Coed y Gwmryn

The woodland around Coed y Gwmryn, just inland from Aberystwyth, is proper walking territory - the kind of place where you actually feel you've left the seaside behind, even though the coast is only a few miles away. It's a working forest with a network of trails that wind through mixed woodland, nothing too manicured, which is refreshing if you've had your fill of groomed country estates.

Walkers will get the most from this one. The paths meander through decent canopy, offering a genuine forest experience rather than just a stroll past a few trees. You're looking at anything from an hour's gentle wander to a proper half-day outing depending on how many trails you fancy. It's the sort of place where kids stop complaining about being dragged outdoors because there's actual stuff to explore - streams, variation in the terrain, real trees rather than a park with benches.

The nearest facilities are back in Aberystwyth itself, so best to sort yourself out there before heading in. Several of the holiday parks nearby - Clarach Bay, Aber Bay, and the Aberystwyth Holiday Village cluster within three miles - make sensible bases if you're planning a week combining coastal breaks with inland foraging.

It's not a destination in itself, truth be told. You're not going to travel three hours to spend a day here. But if you're staying local, it's well worth the drive out from Aberystwyth as a half-day break from beach time. Bring decent boots if it's been wet.