The King's Head, Gower

At the tip of the Gower Peninsula, Britain’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The King’s Head in the village of Llangennith has long been a favourite with surfers who come to ride the waves at the north end of Rhossili – a four-mile stretch of golden sand that regularly features in lists of the world’s best beaches.

There are two bars, with beams and exposed stone walls, in the ivy-clad 17th-century inn: the top bar has more than 100 whiskies, including Wales-made Penderyn, and the dog-friendly bottom bar is the place to sample gins like those from The Gower Gin Company, distilled in nearby Port Eynon. Most of the beer comes from the Gower Brewery; sip the best-selling Gower Gold cosied up to the wood burner in winter or on the terrace in summer. Traditional pub food and stone-baked pizzas are on the menu and Tuesday night is curry night; “Dragon’s Breath” – lamb curry in a hot tomato and leek sauce – adds a local touch.

Accommodation is housed in three separate buildings: the “Town House”, where you’ll find the family rooms, and two barn conversions. Rooms are spacious with contemporary-rustic décor (some have sea views); kids and dogs are welcome and there’s a lockup for surfboards. But it’s not just about watersports here; The King’s Head organises trail running and rambling weekends – the Gower Coast Path wends its way around the peninsula for 39 miles – and there are myriad activities in the area, from archery to bushcraft.