Mynydd Marian Local Nature Reserve

The walk up Mynydd Marian rewards you with proper views across the Conwy valley and out towards the coast. It's a local nature reserve just outside Abergele, the sort of place that doesn't make the postcards but absolutely should if you're staying in the area.

The reserve itself covers moorland and rough grassland - nothing dramatic, but genuinely peaceful. You'll spot gorse and heather depending on the season, and if you're lucky, you might catch sight of some of the local bird life. The paths are well-trodden but not manicured, which is rather refreshing. Count on 45 minutes to an hour for the main loop, though it's worth lingering at the top.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's not a stroll for toddlers - the climb is steady and the paths can be boggy after rain - but teenagers with any appetite for the outdoors will find it straightforward enough. History types and casual ramblers alike appreciate a spot where you can actually think without crowds.

If you're based at Bron-y-Wendon Holiday Park or The Beach Caravan Park, both within a couple of miles, this fills a morning brilliantly before lunch in Abergele. It's free, as these reserves tend to be, and there's no formal opening hours - you just turn up. Go early if you want any peace. The real value is in the quiet and the breathing space it gives you from the caravan site routine.