Harrismith Beach

A narrow strip of white sand in a palm-lined cove in St Philip, between Sam Lord's Castle and Bottom Bay. On the cliff above stand the ruins of the Harrismith Great House, a former hotel, which are solid enough to wander round, and you can park for free beside them. From there a long flight of stone steps cut into the cliff leads down to the beach, so you need to be steady on your feet. There is nothing on the sand: no chairs, food, drinks or lifeguard.

Treat it as a beach to look at and paddle in rather than swim. The currents are very strong where the reef meets the shore, and the Atlantic beyond it is dangerous. At low tide, shallow pools form between the rocks that are safe for wading. Bottom Bay, Cave Bay and Palmetto Bay are all close by if you want to make a morning of the south-east coves. Bring water, and go with someone.