect as Pembrokeshire gets.