Aberaeron

Painted houses line the harbour like a rainbow after rain. Aberaeron's Georgian terraces come in candy-shop colours - pink, blue, yellow, mint green - creating one of Wales' most photographed waterfronts. This isn't just Instagram-ready prettiness though. The town has proper character.

The harbour still works. Fishing boats bob between pleasure craft, and the fish and chips here taste of proper sea air. Aberaeron Swimming Pool offers indoor relief when the Welsh weather turns, while the Welsh Cob Stallion gallery showcases local art worth seeking out. Don't expect big-city buzz - this is a place that moves at tidal pace.

Cardigan Bay stretches endlessly westward from here. The Ceredigion Coast Path runs right through town, offering clifftop walks that'll blow the cobwebs away. Head inland and you're into proper Welsh countryside - rolling hills dotted with sheep, ancient forests like Allt Dolgwartheg perfect for afternoon rambles.

Carmarthen sits 45 minutes south by car, but most visitors approach via the A487 coastal route. It's well worth the journey from England's motorway network. Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense - Wide Horizons Holiday Park and Aeron Coast Caravan Park put you minutes from that famous harbour, while places like Wern Mill Caravan Park offer rural tranquillity with easy access to both coast and countryside.

This corner of Ceredigion rewards slow exploration. Take time to wander those coloured streets, breathe the salt air, and discover why Aberaeron has been quietly charming visitors for generations.