Less than half an hour's drive from Swansea city centre is Pwll Du Bay, a stunning secret beach located on 's Gower peninsula. Only accessible on foot, once you've parked up in Bishopston, Pennard, or Caswell, there are three scenic routes you can take to reach this peaceful coastal retreat.

Paths from Pennard or through Bishopston Valley will take you along this beautiful stretch of the Welsh coast, which takes approximately one hour to walk. Pwll Dy Bay is just a twenty-minute walk from the equally secluded Brandy Cove, which is best accessed from Caswell. These hidden gems are perfect for a peaceful trip, and are great for anyone looking to get away from the crowds on the more popular beaches of the region.

While Pwll Du translates to 'blackpool', it's worlds away from the tourist-heavy city in the north of England, with this quiet bay a popular choice for birdwatchers and anyone looking for some peace and quiet.

This name actually comes from the deep pool behind the beach, where a stream filters through the pebbles before reaching the sea.

The peaceful nature of this beach hides a rather tragic history in its waves, with Pwll Du Bay being the site of a shipwreck back in 1760.

The nearby Graves End, which is marked by a circle of limestone stones, is thought to be the site at which those who died in the wreck are buried.

The ship, which was called The Caesar, was a navy ship used to find and recruit sailors. It crashed into the headland and Pwll Du after being trapped in a storm.

While many of the naval officers on board survived, it's estimated that around 90 men, who were locked below deck, died in the wreck.